Crossroads Spring 2020

There’s a lot that’s missing in this photo.

A full parking lot. Students trekking to and from classes.

The Oval bustling with activity. Campus police writing a ticket for that student who showed up late and dared to park in an empty faculty space hoping no one would notice.

Instead, as spring break came to an end, students at Missouri Southern began adjusting to a distance learning/online format for the remainder of the semester in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But let’s instead focus on what you do see in the picture.

You see a university where the administration, faculty and

2

staff came together and worked diligently to make sure students were able to continue their studies during this unprecedented moment in our lifetimes.

It’s a photo of a place that put the well-being of our students, employees and community above all else. A place that stands ready to welcome back our Lion family when this is behind us.

And it’s a photo that reminds us there are certainties in an uncertain time.

As you read through this latest issue of Crossroads magazine, you’ll find a snapshot of life at Missouri Southern from earlier in the Spring 2020 semester.

There was something of a British Invasion, as Dr. Bill Kumbier’s class focusing on the music of the Beatles proved a sensation with students, and the English Department celebrated J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series.

Members of MSSU’s mock trial team began utilizing an immersive courtroom setting created in the Mills Anderson Justice Center.

You’ll learn about a partnership with an independent movie theater, hear from students who rang in the new year in Australia and meet Nick Edwards, a 2007 graduate who has returned home to Joplin to serve as the new city manager.

It all comes together to create a picture of a university we take so much pride in, and hope you do as well.

As always, if you have a story idea, news or comments on this publication, we want to hear from you. Drop us an email at crossroads@mssu.edu.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you again soon.

Editor Crossroads Magazine Missouri Southern State University

3

Dr. Alan Marble President Dr. Brad Hodson Executive Vice President

14

Dr. Paula Phillips Carson Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs

6

A Note from the President

8

Alumni Update

10

Around Campus

14

Joplin is My Home Nick Edwards, ’07, returns to serve as new city manager

Rob Yust Vice President for Business Affairs Darren Fullerton Vice President for Student Affairs

16

16

Screen Synergy Film series creates partnership with indie theater

18

Literature Lives Week of activities puts wizarding world in the spotlight

Jared Bruggeman Director of Athletics

20

Traveling to a Land Down Under Course takes students far beyond the classroom

Crossroads Magazine is produced by the Office of University Relations and Marketing.

Heather Lesmeister, Director Mike Olmstead Chloe McMain Scott Meeker Curtis Almeter Kayla Monteleone Pat Nagel Brad Belk Ashley Eriksen Megan Vest

Special Contributors Kevin Greim Chelsea Conley Lee Elliff Pound Meagan Adams Justin Maskus Jacob Spencer

Crossroads is produced three times a year and is distributed to more than 35,000 alumni.

18

Court is in Session Mock courtroom creates an immersive experience for students

24

COVER: The Beatles in Their Own Write Students take a magical mystery tour through band’s catalog

20

28

Three of a Kind Painter brothers make their mark at Missouri Southern

22

24

All rights reserved.

417.625.9399 | www.mssu.edu/urm crossroads@mssu.edu Copyright © 2020

4

22

28

30

College of Arts & Sciences

32

College of Business

34

College of Education

36

College of Health Sciences

38

Voices of Southern

40

Athletics

42

Class Notes

50

Picture This

51

Why I Give

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

5

It’s been a year of last times.

After I announced my pending retirement before the start of the Fall 2019 semester, I received a call from a retired colleague who warned me, “Watch out for the first last time, and the next last time and the last time.”

While I understood what he was saying, I didn’t really feel the impact of those words until my beautiful wife, Lori, and I had the pleasure of helping to coronate our Homecoming King and Queen in October. It struck me then that it was the last time I would, as president, take part in this time-honored celebration.

Then there was the last Southern Lights tree-lighting ceremony before Christmas, and the last time I was able to speak to an assembly of our wonderful faculty and staff during the Spring 2020 Welcome Back meeting.

Now, it’s yet another last time – the last time I’ll speak to you, the alumni and friends of Missouri Southern who make up our extended Lion family, in the pages of this publication.

In his book “The Last Lecture,” the late Randy Pausch – a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon – said, “Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.”

And that’s what I want to use this last time with you to express – my gratitude.

graduate of this institution, I consider it the honor of a lifetime to have been afforded the opportunity to serve as president.

Education is truly a remarkable field of work, and I feel grateful to have been able to stand alongside such a committed group of professionals who work each day on behalf our students.

I’m grateful that we’ve been able to work together during this time of growth and momentum on campus – from construction and renovation projects to the expansion of our academic offerings and our recent 10-year reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. Missouri Southern’s future is bright and filled with promise, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

I’m grateful for the amazing students I’ve been able to get to know, whose accomplishments in and out of the classroom are evidence that our best days are ahead.

And, finally, I’m grateful to you – our graduates, our supporters, our donors, our fans and friends – for your generous support for this university; for making your voices heard; and for taking me and my family into yours. Thank you!

It’s a great day to be a Lion … and tomorrow will be as well.

Seven years ago, I was appointed to serve as this university’s interim president. The following year, I was invited to continue on in an official capacity. As a proud

6

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

7

KC-AREA ALUMNI AND FRIENDS GATHER FOR ANNUAL EVENT Nearly 50 Missouri Southern alumni and friends were on hand for the annual Kansas City After Hours event on March 3.

Held at Boulevard Brewery, it was an evening of food, fun and campus updates, said Lee Elliff Pound, director of alumni and constituent relations.

8

“This event always provides a great time for our Kansas City-area alums,” she said.

We are currently looking at our calendar of events to see when we can gather again soon, in Kansas City and other areas. We will stay in touch with our alums on planned events, which will also be available in the “Events” section at mssu.edu/alumni.

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

PRIDE & PURPOSE 2020 In February, the third annual Pride & Purpose Day recognized two individuals for their outstanding contributions to Missouri Southern.

This year’s honorees were Derrick Good, ’97, recipient of the Spirit of Service Award; and Debbie Thompson, recipient of the Lion-Hearted Award.

“We were so pleased to recognize Derrick and Debbie,” said Pound. “These two individuals represent the quality of our MSSU alumni and friends, sharing their time, talent and treasure to benefit our students, faculty, staff and alums.”

They were honored during a luncheon hosted by the Missouri Southern Alumni Association and during the men’s home basketball game vs. Missouri Western.

Derrick Good The Spirit of Service Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community through their time, actions, talent and dedication.

Good received his associate of science in Computer Information Systems from MSSU in 1996, followed by an associate’s in law enforcement and a bachelor’s in criminal justice the following year.

He has been a partner at the Thurman Law Firm in Hillsboro, Mo., since 2006 and has built a well-respected reputation for community involvement.

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

Good has served as president of the Jefferson County Port Authority since 2016 and as a member of the board of directors for Sunnyhill Inc. since 2005. In 2019, he was named secretary of the Missouri Republican Party, and is the chair of Amy’s Wish and Hoofprints on My Heart. He has also worked with the United Way, Special Olympics and other philanthropic organizations.

Debbie Thompson The Lion-Hearted Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to Missouri Southern through service, financial support and other efforts.

A former MSSU faculty member who worked as a dental hygienist for more than 30 years, Thompson’s heart for giving has made an impact on her profession, students and others throughout the area.

She worked with her late husband – Dr. Pat Thompson, a ’76 graduate of MSSU – as lead dental hygienist/office manager. She established a satellite practice, Cassville Dental Care, in 1999 to improve access to dental care for rural areas of Southwest Missouri.

Six years ago, she established the Debbie Thompson Spirit of Dental Hygiene Scholarship at the university.

Each fall, two dental hygiene students – a first-year and a second-year – receive the $2,500 scholarship. She is also known for her generosity to the athletics program, including chairing the annual SouthernFest fundraiser in 2018, purchasing new jerseys for the basketball team and underwriting the press box at the Lions’ baseball stadium.

9

STUDENTS GET A ‘LYFT’ FOR THE START OF SPRING SEMESTER Bethsabe O’Reilly arrived on campus early, needing to get a new student ID card made before her first class at Missouri Southern.

The senior business-HR major parked her car in the main lot and prepared to make the walk to Billingsly Student Center when a golf cart pulled up alongside, the driver offering a “Lion Lyft” to her destination.

“Oh, that’s awesome,” O’Reilly said of her first reaction, which was then followed by a bit of a doubletake. “I thought I recognized the driver.”

Dr. Alan Marble, president of Missouri Southern, was among the Lion Lyft drivers on hand to help welcome students back to campus for the start of the Spring 2020 semester. Around campus, other members of the Lion Welcome Crew donned yellow vests to help answer questions and get students where they needed to go.

10

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

BOARD APPROVES ‘COLLEGE’ STATUS FOR ACADEMIC UNITS A symbolic change for the four primary academic units at Missouri Southern was recently approved by the Board of Governors.

Board members voted unanimously to change the name of the university’s academic areas – Arts & Sciences, Business, Health Sciences and Teacher Education – from “School of” to “College of.”

“This is the second spring and fourth semester we’ve had the Lion Welcome Crew,” said Dr. Julie Wengert, Missouri Southern’s dean of student success and support, who coordinated the effort. “We have about seven locations across campus (for volunteers) and the entrances from the bigger parking lots to capture where students are coming in.”

A total of 25 volunteers, including faculty and staff members, took part in this year’s welcome event.

“We also provide free hot chocolate and coffee (on the Oval) until we run out,” said Wengert. “We probably went through 30 gallons of hot chocolate last year, although it was a bit colder than it is now.”

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

“When we changed the name of Missouri Southern State College to Missouri Southern State University in 2003, we didn’t make the commensurate switch to calling our schools ‘colleges,’” said Dr. Paula Carson, provost/vice president of academic affairs. “It’s something we’ve been working toward. We’ve grown our graduate programs and our focus on research – all those things that are hallmarks of a university.

“Our faculty and academic structures have worked very hard to earn the right to use the title ‘College.’ And it’s also a great opportunity for us to recognize the academic contributions of Dr. Marble as he’s concluding his presidency.

“We’re very grateful to the board for allowing us to make this change. The symbolism is enormously impactful to all of us on campus.”

CARSON

11

MSSU LAUNCHES NEW CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT INITIATIVE A new concurrent enrollment initiative was launched this spring, with a goal of creating more opportunities for high-school students to get a jump-start on their college education.

The “On the Move” initiative allows high-school students who receive free or reduced lunch to have up to 6 credit hours of concurrent enrollment tuition per semester waived at Missouri Southern.

It is open to any high-school student eligible to take concurrent enrollment classes, regardless of which state they live in.

Missouri Southern, believes that “On the Move” will create new opportunities for students to gain an early, successful start to higher education.

“The regular tuition cost for concurrent enrollment is $50 per credit hour,” said Meeker. “While this is among the lowest concurrent enrollment tuition in the state, not all students are able to meet this minimal threshold. With the launch of ‘On the Move,’ our goal is to create an equitable opportunity for all students, regardless of income background.”

MEEKER

Brett Meeker, director of the concurrent enrollment program at

LION VILLAGE TO CREATE HOUSING FOR MORE THAN 300 STUDENTS Work is underway on Missouri Southern’s latest addition to campus housing – the Lion Village residence hall.

Located north of the current residence halls, the $20-million project – funded by the sale of bonds – will create housing for a total of 304 students. The bonds will be repaid using revenues paid by students living in the new building, which will house 176 students in 88 traditional rooms, as well as 128 students in 32 fourbedroom, two-bathroom suites.

the campus as a whole,” said Darren Fullerton, vice president for Student Affairs, during faculty/staff Welcome Back meeting.

Fullerton said the hall will include study rooms, a meeting room, and an area that can be utilized by the university’s Student Success Center for tutoring or other purposes.

An additional $3 million will be used toward renovation needs in the existing residence halls, he said.

“I think it’s going to be a great addition to the residence hall complex and to

12

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

ANNUAL EVENT ALLOWS STUDENTS TO DRESS TO IMPRESS It was a record-breaking year for Dress to Impress, a campus program that allows students to start or expand their professional wardrobe at no charge.

This year’s event, held in March in Billingsly Student Center’s Connor Ballroom, drew 440 students looking to spruce up before meeting potential employers or starting a new job. It was founded six years ago by the university’s Career Services office and is presented in partnership with the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Network.

“What’s wonderful about Dress to Impress – and what’s wonderful about this community – is that it’s a collective effort and absolutely free,” says Alex Gandy, director of Career Services.

“We see students on average walk away with 10 to 12 garments. If they were to walk into the mall and get (the same clothing), it would be well over $150 to $200.”

Gandy says sponsors such as Indigo Sky Casino, Freeman Health System, Guaranty Bank and the Salvation Army were vital to the success of this year’s event.

Thousands of items of clothing and accessories were donated for the event. More than 70 volunteers were on hand, with many serving as “personal shoppers” for the students.

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

13

Nick Edwards, ’07, returns to serve as new city manager

N

ick Edwards apologizes to visitors for a meeting that ran longer than expected, but there’s no need.

It’s his third day on the job as Joplin’s new city manager and he clearly has a lot on his plate. Just hours later, city officials will announce an emergency ordinance designed to help curb the spread of COVID-19 transmission.

To say that it’s an eventful first week is a bit of an understatement.

“I use the pool analogy,” says Edwards. “Sometimes it’s best to jump in the deep end and get it over with. That’s what this is doing for me.”

A 2007 graduate of Missouri Southern, he was recently selected for the city manager’s post and began his duties on March 16. He was born in Joplin and graduated from Webb City High School in 1999.

14

After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. His four years of service included a year in Iraq. After returning home, he enrolled as a student at Missouri Southern although he didn’t immediately know what direction he wanted to go.

“My thought process was to take some basic classes and whatever seemed most interesting, pursue that,” says Edwards. “I had a government class taught by (former political science professor) Dr. Tom Simpson and he really captured my attention for politics.

“He was a former city manager (in Grenada, Miss.) and taught some of his classes from that perspective. I wanted to learn more … and pretty quickly declared my major as political science.”

While at MSSU, he made the Lions football team as a walk-on and played from 2004-06 as an offensive lineman.

“I really enjoyed my time at Missouri Southern,” he says.

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

“I had a lot of great professors and the small class sizes attracted me.”

He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in political science and pursued his master’s in public administration at Missouri State University.

After completing his master’s in 2010, he began his job search – though it wasn’t the most ideal time.

“Local government doesn’t feel the effects of a recession for a year or two later,” says Edwards. “It was a tough job market and I was trying to get my foot in the door some place.”

He eventually accepted a position in Lee’s Summit, Mo., as a public works management analyst for the city. There, he was responsible for the departmental budget and accreditation activities.

“I was just so excited to have a job, I threw myself into it,” says Edwards. “I was hungry to learn, grow and take on new challenges.”

During his nearly 10 years with the city, he went on to serve in several capacities, including assistant to the city manager, director of administration and, finally, assistant city manager. When the position in Joplin opened up, he jumped at the opportunity.

“Joplin is my home,” Edwards says. “It’s a place that I’m passionate about and care about.”

As city manager, he serves as Joplin’s chief administrative officer – directing the planning, delivery and evaluation of all municipal services. He says he wants to help Joplin take “that next step forward.”

“The community I left 10 years ago isn’t the same as it is now,” he says. “Joplin has seen a tremendous amount of growth. I like to set ambitious goals. I want to help this city grow and advance the quality of life for residents, and to be a leader regionally and across the state for the way services are delivered.”

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

15

Film series creates partnership with indie theater

F

or as long as he can remember, Dr. Chad Stebbins has heard people wish that Joplin would have its own independent cinema.

“Finally we have one in Bookhouse Cinema,” said Stebbins, director of Missouri Southern’s International of Studies. “They show so many films that we wouldn’t ordinarily see in Joplin.”

16

During the last few semesters, Missouri Southern has partnered with the small theater – owned by ’07 graduate Brad Crane and his wife, Holly – in ways that have given both parties a lot of creative freedom.

Last year, Missouri Southern split the Harrison and June Kash International Film Society screenings between Plaster Hall’s Cornell Auditorium and Bookhouse, located

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

at 715 E. Broadway. The partnership continued this spring with “Bringing Them All Back Home.” The film series featured selections from MSSU faculty members, who offered presentations on each before the screenings.

Showing the films in an off-campus location comes with several attractive benefits.

“What’s nice about going to Bookhouse is they have a fullservice restaurant that they open two hours beforehand so that you can get dinner and a drink before seeing the film,” Stebbins said. “That’s something that we don’t have the capability for in Cornell Auditorium.”

“You’re all connected to something that’s a little unusual to you,” he said. “That’s super cool.”

Stebbins said he looks forward to continuing the partnership between the university the Cranes’ theater.

“There’s this great synergy,” he said. “Missouri Southern and Bookhouse feed off of each other and help to promote one another. It’s a fabulous partnership.”

Crane says he enjoyed having faculty members offer insight before each of this semester’s screenings.

“A professor can come in and give a 30-minute lecture they’ve spent the last few weeks on,” he said. “They can link the work of one director to other works that director has done; they can provide the historical or the social context.”

Bookhouse began as a pipe-dream of an idealized “cinema and pub” in October of 2017, said Crane, and it’s grown significantly since its humble beginnings.

The Cranes managed to keep costs low in its early days by relying on thrifty, smart purchases. Some of the fixtures and furniture in the theater were acquired on a careful budget, and they applied the savings to a state-of-the-art digital projector and sound system.

Crane said he enjoys being able to offer audiences a unique movie-going experience.

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

THE CRANES

STEBBINS

17

18

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

literature lives Week of activities puts wizarding world in the spotlight

A

week of enchanted activities was offered as the English & Philosophy Department celebrated Literature Lives Week with a series of activities centered around J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series.

Held Feb. 28 - March 6, events were held on campus and in the Joplin community, with organizations such as Bookhouse Cinema and the Joplin Public Library serving as hosts. The week included films, lectures, trivia, crafts and more.

“Part of what makes Literature Lives Week interesting is that it makes literature connect to so many different fields,” says Dr. Amy Gates, assistant professor of English and coordinator of the annual event. “It is still about literature, but it’s also about all of those other cultural, social and historical issues that literature opens up to us.”

A variety of departments found ways to connect with the wizarding world and magical heroes of the series, which began with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in 1997 and ended a decade later with “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows.”

Dickerson Park Zoo from Springfield brought two owls – a staple in the Harry Potter world. Hedwig, a great horned owl, was brought out of his carrying case to show off his beautiful, camouflaged shades of brown, a notable difference to his counterpart in the book, a European, white snowy owl.

Some events offered a more academic take on the series.

Professors from the History Department presented an evening lecture on “Magic, Politics and Harry Potter.”

Dr. Megan Bever, associate professor of history, gave a detailed look at the different allusions to slavery through oppressed characters such as the house elves. Dr. Bill Fischer, assistant professor of history, shed light on the relationship between political structures and magic, and how that resulted in a state of fear and prejudice.

“The great thing about this week is that I end up being very in love with everything we end up doing,” said Gates.

“The activities on campus during Literature Lives Week help to open a lot of doors to get people talking.”

The Alumni Association hosted “Creature Studies and Crafty Concoctions” in the North End Zone Facility, giving kids of all ages a chance to be sorted into a Hogwarts house, make wands and dragon eggs, and get an upclose look at wildlife they may have encountered in the books.

Dr. David Penning, an assistant professor of biology, offered one of the most unique experiences of the evening – attendees could view, touch and even hold some surprisingly warm and friendly turtles and snakes.

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

19

Course takes students far beyond the classroom

W

hile the Joplin area was ringing in 2020 with cold temperatures, a group of Missouri Southern faculty members and students were soaking up sun and culture as they traveled across the continent of Australia.

Eleven students made the trek to experience “Eden, Empire and the Environment” – offered as part of an interdisciplinary traveling seminar led by Dr. Megan Bever and Dr. Rebecca Shriver from the History Department, and Dr. Nicole Shoaf, from Political Science.

“The course combines history, geography and political science,” said Bever. “The idea was to connect it to the themed semester (Fall 2019’s Oceania Semester), but look at how British imperialism and British ideas of Australia as this Eden or paradise and how that shaped the way they used the landscape.”

20

The unique class structure allowed for students to get a variety of perspectives.

“All of our disciplines typically discuss the same topics, but we discuss them in different ways,” said Shoaf.

“Bringing the faculty together offers students a chance hear us discuss topics with each other … and have friendly debates on the way in which we view and talk about things.”

Dr. Steve Smith also discussed Australia from a geographical perspective, while Dr. Jill Greer, who specializes in anthropology, talked about aboriginal culture.

The trip to the land Down Under took place Dec. 29 through Jan. 12.

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

“It was a beautiful place. It was summer when we were over there visiting,” said Sammie Hargis, a junior biologypre med major. “It was a fun thing to do over Christmas break.”

A stop at a wildlife preserve in Perth allowed them to get up close and personal with some of the native animals of the continent.

Seeing the sun set over the hills in the Pinnacle desert was a highlight, she said, as were stops at a settlers’ farm, seeing the New Year’s fireworks over the famed Sydney Opera House, and a tour of Fremantle Prison in western Australia. The convict-built prison opened in 1855 and remained in operation until 1991.

The students and faculty members crossed the continent via the Indian Pacific passenger rail service, a transcontinental train ride that took them from Perth, in western Australia, to Sydney, on the east coast. The journey allowed them to see the Outback and gain an appreciation for the open spaces and unforgiving environments in the middle of the continent.

“They took us on a really interesting tour, which walked us through all of (the prison’s) history,” said Hargis.

They also happened to be in Australia at a time when the historic bushfires were making national headlines.

For senior political science major Jacob King, the course and the trip offered the chance to do a deep dive into three of his primary interests – history, geography and politics.

“Australia has bushfires every year. It’s part of the environment,” said Shoaf. “But it’s getting worse in the modern era … there was also a historic drought, which made the fires worse. I don’t think anyone predicted the scale of the fires this year.”

“The trip exceeded my expectations,” he said. “I had a chance to talk to a lot of the locals and see things through their perspective.”

One of the most striking aspects of the trip was seeing first-hand the importance of World War I to the Australian national identity.

“Becoming independent in 1901, WWI was their first foray onto the world stage,” said King. “A lot of Australians paid the ultimate price, so they commemorate it often.

Practically every little town we went to had their own WWI monument.”

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

The fires engulfed more than 24 million acres and claimed 33 lives. It has also taken an enormous toll on already endangered wildlife.

“You could smell it at certain times,” said Bever. “And it was on people’s minds. Any time you would talk to Australians they would talk about the devastating impact of the fires.”

21

Mock courtroom creates an immersive experience for students

A

s the proceedings begin, the courtroom is relatively empty, save for a few spectators in the gallery and members of the media.

At the prosecution table, Marady Anderson rises to introduce herself and her two fellow prosecutors.

“If it pleases the court, I’d like to tender a few pieces of information to the bench,” she says. “May I approach?”

The judge listens to the prosecution’s statements before turning his attention to the table on the other side of the courtroom.

22

“Does the defense have any objections?” he asks.

“Not at this time, your honor,” says Stormy Grindstaff, the lead defense attorney.

The facts of the case are not in dispute. On July 14, 2018, Jordan Ryder – who was recently released from prison and did not have custody of her 12-year-old daughter, Parker Paige – took her daughter on a hike. Parker was reported missing the next morning. A search party subsequently found her body in a ravine and Ryder was eventually charged in the death of her daughter.

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

The jury box is empty for this afternoon’s arguments, and the judge – portrayed for the moment by Brenden Higashi – briefly calls a halt to things to make a few notes on how the case is going.

If the members of Missouri Southern’s mock trial team seem especially into today’s practice, their surroundings are no doubt a major factor.

The team is utilizing the university’s new mock courtroom, located – appropriately enough – in the Criminal Justice Building.

Completed last fall, it has all of the features one would expect to find in a judicial setting. There is a judge’s bench, witness and jury boxes, tables for the prosecution and defense, and a gallery for visitors to watch the proceedings.

“For mock trial students in particular, the mock courtroom is a really great opportunity to simulate the trial experience,” says Higashi, master instructor in the International & Political Affairs program and the team’s advisor. “Oftentimes, when they go to regional and national competitions, they utilize spaces in actual courthouses. This lets them experience the space and get a sense of the layout.”

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

Anderson, a sophomore IPA major, says the courtroom is a wonderful tool for the team to utilize.

“Whenever you’re in the classroom, you’re not really immersed in the environment,” she says. “Resources like this really help our team.”

If the courtroom seems to have the air of authenticity, it’s no accident.

“We wanted to make it as close to an actual courtroom as possible, and repurposed some of the furniture from Joplin’s old juvenile office on Pearl Avenue,” says Dr. Tim Wilson, chair of the Criminal Justice Department.

“It has everything you’d expect for any courtroom setting, whether it be a criminal or civil case.”

Wilson anticipates that the courtroom will be utilized by a variety of students from across campus.

“We’ve reached out to other programs with offers to use it,” he says. “The Social Work Department can use it for courses where they teach advocacy; and the Law Enforcement Academy can use it when talking about giving courtroom testimony.”

23

Students take a magical mystery tour through band’s catalog

24

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

I

t was the Beatles’ 1962 debut single; a song penned a few years earlier by Paul McCartney that would get a songwriting assist from John Lennon.

A chord change and harmonica licks from Lennon gave “Love Me Do” a bit of a bluesy feel, says Miranda Morse, as students gathered in the Kuhn Annex classroom listen attentively.

“They released two different versions of the song,” she says. “One in the UK and one in the United States.”

The primary difference between the two singles is that one features drums by Ringo Starr, and the other by session drummer Andy White. After a brief discussion about the song’s recording history, Dr. Bill Kumbier plays it in its entirety for the class to hear.

Love, love me do You know I love you I’ll always be true So please, love me do Whoa, love me do As the music fades, Kumbier notes the simplicity of the song’s lyrics and arrangement.

“I don’t hear anything that would make me think this was a band about to be catapulted to fame,” he says.

But their debut album “Please Please Me” (which hit U.S. shores the following year as “Introducing … the Beatles” on Vee-Jay Records, minus two tracks) would help usher in an era of fan frenzy that made its way across the pond and kick off a

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

relatively brief recording period that changed rock music forever.

Books of Beatles history and transcriptions line the top of a piano tucked in the corner of the classroom, which also sports a stereo, a box of vinyl records, a television and photographs of the Fab Four and their influences. It may not look like the traditional upperdivision British literature course, but it’s an opportunity for students taking ENG 371 to consider “The Beatles in Their Own Write.”

When it comes to the Beatles, Kumbier says he considers himself to be “an enthusiastic amateur.” He was a latecomer to the band’s music, discovering them at the age of 12.

“At that point, I had no interest in rock music, then they appeared and I started to hear their songs,” Kumbier says. “In the seventh grade, I finally worked up the courage to ask my parents – in honor of my new status as a junior-high student – if I could buy a Beatles album.”

That purchase is the same “Introducing … The Beatles” album that sits in his vinyl collection in his classroom.

“It’s kind of a rarity because it came out on the Vee-Jay label,” he says. “It was an obscure American company that offered to put out an album by the Beatles when nobody else would.

25

“From then on, their recordings were on Capitol Records. I couldn’t restrain myself and within the next two or three months, I had three or four albums. I had to catch up.”

Fast forward to today and Kumbier is teaching a class on the Beatles’ enduring legacy, which he credits to a few different factors.

“One is their music is revolutionary,” he says. “It’s groundbreaking. Without being able to read music or discuss music in theoretical terms, they radically renewed rock music. Their lyrics were far beyond anything coming out at the time.

“Their lyrics began moving into areas that rock songs hadn’t explored before. They moved away from love songs. By the time they got to ‘Rubber Soul’ and ‘Revolver,’ they were writing songs that were introspective and didn’t have anything to do with romance.”

The band themselves helped “engineer their own permanence,” says Kumbier. The then surviving members of the band – McCartney, Starr and George Harrison – released “The Beatles Anthology” documentary series in 1995, along with a set of three double albums with never-before-released songs. The marketing push and subsequent re-releases over the years have helped the band maintain their popularity.

The idea to create a class focusing on the Beatles came when he learned of a weeklong study-abroad package which includes visits to Liverpool, McCartney’s and Lennon’s childhood homes, lectures and more.

“I thought it was something I could build a course around,” he says. “But it turns out it’s the course that really caught on. There was a buzz from Day 1. Before I even walked into the classroom there were animated conversations happening, which I’ve never had for any class. It hasn’t stopped … I’ve had to quiet everyone down a few times.”

26

One look around the crowded classroom answers any question one might have about the band’s crossgenerational appeal.

Mike Wheeler, Missouri Southern’s head golf coach and a lifelong Beatles fan, signed up to take the class after spotting a flier while taking a recruit around campus.

“I’ve been a fan since I was 11 and saw them on (‘The Ed Sullivan Show’),” he says. “I can benchmark certain times in my high-school life by when a Beatles album came out. John Lennon and Paul McCartney were two of the best songwriters that have ever lived.”

Wheeler says the course has required a lot of reading outside the class that has only deepened his appreciation for the the band.

“They were so fortunate that George Martin chose to take them on and produce them. He was a genius and he recognized how special they were. And I don’t think I knew what a struggle it was for (the band) … everything we saw on Sullivan that night was the result of about six years worth of work.

“One of the things I’m enjoying most about the class is the younger students … and what their interest is compared to my experience. I’ve heard several of them speak about a particular drum part or harmony in the songs. As we listen to them, you can see they’re individually growing to like and appreciate them even more.”

Sitting nearby is junior English major Keaton Campbell, who says the class (and one of her classmates in particular) is helping her develop a deeper connection to the Beatles.

“Obviously, some of their songs are really popular and you come across them as you’re going through life,” Campbell says.

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

That included playing “Beatles: Rock Band” – a video game similar to “Guitar Hero” – with her grandmother, Ellen Desmond. When she told her grandmother about the class, Desmond instantly asked if it was a course she could take as well. Now, the two sit next to each other in Kumbier’s class.

“I just loved them so much,” says Desmond, who says she was 11 when she first heard the music of the Beatles. “I got a little transistor radio so I could hear them and kept following them.

“I saw Paul in concert in 2009. That was a huge event for me and brought my love for the Beatles back into my life.”

During this particular class session, Campbell is giving a report on “There is a Place,” an original number by Lennon and McCartney that was one of the first songs recorded for “Please Please Me.” “The Beatles initially had high hopes for this song,” she says. “It was the second to last on the album and didn’t end up as a hit for them. It’s a love song, but more introspective.”

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

After playing a recording of the song for the class, Kumbier settles down at the piano and plays a bit of the song, focusing on an unexpected harmony line that emerges.

“I make plenty of mistakes, but they get the idea of the song,” says Kumbier. “I don’t think I could do this class without some kind of keyboard here.”

The coursework for the class includes written and oral reports on songs from each of the Beatles’ albums, as well as a bigger project starting after the midterm that focuses on an aspect of the band not covered in class.

It’s one of the last courses Kumbier will teach at Southern. Having for 31 years, he plans to retire from Missouri Southern on June 1.

He’s enjoying leading the deep dive into Beatles music and lore, though it didn’t come easy. Music theory, song structure and other elements of the course required plenty of preparation on his part.

“I felt I had to go from being an enthusiastic amateur to being somewhat qualified to teach the class,” he says with a laugh. “And I think I may have overshot it.”

27

Painter brothers make their mark at Missouri Southern

S

o, what’s it like going to college at the same time as your two older brothers?

D.J. Painter pauses for a moment, but doesn’t get the chance to answer before the door opens and his brothers – Jake and Joshua – spill into the room and grab seats.

They waste no time in filling in the blank for him.

“After I graduate, I’m going to join the military – the Navy, hopefully – and go back to San Diego, and become a police officer after that,” says Jake.

“There’s so much for him to live up to,” says Jake, with a laugh. “The legends who came before.”

Joshua says he’s interested in the field of cardiology, but wants to keep his options open.

While they still live together and attend classes at Missouri Southern, having them together in one place in mid-afternoon is something of a rare occurrence. It will soon be even rarer still.

“Some of the KCU students have told me you don’t really decide until the third year of medical school when you start doing clinicals and get experience in a position,” he said.

Jake is set to graduate this May with a degree in criminal justice, while Joshua will also graduate as a member of the first Yours to Lose Advanced Medical School Acceptance Program cohort. D.J. is currently wrapping up his first year of the Yours to Lose program.

With two years left in Yours to Lose, D.J. still has plenty of time to decide on a medical specialty. In the meantime, he’s forging his own identity on campus that already seems to know him.

“We all kind of go our separate ways in the morning,” says Jake. “A lot of days, we might not see each other until 11 at night when someone is studying, or someone comes in to have dinner.”

28

They’ll go separate ways again in May, though D.J. will still have two years left before following Joshua to medical school.

“I’ll walk around campus and someone will say, ‘Hey, you look like one of the Painters.’ I don’t know what they did, but I’m not them,” he says with a laugh.

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

I N D OOR

T RACK

&

FI EL D

•

Director of Cross Country & Track and Field, Bryan Schiding is the 2020 Division II National Men’s Head Coach of the year (announced by the U.S Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association)

•

Bryan Schiding Central Region Men’s Coach of the Year

•

Jason Francis Central Region Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year

•

MIAA Men’s Coaching Staff of the Year

•

Missouri Southern men’s Track & Field MIAA Champions

•

Congratulations to the 12 women and nine men Track & Field student-athletes who qualified for the 2020 Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships

•

Rajindra Campbell and Emily Presley named Central Regional Field Athletes of the Year

M E N ’ S

B AS K ETB AL L

•

Cam Martin - First Team All-Region, First-Team All-American, and Small College Hoops Bevo Francis Player of the Year Finalist

•

Four men placed on MIAA Academic List; Ted Brown, Dexter Frisbie, Parker Jennings and Cam Martin

•

Congratulations for a third-straight NCAA Tournament appearance

W OM E N ’ S •

B A SKETB AL L

Seven women on MIAA Academic List; Amber Buch, Zoe Campbell, Destiny Cozart, Chasidee Owens, Jordan Schoenberger, Layne Skiles and Brooke Stauffer. Skiles earned the Academic Excellence Award for a perfect 4.0 GPA

BAS E BALL •

Zach Parish broke the MIAA All-Time strikeout record

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

29

FACULTY, STUDENTS DROP SOME SCIENCE ON LION CUB ACADEMY CHILDREN It was a cold, rainy Wednesday afternoon, but inside the Lion Cub Academy’s indoor playroom, things were quickly heating up – though perhaps “cooling down” would be a better term. The smoke was actually emanating from a container of water and dry ice.

“Are you ready to see a neat science show?” Dr. Michael Garoutte asked, with a resounding cheer coming in response from the children gathered on the floor in front of him.

Members of the chemical and physical science faculty – joined by students from the Physics, Chemistry and Women in Science clubs – offered a series of demonstrations designed to introduce the young children to the wonders of science. More than 30 kids from the LCA sat before a line of tables to participate in the hands-on experiments.

Soap was added to the water and dry ice to create bubbles which trapped the water vapor and carbon dioxide within and released puffs of smoke when popped. Eager hands filled the air when the children were asked which of them wanted to help pop the bubbles formed atop a table.

The kids also used air cannons to knock down stacks of foam cups, suspended ping pong balls in the air using a hair dryer, and created slime using glue, water, Borax and a touch of food coloring. Dr. Jency Sundararajan and Dr. Shayna Burchett used a plastic pool of soapy water and a large plastic ring to form giant bubbles around the children who lined up to step into the middle.

For the grand finale, children were served up small bowls of ice cream made from sugar, cream, vanilla and liquid air – cooled and condensed in a specialized container and poured into the mixture.

“It’s really good to get (the children) involved in science,” said Jen Anderson, a senior physics major and member of the Physics Club who helped with the demonstrations. “I think it’s important for kids to see science in a fun way.”

30

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

‘MAMMA MIA!’ PRODUCTION A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT As renovation work continued in Taylor Performing Arts Center this semester, Southern Theatre collaborated with Joplin High School to stage a production of the hit musical “Mamma Mia!” The musical, which was presented in February, featured a cast that included not only students from Missouri Southern but from the community. Students from Joplin High School assisted with many of the behind-the-scenes and technical elements of the production, which was offered in the JHS performing arts center.

DIANA ALLAN NAMED PRESIDENTELECT FOR NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR VOICE TEACHERS

Eric Wolfe, director of the musical and chair of the MSSU Theatre Department, said it’s the type of collaborative effort he’d like to see continue.

Dr. Diana Allan, associate professor of voice at Missouri Southern, was recently named president-elect of the National Association for the Teachers of Singing (NATS).

“It’s an opportunity to reach out to the community and interact with them,” says Wolfe. “We’re opening our doors to more people and I hope we do it with other shows in the future.”

Founded in 1944 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., the association has more than 7,000 members in the United States, Canada and more than 35 other countries.

“I’ve been a member of NATS for over 30 years,” says Allan. “The organization is for voice teachers of any level. What we do is simply foster good singing and the good teaching of singing. We hold auditions for students of NATS teachers, as well as workshops and conferences throughout the 14 different regions across the country.”

She says that in past years, the president-elect position required primarily observation of the current president and their duties. However, the position has become much more active of late.

“There’s a new strategic plan for the organization, which I will be project managing,” she says. “Besides that, I may head up management of a new revenue stream that is being developed.”

After two years as president-elect, Allan will be installed as president for two years, then serve as past president for an additional two years.

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

31

STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS FACE JUDGES IN BUSINESS COMPETITION If you’ve seen “Shark Tank,” you know the drill.

A budding entrepreneur must step up to the mic to make their pitch in front of a panel of judges, who listen and wait to ask questions about the viability of the idea.

For Janae Robinson, a senior management major, the experience was a little nerve-wracking. But the idea she pitched to the three judges was one that was very personal to her.

“I don’t love public speaking, so that wasn’t fun,” she says. “But it was cool to get their feedback on something that’s been floating around in my brain for a few weeks.”

Robinson’s idea for a personalized storybook for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease won her $200 during the Entrepreneurship Club’s first student pitch competition, held this spring in the North End Zone Facility.

She was among a handful of students participating in the event, with each one given 90 seconds to make their presentation – which could be for a product or a service – in front of the judges.

Judges evaluated each pitch based on its feasibility, the impact it could have, how it will serve the market, and the quality of delivery. Participants pitched ideas such as a travel service for university students; an online, one-stop shop for people experiencing mechanical difficulties with the car; and an app for students that consolidates all the important information they need on a given day.

Winners of the competition were to have the opportunity to continue on to the Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization’s Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference in April.

32

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

BUSINESS STUDENTS TOUR FORTUNE 500 COMPANY More than a dozen students from the College of Business – along with several members of the faculty and staff – traveled to Northwest Arkansas this spring to spend a day with a Fortune 500 company that employs a number of Missouri Southern graduates.

Located in Lowell, Ark., J.B. Hunt is one of the largest transportation and logistics companies in North America. Nearly 50 Missouri Southern graduates are among the company’s employees.

Jared Graham, who graduated in ’05 with a business degree, serves as the company’s senior director of international sales. He says the education he received at Missouri Southern has allowed him to thrive in a company with a diverse workforce.

“There’s a lot of people that come here from really big schools. To be able to come in here and compete with those people – in a team-based manner, but nonetheless compete – is something I’m really proud of.”

The visit to the company included tours, job shadowing and a Q&A panel with graduates of the university now employed there.

Steven Brunson, a senior computational math major who also works in MSSU’s IT Department, was among the students who visited J.B. Hunt.

“It was great,” Brunson says of the day

spent at the company. “Talking to people to get a feel for what their transition was like and how their skill sets carried over was a

“The degree that I got is of value at J.B. Hunt,” says Graham.

really insightful experience.”

BRUNSON

DR. CHRIS MOOS HONORED WITH EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD Dr. Chris Moos, professor of international business, is the recipient of the 2020 Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education.

The annual award is presented to an outstanding faculty member from each of the state’s participating colleges and universities. Criteria include effective teaching and advising, service to the university community, commitment to high standards of excellence, and success in nurturing student achievement.

international management and marketing, global supply chain management, international finance and strategic management. In 2016, he served as the interim dean of the College of Business.

“Dr. Moos represents a shining example of higher education faculty excellence,” says Dr. Jeffrey Zimmerman, dean of the College of Business. “His passion for teaching and commitment to student success is visible on a daily basis. He’s an energetic, enthusiastic and effective teacher and mentor for his students.”

Moos, who joined Missouri Southern’s faculty in 2003, has taught courses such as M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

MOOS

33

SENIOR ALYSSA BREWER PRESENTS AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE Alyssa Brewer, a senior elementary education and special-education major at Missouri Southern, was recently invited to present her research project at the American Association of Behavioral and Social Sciences Conference in Las Vegas, Nev. The annual conference provides an opportunity for global researchers to present their findings in context such as theory, practices, empirical research, and conceptual advancement of cognitive change.

“Being a special-education major, I’m obviously very passionate about students with disabilities getting the same education as their peers,” says Brewer. “I have family members in education. They kept coming to me with questions like, ‘What’s the best strategy for these students with disabilities?’

“I began to investigate and found we don’t really train general educators to teach students with disabilities. They spend most of their day in general education, not special education.”

Brewer says she became interested in how educators can become better prepared to meet the needs of the diverse students in their classrooms.

“I interviewed student teachers and found that they have high perceived preparation rates,” she says. “There was definitely a contrast to their actual special-education knowledge.”

Her research shows that administrators are suggesting teacher candidates have field experience to help them accommodate students with special needs.

“That’s where you get to see those evidence-based strategies in person,” she says. “It was great to be able to share my research, but also to connect with other researchers from across the U.S. and other countries to see what they were interested in and what their results and processes were.”

34

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

PSYCHOLOGY OFFERS APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS PROGRAM A new program offered through the Psychology Department is focusing on one of the most researched and effective treatments for people with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental and behavior issues.

“Applied Behavior Analysis uses learning techniques founded in behaviorism in psychology,” says Dr. Holly Hackett, chair of the department. “Such as positive reinforcement to teach skills to improve individual’s quality of life.”

During the Fall 2019 semester, the department began offering the Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis course. Taught

by Kristy Parker, the director of the Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism, it offered students the opportunity to complete a practicum at the center.

Parker says 12 students participated in the practicum.

“The students directed ABA therapy with clients of all ages, targeting communication and socialization skills as well as providing behavioral support,” she says. “Five of the students remained employed with the Leffen Center, making the experience a success for both MSSU and Ozark Center.”

Completion of the Introductory ABA course and practicum will allow students to sit for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) national board certification exam, says Hackett. The department plans to eventually offer an ABA certificate that will give students the opportunity to obtain the bachelor’s level national board certification.

Hackett says grant funding will allow the department to renovate the former Child Development Center in Taylor Hall into an ABA clinic that will offer services to clients and allow students to obtain hands-on training on campus.

TEACHER CANDIDATES MEET POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS Students from the College of Education had the opportunity to meet with potential K-12 employers and graduate programs during a career fair held in February.

The current academic year is expected to produce 120 teacher candidates, with 45 certified in highneed content areas such as special education, TESOL, and K-12 instrumental and vocal.

Lorinda Hackett, interim dean, says the event is an excellent way for new teachers to connect with the local school districts.

“The Teacher Education Career Fair is a tremendous example of the powerful networking that occurs very organically between our school district partners and the Teacher Education Department,” she says. “We’re committed to each other for the benefit of their students and our teacher candidates.”

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

35

FIRE PROGRAM REIGNITES WITH CITY PARTNERSHIP The College of Health Sciences has partnered with the Joplin Fire Department to reignite a regional fire academy.

“The last fire class at Missouri Southern was several years ago, and then (the program) went dormant,” says Ted Lee, director of Missouri Southern’s Emergency Medical Services program. “There’s been an interest in it. Local fire departments are looking for people who are certified and qualified to come into new positions.”

The partnership kicked into gear this spring with an Emergency Medical Technician course that will lead directly into a Fire 1 course offered this summer at the Joplin Public Safety Training Facility. An eight-week Fire 2 course will follow in the fall. The multi-million dollar training facility allows instructors to create realistic conditions for firefighters. “(The Fire 1 course) starts very basic,” says Lee. “It focuses on fireground operations, personal protective equipment, basic fire characteristics, how to safely enter and exit a burning building, and how to respond to different fire events.”

Industrial issues, such as the characteristics of containers used to hold gas and flammable liquids, will also be covered.

Two instructors from the city will lead the classes; regional adjunct instructors who are qualified through the state will also be hired to help teach rotations. Class sizes will be kept relatively small, Lee says, with only 15-18 students. The smaller class size is a safety precaution, allowing instructors to focus on student safety.

“It’s a win-win for the city and Missouri Southern,” he says. “But it’s something that’s going to be very beneficial for the area, because the fire departments work closely together for mutual aid. Volunteer fire departments can also have people come in to get their training.

“They’ll come through our certification program and be eligible for testing at the national registry to become a certified EMT, then do Fire 1 and 2 and be employable and ready to go. The hope is to reduce fire departments’ orientation requirements so they don’t have to do as much in-house training and instead just focus on the job. Hopefully we can shorten that window for them.”

36

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

FREE SEALANT DAY OFFERED AT DENTAL CLINIC The Dental Hygiene Clinic offered free dental sealants for students from the Jasper School District at the start of the spring semester.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS A HOTSPOT FOR CLINICAL ROTATIONS The healthcare industry in Northwest Arkansas is seeing an increasing number of students from the radiologic technology and respiratory therapy programs at Missouri Southern.

Radiology students recently began clinical rotations at Mercy Hospital in Rogers.

“We’ll rotate our entire senior class through the facility,” says Alan Schiska, director of the program. “It’s a large hospital, and there’s a lot of opportunity to see things they wouldn’t see closer to home. It also exposes them to possible career opportunities down that way.”

The respiratory therapy program has had a contract with the Rogers hospital for a number of years. What’s new, however, are new opportunities for students to perform clinical rotations at Willow Creek Women’s Hospital in Johnson, Ark., and Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale.

“We’re very excited, because these places offer a unique experience for our respiratory therapy students,” says Janice Dunaway, director of clinical education. “Willow Creek is a women’s hospital, where we started (sending students) last fall. Arkansas Children’s is strictly a children’s hospital, and offers a pulmonary clinic, which will be unique for our students. We just signed a contract with them and will be starting (rotations) there next semester.”

Schiska says the opportunity for students to do clinical rotations outside of Joplin is good preparation for when they enter the workforce.

“On that day, we did 181 dental sealants,” says Darlene Bogenpohl, chair of the department. “That equated to $7,240 worth of free dental care.”

The event allowed dental hygiene students at Missouri Southern to gain valuable, hands-on experience and to promote oral health to the children. Bogenpohl says the department will partner with the Joplin Community Clinic for another sealant day for area residents on July 20.

Access to dentists and income issues in the area make partnerships for providing care an important function of the Missouri Southern clinic, says Boegenpohl, who joined the university as the department’s chair in October.

“It’s very well put together and has a very seasoned faculty,” she says of her experience so far with MSSU’s dental hygiene program.

“It helps them realize hospitals do things

different ways and puts them in a better stance to appreciate the different working environments they might see in the future,” he says.

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

SCHISKA

37

38

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

“I got a new perspective on things,” says Maya Strick, a junior who is double majoring in English and French.

“Humanity is really united and people are people wherever they are.”

During the Fall 2019 semester, Strick had the opportunity to study abroad at the Université de Montréal in Canada through the National Student Exchange program. While there, she documented her experiences in a weekly video blog, which was recorded in a conversational format and uploaded to the NSE’s YouTube channel.

Having returned to Missouri Southern for the spring semester, NSE requested that she continue vlogging in order to document her “re-entry” process.

It was kind of intimidating when I first got there. But they had a welcome breakfast that was really helpful and they gave it entirely in French. I didn’t know anyone there, but getting there early gave me time to figure things out and make friends. That really helped me to get more into the actual academics. They really encouraged you to put yourself out there. I took classes six days a week. At first, I thought it would be too intense, but I grew to love it. We talked to a lot of locals in public too, which helped with our fluency outside of class.

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

Their culture didn’t surprise me that much. They were very American, but they spoke French. Canadians really lived up to being nice people. They were all very accepting. The external acceptance I received gave me a lot of internal acceptance.

The most shocking difference to me was the localized language. I lived in the Francophone, or Frenchspeaking, side of town and they had a very unique way of speaking. They had a lot of different words for things.

Montreal was an especially good blend of city and country. The people took a lot of pride in their environment, which was cool. They took interest in the small things that we take for granted.

I’m the student representative for the new vloggers who are part of the exchange program this semester.

Now I focus more on repping MSSU, showing what we have to offer and talking about what it’s like coming home after studying abroad. They have a new program for social media ambassadors and traditional bloggers that I’m also helping with.

(Vlogging) has definitely helped me to not be as selfconscious. You have to put your ego aside and just be yourself. My goal is to help other people who are new to this process.

39

HARDWOOD HEROES JUNIORS CAM MARTIN, ZOE CAMPBELL TALK RECORD-BREAKING BASKETBALL SEASON CAM

MARTIN

Cam Martin’s junior season on the hardwood was memorable – in more ways than one.

Of course, the season as a whole was dampened by the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic made it end abruptly prior to the start of the NCAA Tournament. But before its untimely end, the 6’9” center moved his name up a number of Missouri Southern men’s basketball all-time lists.

Most notably, his new single-game scoring record of 54 points against Missouri Western on Feb. 22.

“I didn’t know how close I was until late in the game,” Martin said. “But I knew what the record was.”

And that’s because he tied the previous mark the season before – 49 points against Minnesota State, putting him atop the list with former Lion Carl Tyler, who scored 49 against, ironically, Missouri Western during the 1983-84 season.

Martin, who averaged 24.1 points and 9.2 rebounds during his junior campaign, is the only MSSU basketball player to ever score 700 or more points in a season twice (720 during the 2018-19 and 746 this season), and currently ranks 11th on the school’s all-time scoring list (1,466 points – 674 points shy of Greg Garton’s all-time mark of 2,140).

40

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

He has 594 career rebounds and will most likely finish third in program history (Elyjah Clark holds that spot with 735), and has 81 career blocks, just nine shy of tying Osiris Ricardo for fifth on the all-time list.

This season’s accolades were impressive, as well. He was named an AllAmerican by both the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the Conference Commissioner’s Association (CCA), first-team AllRegion by both the NABC and the CCA, first-team All-MIAA, was a member of the All-MIAA Tournament Team – and in early April, was named one of 14 finalists, nationwide, for the annual Bevo Francis Award, presented by Small College Basketball to the Player of the Year.

“It was a huge accomplishment individually,” he said. “But we really wanted a conference championship and a national championship. When we get that is when I’ll be satisfied.”

ZOE

CAMPBELL

Zoe Campbell’s junior season for the Missouri Southern women’s basketball team will be one to remember – and one for the record books.

The 6’3” center from Caloundra, Australia, set the single-game record for blocked shots (7 vs. Harding University on Nov. 11), shattered the single-season record for blocked shots (62) and broke the school’s alltime record for blocked shots (113). Caryn Schumaker (’87-’91) held the previous mark of 109 blocked shots.

“It feels good,” said Campbell. “I really feel like I’ve accomplished something, and I still have another year here.”

“To see her continue to develop and blossom like this has been really nice,” said Ronnie Ressel, MSSU women’s head coach. “She’s just such a great kid.”

And while Campbell will add to her career record during her senior season, she’s quick to shift the attention to one of her teammates – Madi Stokes, a 6’3” redshirt freshman center from Cassville, Mo, who’s coming off a season where she blocked 33 shots.

“Madi’s probably going to end up breaking it,” said Campbell. “That’s way more than the number I had my freshman year (Campbell had 11). But either way, I’ll be happy.”

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

41

GOLF PROGRAM CREATING NEW INDOOR PRACTICE FACILITY The men’s and women’s golf programs at Missouri Southern are receiving a major upgrade, in the form of an indoor training facility.

The former football locker room in Young Gymnasium is being transformed into a new practice space for the teams through the $90,000 project – funded entirely through donations.

TRACK AND FIELD QUALIFIES 21 FOR NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS The nationally ranked men’s and women’s track and field teams qualified 21 student athletes for the 2020 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Emily Presley, Elena Bisotto, Samantha Petry and Lauren Sutherland: Pole vault

The No. 3-ranked women qualified 12 students in seven events, while the No. 8 men’s team qualified nine in six events. It was the largest group of qualifiers ever for the Missouri Southern program.

Kirsten Leisinger: Weight throw

The event, which had been set for March 13-14 in Birmingham, Ala., was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

WO M E N Jasmine Deckard: 60-meter dash, 200-meter dash and 4x400-relay Elizabeth Adeoye, Chardae Overstreet and LaNea Wallace: 4x400 relay

Payton Roberts: Shot put

M EN Rajindra Campbell: Shot put Josh Fulmer and Travis Petersen: Weight throw Josh Norvile and Brendan Watkins: Long jump Adrain Broadus and Watkins: Triple jump

The renovated space will feature new walls, flooring, lighting and ceiling and sports two hitting areas with Foresight GC2 ball flight simulators. A fully furnished player lounge is also part of the package – giving team members all the tools they need for productive practice sessions when the weather forces them indoors.

Another significant feature of the facility will be a state-of-the-art ProPutt simulated putting and chipping surface.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s going to be the best on the market,” says head coach Mike Wheeler about the 750 square foot artificial green. Equipped with 11 different hole locations and laser-cut undulation, the surface will allow players to practice their short games on hyperrealistic terrains.

Brendan

Dean Howard: Pole vault Gidieon Kimutai: 5,000-meter run Ryan Riddle: 1-mile

Cornesia Calhoun-White and Kiara Smith: 60-meter hurdles 42

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

L E T U S K N O W W H AT ’ S G O I N G O N I N Y O U R L I F E !

E M A I L U S AT A L U M N I A S S O C @ M S S U . E D U

1960s

1990s

Barbara (Blackford) Bevins, ‘69, was inducted into the Golden City Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class.

Dennis Divine, ‘91, is a technical writer, applications engineering for EaglePicher Technologies LLC in Joplin.

1970s

Dr. Suzanne Hull, ‘91, is the clinical field director for the Teacher Education Department at Missouri Southern State University.

Mike Allen, ‘79, is a senior sales manager at Parker Hannifin in Overland Park, Kan.

1980s Melanie “Susie” (Buttram) Jones, ‘81, does inside sales for Kimray in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Gina (Rennell) Padgett, ‘83, is the communications coordinator for Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tenn. She is also an adjunct instructor for the university.

Mark Boyer, ‘84, a retired Catholic priest and university professor, recently published two books: “Shhh! The Sound of Sheer Silence: A Biblical Spirituality that Transforms” and “What is Born of the Spirit is Spirit: A Biblical Spirituality of Spirit.”

Dorothy (Carlin) Daniel, ‘86, is a senior territory manager for Malarkey Roofing Products in Portland, Ore. Mike Carter, ‘87, was promoted to director of accounting and finance for the Home Furniture Group at Leggett and Platt Inc. in Carthage, Mo.

Ann Landrum, ‘92, was recognized as the MOSHAPE Health Educator of the Year.

Robert Womack, ‘92, is a professor at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, N.C. He is also a writer and is currently pursuing his third graduate degree, a master of fine arts in writing from Lindenwood University in St. Louis.

DeAnna Schmidt, ‘93, is a sonographer at the Claremore Indian Hospital in Claremore, Okla.

Tim Baker, ‘94, is the county clerk for Franklin County, Mo. Derrick Good, ’97, was named the 2020 Spirit of Service Award recipient by the Missouri Southern Alumni Board of Directors.

Deanna (Gaddis) Quinly, ‘97, is the bookkeeper and payroll manager at Churchwell Hedman LLC in Joplin.

Maria “Masha” (Podoplyokina) Trainor, ‘97, is a partner in the Corporate, M&A and Securities group at Blank Rome LLP in Pittsburgh, Penn.

Mike Moore, ‘87, is the CEO of Anderson Merchandisers in Plano, Texas.

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

43

Elizabeth Rogers, ‘98, received the Frisco (TX) School District’s Heart of a Teacher Award.

Rick Rogers, ‘98, has been promoted to Vice President of TownNews.

Dr. Sandra (Fisk) Minta, ‘99, is a clinical psychologist for Samaritan Health Services in Oregon.

2000s

April Hill, ‘09, is a regional medical countermeasures advisor for the U.S. Public Health Service-Department of Health and Human Services ASPR in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Sara (Joles) Slagle, ‘09, was promoted to proposal coordinator for Kiewit Power in Lenexa, Kan. Valari (Eby) Richards, ‘09, is a housing specialist for the Wyandotte Nation in Wyandotte, Okla.

Wyketha Harrell, ‘04, was selected as one of 30 honorees nationwide for the Women Coaches NEXT UP program. She was recognized during the 2020 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Convention in New Orleans. Harrell is the assistant women’s basketball coach for the University of New Orleans.

2010s

Jeff Taylor, ‘06, is the CEO of Summerville Medical Center in Charleston, S.C.

Kelsey Stenger, ‘12, was recognized as the MOSHAPE Secondary Physical Educator of the Year.

Karen (Cleveland) Wilterding, ‘06, is the director of online communications for the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kan.

Shawna (Alkire) Weatherly, ‘12, is an internet sales specialist for The Larson Group – Peterbilt in Springfield, Mo.

Colin Bado, ‘08, was inducted in the McKinney (TX) ISD Athletics Hall of Fame.

Michelle (Pitzer) Atnip, ‘13, volunteers as the founder and director of Free Forest School of DallasFort Worth – a non-profit that focuses on getting children ages 0-8 into nature, primarily in urban areas.

Nathan Bowen, ‘08, is state director of property and casualty insurance agents for Missouri at Premier Choice Agency in Springfield, Mo. He is also a candidate for Missouri State Representative for the 157th District.

Teresa (Welters) Waggoner, ‘10, ‘11, works in recruiting for Gusto in San Francisco, Calif.

Cindy Frailey, ‘11, is the food service director for Aramark K12 in East Prairie, Mo.

Katie Fields, ‘13, ‘19, is now a business consultant and instructor of entrepreneurship for the Small Business Development Center at Missouri Southern.

Jenifer Vieselmeyer, ‘08, is a teacher education coordinator/professor at Missouri Southern.

44

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

Lauren (Coates) McDonald, ‘13, is an English learner coordinator at Three Rivers Community Schools in Three Rivers, Mich.

Courtney Pearson, ‘14, completed her master of arts in Teaching at Southern Arkansas University and is now teaching English at Viola High School in Viola, Ark. Brandon Stokes, ‘15, won a Boston/New England Chapter Emmy for his work as a senior producer for WHDH-TV in Boston, Mass.

Marisa Hughes, ‘16, is a nurse for Citizens Memorial Healthcare in Bolivar, Mo. Ashleigh (Long) Coffelt, ‘17, is a Marvel Cave guide at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo.

Hannah Gorham, ‘18, is a human resource analyst for H.E. Williams in Carthage, Mo. Josh Curran, ‘19, is a student advisor/retention specialist for the College of Business at Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. Jessica Elliott, ‘19, is an elementary art teacher for the Lee’s Summit School District in Lee’s Summit, Mo. Amanda Horrell, ‘19, is a registered nurse at MU Health Care in Columbia, Mo. Timothy Sturgis, ‘19, is the associate director of global safety and environment and the corporate biosafety officer at Merck in Kenilworth, N.J.

CJ Carr, ‘18, made the Iowa Wolves basketball team.

The Wolves are part of the NBA G League and based in Des Moines, Iowa.

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

45

Nathan, ’11, and Sohaila Hicks, ’13, welcomed

Isaac and Nicki Hermann, ‘08, welcomed

Callie

Hendrick

Elizabeth-Grace on Sept. 21, 2019

46

“Henry” Mack on Nov. 22, 2019

Jeffrey “Evan,” ‘13, and Whitney (Triplett) Baker, ‘14, welcomed P iperMae

on Feb. 25, 2020

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

Dates as of March 25, 2020

ALUMNI Joan Boyd, ’55 | Oct. 16, 2019

Gene Hays | Feb. 18, 2020

Jeanie Morris, ‘96 | May 25, 2019

Mark Brumley, ’97 | Oct. 22, 2019

Martha (Weilenman) Head, ’75 | Oct. 24, 2019

Anne Nicolas, ‘84 | Dec. 30, 2019

Michael Buster, ’77 | March 6, 2020

Brenda (Farney) Hicks, ’88 | Dec. 17, 2019

Cherie Paige, ’80 | Feb. 9, 2020

Ruth Carter, ’69 | Nov. 13, 2019

Judy Hill, ‘65 | Jan. 5, 2020

Christine (Claxton) Reed, ’70 | Oct. 23, 2019

Sharon “Vehrlene” Crosswhite, ’89

Jon Hall, ’14 | Feb. 12, 2020

Lyndon Rice, ‘01 | Dec. 6, 2019

Ransom Jameson III, ’04 | Dec. 28, 2019

Peggy Robinson, ’80 | Dec. 17, 2019

Rick Keller, ’73 | Oct. 12, 2019

Penny (Patterson) Rogers, ’72

| Oct. 6, 2019 Ken Dean, ’04 | Dec. 1, 2019 Allen Elkins, ’06 | Feb. 8, 2020 Janice Fletcher, ’89 | Feb. 21, 2020 Landra Haley-Gillbow, ‘09 | Oct. 8, 2019 Michael Gondro, ’88 | Jan. 1, 2020 Charles Goodwin, ’78 | Jan. 20, 2020 Thomas Gordon, ‘83 | Nov. 24, 2019 Nancy (Nearing) Gregory, ’55 | Dec. 17, 2019 Margie (Haughawout) Wynne, ’57

Wanda (Elliott) Kilgore, ’82 | Feb. 9, 2020 Dr. Gregory Koehler, ’84 | Oct. 15, 2019 Billie (Parrent) Lammers, ‘44 | Feb. 14, 2020 Walter Lauck, ’69 | Jan. 16, 2020 Matt Lock, ’98 | Nov. 5, 2019 Steven Mayden, ’83 | Jan. 7, 2020 Linda (Tamminen) Mayfield, ’00 | Jan. 27, 2020

| Nov. 15, 2019 Pat Sawasky, ’89 | Oct. 28, 2019 Catherine Shofler, ’96 | Dec. 16, 2019 Bobby Snodgrass, ’71 | March 8, 2020 Michael Storm, ’69 | Feb. 24, 2020 Outstanding Alum Recipient Janice Wampler, ‘72 | Feb. 3, 2020 Glenna Watkins, ’74 | Jan. 3, 2020

Victoria Mays, ’72 | March 11, 2020

| Aug. 18, 2019

FRIENDS Bruce Benson | Feb. 9, 2020

Kay Richardson | Nov. 15, 2019

Charles Skinner | Nov. 6, 2019

Frank Dunaway III | Aug. 28, 2019

Wilma Roper | Dec. 2, 2019

Anna Smith | Oct. 30, 2019

C.R. Schweiger | Oct. 23, 2019

Joan (Howerton) Yeagley | Feb. 13, 2020

Past member, Board of Governors Donna Lawson | Feb. 4, 2020

Darlene Sheridan | Feb. 29, 2020

Zane Livengood | March 7, 2020

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

47

48

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

49

picture this

Travel and lifestyle photos submitted by our Lion students and alumni To submit a photo for consideration, please email Social@mssu.edu

1 ST - MALLORIE KELTZ, CURRENT STUDENT

“Good Morning Sunshine” I took this picture during MSSU’s fall break when I went back home to visit my farm in Kansas.

2ND - LIZ CHANDLER CURRENT STUDENT

50

3RD - GRACE SITTON CURRENT STUDENT

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

|

SPRING 2020

Lions care for their own. It’s true in nature and it’s true on the campus of Missouri Southern State University.

Dr. Alan Marble, who graduated from Missouri Southern in 1979 and will retire as university president this summer, has supported a number of worthy causes over the years.

A member of the Lionbackers, he has contributed financially to various scholarship and memorial funds, supported the musical and theatrical programs and the university’s international mission.

Because of the challenges faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s one need that is of vital importance at this time – our students – which is why Missouri Southern has launched the Lions Helping Lions campaign.

“Many of our students work while going to school,” Marble says. “Undoubtedly, many of those students have lost jobs or had hours decreased during this crisis. In continuing their education, or in some cases resuming their education, they will need external help now more than ever.

“If donors wish to help students meet immediate, unforeseen needs, please consider giving to our Student Assistance Fund.

Once donations accumulate, we will be able to help those who run into financial obstacles stay on track toward graduation.”

If you are in a position to help, please consider making a gift to the Student Assistance Fund. To make a one-time or recurring gift, visit www.mssu.edu/give-now, or send cash or check to the Missouri Southern Foundation, 3950 E. Newman Road, Joplin, Mo., 64801. Make checks payable to the foundation and note that it is for the Student Assistance Fund in the memo line.

M I S S O U R I S O U T H E R N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

51

3950 East Newman Road Joplin, Missouri 64801

If you are a parent of an alum and they no longer live with you, please call 417-659-LION or visit www.mssu.edu/alumnicontact to update their contact information!