Todd Richardson selected as Distinguished Alumni of Three Rivers College

Three Rivers College has selected Todd Richardson to receive its 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award.

“Todd has made many contributions to Three Rivers College and the region that will benefit our students and constituents for many years to come,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. “We are honored that he got his start at Three Rivers and continues to be invested in our success.”

Richardson

A public reception in his honor will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 5, at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.

Richardson, a Poplar Bluff native, currently serves as the Director of MO HealthNet. Prior to that appointment, he was Speaker of the House for the State of Missouri. In his role in Missouri government, he helped secure funding and recruited legislators to make the new Excel Center in Poplar Bluff possible.

Richardson was also responsible for securing funding for the Crisp Technology Center expansion on the Three Rivers campus.

Each year, Three Rivers takes students to the Capitol for Community College Week. During his time in the House of Representatives, Richardson would invest extra time in the students, taking them to the House floor and allowing them to sit at representatives’ desks to learn about government.

“When I learned I would be receiving this award, I was thrilled,” said Richardson. “To be named a Distinguished Alumni at Three Rivers College, in my hometown, is a huge honor.”

Richardson has been honored with the Missouri Community College Association’s Legislative Award of Distinction and several other awards, including the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce’s Person of the Year.

In addition to attending Three Rivers College, Richardson taught Business Law and Government classes as an adjunct instructor.

“Todd has been a staunch supporter of Three Rivers College for many years,” said Michelle Reynolds, Director of Development for Three Rivers. “He is, deservedly, well-respected in this community, and we are proud to honor him with this award.”

In addition to receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award, Richardson has been selected as the Keynote Speaker for the Three Rivers 2019 Commencement ceremony, which will be May 17 at the Libla Family Sports Complex.

Those wishing to attend the April 5 recognition reception should RSVP to Reynolds at michellereynolds@trcc.edu or 573-840-9077.