Vol. 113, Issue 2 • August 30, 2018
Grant advances research UCM students investigate fish, human behavior
See Inside PAGE 3
Kaitlin Brothers News Editor
Two undergraduate students from UCM are busy on research projects thanks to the Undergraduate Scholars Grant. Daniel Akin, senior biology major, and Jessica Den Dekker, junior economics major, were awarded the grant this semester. Akin said he is using the grant to fund his continued research on body shape changes in red shiner minnows when they adapt to a dam reservoir. He said the grant helped him pay for attending the Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists in July where he presented the initial results of his study. He said he is looking into graduate school and was able to meet some potential advisors during the conference. “That was extremely beneficial for me to be able to meet some of these people I was considering working for my master’s program,” Akin said. He said his goal is to work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help conserve nature for future generations. In the meantime, he is staying busy studying minnows with help from the grant. “It’s been a really fun process, and I’m glad that the undergraduate studies grant is allowing me to continue it,” Akin said. Den Dekker said she is using the grant money to conduct a psychology experiment to measure physiological reactions in people when they face a gain or a loss. She said the project entails playing a game with other students where they are told they will either gain $5 or lose $5 by the flip of a coin. If it lands on heads, they gain another $4 and walk away with $9, but
Friends, family, faculty remember Randy Diltz PAGE 7 Courtesy photo by Emmy Dunlap
Daniel Akin (left) and Molly Takacs (right) teach Cody Hart (middle left) and Jack Neske (middle right) how to tag orangethroat darters for Takacs’ study. Akin is using funding from the Undergraduate Scholars Grant to work on a different project on minnows. if it lands on tails, they will have $4 taken away and will walk away with only $1. “Loss aversion literature essentially states that it should feel worse to lose than it feels good to win,” Den Dekker said. She said the grant money helped her purchase a galvanic skin response device and pulse monitor to measure the reactions of the students. “By completing this project, it could aid me in achieving the goal of one day being accepted into graduate school,” Den Dekker said. Den Dekker said her goal is to present the findings at the Western Economic Association Conference next summer in San Francisco. Jennifer Carson, coordinator for undergraduate research, said students from any major can apply for the grant. “The great thing about UCM is that we have a group of faculty that’s willing to
work with undergraduate students and do a great job at mentorship,” Carson said. She said different types of interesting projects have come out of this grant: One student traveled to the Middle East and one student studied bees. She said there have been plenty of artistic projects as well. “The arts are also supported. It’s not just research,” she said. “The creative activity is some of the coolest projects we’ve had.” Carson said normally they have a bigger selection of students to receive the grant. “I don’t think a lot of students know about the funding opportunity for it,” she said. “We’re always trying to promote it and let our students know that this is an option.” To apply for this grant, go to https:// www.ucmo.edu/current-students/undergraduate-research/research-funding. The next deadline is Oct. 1. For more information, email Carson at jcarson@ucmo.edu.
UCM student competes in Pokemon Tournament PAGE 14
Interim President Roger Best delivers State of the University Address
2 CENTRAL SCOOP
THIS WEEK
30 - THURSDAY »» Free Dinner @ BSU, 6 p.m., 302 S. College St. »» Family Weekend Talent Show Auditions, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Wood 100
Aug. 30 – Sept. 5
»» MAD: Just Wing It, 8 p.m., Union 237
2 - SUNDAY
3 - MONDAY
»» Jennies Soccer vs. Augustana (SD), 1 p.m., South Recreation Complex
»» Paint the Town Red, Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, Sept. 3–6
Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
31 - FRIDAY »» Music In Motion Dance, 6:30 p.m. First Christian Church disciples of Christ, 101 E. Gay Sreet
4 - TUESDAY
Some 70 students are set to compete for top honors at the UCM Big Idea Conference. The organizers are seeking mentors to work with teams of four to five students on their business ideas. The event features entrepreneurial ideas, networking and fun. For more information, contact Daniel Jensen at jensen@ucmo.edu.
Creatures of the Night hike set for Crowder State Park
Crowder State Park will host a Creatures of the Night Hike Saturday, Sept. 1 from 8:30–9:30 p.m. During this guided night hike, park staff will present information about animals that can be seen and heard at night. Participants should meet park staff at the
Shelter 3 parking lot. They are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, including closed-toed shoes. Insect repellent is also recommended. Crowder State Park is located west of Trenton, Missouri, off Route 146. For more information, call
Audition for the Family Weekend Talent Show Crowder State Park at 660-359-6473. The Family Weekend Talent Show needs more student auditions. The talent show is open to any talent: musical acts, lively poetry readings, short theatrical presentations and others. To register, visit ucmo. edu/family. For more information, contact
Graduate faculty assembly Aug. 30 Jesse Heath at jheath@ucmo.edu. Mark your calendars for the fall 2018 Graduate Faculty Assembly Thursday,
»» Best Friends Barkery, 6:30 p.m., Warrensburg Farmer’s Market, 300 N. Holden Street »» Make & Take Fairy Jars, 2 p.m. RISE Crafts and Curiosities, 102 N. Holden Street
5 - WEDNESDAY
»» Let’s Talk: Current Issues, 12:30 p.m., Cafe Rouge
»» Spotlight Day, 11 a.m., Union Mall
»» BSU Worship, 7 p.m., W.C. Morris 200
»» RSO: Advisor Meeting, 4–5 p.m., Union 236
»» Freshman Connection sponsored by the Navigators Campus Ministry, 8 p.m., Union 237A
»» DIG Worship: Christian Campus House, 7:30 p.m., 211 S. Maguire St.
NEED TO KNOW Mentors needed for Big Idea Conference
1 - SATURDAY
Aug. 30 at 3:30 p.m. in Union 237A. An agenda is to be released to all teaching faculty via email. The Graduate Faculty Assembly serves as a forum for those interested or involved in graduate education to discuss related issues. Anyone is invited to attend, however, only those with full graduate faculty status are eligible to vote. For more information regarding graduate faculty status, contact Page Gravely at pgravely@ucmo.edu.
CORRECTIONS A story in the Aug. 16 issue incorrectly spelled Susan Brockhaus’s last name as “Brockhouse.” A cutline in the Aug. 16 issue incorrectly stated band camp was at the South Recreational Complex. The actual location was East Field.
Body U offers program to help students The Missouri Easting Disorders Council is hosting the Body U program, a free online program. According to a release, Body U is “designed to help students stay fit & healthy, manage depression & anxiety, and improve relationships to food and exercise.” For more information, contact Liz Cassidy at cassidy@ucmo.edu.
Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm Sat 10am - 5pm Consignment B outiq ue
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NEWS 3
Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
Friends, family, faculty remember Randy Diltz Erin Wides Features Editor
Randy Diltz is being remembered by friends and family as a charismatic, talented and loving 19-year-old, after he died in a car accident Aug. 19 near the Route 13 bypass roundabout south of Warrensburg. Diltz was beginning his sophomore year at the University of Central Missouri in the digital media production program. Mark von Schlemmer, a professor of communication and film, had Diltz in his spring 2018 media aesthetics class and said he had a knack for learning. “He struck me as someone who was here to learn and working hard at it, and was willing to come in and ask questions about stuff when he didn’t quite understand it from class,” von Schlemmer said. “He didn’t have a lot of background in aesthetics...but he dove right in and was figuring it out.” He said at one point Diltz did not fully understand how to create proper framing for a project and took it upon himself to visit von Schlemmer.
“He literally came to my office, and because he needed subjects to shoot, he brought some stuffed animals and set them up in the hallway,” von Schlemmer said and laughed. Diltz’s teachers in St. Louis had nice comments to say too. “He was a committed scholar and talented athlete, and he brought his amazing smile and contagious energy into every room he entered,” said Kelly Garrett, executive director of KIPP St. Louis Public Schools. “We will remember Randy for his sense of humor, his resilience in the face of challenges and the deep and genuine concern he had for others. He loved his family, friends and community in a way that was unmatched, and he lived to make his parents proud.” Diltz impacted his friends as well as his teachers. “Randy was my brother, not blood, but blood couldn’t have made our bond stronger,” said Sonye Turner, a friend of Diltz’s. “I told him everything since our freshman year of high school. I grew up in an unstable home but venting to Randy made that all go away.” Turner spent a lot of time with Diltz and shared one of her favorite moments. “The summer before sophomore year, we used to just kick it on the porch and eat ice cream and just talk about everything. I
miss those days.” On a tribute wall through McClendon Mortuary & Cremation Services, Beatrice Ann Vanzant-Smith signed her message, “your other mother.” She wrote, “In my opinion, Little Rann as I called him, was the dream son. One that any mother would love to call a son. Little Rann was very respectful, charming, hard working, loving and wore a smile that would melt the heart of any ice cold human being.” Vanzant-Smith added “Little Rann” performed everything with passion and tried his best in all that he did. “You have left a void in the community and in the world that can not (sic) be filled,” Vanzant-Smith said. Kenton Diltz, Randy’s uncle, fondly remembered his nephew.
“My nephew was way before his time, always living the good life, no matter what,” he said. “My only nephew for the longest time, he was like my son too.” He said Randy Diltz was intelligent and willing to learn. “The thing I loved so much is that he was good at actually listening and taking advice, which made him an excellent learner,” Kenton Diltz said. “He was so smart and wise. I’m proud to be one of those he looked up to and helped him along the way.” Randy left a lasting impression on the UCM community as well as family and friends in St. Louis. There’s an online tribute wall on which friends and family have been leaving condolences.
Photo by Dominique Hampton
Von Schlemmer asked students to come up with one that had Photo taken from McClendon Mortuary & Cremation Services some meaning behind it, a memorial wall photo that said “peace” to the students. So, Randy had a classmate take a photo of him readPhoto from a family reunion in ing his Media Aesthetics book July, in Memphis, Tennessee. on a bench in the Quad.
Photo by Sonye Turner
In May 2017 at their high graduation from Cleveland Jr. Naval Academy in St. Louis, Turner and Diltz pose for a celebratory photo.
4 NEWS
Aug. 30 - Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
State of the University Chris Holmberg Managing Editor
Despite the unexpected change in the presidency at UCM, this year is not merely a bridge to next year and the school’s interim president is not simply keeping the seat warm. Roger Best, who assumed the role of interim president on Aug. 1, delivered his first State of the University Address Aug. 22 and outlined six areas of focus for the university over the next academic year: Sustainable financial and operating structure, academic program quality, institutional culture, alumni engagement and fundraising, growing enrollment, and marketing and branding. He unveiled UCM’s new marketing campaign, “Opportunity in Action,” with a new academic mark to be used in conjunction with other marketing and branding insignia like the Mule head. Best said the previous “Choose Red”
marketing campaign is being phased out and replaced with the “Opportunity in Action” campaign designed to run through the university’s sesquicentennial in 2021. This campaign is already in use internally and will be launched externally in September. He highlighted some of the recent history of the university’s budget – a large and unexpected increase in tuition revenue in fiscal year 2016 due to a surge of international graduate students, followed by the large and unexpected decrease in international graduate students in fiscal year 2017 and the cuts and withholds in state appropriations from the administration of former Gov. Eric Greitens in fiscal year 2018. Best then revealed a fact sure to induce a sigh of relief from the campus community after the last few years: The university is operating from a balanced budget. Best said the university projected ap-
proximately $35 million in tuition revenue for the fall 2018 semester. He said tuition revenue is currently at about 99.15 percent of that target, and more revenue is expected to come throughout the fall semester, making it likely the university will match the projection. He said that while he’s not 100 percent certain the state appropriations allocated to the university will remain, he said he was confident they will. However, Best said the upcoming census report will show a decline in enrollment. “We will be down in terms of first-time, full-time freshmen,” he said. “We will be down in graduate international, as we all expected. We’ll be down in retention compared to last year.” He said Enrollment Management staff are working on an analysis of enrollment numbers to find out what led to those declines, but cited factors including increased competition from both in-state and out-ofstate colleges and universities, declining population of Missouri high school graduates and an improving economy, which adversely affects enrollment in four-year
universities. Best said the university’s goal is to get to 80 percent retention – a goal the administration first introduced last year – and achieving such a high rate of retention would make UCM comparably elite in terms of student retention. He said the reconfiguration of academic advising and the inclusion of other support services will help the university move toward that goal. In closing, Best looked at the coming months and challenged himself and the campus community to continue to move forward. “My challenge to you is to always think about how we can improve,” he said. “To always look for those alternatives when the external pushes against us. I’m going to refuse to use some clichés such as, ‘Our best days are in front of us.’ I will say, however, that those days are what we make of them. I have tremendous confidence in our Board of Governors and in each of you. I can think of no others for whom I’d want to serve. So, let’s continue to plant seeds, let’s dream about what’s possible, and let’s make it happen.”
Six focus areas for UCM Chris Holmberg Managing Editor
Interim President Roger Best outlined six areas of focus for UCM in his State of the University Address Aug. 22: Sustainable financial and operating structure, academic program quality, institutional culture, alumni engagement and fundraising, growing enrollment, and marketing and branding.
Sustainable financial and operating structure “We’ve got to get away from routine work that’s repetitive and doesn’t really add value to the mission we serve, and focus on those value-added activities,” Best said. “It is important that we take some commonsense approaches here. We don’t add value by creating unnecessary process-
es. We don’t add value by creating redundant processes. But we do add value by supporting our colleagues. We do add value by helping facilitate the work of others and their success.” Best said it is critical to learn from the recent budget cuts and to identify areas of strain and how to better focus on those areas of risk as new revenue becomes available.
Academic program quality “The one area we cannot compromise on is academic program quality,” Best said. “It’s essential that we… are perceived as a destination for quality programs.” He said they must evaluate what makes FOCUS AREAS, continued on page 14
Photo by Jacob Peck
Interim President Roger Best delivers the State of the University Address Aug. 22 at Hendricks Hall
NEWS 5
Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
Two UCM students receive prestigious Fulbright grant Kaitlin Brothers News Editor
Noelle Brooks, senior international studies major, and Marena Coonrod, a graduate in special education, were selected as Fulbright students, which allows them to teach English abroad. “It is probably the most prestigious federally funded grant program that exists in the United States,” said Micheal Makara, chair of the Fulbright Committee. Makara said the purpose for the program is for the government to send the best and the brightest abroad in the U.S. to basically promote cross-cultural dialogue with other parts of the world. He said it’s aimed at promoting an understanding between the U.S. and other countries. Makara said it either funds a year of research or a year of teaching English as a teaching assistantship. Brooks will be teaching English in Mexico and Coonrod
will be in Malaysia. “I view this grant as an opportunity to grow and develop and ultimately lead me to figuring out what I’m truly passionate about,” Brooks said. “Living in a different county and culture can be very challenging. However, these challenges and the overall experience will prepare me to be a more confident individual in every facet of life.” Brooks said she has always been very passionate about education. She said at UCM she helped promote programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps and study abroad. “I have had some prior experience teaching English in foreign countries and loved that I was able to help students who were trying to be more competitive in a globalized world,” she said. “I think what really inspired me to apply to Fulbright as an
English teacher is the fact that I would be able to experience another culture by being completely immersed.” She said although her main job will be to teach English it will be just as important to challenge the misconceptions about Americans and the U.S. that students might have while also challenging the misconceptions about Mexico that Americans might have. Makara said Brooks was a student the Fulbright application is looking for. He said the department noticed her potential right away. “It was no surprise to anyone that she got this. If there was anyone who deserved it, certainly it was her,” he said. “When Noelle came in, it was clear to everyone in this department that she was going to be one of our star students…She really had that experience that Fulbright likes to see.” Makara said he did not work with Coonrod in the process, but knew she is someone who deserved the Fulbright grant. “From what I could tell just in my brief interactions with her she was incredibly driven, someone who knew why she wanted to go abroad and can articulate a very compelling case in her application,” he said. “She could articulate a motivation
for pursuing this opportunity that was just very compelling, and it’s no surprise that she was selected as well.” Coonrod said she is excited about this opportunity and she hopes she can reach the special needs community in the area to bring light on how to educate them. “I know this will help me to be more resourceful in my teaching and meeting their needs,” she said. “Upon returning I am hoping to snag a scholarship for graduate school because of the Fulbright.” She said while she is in Malaysia, she is going to be running two English camps to shed light on their culture. She said she will be teaching and working with an after-school program. “I hope to bring my culture to life while also embracing theirs and the diversity between them.” Coonrod said she is nervous about flying to Malaysia, but excited for the trip. “I am most excited to be around another culture and be given so many oppurtunites to travel,” Coonrod said. Makara said having this opportunity will help Brooks and Coonrod immensely for their future endeavors. FULBRIGHT, continued on Page 7
Theatre students excited about new professor Molly Burnam Photo Editor
The University of Central Missouri has a new theatre professor. Mary Trotter joined UCM after teaching at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. Trotter’s new students said they were excited to have her as she takes on her first year at UCM. Trotter previously taught acting and directing at Washington State University. In addition to teaching at UCM, she is directing “Godspell” in the spring. Trotter said she is excited about the new experiences she will have at UCM. “It’s really fun to figure out where we are the same and where we are different. It’s also really fun to come in to a new setting
because all of your stuff is new to them,” Trotter said. “You get used to playing different warm-up games and doing different exercises. When you meet a new group, everything is new... I am really excited to be working with new people and the UCM community.” Students said they enjoy Trotter’s classes. They said she embraces students for who they are and wants them to get out of their comfort zones. Eleanor Panico, a freshman musical theatre major, is a background dancer in the musical “Gypsy” in October. “Being in class with Mary Trotter is a lot THEATRE, continued on Page 6
Mary Trotter runs students through exercises.
Photo by Molly Burnam / Photo Editor
6 NEWS
Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
Garrett Fuller
Assistant Design Editor Life was a lot different in 1948, when the new East Hall opened for men. Students’ rooms and lounges included ash trays. East Hall gave students a comfortable living space complete with a lounge on each floor, recreation room, snack bar and laundry room. Meanwhile, women enjoyed Laura J. Yeater Hall, built eight years earlier and marketed as a “home away from home,” complete with powdering rooms and a rooftop tanning area. Today, while other residence halls fill up, East Hall – now Diemer Hall – and Yeater Hall both sit unoccupied with locked doors. The halls were pushed into obsolescence after their occupancy numbers dwindled. Brenda Moeder, director of Housing facilities and operations, said Diemer and Yeater closed May 2015. Patrick Bradley, associate vice provost for student auxiliaries, said multiple factors caused the two residence halls to be closed, including the lack of modern HVAC systems,
the need for major work and an overall lack of the need for excess housing. “As you can imagine in Missouri, non-air conditioned buildings are not very popular,” Bradley said. “Those are our only two facilities that do not have air conditioning.” Bradley said the halls are heated with steam, which does not allow the residents to adjust it. Bradley said the university has performed multiple studies to determine whether the halls can be repurposed and how much such renovations and repairs would cost. “We’ve talked about a lot of different things,” Bradley said. “But it all comes down to who has the money and where it’s going to come from. I would anticipate that until our economy turns around and we get more financial resources, the halls will probably sit vacant for a while.” Major renovations, estimated to cost in excess of $6 million, would need to be done to make Diemer Hall livable.
Bradley said instead of funding the renovations of Diemer and Yeater halls, Housing funds were instead invested in building The Crossing - South at Holden. Bradley said a renovation was originally planned for Diemer, but the lack of accessibility and lack of need for excess housing units discouraged the renovation. Studies were done on whether or not the halls could house apartments, but the idea was limited by the expensive costs. Demolition of Diemer and Yeater Halls have been ruled out due to their appearance being in line with the 2009 Housing Master Plan, as well as criticism the university received from alumni after Selmo Park was demolished. “Both Yeater’s front entry and Diemer are aesthetically pleasing, according to our master plan,” said Bradley. “Structurally, for the most part, they’re pretty good. They also have a nice appearance when you’re looking at them from the outside.” Bradley said while both halls are aesthetically pleasing, it is likely they will not be renovated until the need for excess housing arises.
OUR
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Diemer, Yeater halls remain vacant
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George W. Diemer Hall (left) was built in 1948 as an all-male hall and Laura J. Yeater Hall (right) was built in 1950 as an all-female hall. THEATRE, continued from Page 5 of fun,” Panico said. “If you didn’t know what acting was and walked in (and) you saw the exercises we were doing, you would probably think we are crazy. It’s a good class to try new things and get out of your shell so you can do that on stage.” Panico looks up to Trotter and appreciates everything she does for the theatre community. “I like how she is okay with being who she is. She loves to teach. She loves what she does,” Panico said. “Her acting class is one of my favorite classes.”
Panico said Trotter is experienced in theatre. “She’s gone to New York. She’s been an actor. She’s been a director. It’s really exciting to learn from someone who has been in the professional business successfully,” Panico said. Seth Sneary, a fresman design tech major, said he realizes that Trotter has a goal of building a community. “She is very outgoing,” Sneary said. “She is someone who is really trying to build a community in her class. She’s really trying to get people to break down their
wall so you can become vulnerable to make lifelong connections. A lot of times in acting classes you just show up, get your script and leave. I really appreciate how much she is trying to build a community.” Sneary said he likes Trotter’s teaching style and how rounded she is. “She’s always looking for improvement and looking to see your best. She seems like the person who would know if you aren’t really trying. She’s a cool teacher.” Sneary said. Trotter said she welcomes all students,
not just theatre students, as part of her community-building plan. “She is always trying to get people involved with theatre,” Sneary said. “She realizes that people have strengths and weaknesses in acting and it’s something to work on. Acting is not something you need to be a pro at, it’s just something you have to have a passion for. You have to have a passion for who you are trying to become.” UCM will host “Gypsy” on Oct. 3-6 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. at the Highland Theatre.
Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
UCM student competes in Pokemon Tournament Ryan Sheehan For the Muleskinner
Leonard Craft III spent his weekend in Nashville where he competed in the 2018 Pokémon World Championships. It is the largest tournament of the year, where the best players in the world fly in to compete. Craft is from Liberty, Illinois; this is his last semester at UCM before he graduates with a degree in computer science. At Nashville, Craft was a representative of the United States. This year he was ranked as being the 13th best in the nation. “Having been in high stakes situations, I’ve played against national champions and I’ve played against world champions,” Craft said, “And I’ve defeated national champions and world champions, but I can’t say that I’m a national champion or world champion myself,” At tournaments, different players compete in different events. There is the trading card game, Pokken Tournament, a fighting video game, and the latest Pokémon game “Pokémon Ultra Moon and Ultra Sun” where Craft competes. In order to compete in the World Cham-
pionship, a player has to earn a certain number of points to qualify. This year was 400. A player earns points by competing in other tournaments and placing at these tournaments. Craft had over 800 points this year. Players can receive certain amounts of money for how they place at tournaments. This year, Craft has received around $1,250 from tournaments in Columbus, Ohio, and St. Louis, along with several hundred dollars from local events. In addition, players can earn travel awards, which cover the costs for airline flights and other travel expenses, making it possible for certain players to compete in tournaments around the world, or other Pokémon events. “You can experience a lot of cool places from Pokémon alone,” Craft said. In Nashville, Craft said he wished to have placed higher on the first day. At a world championship, your score for the first day determines who you will compete against on the second day. After three de-
FULBRIGHT, continued from Page 5 “When you have Fulbright at the top of your resume, it sets you apart on any single job application or graduate school application that you apply for,” he said. “I have no doubt that whether they want to apply for a federal government position or a teaching position or work for a non profit…that experience will provide a leg up on any application they apply for.” Makara said when he was in grad school, he went to Jordan on a Fulbright where he completed his dissertation work. “The opportunity is life-changing. I tell people to this day that not only academically but who I am as a person has been shaped immensely by that opportunity to get out and see the world and to really do good in the world,” Makara said.
He said while he was in Jordan, his roommate, a student from Kansas who went to Kansas University, received incredible opportunities because of the experience with Fulbright. “This is not someone who grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth or anything like that,” Makara said. “He was a hard-working student who had Fulbright on his resume and he applied for graduate schools while in Jordan…He got full rides to graduate programs at Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Berkeley, Texas. He had his pick of where he wanted to go. I have no doubt that Noelle and Marena have a similar fate waiting for them when they’re done with their opportunities.”
FEATURES 7 feats a player is out; his record this time was 4-3. Craft says he’s competed in about 20 major tournaments and in upwards of 50 local ones. Nashville was his second World Championships; his first was at San Francisco in 2016. Pokémon did not cover the cost for either trip. Craft has been competing in Pokémon tournaments since 2013. “I think I was 15 at my first regional competition in St. Louis. “I am a player capable of beating other strong players, but I’m not quite to the, I’d say, upper echelon of a top top player,” Craft said. “Still a lot to improve.” In the 2017 National Championships in Indianapolis, Craft beat player Wolfe Glick, who previously won the World Championship in 2016 and is also a close friend. Craft says there are different ways to make yourself a better Pokémon player. There is traveling to local tournaments and earning enough points to qualify. Players
can also improve by gaming online, playing with friends or just by thinking about strategy. Craft likes to watch YouTube videos of the top players and learn from how they play. His love for Pokémon began with playing the card game on the playground and his baby sitter showing him Pokémon episodes on her TV. “I worked a lot to save up enough money to buy my first Pokémon game,” Craft said. “Playing against other kids at recess, trying to be the best player in your grade or school or whatever and move up from there really kind of transferred to trying to prepare and be strong against like players who actually do this for money or for glory.” Craft has made several friends online through Pokémon, some international. Tournaments give him a chance to meet them in person. “In general, Pokémon is a really close knit community,” Craft said. “We like to stick together and it’s very fun to be in.”
Photo submitted by Leonard Craft
Leonard Craft poses with a top-four trophy from the regional tournament in February in St. Louis.
8 FEATURES
Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
Wanda Beard: The moral compass of the environmental sciences department Kaitlin Brothers
News Editor Wanda Beard spent more than two decades as a teacher, starting at the now defunct University High on the UCM campus. Beard, 83, died Aug. 18 at Warrensburg Manor Care Center. She retired in 1997 and became professor emeritus of human environmental sciences after 22 years of service at UCM. Harold Beard, her husband and UCM professor emeritus of psychology, retired the same year. She taught at University High from 1974 to 1977. In 1978, Wanda began teaching many courses at UCM and was the faculty advisor for the home economics student organization, according to an obituary. “We both liked teaching,” Harold Beard said. “I’ve had a number of students come
down and say she was a role model for them in terms of personal presentation… she was a great friend to them.” He said Wanda greatly enjoyed her work, even though at times it was tiring. “I think she found a lot of satisfaction in being able to intercede or to help…not only making suggestions to students, but sometimes improving what they did,” he said. Rebecca Limback, former professor of business, said she knew Wanda when they taught home economics together. She said Wanda was always a positive influence in class.
“She was always a role model for her students; a very gracious person,” Limback said. “Never heard her say an unkind word about anyone or anything. She could always find the good in whatever or whoever it was.” Harold said a colleague who used to work with Wanda had a great quote about her in an article when she retired. “He basically was saying that they kind of leaned on her in the department for those kinds of input. He described her as the ‘moral compass’ of the department,” he said. “It was a very nice compliment to her.”
“Never heard her say an unkind word about anyone or anything. She could always find the good in whatever or whoever it was.” – Rebecca Limback
Photos submitted by Harold Beard
(Left photo) Wanda Beard makes strawberry freezer jam in 2015 and peels corn on the cob in 2015 (above).
Harold said some of Wanda’s hobbies were cooking and gardening. He said she would often share her cooking with her students. He said one of her biggest hobbies was to can strawberry jam. She enjoyed sharing her home-grown corn-on-the cob with people from their garden. But he said the most important thing to her was family. “She took great care of her kids and was a super-mother,” Harold said. “She just found a lot of satisfaction being a homemaker and caring for the children.” Limback said Wanda was always soft-spoken and very organized in her teaching. “I think the students learned a lot about foods from other countries but, along with that, the cultures and the different people from different areas of the world with what she was doing in her classes,” she said. “We got to benefit from tasting those wonderful things that they came up with.” She said students looked up to Wanda as a teacher. “I would say she was always an inspiration to them,” she said. “Something to aspire to. I think some of them did go on to be home economics teachers. She just set a good life example for them.” Jeanne Counts, former teacher at Holden High School, said she knew Wanda as the supervisor of the home economics department at University High and said Wanda came to her produce business to pick all kinds of fruit. “She was a pleasure to work with,” she said. “Easy to talk to. Just a fine lady. Very intelligent in her subject matter and we just got along real well.” Harold said Wanda was a teacher who gave criticism with no judgment and was friends with her students. He said she had a lot of amazing qualities inside and outside the classroom. “I think her genuine kindness and thoughtfulness of people was one of her great personal qualities,” he said. “She was probably one of the most genuine and kind people that I’ve known, not just because she was my wife.”
Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
FEATURES 9
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UCM students travel around the globe Molly Burnam Photo Editor
Erica Oliver
Assistant Photo Editor Some UCM students traveled all over the world this summer. As these students transitioned from their travels to the new school year, they reflected on their summers. Clara Gaut, a freshman theatre education major, looked back at her summer travel experiences. “I went on a cruise this summer and we got to go to Cozumel, Belize and Honduras,” Gaut said. “Belize was really pretty but I really enjoyed Honduras.” Gaut said this was an experience she’ll
never forget. “We went to a few beaches and tried native fruit,” Gaut said. “We went and toured a zoo. I got to hold a sloth.” Not only was this a vacation for Gaut, it was also a time for her to help kids. “I got to go in a children’s school in Honduras and teach the kids English,” Gaut said. “We taught them the alphabet and some sentences.” Transition from a summer vacation abroad back to school can be hard for some, but this was not the case for Gaut. “I only had two days to pack up for school after I got back home. It was a little stressful but I was really excited to come to UCM,” Gaut said. “I was wanting to go back and visit with the kids a lot more, but I was also ready to come here to get my degree so I can go out and teach kids.”
Jeong Yeon Eom, a junior English major, came to UCM from Korea. “This summer in Korea I hung out with my pets and with my friends from my college,” she said. Not only did Jeong Yeon Eom enjoy Korea this summer with her friends, she took her friends abroad. “I went to lots of countries with my university friends in Korea this summer. I went to Austria, Hungary, France, Switzerland and London,” she said. “Lots of things were so impressive because it was my first time Europe.” Jeong Yeon Eom checked things off her bucket list this summer. “I really wanted to see the Eiffel Tower so my friends and I saw it,” she said. “France’s food was so great and Switzerland has lots of great views.” Jeong Yeon Eom gained lifelong lessons
from her adventures across Europe this summer. “Experiencing Europe gave me more confidence to talk to UCM students,” she said. Naoel Cherif, a freshman majoring in engineering, came to UCM from Tunisia, Africa. “I really wanted to study abroad. I applied for a scholarship and they accepted me,” Cherif said. “I just really love traveling.” Cherif looked back on her favorite memory from her summer in Tunisia. “Since I am going to be at UCM for the whole school year, this is my first time being away from my family,” Cherif said. “My favorite memory this summer in Tunisia was my going away party where all my family and my sisters were.”
10 OPINION
Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
Mollie Tibbetts is a victim, not a point of contention Chris Holmberg
Managing Editor The human race is capable of inflicting It is unnerving and appalling. an incredible amount of hatred and malice This case is not a political one. This is upon members of its own in an unfathom- not an argument over national and interable variety of ways. This propensity for national policy. This is not an argument heartlessness, soullessness – inhumanity – about whether or not this could have been has surfaced once again. prevented, or whether or not we should Last month, 20-year-old Mollie Tib- have tried. betts, a student at Those arguthe University of ments are meant Iowa studying psyto be had in the chology, went for voting booths a run. She didn’t and in the halls of come back. state and federal On Aug. 21, capitol buildings, Cristhian Bahena and those arguRivera, a 24-yearments are meant old from Mexico to be civil and who may not have productive. been working in This is a young the United States person who had legally, was charged with her murder after her life taken from her for no known reahe led investigators to her body. son. This is a family who is dealing with This would be an unimaginable night- the reality that there will be an empty mare for most of us. This should be the seat at the Thanksgiving dinner table and singular source of our fear, our sadness friends who will scroll past her number in and our rage. their phones, reminded there is no longer But it isn’t. anyone who will answer that call. Soon after her body was discovered and This is a case of unrealized potential, Rivera was charged with her murder, peo- the ramifications of which we will never ple began to learn about her – her political know. leanings, her stance on hot-button issues. This is a time we should reach out to They began to posthumously criticize her those who knew her and to those who because of them. loved her and offer whatever support we Some said this was the inevitable frui- can and allow a grieving family to mourn tion of her personal beliefs. Some said she the senseless loss of Mollie Tibbetts. deserved what happened. Or, at the very least, we should leave Some went as far as to rejoice in her them alone. death. Instead, there are people among us who It is unbelievable: A person was mur- are opting to hurl derision and pour vitriol dered, and there are people who are flood- on a person who is tragically not here to ing her social media accounts with jubila- defend herself. tion at what they perceive is the irony of We are better than this. her values. At least we’re supposed to be.
A person was murdered, and there are people who are flooding her social media accounts with jubilation at what they perceive is the irony of her values.
“Great job, Melania.”
Britain Bray / Illustrator
Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
MOVIE REVIEW
OPINION 11
Would you like to see a tongue-in-cheek comedy about the tyranny of a brutal dictatorship? If so, you’re in luck because “The Death of Stalin” is the film for you. Scottish filmmaker and television creator Armando Iannucci is well known for his satirical comedies targeting the absurdity of politics in both the United Kingdom and America, most notably in the TV series “Veep,” “The Thick of It” and acclaimed movie “In the Loop.” Here, Iannucci returns to the screen with “The Death of Stalin” as director and cowriter, this time tackling the brutal reign of Stalin and the Soviet Union. Now, before I begin, this movie is definitely not for everyone. The comedy revolves around an all-controlling state, where people being abducted by the secret police is just another part of everyday life. In addition, there is a great deal of bad language. If that is too far for you, I don’t blame you. It’s worth mentioning this is very much a foreign production. The filmmakers and most of the cast are from the UK, and the movie is based off a French graphic nov-
el of the same name. But don’t worry, this movie is not hard to understand. The setting is 1953. Joseph Stalin, one of the worst people in recent history, rules over communist Russia with an iron fist. Citizens and even government figures live in daily fear of him. That is, until Stalin suddenly dies. Now members of his regime are scrambling around, not knowing what to do and wondering who will take his place. This movie does fill you in on everything you need to know about the time period – but a little research wouldn’t hurt either. The plot I have just described may sound like a serious historical drama, but “The Death of Stalin” is not a drama. It’s a screwball comedy. In the similar manner of “Dr. Strangelove,” which made fun of nuclear warfare, this film uses outlandish humor to satirize oppressive government. What is truly interesting about “The Death of Stalin” is how it differs from the typical historical film. First off, none of the actors attempt to speak with a Russian accent.
Why would a movie about history do this? Well, it might be more appropriate than what is typically done in most historical films. In a standard Hollywood production, the actors would have Russian accents, yet continue to speak English, such as “K-19: The Widowmaker.” Plus, like “The Widowmaker,” not all actors are very good at creating convincing accents. Iannucci told RogerEbert.com that Russians don’t like hearing fake Russian accents. Having the actors not attempt Russian accents at all does make sense – it also adds another dose of comedy. Most historical films try to hide their inaccuracies rather claiming to be based on the true story.“The Death of Stalin” does have plenty of inaccuracies, but it never claims to be 100 percent accurate. Even one of its own trailers features the tagline “Loosely based on the true story.” It’s almost in the style of “Our Town,” which is a play famous for using imaginary props. Strangely, by destroying the allusion a play or a movie tries to create can in turn make the story more engaging. And if you think what you are seeing on screen is too ridiculous, then you really should look into the actual history behind the Soviet Union. You couldn’t make up some of what really happened. Truth can be stranger than fiction. However, you should remember that life in the Soviet Union is different than how it is portrayed. For instance, according to YouTuber The Cynical Historian, during
How to survive your freshman year
Going to class may seem like the hardest thing in the world, but if you can say that you didn’t skip out on class, you are already doing 90 percent better than the rest of the student population. I was lucky enough to say that my first year of college I did not miss a class. That alone made me feel like I was a responsible college student and on top of things. There are numerous opportunities to make friends. Campus life has clubs, honor societies, Greek organizations, athletics and even on-campus jobs that allow students to connect with others that have similar interests. Mary Claire Peterson, a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said be proactive. “Don’t just wait for friends to come to you; take the initiative and talk to some-
one,” she said. Someone has to take the first step and it might as well be you. Balancing school and a social life is also important. Just focus on one activity at a time. I am a person who likes to spread myself too thin and be involved in everything. Unlike high school, you physically cannot jump into every activity in college. Save a couple hours for friends and a couple hours for homework every day. It is OK to take a break from school, and it is OK to tell your friends no. Save a couple hours for yourself to help manage stress. “Take time to do something that you love. Self-care is key,” said Jordan Sachse, my sister at Kansas State University. She makes it sound quite simple. Dealing with your own stress is incredibly im-
The Death of Stalin Ryan Sheehan For the Muleskinner
Danielle Sachse For the Muleskinner
College is a stressful time. Some feel like they are in the shallow end, and others feel like they are drowning in the deep end. So here’s to the freshmen, and what college students wish they knew before taking off their life vests and drowning in the craziness of college (you really don’t drown, everything will be A-OK). There are some things you could do to better handle class and homework. Samantha Cashion, a senior at UCM, suggests using a planner, getting a library study room and study buddies.
this specific time “The purges were finished for over a decade,” meaning that Secret Police raids weren’t common anymore – or less common, anyway. This movie is very much an exaggeration of history and my only true criticism of this film is that it could’ve gone further with it. But of course, from the comedic atmosphere, you can already tell that it is an exaggeration. The dark subject matter can make you feel uncomfortable, especially when considering the current state of the Russian government. In fact, “The Death of Stalin” is banned in Russia. That said, “The Death of Stalin” is a very funny movie. In the style of “Dr. Strangelove,” this movie makes a bleak situation out to be hilarious. This film’s comedy comes from its dry wit, over-thetop scenarios and especially the acting. The all-star cast delivers humorous and energetic performances. They portray real figures, who were powerful and feared, to be a bunch of petty buffoons. The absurd comedy and performances go well with the absurd history. As someone who enjoys history and comedy – including dark comedy – I’m very happy to see a movie like “The Death of Stalin.” I highly recommend watching this. Even though we will always complain about our own democratic society, it’s a good reminder to know that life under an all-controlling state can be much worse.
portant. Seek help from a counselor, talk to friends or talk to teachers. There are advisors at school who are there specifically to help you figure it all out. Being homesick tends to happen. This is an appropriate feeling. Call whoever you need to call every day. Just don’t go home every weekend. It is a bad habit to get into and you will miss out. Just give that quick call home and go hangout with friends. Overall, everything will be OK. College is a roller coaster, but you are not alone. It may seem like your peers are excelling, but they also have their stresses. Take opportunities and don’t regret not doing something. You will have the lowest lows, but you will also have the highest highs. You only go to college once. Live it up!
12 SPORTS
Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
Volleyball downs two ranked opponents, starts season 4-0 Jason Brown
Sports Editor Up two-sets-to-none on the fourthranked team in the country, No. 13 Jennies volleyball slammed the door on a comeback by then-No. 4 Florida Southern with a monumental comeback of their own to cap a perfect weekend at home. The Jennies had marched out to a 3-0 record in the Peggy Martin Challenge. Defeating Drury, Truman State and No. 14 Arkansas Tech looked like nothing for the Jennies, who dropped only two of the 11 sets they played. The final, and likely the most difficult game of the weekend loomed Saturday afternoon with 2017 national runner-up Florida Southern. “I really like starting the season off playing a top-ranked team just to see where it puts us,” sophomore middle hitter Audrey Fisher said. The Jennies walked all over the Water Moccasins to begin the first set, going on multiple scoring runs to force a timeout by Florida Southern once the score reached 19-5. Four consecutive kills rendered the timeout useless as the Jennies took the set
25-5. “Honestly, I wasn’t really looking at the score until the end,” sophomore outside hitter Hannah VanBuskirk said. “During the game I was just focused on us doing the best that we could.” The second set started largely the same with the Jennies grabbing an early 5-0 lead. Florida Southern didn’t go away this time, bringing the score within two on multiple occasions. At 14-12, kills from Kylie Hohlen and Hannah Engelken helped push the Jennies lead to 17-13. From there, the Jennies would outscore the Mocs 8-2 to take the set 25-15 and set up the possibility of a sweep. Florida Southern finally snapped out of it in the third set and took a commanding 8-0 lead. A strong kill from Fisher got the Jennies on the board and they continued to fight until they tied it at 14. Both teams went point-for-point until the Mocs pulled away to game-point with a 24-19 lead. “I just knew they had 24. I had no idea what score we had,” VanBuskirk said. “I wasn’t going to look because I knew we just had to win every point.” The Jennies would go on to hold the
Photo by Andrew Mather
Jennies sophomore Audrey Fisher totaled 52 kills in the Jennies four victories in the Peggy Martin Challenge, Aug. 23-25 at the Multipurpose Building. Mocs scoreless as they pulled back into a tie at 24 off kills from Fisher, Engelken and VanBuskirk. The back-and-forth continued for a few points, but Fisher was able to put the Mocs away with a huge kill to cap the
Sports Updates Mules golf appears in Bushnell Golfweek poll The 2018-19 Bushnell Golfweek Division II Coaches Poll released its preseason rankings this week, slotting the Mules in at No. 23. The ranking comes after the Mules placed 14th out of 20 teams at the NCAA Super Regional Championships for the 2017-18 season. They return 14 golfers to their roster while only adding two. Four of those returning veterans are regional competitors including Sam Parrot, who capped last season with a 12th-place tie at the NCAA National Championships. Mules golf kicks off the season at home Sept. 10 at the Mule Invitational at Mules National Golf Club. Follow UCM Athletics
and @UCMMules on twitter for additional updates.
from a 2 p.m. start to 2:05 p.m. Continue to check UCM Athletics and @UCMMules on twitter for additional updates.
Mules football matchup at Pitt State selected for NCAA Showcase
Top ranked Jennies start on the road
The NCAA announced late last week that Central Missouri’s road matchup with Pittsburg State Oct. 20 would be featured as part of the 2018 NCAA Showcase. One of 19 games chosen during the 2018 season, the showcase broadcasts games on ESPN 3 and NCAA social media platforms. The game between the Mules and Gorillas will be offered through a hybrid model for online and local television distribution as well as being featured on the MIAA Network. Kickoff for the game will be pushed back
The Jennies soccer season begins with an away contest against out-of-conference foe Southwestern Oklahoma State. The Jennies are the first ranked team in the nation in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll and have been selected to win their fifth straight MIAA conference championship. The Jennies return 19 from last season’s national championship team, including leading-scorer forward Jada Scott. The Jennies contest with Southwestern Oklahoma is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thurs-
set at 29-27, securing the sweep and a perfect weekend for the Jennies. “It’s always in the back of your mind that you have another set or two. You don’t want them to take a set off of you,” Fisher VOLLEYBALL, continued on page 13 day in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Central Missouri’s first home game against Augustana is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday at the South Recreational Complex.
Football opens season on the road in Kansas Mules football will open its 2018 season in a matchup with defending conference champions Fort Hays State. The Tigers and Mules open the season picked to finish second and third, respectively, in the MIAA conference. In last season’s matchup, the Tigers ran away with a 35-6 victory over the Mules. Kickoff in Hays, Kansas, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at Lewis Field Stadium.
SPORTS 13
Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
Mules and Jennies set to open cross country season Jason Brown Sports Editor
The 2018 cross country season is about to get underway for the Mules and Jennies. The MIAA preseason rankings tell a different tale for both Central Missouri teams. The Mules were picked to finish second in the conference behind Missouri Southern, which is picked to win the conference for the second straight season. After being selected to finish sixth in 2017, the Mules picked up second in the MIAA Championships. Central Missouri followed with a third-place finish in the NCAA’s Central Regional competition before taking 20th at the Division II National Championships. That success and the Mules finishing in the top-3 of each regular season meet contributes to the recognition they’ve received as the season begins. The Jennies have a lot to prove coming
into the 2018 season after being picked to finish seventh in the MIAA; they finished in eighth place in 2017 after being tabbed to finish fifth in last season’s rankings. The Jennies were up-and-down last season with a strong start in their first two meets before struggling in the conference championships. “Last year we didn’t place as well as we wanted to at conference,” senior Amy Marx said. “We’re looking forward to getting back to the conference meet and getting everyone together and on the same page.” Both the Mules and Jennies teams were busy during the offseason. Mules senior Isaac Calvert said the team’s new workouts and training plans helped them stay in shape over the summer. “The whole team did really well maintaining week by week what they were supposed to do,” Calvert said. “Keeping track of weekly mileage and really getting into the workouts, I think everyone had a good summer.” The Mules return nine runners while adding four, and the Jennies return eight
Photo by UCM Athletics
Mules senior runner Isaac Calvert starts his final season with the Mules Sept. 1 at the Southwest Baptist Invitational in Bolivar, Missouri.
with seven additions to their roster. “It’s going to look a little different because we lost so many good upperclassmen runners,” Calvert said. “Our goal is to go out and compete and keep that second place mentality from last season.” The Mules and Jennies will have their
VOLLEYBALL, continued from page 12 said. “It says something as a team when you make that come back, that you’re fighting hard and playing well together.” Central Missouri’s victory marks their first over an AVCA top5 opponent since 2014. The first set with Florida Southern is the first time since 2014 that the Jennies held any opponent to under five points in a set. “It says a lot about our drive and motivation as a team,” VanBuskirk said. “Grit is what we talk about as a team and coming back in that set showed our grit because we weren’t willing to let them take a set from us.”
Fisher totaled 15 kills bringing her total for the weekend to 52. Ally Offerdahl posted 36 assists and 17 digs. Hohlen picked up a double-double with 13 kills and 11 assists. Following the challenge, four Jennies were named to the All-Tournament Team: Engelken, Fisher, Hohlen and Offerdahl. The Jennies will be in Denver this weekend for the Colorado Premier Challenge where they will face two more AVCA ranked opponents in No. 13 West Florida and No. 3 Lewis. They are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Auraria Event Center. The Jennies opponents for the remainder of the tournament will be decided by results.
POKEMON, continued from page 7
on her TV. “I worked a lot to save up enough money to buy my first Pokémon game,” Craft said. “Playing against other kids at recess, trying to be the best player in your grade or school or whatever and move up from there really kind of transferred to trying to prepare and be strong against like players who actually do this for money or for glory.” Craft has made several friends online through Pokémon, some international. Tournaments give him a chance to meet them in person. “In general, Pokémon is a really close knit community,” Craft said. “We like to stick together and it’s very fun to be in.”
in Indianapolis, Craft beat player Wolfe Glick, who previously won the World Championships in 2016 and is also a close friend. Craft says there are different ways to make yourself a better Pokémon player. There is traveling to local tournaments and earning enough points to qualify. Players can also improve by gaming online, playing with friends or just by thinking about strategy. Craft likes to watch YouTube videos of the top players and learn from how they play. His love for Pokémon began with playing the card game on the playground and his baby sitter showing him Pokémon episodes
first meet Sept. 1 at the Southwest Baptist Invitational in Bolivar, Missouri.
14 NEWS FOCUS AREAS, continued from page 4 programs excellent or ineffective. “Without good, or even sufficient, answers to these, what’s our purpose?” he said.
Institutional Culture
“Something I’ve discovered in 23 years of service is that we have an amazing culture of service to our students and to each other,” Best said in a meeting with the press following the speech. “My message about that yesterday was really more a reinforcement of who we’ve always been and what we’ve always done.” He said it is the responsibility of university leadership to facilitate an environment where faculty, staff and students are successful. “I want to keep that as a highlight,” he said. “It is my responsibility as interim president to ensure that we have quality work life and that we have the resources people need to feel successful in their po-
Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
sition and actually be successful in theirposition.”
Alumni engagement and fundraising
Best said the Alumni Foundation began a significant rebuild in personnel and operations last spring, led by former UCM President Chuck Ambrose and with the addition of Bill Estes as the Foundation’s interim vice president for university advancement and executive director. Ambrose also oversaw the launch of the Gift of Success Campaign announced last spring and made the first contribution of $25,000. “Financial contributions will make a difference at this institution,” Best said. “If you look at our two primary drivers of resources – right now it’s tuition and state appropriations – it’s critical that we look at external funding as well.” Best said the rebuild of the Alumni Foundation is almost complete and needs
to continue to reduce financial limitations of the university. “(Alumni) can make a difference,” Best said. “We know that. They’re waiting to be asked. I’m ready to ask them.”
Growing enrollment
Best said enrollment growth is necessary to the university’s ability to obtain the resources it needs to fulfill its mission. “However, growth can’t come from randomness,” he said. “We have to be very strategic with our recruiting efforts and our marketing initiatives.” Best said there is about a 3 percent decrease in the number of high school graduates in Missouri, so enrollment growth cannot depend on that demographic. He said the university will use market research to identify programs not currently offered at UCM, identify effective or new delivery modes of instruction and improve recruitment and advertising efforts, such as
adults seeking continued education opportunities.
Marketing and branding
Best unveiled the new “Opportunity in Action” advertising campaign, which will replace the “Choose Red” campaign. He said the “Choose Red” campaign has resulted in brand recognition both in Missouri and the region, but the university needs to refine its message. Best said he doesn’t believe the rebranding and the launch of a new advertising campaign will incur additional costs due to planning that lead up to the campaign’s unveiling. “We are using the budget that would have already been allocated to our current campaign to launch this new one,” said Sam Schleicher, communications specialist in the office of Integrated Marketing and Communications, previously University Relations.
Interim President Roger Best delivers his first State of the University Address Aug. 22. His speech touched on his plans for the next year, what the budget looks like this year and how the university is moving forward after the budget cuts from previous years.
Video by Jacob Peck
CENTRAL SCOOP 15
Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
NEXT WEEK Sept. 6 - Sept. 12 9 - SUNDAY
6 - THURSDAY »» Stop and Serve, 11 a.m., Union 219 Hall Table »» Jennies soccer vs. St. Cloud State, 3 p.m., South Recreation Complex »» Tailgate party @ BSU, 5 p.m., 302 S. College Street
10 - MONDAY
»» Jennies soccer vs. Minnesota State-Mankato, 1 p.m., South Recreation Complex
»» City Council meeting, 7 p.m., 200 S. Holden Street
7 - FRIDAY
8 - SATURDAY
»» “Solo: A Star Wars Story”, 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m., Union Cinema
»» “Solo: A Star Wars Story”, 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m., Union Cinema
»» Studio Theatre One Act Series, 7:30 p.m., Nickerson Blackbox
»» Studio Theatre One Act Series, 7:30 p.m., Nickerson Blackbox
11 - TUESDAY
12 - WEDNESDAY
»» RSO: student meeting, 5:30 p.m., Union 236
»» Homecoming general information meeting, 5 p.m., Union 238
»» BSU Worship, 7 p.m., W.C. Morris 200
»» Homecoming royalty information meeting, 5:30 p.m., Union 238
»» Freshman Connection, 8 p.m., Union 237a
2018-19 Muleskinner Staff Chris Holmberg Kaitlin Brothers
Managing Editor News Editor
Erin Wides
Features Editor
Jacob Peck
Multimedia Editor
Kyer Lasswell
Design Editor
Garrett Fuller
Assistant Design Editor
Jason Brown
Sports Editor
Molly Burnam
Photo Editor
Erica Oliver
Assistant Photo Editor
Britain Bray
Illustrator
Anaiyeh Smith Chris Moore
Social Media Coordinator Business Manager
Alex Hutcherson
Advertising Manager
Matt Bird-Meyer
Faculty Adviser
The Muleskinner is a biweekly laboratory newspaper in the Department of Communication at the University of Central Missouri and operates in association with the digital media production program. All text, photography and other content are property of the Muleskinner and may not be reproduced without permission. The Muleskinner reserves the right to edit any submitted material and/or refuse to print such material. Letters to the editor must be signed and include class rank for students or title for faculty/staff, as well as hometown for community members. The advertisement of goods, products or services in the Muleskinner does not in any way constitute an endorsement by the Muleskinner, UCM or the Student Publications Board of the advertiser, the goods, the products or the services offered. The Muleskinner is a member of the Missouri College Media Association.
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SODUKU Answers, Aug. 30 - Sept. 12
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Aug. 30 - Sept. 12 | The Muleskinner
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Campus Crime reports compiled by the UCM Department of Public Safety. Warrensburg Crime reports compiled by the Warrensburg Police Department.