A royal achievement: Trulaske student crowned Mizzou’s 2025 Homecoming Queen

There’s no doubt, Hannah Banks has made her mark on the University of Missouri. Banks, an accountancy student in Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr., College of Business, serves as president of the Panhellenic Association and led Alpha Delta Pi as president in 2024. Her excellence within the Trulaske College of Business recently earned her the Trulaske Undergraduate Student Leadership Award. Now this Kirkwood High School graduate is stepping into a new role: Mizzou’s 2025 Homecoming Queen.

What does it mean to be selected Homecoming Queen?

Being selected as this year’s Homecoming Queen was such a full-circle moment for me. It was really a testament to how this university shapes you. Mizzou has given me so many opportunities to grow, to lead, and to serve, and I feel like this recognition reflects not just my own journey, but the impact of the people and community who have shaped me along the way. It’s a reminder of how special this place is and how grateful I am to be a part of it.

What does the tradition of Mizzou’s Homecoming mean to you?

To me, Homecoming is one of the most powerful expressions of belonging at Mizzou. Homecoming offers countless ways for students to get involved, no matter their background or organization. Whether it’s through Greek Life, academic orgs, or service projects, everyone has a part to play in making the celebration a success. It creates an experience that pulls together every corner of campus, and it doesn’t stop there. The impact reaches beyond the university itself. At its core, Homecoming is about community. We don’t turn away from those in need; we embrace them and invite them into the Mizzou family.

What path led you to the Trulaske College of Business?

I applied to a lot of schools and didn't have any clear favorites at first. However, upon visiting Trulaske and touring campus, I knew this was my home. The programs and resources here are unique and unmatched, especially the flagship accounting program. I also loved seeing how involved students are on campus. It inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and pursue involvement myself. Plus, I knew I would be supported by professors and advisors who truly care about their students' success. I'm so grateful that my experience has lived up to, and even surpassed, all of my expectations.

How has the Trulaske College of Business helped you excel during your time on campus?

The Trulaske College of Business has been instrumental in my growth both academically and professionally. From an academic standpoint, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to attend one of the best accounting schools in the nation. I knew that the effort I put in here would be met with real reward. I’ve also been fortunate to learn from professors who genuinely care about my success and are willing to go the extra mile through office hours or conversations after class.

Beyond the classroom, Trulaske has contributed to my professionalism and leadership. Through Business Career Services (BCS), Edge events, and the encouragement of peers, I have developed the confidence and poise to carry myself into high-pressure situations. My time in the College of Business has given me the mindset and support network to excel both on campus and beyond.

What inspired your interest in accountancy?

I've always been a logical thinker with a mind for numbers and spreadsheets. I am also someone who likes to be curious. The field of accounting, but specifically audit, allows me to lean into that curiosity. Auditing is a window into the innerworkings of a company — how they operate, allocate resources, and implement internal controls. I'm excited to see where the field takes me.

What does it mean to represent the School of Accountancy as Homecoming Queen?

It’s an incredible honor. The School of Accountancy has been such a defining part of my Mizzou experience, so to represent it on a stage like Homecoming is really special. To me, it’s a reflection of the opportunities I’ve been given here. I hope my involvement shows other students that no matter how demanding the program may be, there’s also space to embrace leadership, and that being well-rounded is something Mizzou truly celebrates.

What advice would you give to students who are new to Mizzou?

Say yes to opportunities, even when they feel intimidating. Mizzou has so many ways to get involved, whether it’s through your college, a student organization, or just showing up at a campus event, and each one can lead to new connections. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone because the moments that feel the scariest often become the most rewarding. And remember that you don’t have to do it all at once — growth happens little by little.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to begin my career in public accounting, starting in audit with the goal of working for a Big Four firm. Long term, I hope to build a career that allows me to keep learning, travel, and eventually mentor others the way my professors and peers have mentored me. No matter where I go, I’ll carry the lessons and pride of being a Mizzou Tiger with me.

Several students from the Trulaske College of Business also donated their time and leadership skills to plan this year’s Homecoming event:

Homecoming Steering Committee Members

Tri-Director: Blake Schrand, business administration (O’Fallon, MO)

Blood Drive Committee: Grace Lyndes, accountancy (Kansas City, MO)

PR Committee: Mary Kate Patton, marketing (Atlanta, GA)

Community Service Committee: Zach Patton, marketing (Wildwood, MO)

Special Events Committee: Anna Hankins, finance (Wardsville, MO); Carly Rouse, finance (Moline, IL)

Talent Committee: Tess Sheerman, finance (Marceline, MO)

Traditions Committee: Mia Muckerman, accountancy (St. Louis, MO)

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.