Featured student speaker at Trulaske commencement reflects on bittersweet goodbye

Josh Dyer, a native of Quincy, Illinois, was chosen by his peers to serve as the featured student speaker at the December commencement for the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business. We spoke with this Marketing major about what the honor meant to him, what he’ll miss most about his time at Mizzou … and what it’s like to say goodbye.
 

What made you choose Mizzou?
Dyer: I chose Mizzou for a lot of different reasons. Both of my parents went here, and my mom graduated from Mizzou, so it already felt familiar. It’s only about two hours from my hometown, which made it close enough to stay connected but far enough to experience independence. When I visited campus, I just knew it was right for me. I loved the sense of home, the welcoming energy, and the kind of people Mizzou attracts. I met people who reminded me of home and others who challenged and expanded my perspective. On top of that, Mizzou’s reputation for excellence in academics and campus culture sealed the deal.
 

What motivated you to pursue your field of study at Trulaske?
Dyer: I actually started as a pre-med student because I was valedictorian in high school and thought dermatology was my calling. But after my first semester, I realized my passion wasn’t in medicine — it was in marketing. Switching to marketing was the best decision I’ve made.

In high school, I had already marketed myself to millions of people online, gaining nearly one million followers through creativity and storytelling. I knew how to connect with audiences, but I wanted to learn the business strategy behind it. The Trulaske College of Business had the reputation and structure I needed to refine those skills. Marketing just made sense — it aligned perfectly with both my creativity and my entrepreneurial mindset.
 

What are your favorite Mizzou memories?
Dyer: Some of my favorite Mizzou memories are from freshman year — living in the dorms, meeting new people, and having that tight-knit sense of campus community. I remember late nights, jumping into the fountain by the student center at 3 a.m., and those chaotic, unforgettable moments that made college special.

One of the funniest memories I have was when a praying mantis landed on my forehead during an 8 a.m. lecture in Strickland Hall. The whole class laughed, and the mantis just sat next to me for the rest of the lecture. I later found out it’s considered good luck if one lands on you — and I like to think that’s true.

Another core memory was pitching my invention and realizing something that started as a “crazy idea” could turn into a scholarship and a real opportunity. And, of course, I’ll never forget when my mom came to visit and completely blended in with my friends — it showed how much Mizzou feels like a family.
 

You did some modeling in college and even attended New York Fashion Week. What path led to that?

Dyer: My path to New York Fashion Week actually started long before I ever stepped into a modeling studio. It began with my social media platform. Growing an audience into the hundreds of thousands opened doors I never expected — including opportunities in the modeling world. That online presence is what ultimately put me on the radar of agencies outside of Missouri and attracted interest from the New York market.

My St. Louis agency helped me build the confidence to take modeling seriously. They gave me my first professional experience, helped me understand how the industry works, and gave me the foundation I needed to walk into much bigger markets without feeling out of place.

About a year ago, a team connected with New York Fashion Week reached out to me because of my TikTok platform and encouraged me to apply. They really liked my look and personality and kept me in mind — so much so that a full year later, they emailed me again completely unprompted. They remembered me, reached back out, and wanted to officially sign me to their agency.

Although they ended up submitting my NYFW application a couple of days late this year, meaning I wasn’t cast in shows, it still turned into an incredible opportunity. I received passes to attend the shows, meet designers, connect with other models, and create media content for my agency during Fashion Week. It gave me behind-the-scenes access to one of the biggest stages in the fashion world and confirmed that my next step is to continue pursuing opportunities in New York.

It was a surreal reminder that one decision — posting online, trying something new, taking a small risk — can lead to life-changing opportunities you never saw coming.
 

How did Trulaske prepare you for that opportunity?

Dyer: Trulaske prepared me in more ways than I expected. My professors were always extremely encouraging and flexible, especially when big opportunities came up — like when I needed to travel or adjust deadlines to accommodate modeling. That support allowed me to take chances without feeling like I had to choose between school and my goals.

I also think the public speaking, leadership, and professionalism I developed through my classes played a huge role. Being in front of a camera, interviewing, networking, and representing myself with confidence are all skills I practiced at Trulaske long before I had to do them in the modeling world.

Pitching my rake invention in front of judges and a large audience through the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) was especially foundational. Standing on a stage, answering questions on the spot, and sharing my story prepared me more than I realized — it made New York Fashion Week feel less intimidating. Overall, Trulaske made me a more confident communicator, problem-solver, and professional.
 

What did it mean to you to be chosen to serve as the student speaker for Trulaske’s December commencement?

Dyer: Being chosen as the student speaker is incredibly humbling and meaningful. It brought me back to high school, where being valedictorian and speaking at graduation was a huge goal of mine — something I worked years for. Getting the chance to speak again at such an important moment in my life feels full circle.

I genuinely enjoy public speaking, especially when I get to share a part of my story. I’ve never had a traditional path, and I hope to show others that you don’t have to stick to one thing to be successful. You can try a lot of different things, lean into what works, adjust when something doesn’t, and still create a meaningful future.

Being selected makes me feel seen in a way. It reminds me that the risks I took — the unconventional ones — mattered. And before anything else, I feel honored that the college trusts me to represent the graduating class and speak to this moment in our lives.
 

What do you hope students take from your message?

Dyer: I hope students walk away knowing that small habits truly have the power to change your life. When something becomes a routine — whether that’s studying an extra hour, going to the gym, or working on an idea — it becomes a foundation for who you want to become. Progress doesn’t come from huge leaps; it comes from small, consistent steps.

I also want students to know that trying new things is not only okay — it’s necessary. You can fail, restart, pivot, succeed, or surprise yourself, but you’ll never know unless you try. I’ve done a lot of unconventional things, and each one taught me something important.

Most importantly, I want students to understand that my story isn’t more valuable than theirs. Everyone’s path is meaningful. Everyone’s experiences matter. And everyone should feel confident sharing their journey, even if it doesn’t look like what people expect. That’s the message I hope resonates the most.
 

What will you miss most about your time here?
Dyer: I’ll miss the people the most — the friends, mentors, and community that make Mizzou feel like home. Everyone will soon move in different directions, and it’s bittersweet knowing we won’t all be in one place again. I’ll miss the opportunities, the energy, the late nights, the Rec, and the feeling that life could still go in any direction.

Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.