Published on Nov. 21, 2025

By: Ashley Flewellen

Walking into the University of Missouri as an undecided freshman can feel overwhelming. With over 300 undergraduate degree programs available, the choices seem endless. However, for thousands of students, the Discovery Center has transformed what could be a paralyzing decision into an empowering journey of self-discovery.

Located in the Student Success Center, the Discovery Center serves as a beacon for undergraduate students navigating their academic futures. Under the leadership of Interim Director Dr. Alison Lee, who recently earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Mizzou, the center has become an essential resource for students exploring their passions and career paths.

The Discovery Center serves a substantial student population, with fall incoming freshman classes ranging from 350-420 students annually. “We’re here to help,” Lee emphasizes, reflecting the center’s core mission. “Whether you’re coming in as that freshman or you’re considering Mizzou, we’re there to help you.”

This supportive approach has led to remarkable results through collaborative programming between the MU Career Center and Discovery Center. Together, they offer SSC 1150 Discover, part of Mizzou 101 a first-year seminar course designed specifically for all incoming exploring freshman students to assist with major and career exploration. Since fall 2020, over 1,700 students have enrolled in this flagship course. Data shows that exploring students who complete SSC 1150 declare their majors sooner than those who don’t take the course

The Discovery Center’s three-pronged approach helps students examine their strengths, explore majors, and understand career pathways. “Sometimes it’s working backwards,” Lee explains. “I like this career but what major is it? And then that helps you get to your goal.” This reverse-engineering approach combines with a great advising team, has proven effective, with students typically declaring their majors by their second or third semester.

One of Lee’s favorite memories is a student, Sophia, who entered Mizzou as an exploring student in fall 2020. Through the center’s guidance, she discovered her passion for photography and combined a communications major with a digital storytelling minor. Today, she works as a freelance photographer and is one example of how the center helps students create their own unique academic paths.

For students worried about being “behind” because they haven’t declared a major, Lee offers reassurance: “Most of our students declare during the second or third semester, so they’re not falling behind.” The center’s peer advising program supports this philosophy by connecting exploring students with those who have successfully navigated similar journeys.

The Discovery Center’s impact extends beyond individual success stories. As Lee notes, “We’re helping our students stay at Mizzou. We’re helping our students declare majors early.” This retention-focused approach benefits both students and the university, creating a win-win scenario that demonstrates the center’s value.

For prospective and current Mizzou students who haven’t chosen a major, the Discovery Center represents hope, guidance, and possibility. As Lee concludes, “If you don’t know where to go as an undergraduate and you don’t know what major to consider, come talk to us.”