Trulaske accountancy student ‘vaults’ to success
Mizzou gymnast Jocelyn Moore proved to be an unstoppable force during her time at the University of Missouri, both in Hearnes Center and Cornell Hall. The New Jersey native built an impressive list of accomplishments, including WCGA All-American honors on both vault and floor, recognition as the 2024 SEC Event Specialist of the Year, the 2023 SEC Vault Champion, and a 2025 SEC Floor Silver Medal. She was also a four-time All-SEC selection and made program history by recording a perfect 10.000 on vault in 2023 and the program’s first-ever perfect 10.000 on floor in 2024. Her impact extended beyond competition, earning multiple team and university honors, including Mizzou Female Athlete of the Year and Mizzou Highlight of the Year in 2023.
Moore vaulted to academic success, as well, earning multiple WCGA Scholastic All-American honors, repeated recognition on the SEC Academic Honor Roll, and placement on the Dean’s List throughout her college career. As Moore prepares to graduate with both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy from the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business, her academic discipline has matched her athletic success. The same time management, preparation, and accountability required to compete at the Division I level carried over into the classroom, shaping her approach to academics. We spoke with her about the life-long lessons she learned from balancing the demands of athletics and a rigorous academic schedule.
Why did you choose Mizzou?
Moore: I originally chose Mizzou for the opportunity to compete in Division I gymnastics, but after visiting campus, I realized it also offered the strong academics and community I wanted. I found an environment that challenged me academically while helping me grow both personally and professionally.
What business class at Trulaske made the biggest impression on you and why?
Moore: The business class that made the biggest impression on me was my graduate Fraud Examination course with Professor Elise Bartley. The course went beyond theory and focused on how fraud actually occurs, how it is detected, and how it is prevented within organizations. Through hands-on projects using data analytics tools, I learned how to analyze financial data for anomalies and think critically like a forensic accountant. The class challenged me to approach accounting with skepticism and professional judgment, which made me feel prepared to evaluate risk in a real-world business environment.
Was there an obstacle that you had to overcome while a student at Trulaske and if so, how did you overcome it?
Moore: Balancing Division I athletics with academics was my biggest challenge as a student. I overcame it by planning ahead, communicating early with professors, and learning to prioritize effectively, which ultimately became one of my greatest strengths.
How did your participation on the gymnastics team improve your academic performance?
Being a student-athlete forced me to become extremely disciplined with my time. With a full practice schedule, travel, and competitions, I had to plan ahead, stay organized, and use small pockets of time efficiently. That structure helped me stay on top of assignments and avoid procrastination. It also taught me how to stay focused under pressure, which translated directly into performing well on exams and in challenging courses.
On the flip side, was there anything you learned in Cornell Hall that you applied to your time on the gymnastics team?
My experience in Cornell Hall strengthened my communication and professionalism, which I applied to my role on the team. I learned how to give and receive feedback more effectively, hold myself accountable, and approach situations with a problem-solving mindset. Those skills helped me be a better teammate by supporting others, staying composed under pressure, and contributing to a positive team environment.
Do you have any advice for student-athletes?
My biggest advice is to be intentional with your time and take ownership of your experience. It is easy to get caught up in the demands of your sport, but your academics and future career matter just as much. Stay organized, communicate early with professors, and do not wait until you are overwhelmed to ask for help. Additionally, be present and appreciate the experience. Being a Division I athlete is a unique opportunity that goes by quickly. Build relationships with your teammates, enjoy the process, and take advantage of every resource available to you, because those years will shape who you become long after your sport ends.
What are your favorite Mizzou memories?
Moore: My favorite Mizzou memories include competing with my teammates in the Hearnes Center and scoring two perfect 10s, moments that reflected years of discipline, trust, and teamwork. One of the most meaningful highlights was making the Final Four at the NCAA Championships and finishing third in the nation, the highest finish in program history. The energy of competing in front of our home crowd and celebrating milestones with my teammates is something I will always carry with me.
I also value the quieter moments, such as late nights studying with classmates, pushing through challenging courses, and celebrating after completing major projects and exams. Another highlight of my time at Mizzou was studying abroad in Australia and New Zealand through Trulaske, where I gained exposure to global business while experiencing new cultures. The program was thoughtfully organized and academically engaging, making the experience both meaningful and professionally valuable. Studying abroad broadened my understanding of global business and reinforced how adaptable and connected today’s business world truly is.
Looking back on your college career, what are the biggest lessons you’ve learned?
Moore: Looking back on my college career, the biggest lessons I have learned are that consistency is more important than talent, preparation reduces stress, and networking matters just as much as academic performance. I also learned that who you surround yourself with matters. The people around you influence your mindset, standards, and work ethic, and in many ways, they reflect who you are. Choosing to be around driven, supportive, and accountable people pushed me to grow and hold myself to a higher standard.
I have also learned that hard work truly pays off. There were many moments when I felt overwhelmed, especially balancing athletics, graduate coursework, and professional commitments. However, looking back, I am grateful for those challenging seasons because they proved to me that I can handle stress, stay disciplined, and still get the job done. That confidence is something I will carry with me long after graduation.
What will you miss most about your time here?
Moore: What I will miss most about my time at Mizzou is the community of my teammates, coaches, classmates, and professors who were consistently part of my life. Seeing the same people every day created a built-in support system that made campus feel like home, and that support extended beyond campus, too, as my parents were always there for me, even from afar.
My coaches played a huge role in shaping my experience. Head Coach Shannon Welker believed in me early on, recruiting me when I was still an under-the-radar athlete and seeing potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. He has led this program to incredible success and does an amazing job understanding how each gymnast performs at their best.
Associate Head Coach Whitney Snowden also had a major impact on my development. She coaches with intention and attention to detail, which pushed me to grow both as an athlete and a leader. She consistently encouraged me to use my voice and step into leadership roles, which helped build my confidence within the team. Because of her preparation and coaching style, I always felt ready going into competition.
The friendships I built with my teammates and classmates became a meaningful part of my experience, and I will carry those relationships with me long after graduation.
I will also miss the rhythm of the schedule and the simplicity of living in a college town. There is something special about being independent enough to make your own decisions and manage your own time, while still being in an environment designed for growth. I moved away from home to attend college, but I did not yet have the full responsibilities of adulthood. That balance between independence and structure is unique to college, and it is something I will always appreciate.
What’s next for you?
Moore: After graduation, I will join Textron’s Finance and Accounting Leadership Development Program in Providence, Rhode Island. The rotational structure of the program will allow me to gain experience across different areas of finance and accounting while continuing to develop both technical and leadership skills. I am excited to apply what I learned at Mizzou in a professional setting and begin this next chapter as I transition into full-time professional life.
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.