Willis Mushrush, Business Development Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, began his career in retailing while still in high school in the late 1960’s. He continued on that path for several years working for J.C. Penney for 5 years, and operating family clothing stores in area communities for 15 years. After ending his retailing career, he became a Human Resource Manager for a large manufacturing government contractor for 10 years prior to becoming employed by the University of Missouri. Willis received his BS in Management from Southwest Missouri State University, and his MBA from the University of Arkansas. He received his certification as a Senior Professional Human Resources from the Society for Human Resources management in 1996 and is currently certified as an Associate Contracting Assistance Specialist by the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers.