Hannibal-LaGrange University recognized the annual alumni award winners during the 2021 Homecoming Entertainment on Saturday, October 2. The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award was presented to Judge Nathan A. Carroz ‘08. This award is given to a Hannibal-LaGrange graduate, who is age 35 or younger, for outstanding accomplishments in their profession, business, community, state, or nation.
Born in Mexico, MO, Carroz received a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Criminal Justice from Hannibal-LaGrange University in 2008. He completed his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2011.
His work experience includes being assistant prosecuting attorney for Montgomery County, MO from 2011 to 2012, being appointed by Governor Nixon as prosecuting attorney for Montgomery County, MO from 2012 to 2021, and being appointed by Governor Parson in March 2021 as associate circuit judge for Montgomery County, MO.
Carroz says, “I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to make a difference in other people’s lives at times when they are faced with some of the most horrific circumstances that this world can throw at them. The opportunity to help the most vulnerable of individuals is something that God has used to drive me in my career. God has provided me with the ability to maintain composure in the most difficult of circumstances, allowing me to help people in tough situations.”
Nathan is married to Stacie, a 2009 HLGU alum. He is a member and deacon at Mineola Baptist Church. He is a member and past president of the Montgomery City Kiwanis Club, a member of Missouri Farm Bureau, and a past volunteer for Birthright of Montgomery City.
Judge Carroz enjoys spending time with his wife and family, anything St. Louis Cardinals, playing fetch with Waino, their chocolate lab, hunting with family, and woodworking.
“I cannot say enough about how HLGU impacted my life and solidified my faith,” says Judge Carroz. “My parents did a wonderful job of fostering my faith since I was a child, but it wasn’t until I attended HLGU that I really began to take my faith seriously. At HLGU, God surrounded me with a great circle of godly influence through the friends he placed in my life. One of those friends is now my wife. She and many other friends continue to impact my life today. God continues to use these people to draw me closer to Him. I can say without a doubt that I would not be the person I am today if God had not led me to HLGU.”
He would like to issue a special thank you to Stacie, Alex, Ben, Chris, Daniel, Joe, Jordan, Dr. and Mrs. Burt, and Dr. Swisher for making his time at HLGU so special.
Hannibal-LaGrange University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The institution prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.