Mule
Muleskinner University of Central Missouri Publication Since 1878
Mule
@MuleskinnerUCM
NEWS FEATURES OPINIONS SPORTS
Mule
muleskinner_ucm
@Muleskinner_UCM
Check out our website! Muleskinnernews.com
p. 2 p. 4 p. 6 p. 7
• Vol. 114 • Issue 7 • April 23, 2021
Retrenchment Decisions Expected by End of Semester
decisions. Mercado stressed that nothing is
MATTHEW GOLDSMITH
official at this point.
News Editor
“President Best will be the one who
University of Central Missouri President
makes the final decision,” Mercado said.
Roger Best is currently in the process of
“We’re just making recommendations at
identifying the positions to be eliminated
each level.”
because of the ongoing retrenchment
Mercado said the university is focused on
process. On March 29, Best announced 41
students during this process.
positions would be eliminated via email
“We are going to make sure that the
sent to faculty, and they were notified on
students are not affected by all these
April 15 that Provost and Vice President for
decisions and our goal is to make sure
Academic Affairs Phillip Bridgmon sent his
that we have adequate staffing for all the
next round of recommendations to Best.
academic programs,” Mercado said.
Bridgmon estimated that around half
Michael Sawyer, College of Arts,
of his recommended positions to be cut
came from vacant positions and planned retirements.
Notifications have been sent to
faculty members that state whether or not their position has been identified for retrenchment at this point. He
acknowledged the uncertainty brought to the UCM community by retrenchment.
“These processes create apprehension
and anxiety and concern, so I certainly recognize that. I share those feelings,” Bridgmon said.
Bridgmon said his review process
involved discussing the potential of
reassigning tenured faculty to different
subject areas with the four college deans.
Humanities, and Social Sciences dean, UCM President Roger Best is in the process of making his final retrenchment decisions after Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Phillip Bridgmon provided his recommendations. Best said he expects to make his decisions on which positions will be retrenched by the end of the school year. Illustration by Adam Sullens
Alice Greife, College of Health, Science,
and Technology dean, said her college’s
school chairs were tasked with providing their recommendations for which
way, Greife admitted that the process is
challenging on a personal level, especially with the type of community UCM is.
“So much of us know each other,” Greife
positions would be a part of the 14 slated
said. “Particularly, the program faculty
She then independently reviewed the
with each other, so it’s a very difficult
for retrenchment in their programs.
recommendations and submitted her own recommendation.
While saying that retrenchment isn’t
a personal process that focuses on an
individual’s credentials in a fair and open
know each other very well. We socialize personal process.”
Jose Mercado, Harmon College of
Business and Professional Studies dean,
had three positions in his college identified for retrenchment in Best’s March 29
noted if a tenured or tenure-track faculty member is identified for retrenchment
by Best, their contract becomes terminal,
meaning they will be able to stay at UCM next school year, but will be required to
leave before the following academic year. Sawyer said retrenchment is a process
based on university policy and isn’t an
indictment of affected faculty members performance.
“There’s no judgment on anybody’s
value.” Sawyer said. “These are
tremendous losses of very, very talented faculty.”
Best said retrenchment has been difficult.
JUMP TO PAGE 3
Shedding Light on Sexual Assault Awareness MATT GOLDSMITH & SKYE MELCHER News Editor & Features Editor
to broaden their worldview and
Warning: This story mentions sexual
understanding of who is affected by sexual
assault, which could be triggering to
assault. Latare said one of the biggest
some readers.
misconceptions surrounding sexual assault
According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest
is that it only happens to straight, white
National Network, 13% of all college
cisgendered women.
students experience sexual assault. As
“It happens to people of all genders, all
April is Sexual Assault Awareness month,
gender identities, all ages, all abilities,”
Missouri talk prevention, reporting and
data to show that it does happen more
officials from the University of Central
Latere said. “There is some pretty strong
misconceptions.
frequently to people who identify as
If a student at UCM experiences sexual
women, however, it is harmful to promote
assault they have the option of reporting
that message alone.”
the incident to Title IX, Public Safety, the
Latare said she doesn’t think that sexual
local police, or faculty or staff, who are
mandatory reporters, or the student could talk about the incident to designated
confidential areas, such as the University
Health Center or Counseling Services and
not have it reported. Students decide who they talk to about the incident, but each group responds differently.
Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that
prohibits sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence and
assault is a widespread problem at UCM, This graphic depicts the number of reported sexual assault cases at the University of Central Missouri from 2010-2020. According to UCM Public Safety, five of the rapes reported in 2014 occurred in 2012 and one in 2013. Three rapes reported in 2016 occurred in 2015, and eight fondling reports were made by a single victim and occurred separately over two months.
said. “At very minimum, we make sure
Suzy Latare, manager of Outreach, Access
every student is connected with resources.”
and Community Health, oversees work
important because of the role it plays in
campus. She commended the Title IX office
Jennings said she feels Title IX is
helping keep students safe.
Rick Dixon, Title IX investigator
related to sexual assault prevention on and its staff.
“Our Title IX office is consistently head
other forms of sexual misconduct. Heather
and deputy Title IX coordinator, said
and shoulders above other comparable
deputy Title IX coordinator at UCM, and
responsibilities is strict when responding to
related to the kind of positive feedback
Jennings is a Title IX investigator and
she focuses on responding to reported incidents.
“We walk with students through whatever
their experience is and then provide
options on the investigative side,” Jennings
the distinction between roles and a sexual assault report.
“We can’t provide support services and
then turn around and be the investigator too, so we have to refer things out to the appropriate people,” Dixon said.
universities, and even larger universities, that students give about the process, about how in compliance the office is with what
is required at the federal level, and frankly just how fair the process is,” Latare said.
Latare said it’s important for individuals
but is a problem in our society as a whole. Daniel Othic, assistant director of Police
Operations at UCM, said that Public Safety works with Campus Community Health
on some of their sexual assault prevention
programs. Othic said Public Safety does as much as they can with prevention and in response to an incident.
“That initial part is about that survivor,
making sure they’re getting what they’re
needed,” Orthic said. “The criminal aspect at that time isn’t as important as making sure they’re getting the mental and
physical assistance they need so then what
we’ll do is we’ll recontact or follow up with that victim a day or two later.”
Othic, a 22 year veteran of Public Safety,
said he believes UCM has a safe campus. JUMP TO PAGE 3
News
2 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 7 • April 23, 2021
975 Students Vaccinated
MICHAEL LEWIS
TRIO to Use CARES Act Funding MATTHEW GOLDSMITH News Editor Emergency Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Reporter
Economic Security (CARES) Act funding
will be used to support the TRIO-Student
Support Services program at the University of Central Missouri. The program, initiated in 1978, assists first-generation college students, students from a low-income
background and students with disabilities.
Provost and Vice President for Academic
Affairs Phillip Bridgmon said TRIO, a
federal grant-funded program, had an
support it provides its targeted groups.
the program was part of a competitive
an opportunity to be served by the many
is required for funding. Bridgmon said the
the degrees that they sought, and no one
unsuccessful renewal application because pool of applicants and scored below what program’s significance is why the CARES Act funding is being used.
Bridgmon said he expects the program to
Sophomore environmental safety major Ean Kenyon receives his first vaccine at the clinic held on April 12. “I feel really good, both my parents have gotten it already,” Kenyon said. “I know a lot of non-students have gotten it, so it’s really nice to see that they’re finally taking care of the college kids.” Photo by Skye Melcher
The University of Central Missouri
vaccination. After the shot, students sat
up with Johnson County Community
monitor for allergic reactions, and once
Campus Community Health Office teamed Health Services and nursing students to distribute Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to
for 15 minutes so medical staff could approved, they were free to leave.
Sophomore German major Alexis Davis
UCM students from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
was one of many students excited to
Building.
debated getting the vaccine at first, but
on April 12 in the UCM Multipurpose The event was UCM’s first student-
driven vaccine clinic, and multiple nursing
receive their shot during the clinic. Davis the clinic changed her mind.
“I was very on the fence,” Davis said.
students and staff helped at the event.
“I wasn’t fully on board with getting the
and JCCHS have partnered to distribute
I thought that I should take this chance to
In the past, Campus Community Health vaccines to faculty and community
members, but this is the first clinic aimed at UCM students and their dependents.
Kerris Lewis, the community outreach
coordinator for JCCH, said there was a
good turnout for the event, and they were at full capacity.
“The University Health Center reached
out to JCCHS to inquire about a student-
driven COVID vaccine clinic,” Lewis said. “We were more than excited for that
opportunity to partner with the University Health Center.”
Those vaccinated were student and their
dependents, and those involved labeled
vaccine, but with the clinic getting offered, get it now.”
Davis said she didn’t experience any
major side-effects from the vaccine.
“My arm is sore in the injection area if I
press it, but besides that I’m fine,” Davis said. “On day one of the vaccines, I was
very tired and took a pretty hefty nap. The following day, I felt relatively normal; my arm was super sore though. It was more of an annoyance than anything.”
Some students say they are not ready for
the vaccine. Holly Hagood, a freshman
radiology major, said she was worried the vaccine was distributed too early.
“My opinion of the vaccine is that it
the clinic a success.
was a rushed process,” Hagood said.
Lewis said. “The goal today was all 1170
and consequences to consider using
“We did not have any extra spots,”
vaccines in the arms of individuals coming in.”
Campus Community Health Director
Amy Kiger helped organize the event
and showed her support for the nursing
“I think it has too many side-effects nationally.”
Hagood said the process needs more
time before she would want to get vaccinated.
“Let the vaccine develop with the
students who volunteered.
amount of time it really needs, then give
vaccinations all day long and eight other
said. “Young adults like us don’t need it.
“Four students were drawing out
nursing students were giving the vaccine,” Kiger said. “The presence of the nursing
students was strong. We would not have
it to those who actually need it,” Hagood Just give the vaccine to the people who are truly worried about getting sick.”
Students are receiving vaccinations after
had the manpower without them, and we
a majority of other individuals, according
students.”
must wait to return to normal operations
are very appreciative of our UCM nursing Students registered through an online
registration link. When they arrived, they
filled out forms related to health concerns
and their medical history. Then, they were sent to a seat, where they were given the
to the tier roll out plan. The university until a certain capacity of the campus population gets vaccinated.
The next clinic at UCM for students to
receive their second dose is scheduled for May 3 in the Multipurpose Building.
Junior speech language pathology major and TRIO student Tiffani Perez works at one of the TRIO labs in the Humphreys Building. Photo by Matthew Goldsmith
continue for the remainder of this school year and the next because it provides
“There are so many students who had
different personnel who worked here to get can take that away,” Beggs said.
Junior speech language pathology major
and TRIO student Tiffani Perez said she has benefited from her experience with TRIO. “I think it’s probably one of the best
support for students to be successful.
experiences I can get out of college,” Perez
need to continue,” Bridgmon said. “I look
helpful resources here.”
“It’s a vitally important program that we
forward to that continuing.”
Chris Beggs, executive director of
Academic Support Services, oversees
TRIO. Beggs said he thinks the program is important because of the additional
said. “I just think there’s so many good,
Perez said being part of TRIO has helped
introduce her to people on campus.
“I think making those connections with
people has been one of my favorite things about TRIO,” Perez said.
Blended Tuition Approved for Fall
ZAYIN BARNES Reporter
On March 26, the University of Central
Missouri’s Board of Governors approved implementing a blended tuition rate,
which will make online and in-person
Board of Governors, where they approved the change.
Junior marketing major and SGA
member Zachary Racy was a part of the team that gathered the information.
“In the past couple of months, we have
tuition rates more equitable.
seen several other institutions across the
per credit hour for face to face, on-campus
tuition rate,” Racy said. “Obviously,
Currently, students are paying $237.60
and flexible classes. Online and hybrid
classes are more expensive, standing at $292.05 per credit hour. The blended
tuition rate will make all classes $258.25
per credit hour starting next fall of 2021.
UCM’s Student Government Association
was tasked with gathering information
on what students think about a blended
tuition rate rather than classes varying in cost, and ultimately, students supported
state of Missouri speak about a blended we wanted to gather student input on
this, which is exactly what the Student Government Association did.”
Varying in cost, the current tuition rate
does not give some students the ability to learn to the best of their ability.
The movement by the board still needs
approval from the Missouri Commissioner of Higher Education.
“This is something that keeps us
a blended tuition rate, which led the SGA
innovative and keeps us on track to stay
Roger Best. Best took this data to the
state of Missouri,” Racy said.
to present their data to UCM President
competitive with our counterparts in the
News
Muleskinner 3 • Vol. 114 • Issue 7 • April 23, 2021
Homeless Project Raises Awareness ABRAM TABOR Reporter
The University of Central Missouri
Center for Multiculturalism and
Inclusivity hosted an overnight sleepout in front of the Elliott Student Union on April 2 as part of the
#UCMHomelessProject, a week dedicated to spreading awareness of the local homeless population.
UCM students Dominique Hampton
and Amanda Dalton coordinated multiple
events throughout the week, including the sleep-out, a bake sale and a documentary watch party. The events raised $579.10 in monetary donations, and students
made 300 care kits. Dalton said she was
inspired to do a homeless awareness week while volunteering at the Refuge on Ming homeless shelter in Warrensburg.
“I feel like it’s an eye-opener,” Dalton
said. “You don’t realize how much you
have until you see somebody who doesn’t have as much as you.”
The week’s events focused on growing
awareness and understanding for the local
homeless community. The biggest event of the week was the overnight sleep out. “It shows that we care, like we want
unless something unusual happens — the
homeless, and wanted to give back to
positions which are being eliminated,” Best
the community.
said.
“It’s not a good feeling,” Armstrong
on the streets. Going through that
experience made me have a different
Multiple students came together to help the Warrensburg homeless population. “Our slogan for this week is ‘homeless not hopeless. Unheard but not unseen,’” Amanda Dalton said. Submitted photo
outlook on life. Definitely having a
“So, it’s really important, I think, to raise
but think about others and put myself in
know that those people are also, not just
mentality to not only think about myself that perspective.”
Students from a variety of years and
awareness for that and just letting people Americans, but people in general.”
“I think it’s pretty apparent to anybody
majors attended the overnight sleep out.
that goes to this campus that there is
around Warrensburg,” junior political
awareness,” junior marketing major Briley
“For me, I see a lot of homeless people
science major Payton McQueen said. “It’s good to do something like this to raise
awareness and get them the help that they need.”
Students chose to raise awareness for
people who are homeless because they said the group is often ignored.
“Being houseless is definitely a
marginalized group of people that I feel
and we’re only doing this for a day, we
the fact that they don’t have a house,”
understand.”
the semester from my perspective —
Armstrong has a background being
to put ourselves in your shoes.” Dalton
said, “Although you do this on the daily
“We certainly will know by the end of
major Christopher Armstrong.
experience that it’s like living out
how UCM has responded. As the next step university faculty are closer to answers.
the project was freshman finance
shelter, so I didn’t have the real-real
PAGE 1: However, he said he appreciates
of the retrenchment process is completed,
Another student who helped with
said. “Luckily for me, I was in a
RETRENCHMENT CONTINUED FROM
like are often forgotten, just because of senior theatre major Ally Fields said.
According to the statue’s plaque, Dale Carnegie was an author, educator and entreprenuer who developed courses in selfimprovement, salemanship, corporate training, public speaking and interpersonal skills. He attended what is now UCM from 1906-1909, and he was a member of the Speech and Debate team. The plaque also reads, “Take a chance! All life is a chance. The one who goes farthest is usually the one willing to do and dare.” Photo by Lauryn Morrow
Best noted if tenured faculty members are
identified for retrenchment and don’t have other positions on campus, they are able
to appeal the decision, which could extend the retrenchment process past the end of the semester.
Robert Lee, College of Education dean,
said he was unavailable for an interview. SEXUAL ASSUALT AWARENESS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1:
“I have two daughters that go to school
a problem, and it’s important to bring
here, and if I didn’t think it was safe I
Wade said. “It’s a shared effort with the
to college here; my wife went to college
community and with the students on
campus, and we’re always happy to help out the community.”
Dalton said the ways to help are small,
and it starts with awareness.
“Just be mindful of everybody, everything
is not always peaches and cream,” Dalton said. “You never know what someone
wouldn’t have sent them here. I went here. If you were to sit back and look
at what our crime statistics are to other
campuses they’re going to be very similar, if you’re going to look at them to other
communities, you’re going to see we’re like any other campus. We have crime here; it’s not a complete safe zone,” Othic said.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of
is going through, you never know if
sexual violence, contact 911, Public Safety at
them and their family together.”
441-4855.
someone’s last paycheck is what’s keeping
660-543-4123 or the Title IX office at 660-
Faculty
are you ready for your voice to be heard?
Join UCM NEA!
Scan the QR code to try membership for free for 5 months or visit https://join.nea.org/MISSOURI/
Questions? Contact us at ucmnea@gmail.com for more info or to attend our monthly Zoom meetings, 4-5 pm on the third Thursday of the month.
Features
4 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 7 • April 23, 2021
A Year Ago Today: Freshmen Reflect on Changes EMILY DICKMEIER Reporter & Photographer
Competitions, special events and
ceremonies were postponed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which started
memories, but those seniors who are now
because of the pandemic. Smith didn’t
are making new memories. They all
have interesting answers to the question: “Where were you a year ago today?”
Entrepreneurship and management
double major Madison Baxter is a freshman team member on the Jennies bowling
team. Baxter had a passion for bowling and art since the age of three.
During high school, she was involved
with Girl Scouts, which pushed back cookie season, and Distributive Education Clubs of America, which canceled her trip to
signing day for the Jennies was canceled
think too much about news concerning the
coronavirus, but she soon realized just how much it would be taking away from her.
“I have two older brothers, so watching
them go through senior nights, signing
days, proms, graduations, I was like, ‘That’s gonna be me one day,’ Smith said. “It did not happen.”
Freshman Catherine Strathman, music
performance and Spanish double major, is
a member of the UCM wind ensemble and the music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota. Leading up to her graduation in July,
Nashville for nationals.
her time was filled with online interviews
Baxter, as she was able to rest a long-term
spring photos in her senior yearbook. She
The coronavirus wasn’t all negative for
knee injury during quarantine.
Baxter spends her free time painting
and enjoys her experience on the Jennies bowling team. She has enjoyed her first semesters at UCM.
“I want to finish the rest of the year with
the grades that I have,” Baxter said. “I
want to keep my A’s to definitely qualify for
Submitted photos
In high school, Smith was involved in
bowling, choir and the A+ program. Her
University of Central Missouri freshmen
Smith and Catherine Strathman in high school.
been bowling since middle school.
in March 2020. Many high school seniors lost their opportunity to make lasting
From top to bottom, Madison Baxter, Julie
is also on the bowling team, and she has
the Dean’s list, and then to also qualify for the academic portion for bowling.”
Freshman education major Julie Smith
and trying to make up for the absence of
was also impacted by the passing of a close friend and another friend’s mother.
“I’m trying to focus more on my mental
health this year,” Strathman said. “In high school, I pushed my emotions aside and
focused on whatever I was doing, and that really caused some issues for me.”
She is looking forward to expressing her
extroverted personality and enjoying the
simple act of seeing strangers smile again as the world opens back up.
From top to bottom, Madison Baxter, Julie Smith and Catherine Strathman in 2021. Photos by Emily Dickmeier
Features
Muleskinner 5 • Vol. 114 • Issue 7 • April 23, 2021
Prism Celebrates Queer Identities with Gaypril
MADISON PRESTON
Lavender Graduation is another event
that lets students celebrate as themselves.
Reporter
Reece said Lavender Graduation is very
Gaypril, held during the week of April 12-
important to them as a senior.
16, gives queer students the opportunity
“I am unable to graduate using my chosen
to celebrate their identities on campus.
Gaypril consists of events like Lavender
name for multiple reasons,” Reece said.
it is hosted by Prism, UCM’s LGBTQ+
is a really painful thing for me to think
“My dead name is on my diploma. This
Graduation and various workshops, and
about. Having a chance to celebrate my
organization. This year, many events that
accomplishment with my family that I’ve
are typically held in-person had to be
built here on campus, using my name, is so
shifted to be held on Zoom.
rewarding.”
Prism Adviser Rachel Clements said the
Some families are unaware of a
organization creates a safe space for people
graduate’s identity, so traditional
to share and learn about the LGBTQ+
graduation can be more stressful than
community and its allies.
“As a minority population, LGBTQIA+
students face challenges that other
Prism members encouraged students to wear pride colors and come by their table in the student
“We provide a safe space for students
the LGBTQIA+ community by providing
various identities within the LGBTQIA+
community, show their support as allies
students do not face,” Clements said.
union for stickers, candy and pronoun buttons. Photo submitted by Michael Reece
to be their authentic selves, learn about
the opportunity to ask questions about the
community and express those identities
with which they identify. We also provide inclusive events for people who are not
LGBTQIA+ to be allies and share and learn about the community.”
Clements said Gaypril is beneficial for the
and learn about the myriad identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.”
Gaypril allows students to feel proud of
who they are and educate others about the community.
One of the most popular events during
them an opportunity to celebrate as themselves.
Prism President and senior computer
science student Michael Reece has been a part of Prism for four years. Reece
said they, unfortunately, could not host the Second Chance Dance because of COVID-19 precautions.
Reece said this event is a highlight of
entire campus.
Gaypril is the Second Chance Dance, which
Gaypril and allows couples to be accepted.
is beneficial to UCM, as it allows our
Student Union open to students and the
first semester at UCM four years ago,”
“I strongly believe this week-long event
LGBTQIA+ students to share their own stories and celebrate their pride, where
otherwise they may not be able to do so,” Clements said. “It benefits those outside
is a prom-like dance held in the Elliott Warrensburg community.
Rules against same-sex couples prevent
many LGBTQ+ students from enjoying
prom, so the Second Chance Dance allows
“I’ve been a part of Prism since my very
rewarding. Lavender Graduation is intended to combat that stress.
“Many LGBTQIA+ students are not out
to their families, so when it’s time for
commencement, they have to go back in the closet and hide who they are,”
Clements said. “Lavender Graduation
gives them the chance to celebrate their
accomplishments as their authentic selves
with people who support and accept those identities.”
Abbi Gierer, senior special education
student and former Prism president, was this year’s speaker at the graduation.
“I loved Lavender Graduation this year,
Reece sais. “For the first two years, the
I think it is a great way for us to honor
Dance. Their smiles really make all the
recognized in a safe space and celebrate all
highlight was always Second Chance hard work to put it on worth it.”
our graduates in a way that they can be of their identities as well,” Gierer said.
Campus Resurrected
ANNA FURNEY Reporter
On April 1, the McClure Archives and
University Museum partnered to lead a Historic Tour of Ghost Buildings of the Great Fire on campus. This tour
served as part of University of Central
Missouri’s 150th anniversary celebration, and highlighted the history and growth throughout the university’s existence. The event was open to the public and
encouraged the community to learn
the history of UCM’s campus from its
founding in 1871 to the present day and focused on the vast changes that have occurred.
The walking tour began at the James
C. Kirkpatrick Library and ended in the
Quadrangle, in front of the Administration Building. While the crowd was led around campus, facts were given about each building.
Many non-academic buildings were
built in the mid-1900s. The University
Health Center was built in the 1950s and was originally meant to help World War II veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. The Elliott Student Union
was constructed in 1962, and it became overcrowded as a student activities
center. Its namesake is after former UCM President Ed Elliott for his responsibility in its amenities and multiple additions. The first dormitories on campus were
Yeater, which was the women’s dorm, and Deemer for the men. These are located on opposite sides of campus in order to keep
Many Warrensburg community members, UCM alumni and current students and faculty attended the campus ghost tour event. The event was part of the university’s sesquicentennial celebration. Previous campus buildings were outlined using solar lights and caution tape. Photo by Lauryn Morrow
men and women separate. Both buildings are now out of service due to structural hazards including asbestos.
One of the main focuses of the tour
was to acknowledge how the fire of 1915 affected the campus. Caution tape and
solar-powered garden lights were used to show areas of campus where some of the original buildings once stood, including
Old Main. Old Main was the university’s first building, which completed
construction in 1882. Everything on
campus took place in this building, and
the top floor was the library. In the 1915 fire, Old Main was completely burned to the ground. Two other buildings, Humphreys and Dockery, were also
damaged, but they were restored and are still used on campus.
Opinions
6 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 7 • April 23, 2021
Goodbye Graduates Cancel Culture is Harmful Skye Melcher has worked for the
Muleskinner since 2019. She started as a
Reporter
editor and distribution coordinator. She a
nation, and its results are striking.
her direct reports and bringing together
cancel culture as “a modern internet
reporter, but this year she was the features
Cancel culture is sweeping the
strong presence in the newsroom, coaching
The Urban Dictionary defines
the Muleskinner team on distribution days.
phenomenon where a person is
Market to occasionally punching Nick,
questionable actions … caused by a
together. This semester she’s grown
to judge and slow to question.”
significantly, a leader, who’s always willing
publicly ostracized for saying or doing
From sharing grazing boxes from Meyer’s
Skye helps bring the Muleskinner team as a writer, photographer, and most to help others.
Sydney Baynham has been the
Muleskinner promotions manager for a
year. She continuously updates the social media accounts, increases followers and
strategically shares Muleskinner content. She has helped increase our average
analytic from zero readers to over 5,000
readers a month just on the website alone. She greatly contributed to our application
for the SNO Audience Engagement badge,
and coordinated getting our staff trained to use Hootsuite. Sydney is a beautiful person inside and out and always contributes a great personality to the team.
Nick Distefano joined the Muleskinner
team in fall 2020 as part of the distribution team, and he’s been involved as a video
producer. He has been an integral addition to the team. His laugh is contagious,
and his attitude changes the newsroom
environment. He is the best distribution
child that a newsroom can have (according to Skye). Alongside being part of a team,
Nick also learned about leading a team this semester as he worked to create the We
Are UCM video projects. He has improved
his reporting and storytelling skills. and he always manages to make everyone laugh.
This semester was Adam Sullens’s first
with the Muleskinner, but during his
involvement, he managed to add creativity to the newspaper with his illustrations. He
created our comics and added drawings to
multiple stories from wrestling and ending menstruation stigma to cancel culture and retrenchment. Another amazing
contribution from Adam was his creation
of a new logo. He was always impressively fast sending in content for both print
and online articles. We’re all excited to see what he continues to create after
graduation, and we will all miss seeing his artwork in the newspaper.
ANNA FURNEY
Comic by Adam Sullens
ejected from influence or fame by
critical mass of people who are quick In other words, people are being
something that is deemed politically incorrect.
People’s futures are being determined
by younger generations based on past
mistakes, which sometimes have taken place several years ago and no longer reflect the person’s current behavior.
While it is never okay to be racist or
discriminatory, it is also not okay to destroy someone’s life because they did something wrong. Of course, if the person committed an actual crime, this would be a different story, but people who have simply posted
Illustration by Adam Sullens
strikes. Once something is deemed out of date, it is viciously attacked. While these
persons who decide what to cancel believe they are helping society, the results are hurting people.
This is unacceptable. Freedom of
or liked an offensive joke or starred in a
speech and expression is one of the First
are losing their livelihoods.
and cancel culture is stripping citizens of
movie that is now interpreted differently Sometimes the meaning of words,
phrases or ideologies change over time. For example, from a historian’s perspective,
the words “conversative” and “liberal” did not mean what they mean today. About
Amendment rights promised to Americans, those rights. People are also ignoring the fact that humans make mistakes. Cancel culture is taking away this element of
humanity — of learning from mistakes.
Instead of attacking others, people should
100 years ago, “conversative” ideologies
use this time as an opportunity to educate,
and “liberal” to the Republican Party.
offensive, politely inform them that their
were attributed to the Democrat Party,
Nowadays, almost anyone knows that is
the opposite in current American politics.
This is an important concept to understand when discussing cancel culture, because
when the meaning of something changes over time, it might not hold the same
significance today as when it was created. Consequently, this is how cancel culture
not punish. If someone says something
words are hurtful or not appropriate. If people discover someone’s racist past,
they should acknowledge that people can
change. People are no longer promoting a
loving environment that helps others when
they screw up. If people only ever condemn and ostracize others for making mistakes, they can never properly grow and learn.
Sports
Muleskinner 7 • Vol. 114 • Issue 7 • April 23, 2021
Athletic Department’s “Shooby” Battles Cancer MEAH COPELAND Sports Editor Assistant Athletic Director for
Development, Michelle Schubert, is
battling breast cancer. Throughout her
journey, she has had a big support group, including her husband, children, the
Shooby Strong nation, cancer survivors, friends, coaches and co-workers.
She has also received support from the university community as the athletic
department has organized fundraisers.
Schubert got her first mammogram on
Nov. 3, and then had a biopsy. She was
diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov. 20, 2020, and she started her chemotherapy treatment at the end of December.
Schubert is on round nine of 12 for chemotherapy.
Schubert was born in Warrensburg,
Missouri. She went to Warrensburg High School, attended Central Missouri State
University and graduated in 1999 with a human resource management degree. In
2017, Schubert got her master’s degree in sports management from UCM. Schubert
started working for the university in 2000 and has been working for the athletic
department for the past 11 years. Her
job is to help with the Muletrain, annual fundraisers, tailgating before football
games, the booster club and be in contact with donors for scholarships. She usually works at home and comes in as needed.
At home, Schubert is a loving wife and
mother. Her husband of 22 years, Dan
Schubert, has been supportive throughout
The Shooby Strong nation
their marriage. She is a mom to four
has been supportive
Brent is eight years old, twins Addie and
They organized a
children — Brent, Addie, Eli and Cambrie. Eli are four years old and Cambrie is two years old.
When Dan heard the news of Michelle’s
diagnosis, he said it was shocking, and he
was floored. He never thought they would go through this experience.
“Me and the kids are lucky to have
Michelle,” Dan said. “I look forward to
getting through this and giving back to
those who have helped us as much as we can once it is over.”
He said the biggest part of the approach
is faith and positivity and that Michelle is very positive because it’s in her nature. After her chemotherapy is completed,
Schubert has decided to have a bilateral mastectomy in June, which is a surgical
procedure involving the removal of both
breasts. She said she will remove both so
At the first ceremonial pitch, Michelle threw the ball to
in many ways.
Northeastern player, freshman catcher
fundraiser on Feb.
Vic Leslie. Leslie’s
25 at Milestones
mother has also
Barn to assist
been battling
with travel and
breast cancer.
treatment costs.
After the toss,
Stormy Taylor,
they hugged to
recorder of deeds
show support for
at the Johnson
each other.
County Courthouse,
Photo by Lauyrn Morrow
has known Michelle for
18 years and helped with
getting the fundraiser started. She
“For me, I do like to share
because I do believe in the power of
helped with creating the t-shirts, bracelets,
prayer and I do believe the more people
raffle, which is counting down to Michelle’s
I just believe that it helps,” Schubert said.
the Shooby Strong auction and an online
last day of chemo. The women’s basketball and softball teams have also been
supportive in regards to fundraising.
“Michelle is one of the most giving and
that are sending all of the positive energy, “I’ve always been a positive person and I always have been.”
Throughout her battle, Psalms 31:25 has
been a reassuring reminder of her faith and
she will not have to worry about cancer in
probably the sweetest person I’ve ever
“It’s nice to have support cause it keeps
and kind heart is definitely the reason
‘laughs without fear of the future’, because
much.”
breast cancer,” Schubert said. “I am not
the other breast in the future.
your spirits up,” Schubert said.
When Schubert was thinking about
a group name for her supporters, she
known,” Taylor said. “Her personality
that everyone knows her and loves her so Taylor said Michelle is more positive on
could not think of anything that suited
her bad days than most people are on their
Mike Nicholson, the women’s assistant
Schubert has a deep connection with
her, until she thought of the texts from basketball coach, where he called her “Shoobydoo.”
“It was Shoobydoo, then it became
Shooby Strong,” Nicholson said.
good days.
religion and said her faith is the reason
support.
“There’s a part of the verse that says
I’m very optimistic, and I don’t fear this
fear-filled. But I am hope-filled, and I think
if I can share that message that I am strong I’m gonna be fine with this and it’s all good.”
Schubert said she believes everything
why she can beat cancer. She also has
happens for a reason. She does not worry
website, where she updates her progress.
day at a time and enjoying life.
her support group and her Caring Bridge
about the future but is just taking it one
Illustration by Adam Sullens
Family has been supportive throughout her journey. Left to right: Michelle’s uncle Bud Tarrillion, aunt Karren Tarrillion, Michelle, her children Brent, Addie,
No one fights alone.
Eli, Cambrie and husband Dan. Photo Submitted by Michelle Schubert
www.blackwaterbarberco.com
blackwaterbarberco
Appointments preferred, Walk-ins welcome!
Michelle’s friends came by her house to drop off a gift basket. Left to Right: Jana Lagis, Renee Anthuis, Michelle Schubert and Robin Wenzl. Photo Submitted by Michelle Schubert
Sports
8 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 7 • April 23, 2021
Senior Spotlight: Alex Madera
EMILY DICKMEIER
Madera since becoming part of the team.
Reporter & Photographer From the Dutch Caribbean Island of
Curacao, Enrique “Alex” Madera has
been playing baseball since he was eight
years old. Because Curacao doesn’t have
organized high school or college baseball,
he would practice by stretching and taking some ground balls. He played baseball at North Central Missouri College for two
years, and is now a starting shortstop for the University of Central Missouri.
Madera said the conversations he had
with Coach Kyle Crookes impacted his decision to come to UCM. He felt that
Crookes’s values of hard work synced up with his own.
“When I first talked to the coaches and
came to visit here, I really felt this was a good place for me,” Madera said. “I just knew I’m going to come here, and I’m going to get better.”
He said he was surprised to see how
strong and talented everyone around him is at the university.
“Coming from where I came, you don’t
see a team with the same focus, the same strength, the same mindset.” Madera
said. “When I came here, I found that I know I can rely on every single one of my teammates, and they would be as hardworking as I am.”
Junior outfielder Brennen van Breusegen
has built a strong relationship with
“He’s the bigger brother I never had,”
Vanbreusegen said. “He’s always kind of held me under his wing when it comes to keeping level-headed and maturing in the game and outside of the field.”
Madera has been 2,000
miles away from his family in Curacao for more than
a year, and the way he has handled the distance is
impressive to not only his
teammates but also his coach. “He’s a consistent positive
energy force regardless of the circumstances,” Crookes said. “For a lot of
people it would be
challenging, but he’s thrived.”
Madera is a
Athletic Staff Safe ZAYIN BARNES
“I think there’s more to him certainly
than just baseball,” Crookes said. “He’s extremely intelligent when it comes to what he does for school.”
Madera said he finds something new every day to keep life
exciting. When he isn’t at practice or in class, he is
Reporter While retrenchment is affecting many
areas on campus, the athletic department is safe from retrenchment because the
employees are staff rather than faculty.
Retrenchment is the reduction of costs
or spending in response to economic
difficulty, and it was enacted this year
gaming or listening to
because of five-year enrollment decline.
being away from his family
does not affect any finances or expenses.
Hispanic rap music. After
for so long, he said he is
excited to go home after his
graduation this spring.
“From there, I’m just
looking for work or anything God
has planned for me,”
Madera said.
According to the athletic department, it However, COVID-19 has affected the
athletic department in multiple ways. It canceled fall sports, pushed team
practiced to later dates, delayed seasons and affected the way teams travel.
Jerry Hughes, UCM vice president of
intercollegiate athletics, said, “They wear their masks when they travel and as
often as they can. During the early part
of the fall, we had some athletes that got COVID, so it affected them by not being
computer science
able to practice for 10-14 days. Some
at the end of the
into the flow because it affected their
major graduating
of them took a little longer to get back
2021 spring
respiratory system.”
loves working
restrictions and protocols are moving
semester. He
With UCM students getting vaccinated,
with computers
toward becoming more flexible.
any problem
more,” Hughes said. “A lot of our athletes
across.
and more readily available for students.”
and solving he comes
“This spring, it has opened up a little bit
have gotten shots as they become more
Muleskinner Staff: Staff: Mission Statement: Statement: Managing Editor.................................................... Bethany Spitzmiller Mission Managing Editor............................................... Bethany Spitzmiller The Muleskinner is a monthly student newspaper is a monthly student newspaper in the in the Advertising Manager................................................... Mya Richardson The Muleskinner Communication Department the UCMofand operates Communication Department at the at University Central News Editor...................................................... Matthew Goldsmith in association with the Digital Media Production News Editor............................................................... Madelyn HarrisonMissouri and operates in association with the Digital Media program. It is a Itnews lab forlab students. program. is a news for students. FeaturesEditor........................................................... Editor................................................................. MelcherProduction Features Skye Skye Melcher Sports Editor.......................................................... Matthew Goldsmith Sports Editor...........................................................Meah Copeland Muleskinner Minute Manager........................................... Carley Taylor Letter to Editor: Promotions Manager............................................ Sydney Baynham Letters to Editor: Copy Chief......................................................................... Louie Sharp Letters to the editor are encouraged. Typed or legibly Illustrators.................................................................. Adam Sullens be submitted to the Muleskinner by Letterswritten to theletters editor may are encouraged from students, Design Chief.................................................................... Katelyn Orenfacultyemail at Muleskinner@ucmo.edu or may be mailed and alumni. Typed or legibly written letters may beor Photographer............................ Lauryn Morrow & Emily Dickmeier Illustrator.................................................................. Victoria Cimermansubmitted hand-delivered Muleskinner newsroom to by emailto atthe Muleskinner@ucmo.edu or at can203 be Designer........................................................................ Lauryn MorrowmailedEast Clark Street, Warrensburg, Missouri 64093, which or hand-delivered to the Muleskinner newsroom at Reporters......................................... Zayin Barnes, Katelyn Schuler, is inClark Wood building, room 312.Missouri Include64093, your legal name 203 East Street, Warrensburg, which Michael Lewis, Manager.......................................................... Abram Tabor, Nick Distefano, Madison Preston Photography Cole Mainis in Wood and phone number verification, or the letter may building, roomfor 312. Include your legal name andnot Photographer............................................................ Tyler Langenberg phonebe printed. Muleskinner reserves the right number forThe verification, or the letter might notto beedit Copy Editor.........................................Anna Furney & Angela Evatt letters for style, content or length. Letters should be printed. The Muleskinner reserves the right to edit letters Reporters...................................... Meah Copeland, Nicholas Thomas,for style, brief, self-edited and must beshould received Monday content or length. Letters be by brief, self- the Faculty Adviser.......................................................... Dr. Julie Lewis Paige McKinsey, Annelia Nixon, Isaac Reeveseditedweek before Muleskinner comes out and must bepublication. received byThe Monday the week before once a month. publication. The Muleskinner comes out once a month. Faculty Adviser.............................................................. Dr. Julie Lewis
You WoodRoom Room312 312 Youcan canfind findususatat203 203East EastClark ClarkSt. St.inWood