The Service Awards Program honors staff employees who have reached a five-year longevity milestone in their years of service to the university and those who have retired. To qualify for a service award, employees must have worked full-time at Missouri State University-WestPlains and reached a five-year milestone (5, 10, 15, etc.) by December 31 to be honored at the January celebration. The years of service are determined on a calendar year (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31).

Employees with five years of service receive a framed certificate and their choice of an Missouri State University-West Plains charm or lapel pin. Employees with 10, 15, or 20 years of service receive a framed certificate plus a choice of awards from the grouping for their length of service to Missouri State University-West Plains. Employees with 25, 30, 35, or 40 years of service receive a plaque plus a choice of awards from the grouping for their length of service to Missouri State University-West Plains. Employees who have retired during the past 12 months receive a jade-colored glass award indicating their years of service to Missouri State University-West Plains.