(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) – Melissa Gower, county services director for the Care Connection service agency, received the 2015 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award during the monthly Greater Warrensburg Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wed., Jan. 14. Rick Solomon, president of the chamber board of directors, presented Gower with the award.

The annual award is presented jointly by the University of Central Missouri and the Greater Warrensburg Area Chamber of Commerce as part of UCM’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.

Gower was recognized for her service to the community in a variety of roles throughout her professional career. A graduate of College High School, she attended UCM and graduated from Nazarene College in Bethany, Okla. with a degree in education. Following a 15-year career as a high school English and drama teacher, she left education to raise her three sons.

She returned to the work force as deputy voter registration clerk in the Johnson County Voter Registration Office. Following 12 years of service to Johnson Countians in that role, she assumed her current post, supervising senior centers throughout Johnson County and providing services to the county’s senior citizens.

“In each of her career paths, Melissa Gower has provided service with a smile, genuinely caring about each and all persons she encounters,” said Eugene Stillman, assistant director of community engagement at UCM.

“Whether educating young minds, assuring citizens of their right to vote, or bringing vital and important services to senior citizens, she has played a vital role in the quality of life for many citizens of all ages and walks of life in Johnson County.”