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• Vol. 114 • Issue 6 • March 26, 2021
44 Faculty jobs at-risk of termination MATTHEW GOLDSMITH
News Editor University of Central Missouri President
Affairs Phillip Bridgmon sent his
his retrenchment decisions by midday
faculty positions should be terminated.
Roger Best is expected to announce Friday, March 26 after he reviews recommendations.
Best had initially planned on finalizing
his decision by March 12, but he decided to push back his decision because of
differences between reviews from UCM’s Academic Program Review Committee,
Academic Review Board and the Provost’s office. He said the lack of agreement between the three led to more timeconsuming data review.
“It’s something I would have looked at
anyway, but because of the discrepancies
in the sense of recommendations, I had to
recommendation to Best on March 1,
in which it was recommended that 44 The College of Health, Science and
Technology and the College of Arts,
which Bridgmon defined as the start of a
will be negatively impacted by this process.
Burris said she was disappointed by the
retrenchment, that’s a failure on many
Religious studies Director Catherine
ARB’s decision.
“I think it’s a recognition of the reality
Humanities and Social Sciences had the
that in our current budget situation, which
17, respectively.
continue after the pandemic, very small
most positions recommended, with 16 and Bridgmon expressed gratitude for his
colleagues and how they’ve handled the process.
“I’m very appreciative of the
consciousness of our colleagues, their
commitment to UCM,” Bridgmon said. While Bridgmon acknowledged
retrenchment is a difficult process, he said
started before the pandemic and will
programs are simply less feasible than they used to be, and I understand the reality of that,” Burris said.
Burris said religious studies is important
in today’s environment, specifically
mentioning the involvement of extremist
religious groups in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Despite the ARB’s ruling, the ARB noted
he is hopeful for the future.
in its recommendation that it fully supports
reviewing data, reviewing appeals,
retrenchment and then begin working
coursework at UCM and mentioned a
had submitted as part of the review
again,” Bridgmon said.
spend a lot more time than I anticipated
reviewing what the programs themselves process,” Best said.
Best said the retrenchment decisions are
challenging on a personal level because of their impact on UCM employees.
“It’s never a process that we enjoy,” Best
said. “It’s never a process that we take lightly.”
Best was satisfied with how all levels
of review approached the retrenchment process in a serious manner.
Provost and Vice President for Academic
“My hope and goal is to get us through
together so that we can begin building Bridgmon said he wishes the UCM
community will look back at the
retrenchment process, while difficult,
However, Bersin believes that UCM is and
process that discontinues a program.
the need to include religious studies
“If we’re at this point right now in
levels of this institution that we got to
this point because the damage, even now and with the probable outcomes, will be
permanent and irreversible,” Bersin said. “This institution will cease being what it
was and will be significantly less than what it was.”
While acknowledging that there are
cases in which people aren’t vulnerable to
retrenchment, Bersin cautioned those who will remain at UCM.
“No one at this institution, even with their
seniority and their rank, should be doing a happy dance that they’ve escaped the consequences of this,” Bersin said.
Other programs that appealed to the ARB
certificate program that might provide
were the BA/BFA theatre programs, which
the program is currently in the process of
accepted the program’s appeal with an 8-2
an alternative to the minor. Burris said trying to institute the program.
Michael Bersin, an ARB representative for
were placed within Category 3. The ARB
vote. Interim Head of Theatre and Dance
Kathleen Leicht thought the ARB’s decision
as one they worked through together to
the College of Arts, Humanities and Social
future.
approached the retrenchment process.
and dance will continue to play a major
recommended that two of the Category 4
Bersin said. “The people on the ARB were
campus,” Leicht said.
psychology master’s program and religious
the ARB believe that they made the correct
ensure a strong foundation and a brighter UCM’s Academic Review Board
programs that appealed their ruling, the studies minor, be placed in abeyance,
Sciences, was satisfied with how the ARB “I would say it was very thorough,”
diligent, and I believe that the people on decisions.”
on their appeal was good news.
“I’m confident and optimistic that theater
role in the Warrensburg community and on However, Leicht mentioned the programs
might still lose positions as Best makes his final decisions.
COVID-19 vaccines bring hope Eligible students to recieve funds
ZAYIN BARNES
MATTHEW GOLDSMITH
Reporter COVID-19 cases are down, vaccines
News Editor Students at the University of Central
are being distributed and there is hope
Missouri will be receiving funding from
that the world is getting back to normal.
a second round of Higher Education
While the University of Central Missouri
Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II).
has had a total of 946 COVID-19 cases
Bill Hawley, Vice President of Finance
this school year, as of March 19, there is one student case and three faculty/staff and faculty are getting vaccinated.
vaccines. The first doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were dispensed in early March. On March 15, Missouri
began vaccinating members of Phase 1B tier 3, which consists of those who keep
the essential functions of society running. Some of these include K-12 teachers and childcare workers, government officials, food processing employees, Other areas
include the communications, energy and dams’ sectors, information technology sector and transportation and water/
waste employees. The state of Missouri announced plans to begin Phase 2 of vaccine distribution on March 29.
This gives more students and staff the
opportunity to get vaccinated, which
includes UCM President Roger Best, who received his vaccine on Feb. 23.
“The actual vaccine administration was
UCM President Roger Best recieved his vaccination Feb. 23, 2021. Many UCM students and faculty are hopeful that next semester can be back to normal as more COVID-19 vaccinations are distributed. Photo submitted by Robin Best
very easy,” Best said. “The process that
Western Missouri Medical had set up from sign-up all the way to actually getting the vaccine, and the actual administration
part, was one of the easiest shots I’ve ever
gotten. It was less painful than the flu shot and some other vaccines I’ve had.”
Best said he did experience some side
effects from the shot, including fatigue, soreness where he received it and a
headache, but these are all common side
effects of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
“I would suggest doing your research and
making sure JUMP TO PAGE 2
are less than part time and international students won’t receive funding.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the
UCM student body in many different ways.
those with direct deposit, or ACH, set up
and health major, said he feels being on
will be mailed physical checks.
hopes the HEERF II funding can help with
receiving payments sooner than those who
Missouri has been distubuting more
credit high school students, students who
and Operations, said funds will be sent
out to students on March 25 and 26, with
cases that are active, and more students
The funding won’t apply to the entire
student body, however. Pearce said dual
The amount each student receives
depends on their enrollment status and estimated family contribution, and it
ranges from $150-$1,200 per student. Hawley said the HEERF II funding is
intended to assist both the university and
its student body, and there will be another
Brock Bookout, junior occupational safety
campus is more boring this semester, but events COVID-19 has impacted.
“With the restrictions we have, we aren’t
able to do as much as what we could be
doing without COVID, and with the extra funding, that may help us out with some things that were missing out on.”
Junior marketing major Alex Gamblin
round of HEERF funding in the future.
said the HEERF II funds are beneficial for
so as the rules come out, we’re figuring
COVID-19 has brought.
“We’re getting those additional funds,
out the best way to utilize those funds for
the good of the students, the staff and the campus as a whole,” Hawley said.
David Pearce, UCM’s Executive Director of
college students because of the challenges Many students take out loans to pay for
the cost of attending a university, but the
HEERF II is intended to relieve this strain. “It would be extremely helpful because
Governmental Relations, said the funds are
with COVID, it’s been harder to work and
retention of at-risk students.
pay for tuition, for housing and for every
for emergency relief and to help with the
“It’s designed to help them stay in school,
for any extra expenses that they might have had,” Pearce said.
that means less money and less money to
college costs there is, so that extra little bit would definitely go a long way,” Gamblin said.
News
2 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 6 • March 26, 2021
Dale Carnegie statue moved to speaker’s corner
ABRAM TABOR Reporter
The bronze bust of UCM Alumnus Dale
Carnegie, first unveiled in the quadrangle in 2014, was recently moved to the
speaker’s corner in front of the Martin
building. Many people who were involved with the original installation of the bust were uninformed of the move, and they
bust was led by Rogers. The statue was
originally stored in the UCM archives at
the library. Rogers was approached by the Carnegians, an organization of graduates from the Dale Carnegie course dedicated to practicing Dale Carnegie’s teachings.
“The former dean, Gersham Nelson, and
were not given a reason after asking the
I came up with the idea of why don’t we
Chrisitan Cutler, curator of the UCM
it up somewhere where people could see
administration.
Gallery of Art and Design, said he was surprised to hear about it from the
former chair of the art department, Mick Leurhman.
“So, Mick was walking across campus
one day and noticed it was missing. It
wasn’t in its location. And he was like,
‘Oh my God, someone stole it!’” Cutler said.
Leuhrman called campus police and
together they located tire tracks, which led
take the bust out of the archive and put
it,” Rogers said. “So, I drew the original design for the pedestal and everything, and we did some fundraising.”
Together, the Carnegians, Rogers
and Nelson came up with over $5,000
necessary for the job. The first location, in front of the administration building, was
approved by the UCM Board of Governors. The spot was chosen because it held special importance to Carnegie.
“It is a place where there used to be a
them to the moved sculpture.
gazebo,” Rogers said. “That’s where they
but then after that we were like, ‘Well,
debates, and Dale Carnegie participated
“So, mystery of 20 minutes was solved,
why was it moved?’” Cutler said.
When the bust was first installed on
campus, Cutler worked with Leurhman
and communication professor Jack Rogers, among others, in order to properly display the piece. The process involved pouring a 10 to 12 inch thick concrete base and
hiring a professional stonemason to work on the pedestal.
Cutler said he does like the bust’s new
location, but he has some issues with how it was moved, which included damages to the pedestal and an unlevel concrete pad. The first undertaking to display the
would hold band concerts and hold public in those public debates. So, he would
have stood right where that statue was located.”
Rogers said he doesn’t think the new
spot suits the statue, as Carnegie was not famous for being a public speaker, but
rather an author on self-improvement. This is particularly true of Carnegie’s
famous book “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” More importantly,
Rogers said he would have liked to be informed about the move.
“We really wanted the statue to be in a
very visible, very significant, very public
According to the statue’s plaque, Dale Carnegie was an author, educator and entreprenuer who developed courses in self-improvement, 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
place where students would walk by, and
the Dale Carnegie scholarship.
see it and people would ask, ‘Who is this
been some discussion or some awareness
would the administration not at least
of brought to our attention,” Cunconan
tours would walk by, and people would Dale Carnegie?,’” Rogers said. “Why
consult us? Or at the very least inform us why it was being moved.”
Another professor who echoed this
sentiment is Terry Cunconan, who teaches the Dale Carnegie Course: Effective
Communications in Human Relations.
“I would’ve thought that there would’ve
of this, but there was nothing that I know said. “I’m just not sure why it was done under the cover of darkness.”
Regardless of where the bust is located,
Dale Carnegie remains an important figure to UCM.
“Dale Carnegie has a significant place in
Cunconan has served as a liason to the
our history … because he was a student
organization for UCM and is on a council
after he left here,” Cunconan said. “His
Dale Carnegie professional training with Rogers and others who make
decisions regarding generated revenue and
here and because of what he accomplished principles of communication resonate very well with our modern students.”
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VACCINES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1:
the last year.”
vaccinated for the people around me and
risk individual.
risks from taking the vaccine,” Best said.
and faculty who received the vaccine.
does get the vaccine, you are making
people,” Price said. “I’m certainly excited
mentally freeing it becomes
Santulli was able to receive the two Pfizer
professor Stephen Price received his first
not been able to do. All indications seem to
you are comfortable with the perceived “On the positive side, it’s amazing how when you have received the vaccine.
The much smaller probability of getting
COVID-19 is mentally very refreshing after
There have also been various students
Junior communication studies major Kiera vaccine doses as a healthcare worker. “It went great and was really easy,”
Santulli said. “It’s better knowing that I am
not just myself. Personally, I think whoever an impact.” Digital media production shot of the Moderna vaccine in early March. Price was able to receive the
vaccine as a parent and caregiver of a high-
“It’s not about me, it’s about other
about being able to do things that we have be that adults who are vaccinated can go
back to their normal lives and not even be concerned about being carriers.”
News
Muleskinner 3 • Vol. 114 • Issue 6 • March 26, 2021
PULSE-W summit empowers women to be authentic
BETHANY SPITZMILLER Managing Editor
From explaining the importance of
authenticity to defining gender and selfcare, PULSE-W is a summit to empower
all women. The 2021 summit took place
from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on March 6 in the Elliot Student Union. UCM faculty and guest speakers led presentations on women’s representation, gender, health and mental health.
Myah Duncan, the Elliott Student Union
social media/marketing graduate assistant,
helped organize the event, and said it went really well and was very informative. She said she thinks the UCM community was
able to learn a lot during the event, herself included.
“I’m still learning how to be an
empowering woman, but I learned a lot today,” Duncan said.
The event started with keynote speaker
Suzanne Wheeler, who is the Executive Director of the Mid-American LGBT
Chamber of Commerce. Wheeler is a
transgender woman who is an LGBTQ+
The Elliot Student Union and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program partnered to organize the 2021 PULSE-W women’s summit. Myah Duncan (center right) was one of those team members. “Honestly, I think it went really well.” Duncan said. “All the presenters were able to show up, and the ending with the poetry was expectional. I learned so much today, and I think our community learned a lot.” Photo by Cammie Lasswell
and veterans advocate. Wheeler is also
been researched when we define what
who spent the last two years of her career
historically, our normal - our healthy
a retired Army Colonel combat veteran serving as an out, transgender woman. The title of Wheeler’s presentation
was “I am Authentic.” She spoke about the process of forming diamonds and
compared it to a person discovering who they really are.
“Figuring out who you are is a really,
really tough challenge,” Wheeler said.
“We’re always growing, always changing.” She explained the challenges that come
with being authentic in American society. “Ultimately, we live in a patriarchy,”
Wheeler said. “We live in a heterocentric and ciscentric society that is also eurocentric.”
These factors can make it difficult for
people to be their true selves. When a
person doesn’t fit the standards of society, they feel pressure to put on a mask or a persona.
During her speech, Wheeler quoted Maya
Angelou, saying, “If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”
Authenticity requires a person to be
honest with themself and vulnerable, but
presentations, Robynn Kuhlmann spoke
- has been associated with middle
currently thriving. She is an associate
and upperclass, CIS, white men with masculinity, which has led to the
assumptions that the more masculine traits a person has, the more mentally healthy they are.
This can be harmful because it can lead
professor of political science at UCM, and her primary fields of expertise are state
politics, political parties, and voting and elections.
Currently, the United States congress is
the same way.
“It’s different from the norm, but that
doesn’t make it wrong,” Moran said.
The way that people think about mental
candidates who ran for office, and eight transgender individuals were elected to state legislature.
illnesses have been considered feminine.
are unique to the U.S. political system
living in a society that doesn’t privilege a
It’s historical; women weren’t included
According to the Minority Stress Model, person affects their mental health.
“We know that minority stress results
from living in an oppressive system,”
Moran said. “There’s a daily toll living in minorities.”
One way to try to increase wellbeing
explains it’s important to challenge the just women in bubble baths drinking a
that create a scarcity of women in politics. in the constitution. The U.S. has an old
democracy and an old political system. It’s
psychological; “likeability” and stereotypes
can make it more difficult for women to get involved in politics. Traits associated with politics are stereotypically masculine, like
competitiveness and assertiveness. It’s also institutional; there are quotas and party
leadership don’t usually consider women. Despite challenges, there are more
was a message saying, “we are going to
women and their future accomplishments.
addressing the failures of the white
presentations from Sarah Ray Rondot,
Self-care concepts were deeply embedded
and 70s and the Women’s Movement. It thrive, survive and still be here,” while patriarchy for women.
Moran quoted Audre Lorde, “Caring for
Center for Africana Studies, about Black
myself is not self-indulgence. It is self
Candice N. Moran, licensed psychologist
warfare.”
at the University of Central Missouri
preservation, and that is an act of political Moran explained that living, surviving
Counseling Center, about Mental Health.
and thriving in the midst of scrutiny,
mental health and what has traditionally
which women and minorities do every day.
Moran talked about the definition of
oppression and violence is a radical act,
man.
Angelique said it’s necessary that women
honor and support women, but they need support from everybody.
“It’s hard being a woman right now, it has
appreciative and proud of, but we couldn’t
have a seat at the table,” Kuhlmann said.
societal norms. The majority of mental
had to go to court to tell the story of how
However, there are multiple factors that
illness and mental health is affected by
next person,” Wheeler said.
Women in media, Politics & More and
Angelique delivered poetry inspired by
always been,” Angelique said. “We have
women in politics,” Kuhlmann said.
professor of history and director of the
struggles women deal with every day.
“All women and the LGBT community can
in the Black Power movement in the 1960s
there were presentations from Delia Gillis,
down.” Each tip Curry read touched on the
wave” with over 1,000 LGTBQ+
year 2020 was considered a “rainbow
authentic, and support is needed.
The PULSE-W summit was full of people
grew up in, how dare you try to burn it
still other forms of homosexuality labeled
mental illness, and until 1987 there were
women in politics every year.
supporting women. After the Keynote,
and tip 9: “Your body is the house you
she was sexually assaulted by a 21 year-old
Additional strides in politics have been
bottle of wine.
“Being authentic clears the way for the
forget to live,” tip 7: “Learn to ask for help”
made by the LGBTQ+ community. The
rhetoric of self-indulgence. Self-care is not
motivation, energy and hard work to be
tip 4: “Don’t worry yourself so much you
1973, homosexulity was considered a
to issues like incorrect classifications. Until
people who are authentic and supportive authentic person. She said it takes a lot of
being a woman. She included advice like
true events where her 12 year-old niece
and mental health is self-care, but Moran
during the journey to becoming an
on Women and Politics and how they are
she wants to teach her little sister about
27% female, the highest it’s ever been.
they also can’t be self-righteous. Wheeler explained the importance of finding
During the second session of
healthy means. They explained that
“I’m incredibly excited for the future of A focus of the summit was the future of The third session of the day included
director of women, gender, and sexuality studies at UCM, about gender and
UCM Alumna Adriana Vivas, founder of PULSE-W, about women in the media.
The day ended with poetry from senior
communication studies major Brittané
Curry and motivational speaker and poet Victoria Angelique.
Curry delivered a poem about 10 things
evolved so much, and there’s so much to be do it without our counterparts, without the men in our lives as well. We honor women and we respect and encourage power to
our women and power to ourselves in this
month, but let’s not forget we need support from everyone to accomplish the common
goal, the common goal of loving and caring and understanding one another.”
Features
4 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 6 • March 26, 2021
Diligent nurses vaccinate Warrensburg community SKYE MELCHER Features Editor The nurses at Missouri Western Medical
Center have been working diligently
since the first clinic, held on Jan. 29,
to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to
the community. According to Missouri’s COVID-19 Dashboard, “An estimated 12.2% of Johnson County’s 54,062
persons have initiated vaccination. This means that 6,578 first doses have been
administered. In total, 10,125 doses have been administered.”
Along with the daily lives of the
community changing, COVID-19 has also changed how the nurses work and how stressful their lives have been.
“As an employee health nurse,
my main role is just taking
“My focus has not just been on our
employees, but now it’s expanded to our community here in Warrensburg and
making sure everybody feels safe and can be vaccinated.”
Along with caring for the employees of
Missouri Western, Holmberg leads the
COVID-19 vaccine clinics for the hospital. “My main role here with the clinics is I
work with a team to organize places to do
the clinics,” Holmberg said. “I come set up every day. I try to find staff for the clinics.
When I’m here working, I’ll help vaccinate if things get a little backed up. I’m the
one that reconstitutes it, draws it up, and
makes sure we have enough for each person that is coming in.” During clinics, patients can
find Holmberg sitting at a
care of our employees,
table in the middle, checking
healthy and safe,
left, drawing up syringes filled
that has evolved
coming in and distributing them
making sure they are and I feel like into the
community,” Employee Health Nurse
Ashley
Holmberg said.
on how much of the vaccine is
with the vaccine for each patient
to the nurses giving the vaccine.
This has been the first pandemic
that many healthcare workers have
worked through or experienced during
their lives.
“None of us have ever worked through
a pandemic before, so this is all brand new territory and everyone is kind of learning as we go,” Holmberg said.
“It’s definitely been stressful. There is
uncertainty, and it can be a little scary.
But I feel like, at Western Missouri, we have such a good team that it’s really brought that stress level down.” While the nurses run the clinics and help
vaccinate the community,
Emergency
Management
Program
Administrator
Kimberly Lockard
helps prepare for
the COVID-19
vaccine clinics,
but she also worked
with Missouri Western’s
infection preventionist to
Ashley Holmberg, employee health nurse for Western Missouri Medical Center, sits with nurses Jacquelyn Addington and Carly Kellogg preparing COVID-19 vaccines for patients at Milestones Barn. “The thing I like about it is everyone who comes here wants the vaccine,” Holmberg said. The nurses said they have had a positive experience working the clinics. Photo by Skye Melcher
prepare the hospital at the beginning of the
Nurse Practitioner Jacquelyn Addington
COVID-19 outbreak.
has worked a couple clinics but has also
equipment books, isolation and negative
the COVID-19 unit, where patients can
They prepared personal protection
pressure rooms and precautions to keep both patients and employees safe.
COVID-19 has become the healthcare
workers’ day-to-day lives, with hundreds of hours spent in overtime.
“I prepare for disasters, so with something
like whenever COVID hits, it takes up all my time,” Lockard said.
worked as an intensive care unit nurse in take up to three weeks to return home. “I’ve worked at a couple of clinics, it’s
been very rewarding, and it’s been very
honoring,” Addington said. “I can’t tell you how many thank yous, how many tears
we’ve had. My patients have said they’re
able to go and see their grandkids now. It’s been very positive.”
Features
Muleskinner 5 • Vol. 114 • Issue 6 • March 26, 2021
Clothing studio helps students look professional KATELYN SCHULER Reporter
The University of Central Missouri offers
with individuals in the Career Services
the transition from school to their careers.
“This has been a dream of ours for a
a variety of resources to aid students in
Center for further assistance.
These resources include hands-on learning,
long time, it was something our students
events and a newly-added Professional
fulfill that is a dream come true,” Career
resume assistance, mock interviews, career Clothing Studio.
The Professional Clothing Studio opened
to students in January of 2021. Robin
wanted and needed, and to be able to
Services Center Director Amber Goreham said.
The Career Services Center is one of the
Terrell, who up until her retirement in fall
many resources offered to UCM students.
coordinator for the closet.
naturally with Career Services,” Goreham
a place to find professional wear for no
that students go through in career
of 2020 was a staff member at UCM, is the “The goal of the closet is to offer students
cost, items they can wear for interviews, class presentations, internships and networking,” Terrell said.
Access to professional clothes can be
stressful for students because of the
“The studio is something that just fits in
said. “When you think about the process preparation, this is a big piece of it. The
clothing studio has allowed us to connect
with students who otherwise may have not reached out.”
A variety of students from multiple
cost and determining if the clothing is
majors have already visited the closet.
clothing studio was started to help
has visited the studio and is using it as a
appropriate for specific occasions. The eliminate these challenges.
“The closet is self-serve, but I ask every
The clothing studio has also allowed for
Terrell to help students make connections
is steamed and high contact areas are
whether it be for meetings, interviews
“I came in and got some clothes for
represent yourself matters, and even when
month.”
standard who will need a formal outfit
resource for veteran students.
assistance with finding their size or other
Students are allowed up to four items each
Additionally, students are not allowed
looking for a job with a high professional
me, and it’s a really great resource for
things. All I need then is their 700 number.
“This is helpful for those in any major
Senior social work major Kami Guanella
student if they need help when they come in,” Terrell said. “Some of them need
Senior business management major Autumn Wolf looks through options at the Professional Clothes Studio. “I have a specific dress code, so I wanted to expand my clothing collection by coming and looking at all of the awesome and free stuff that Robin has here at the wardrobe,” Wolf said. Students can choose four pieces of clothing monthly. Photo by Skye Melcher
students,” Guanella said. “How you
doing virtual presentations, because of
the clothes I got from the closet, I looked professional.”
Junior aviation major Hunter Kramer also
utilized the studio.
and events,” Kramer said. “So, it’s a great way to save money for students because the clothing provided is from reliable businesses.”
The Professional Clothing Studio is taking
all precautions to ensure the safety of
students regarding COVID-19. Currently, the space has an occupancy limit of
three students and masks are required.
to try on clothes. Each piece of clothing sanitized daily. Once things have left the
studio, they are not allowed to be returned. The Professional Clothing Studio is open
Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m. If students are not available during these times, appointments can be made with Robin Terrell. Fridays
are designated for the closet to receive
donations. The professional clothing studio also takes monetary donations.
Opinions
6 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 6 • March 26, 2021
Celebrate Women’s History Month
Ending the stigma about menstruation Managing Editor All people should be able to buy feminine
amount of blood lost during menstruation
inside the vagina. Most cups are reusable
ANNA FURNEY
period stigma. There shouldn’t be shame
varies for every woman. Pads can be
again. There are at least two sizes. Many
Reporter March is Women’s History Month — a
month taken to reflect upon all that
women have done throughout the past
when they were otherwise ignored. March is dedicated as this celebratory month
because multiple events related to women’s rights occurred in March, including the
founding of the National Woman’s Party. Women had to fight tirelessly for the
rights they now have in the United States, including voting rights and more job
opportunities. Without looking to the past,
women cannot fully appreciate the present or plan for the future.
Two centuries ago, women were not seen
BETHANY SPITZMILLER
hygiene products without experiencing
or judgement in the store, and everyone should be knowledgeable of the sizes, different types and what they mean. According to Planned Parenthood,
Menstruation is a natural process, but
feminine products let menstruating people go about their normal life during their
period. There are many options, including pads, tampons, discs, cups and menstrual underwear. However, it takes some
research to know what’s right for each menstruating person.
Pads or sanitary napkins are
absorbent material that stick to the inside of underwear. Some have
women were seen as objects and nothing
extra material
more. Their purpose was to satisfy men
One century ago, women were fighting
harder for suffrage than ever before. They had some more opportunities to work
and own property, but these were still
limited. The Women’s Suffrage Movement became the first large-scale movement for women’s rights, and they worked slowly
for years, until Alice Paul, an activist, led the confrontational National Woman’s
Party in the 1910s. Protesters were jailed and faced less than humane conditions,
including force-feeding and being tied up in uncomfortable positions. Nevertheless,
the vote to allow women’s suffrage passed, by one vote, and all their work achieved the long sought-after results.
Women have been fighting for equal
rights for all. Before women had rights of their own, they were fighting for
others. Women made up the majority of the Temperance Movement, which was the movement for prohibition, and the
anti-slavery movement in New England. The Temperance Movement sought to
take fathers out of bars after work and
bring them back home with their families
because drunkenness and alcoholism were rampant in the 1800s. The anti-slavery movement would never have grown to
the extent it did without the influence of strong, sympathetic women.
Today, women enjoy the most freedoms
in all of their history in the United States. They can vote, work any job they want,
own property and most importantly, they don’t always need a man’s permission
to do these things. Women have come a long way since the founding of this
nation and will continue to thrive as the
strong, independent women they are while remembering the histories of the strong women who have come before them.
Tampons also absorb menstrual blood,
material, but they are
every month.
as next of kin instead of his wife. Largely,
to this system.
pads are another option.
out of the vagina, and it usually happens
man died, his firstborn son was counted
did exist, most women’s lives were limited
vagina and cause issues. Reusable cloth
but they go inside the vagina.
blood and tissue from the uterus comes
inherit property or work most jobs. If a
producing heirs. While exceptions to this
scented, but these can be an irritant to the
menstruation — or a period — is when
as citizens. They could not vote, own or
by cleaning the house, cooking food and
is two to three tablespoons, but this also
on the sides
They’re made of absorbent formed into a small,
cylinder
shape. Some
Illustrations by Adam Sullens
tampons have plastic or cardboard
applicators, which help put the tampon
in place and others are inserted by hand.
Like pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. The sizes
range from light, regular, super, super plus and super plus extra/ultra. The names of
these vary depending on the company, but there are generally about five sizes that
coordinate with flow type, ranging from light to heavy.
Menstrual cups are
another option, and
and prevent leaks. Pads come in different
rubber, silicone or soft
sizes to better absorb different amounts of
blood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average Comic by ADAM SULLENS Illustrator
women who choose these do so to help the environment.
Menstrual discs
are similar to cups because they are inserted into the
vagina and collect
blood, but they’re different shapes. Cups sit in the vagina below the cervix, but discs fit
called “wings” that fold over the edges of the underwear to hold the pad in place
— they’re emptied, washed and used
they’re usually made of plastic and are shaped like bells or bowls to collect blood from
into the vaginal fornix, which is where the
vaginal canal meets the cervix. Both can be worn for up to 12 hours, while pads and
tampons should be changed every four to eight hours.
Period underwear
is similar to regular
underwear, but there
are extra layers of fabric
that absorb menstrual
blood. They can be somewhat costly, but they are gaining popularity.
Women take time to learn what works
best for them and their lifestyle, but people who want to be around women or date
them should take time to learn as well. If it seems too complicated, ask questions.
Society as a whole needs to be educated
about women’s health. Every human has
come from a woman who has had a period.
Sports
Muleskinner 7 • Vol. 114 • Issue 6 • March 26, 2021
A day in the life of UCM wrestler Emmett Kuntz MEAH COPELAND Sports Editor Wrestling is one of the most dangerous
sports, and those who participate must prioritize taking care of themselves. A
wrestler has to watch what they eat to
stay within their weight limit, keep their strength up and engage in some mental self-care. When wrestlers step onto the
dinner. He has rice, fruits, vegetables and
some sort of protein. After dinner, he works on homework and goes to bed at 11:00
p.m. During the day, he drinks water or Gatorade.
“It helps a lot that I live with other
mat, they have to be flexible and have
wrestlers, so we’re never eating junk food,”
wrestling, athletes can develop injuries
Freshman Bryce Farworski hangs out with
the ability to pick up an opponent. In
Kuntz said.
faster than in other sports because it is
Kuntz almost every day. The two of them
is positioned in the wrong way.
and go for rides on their bikes, scooters or
easy for them to break a bone if an athlete Senior wrestler Emmett Kuntz learned
how to deal with being physically and
like to play video games and board games skateboards.
“He’s fun to be around, outgoing and is
mentally prepared for the challenges that
a funny dude,” Farworski said. “Whenever
he was in the sixth grade.
studying or lifting weights together.”
he might face. He has been wrestling since “I think that wrestling is the hardest sport
because you play other sports, you don’t play wrestling,” Kuntz said.
Kuntz’s mother, Kristina Kuntz, said
she knew that he was passionate about
wrestling by the time he hit high school, but he always liked it.
Kuntz comes from a big family. He is the
eighth child out of ten children. Kristina
said being from a big family, he learned to
get along with a lot of different personality
I don’t have classes, we’re hanging out, Kuntz’s favorite workouts are the
wrestling practices. He said that they’re the most beneficial, and he likes being around the guys and wrestling with them. Out
of practice, he works out with Farworski. They go on walks, do bench presses,
squats, full-body workouts, pushups, situps and other workouts. Kuntz also does situps and pushups in his bedroom for quick workouts.
When Kuntz gets ready for a match, he
types.
warms up with a teammate and makes
respectful and a humble man,” Kristina
not, then he continues to warm up or run
“He is a big-hearted person, very
said.
When the pandemic began, Kuntz went
home to be with his family in Bakersfield, California. Kuntz’s younger brother, Lee Kuntz, would wrestle with him almost every day.
“Emmett always wins because he is the
older brother and a lot better,” Lee said.
“He does really good on the mat and has a calm mind. Even when he loses, he is pretty good at handling his emotions.”
The reason Kuntz chose the University
sure that he is within his weight limit. If
around to get down to his weight. When
Kristina watches her son wrestle, she said she prays he won’t get seriously injured.
Wrestling is a close-contact sport with the
competitors being on top of each other and being so close to each other’s faces. Kuntz gets tested for COVID-19 every week and before the matches start. He said that he is not worried about catching COVID-19
because he is told that his opponents get tested too.
Toward the end of the season, Kuntz had
of Central Missouri was that he liked
a rib injury. Since it was before the last
Coach Justin Ensign. He also wanted to try
the pain. The trainers helped him through
the campus and enjoyed talking to Head something new and didn’t want to be in
his hometown all the time. He said that in
California, there were only three wrestling schools, and he wasn’t satisfied with any
match of this season, he wrestled through his injury and prescribed him medicine. Kuntz said that he feels better now, but hurts when he sneezes.
Graduate assistant for athletic training
of them.
Christian Bedard helps wrestlers through
to leave here, his family with the home he
interesting in wrestling is the injury
“I think that it took a lot of ammunition
grew up in and took a lot of fortitude and self-assurance to do that,” Kristina said. During the season, Kuntz has a busy
schedule. He has morning practices,
classes during the day, practice again, then he works on homework at night.
On a normal day, Kuntz gets
up and has a big breakfast. He eats hash browns, eggs and sausage or bacon. Then
injuries. One thing that Bedard finds
timeout. He knows that in football, you have unlimited lime to
evaluate the player and
help or cart them off the field. With
wrestling, he
said that trainers
are allotted a minute
and a half to evaluate
the person. If they need
further evaluation after the
time is done, then that player or
he has classes
the opponent is disqualified because it
from 11:00 a.m.
depends on how the injury happened.
to 2:00 p.m and
The first question Bedard would ask
goes to practice
is ‘are you ok? Then the athlete would
after. Kuntz fasts
respond to what is hurting them. Illustration by Adam Sullens
Senior Emmett Kuntz takes a break from doing bench presses. “During the pandemic, mentally I was fine,” Kuntz said. “I went back home to California with my family and I stayed with them which was nice to home with family.” While he was at home, Kuntz worked out with his brother, Lee, and at their family farm. Photo by Meah Copeland
during lunch and has a decent meal for
Bedard said the most common injury in
wrestling is nose bleeds and that bleeding is more common in wrestling than any other sport. With nose bleeds, there is
unlimited time to get it under control, Bedard said. He also said wrestling is
different because it is an individual sport and overall wrestlers are on the mat
alone. If they are hurt then it’s on them to continue or stop competing.
“I think probably the biggest part of the
health and well-being of wrestling would either be diet or water intake because
when you’re reducing or restricting water in your diet to such a degree that you’re losing 10-15 pounds in a season, that’s pretty tough physically and mentally,” Bedard said. “A lot of it comes from
education, experience, diet education and weight cutting for the experience.”
Now that the season is over, Kuntz tries to
find something to do during the time he is
available. Kuntz said he gets bored quickly, and he is ready for next season. He has
already set some goals, including having a perfect season.
Sports
8 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 6 • March 26, 2021
Senior Spotlight: Mulekicker Addie Nerstheimer
ZAYIN BARNES
Even after starting later than most
Reporter
dancers, Addie still pursued dance in high school and danced for her
high school dance team. Originally
after high school, Nerstheimer had
not planned on dancing because she wanted to see what college was like
first. However, sophomore year came around and she decided to try out,
starting her collegiate dance career for the UCM Mulekickers.
She said dancing with the
Mulekickers was a little different from her previous experience with studio
dance routines. She said she did a lot
of jazz dances, but this year, they have
been performing more hip-hop dances During a team photoshoot, Addie Nerstheimer poses for a picture in front of the Friendship Tower. The Mulekickers ended their season, March 4 after a short season because of COVID-19. Photo by Sydney Baynham
Senior Adeline “Addie” Nerstheimer
because they’re more popular.
Mulekickers and cheerleaders both are
spirit squads that support and boost
performing at basketball and football
the dance team began,” Hackett said.
got a new coach and mainly focused on games. Nerstheimer and the team also
participate in other events for the school, such as the UCM auction, and they have
hosted a youth clinic for kids that want to dance.
While Nerstheimer has enjoyed the
opportunities she has been able to
experience because of the dance team, the friends she has been able to make throughout her involvement have
impacted her college experience in positive ways.
Junior marketing major Allyson Miller
is the captain of the Mulekicker
has been on the University of Central
skills.
During her first year of dancing for
for me. I like how you can be creative and
like that, this was the first big event that
your own dancer.”
she had ever attended. However, during
Staff:
graduation, and she will also be an
assistant coach to help with the high
school dance team since there are not
many dance teams for elementary kids.
Nerstheimer said she thinks it will be a good experience.
Senior psychology major
favorite thing about Addie is
Since her high school did not do events
plans to continue working there after
great person to be around.”
Florida with the team’s previous coach.
just really loved it. It was a good place
hometown, Kansas City, Missouri. She
and uplifting and overall just a
wanted me to try dance with her, and I
younger,” Nerstheimer said. “My friend
graders at Guadalupe Center in her
As a teammate, she’s very caring
MiKayla Hackett is a fellow
the opportunity to dance at nationals in
Nerstheimer is an elementary education
major and a student teacher for second
positive and welcoming.” Miller
the Mulekickers, the team was given
“I did a lot of different sports when I was
practice together everyday.”
“Outside — and inside — of
said. “She radiates happiness.
They have similar goals but different
“That year we would meet up and walk to
have danced together for years.
different skills. Cheerleaders stunt and
they differ because they specialize in
same day and becoming friends before
team, and she and Nershtheimer
the dance team, Addie is very
flip, while Mulekickers turn and leap.
Missouri dance team for three years.
Panhellenic Hall sophomore year on the
morale at games and events. However,
started dancing with studio dance when she was around seventh grade, and she
her junior and senior years, the team
teammate, and she said her her positive attitude.
“One of my favorite memories
with her is moving into
Addie Nerstheimer performs on the sidelines for the Mules basketball game on Jan. 28. Nerstheimer said her favorite part about dancing at basketball games is being able to spend time with the team and dancing at halftime. Photo submitted by Lydia Ganaden
Muleskinner
Staff:
Mission Statement: Statement: ManagingEditor............................................... Editor.................................................... Bethany Spitzmiller Mission Managing Bethany Spitzmiller The Muleskinner is a monthly student newspaper is a monthly student newspaper in the in the Advertising Manager................................................... Richardson The Muleskinner News Editor...................................................... MatthewMya Goldsmith Communication Department the UCMofand operates Communication Department at the at University Central in association with the Digital Media Production News Editor............................................................... Madelyn HarrisonMissouri and operates in association with the Digital Media Features Editor........................................................... Skye Melcher program. It is a Itnews lab forlab students. program. is a news for students. Features Editor................................................................. Skye MelcherProduction Sports Editor.......................................................... Matthew Goldsmith Sports Editor...........................................................Meah Copeland Muleskinner Minute Manager........................................... Carley Taylor Promotions Manager............................................ Sydney Baynham
Letter to Editor:
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Copy Chief......................................................................... Letters to the editor are encouraged. Typed or legibly Illustrators........................................ Aria Steffan and Adam Louie SullensSharp be submitted to the Muleskinner by Letterswritten to theletters editor may are encouraged from students, Design Chief.................................................................... Katelyn Oren email at Muleskinner@ucmo.edu or may be mailed Photographer........................................................... Lauryn Morrow faculty and alumni. Typed or legibly written letters may beor 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 Reporters......................................... Zayin Barnes, Katelyn Schuler, or hand-delivered to the Muleskinner newsroom at is inClark Wood building, room 312.Missouri Include64093, your legal name Brandon Cannon, Michael Lewis, Abram Tabor, Nick Distefano, 203 East Street, Warrensburg, which Photography Manager.......................................................... Cole Mainis in Wood and phone number verification, or the letter may Madison Preston, Gabby Ellis 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 letters for style, content or length. Letters should be Copy Editor................................................................. Anna Furney 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 Paige McKinsey, Annelia Nixon, Isaac Reeves before Muleskinner comes out Faculty Adviser.......................................................... Dr. Julie Lewis editedweek 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
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