Lisa Hussey
Assistant Director of Recruitment
Columbia College
How long have you lived in Columbia in total?
31 years
When did you first move away, and how long were you gone?
I first moved to Kansas City in 2010 and back to Columbia in 2020. I was away from Columbia for 10 years.
What motivated you to leave Columbia?
My parents
What brought you back? (Was there a specific moment or reason that made you decide to return?)
For years, I said I would never move back to Columbia. But as my children grew and my parents got older, my husband and I started thinking differently. We wanted to be closer to family and raise our kids in a community like the one I grew up in. So, we made the move back home.
What’s your favorite thing about Columbia now? (Could be a place, community event, people, or general characteristic of the city)
One thing I appreciate even more now is how much Columbia has to offer for people who love being outside. There are countless walking and biking trails, including the MKT Trail, which can take you from Columbia to Rocheport and beyond. We enjoy exploring local creeks, caves, and natural areas throughout the year. Columbia also has many restaurants with outdoor seating, which is a big plus for our family because they are often kid-friendly and make it easy to enjoy time together outside. Another thing I love is the live music scene. Whether it’s a festival, community event, or a local venue, there always seems to be an opportunity to enjoy great music and connect with others. The combination of outdoor recreation, family-friendly activities, and entertainment makes Columbia a really special place to live.
How has Columbia changed since you first lived here?
Downtown looks different now, with several high-rise apartment buildings that have added a more urban feel to the area. The University of Missouri has also experienced some exciting changes. Since I moved away, Mizzou joined the SEC, bringing new rivalries and a higher level of competition. Faurot Field has expanded and improved over the years, making football season even more exciting for fans. While some of the restaurants and local favorites I remember growing up have come and gone, many new restaurants, shops, and businesses have opened their doors. It’s been fun to see Columbia continue to grow while still maintaining the community feel that makes it such a special place to call home.
How would you describe Columbia to someone thinking about moving here?
One of the things I love most about Columbia is that it’s not too big and not too small. It has the conveniences and opportunities of a city while still feeling welcoming and connected. Because of its size, it’s easier to build relationships and make connections with people from all walks of life and from around the world. Columbia truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a sports fan, enjoy the arts and live music scene, love spending time in nature, or value education and lifelong learning, you can find it here. The variety of opportunities and experiences available make Columbia a place where people of all ages and interests can feel at home.
Compared to other places you’ve lived, what makes Columbia stand out?
There is truly something for everyone in Columbia. Whether you’re interested in sports, the arts, live music, outdoor recreation, or education, you’ll find opportunities to get involved and connect with others. The community offers a little bit of everything, making it a great place for people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds.
What’s something you missed about Columbia while you were away?
Honestly, I missed the simple things the most—being close to my parents, exploring Devil’s Icebox, taking spontaneous trips to the Lake of the Ozarks, and spending Saturdays tailgating at Mizzou football games. Those were all such a big part of growing up in Columbia, and I didn’t realize how much I missed them until I moved away.
What’s your favorite “only in Columbia” experience or tradition?
One of the things I loved most is being able to walk or ride my bike from my parents’ house all the way to downtown Columbia or even out to the Missouri River. The MKT Trail connects so many great places and makes it easy to get outside and explore. It’s convenient, beautiful, and something I definitely took for granted when I was younger.
