On behalf of The Honors College, I am thrilled to welcome you to our newsletter. As you have probably noticed, we have a lot of exciting changes coming to the college; one change being my transition to your director. I am ecstatic to be able to serve you in this position. I am also extremely lucky to have such an amazing staff: Reyna, our program assistant, Marion, our graduate assistant, and Grace & Eric, our student workers. We hope that you stop into JCKL 1450 to meet us all if you have not done so already.
Our next event is the Faculty Fellows Lecture Series on April 13th from 4-5:30 p.m in the JCKL Atrium. We are so lucky to have Dr. Boney and Dr. Cha as our fellows this academic year and hope those of you enrolled in their colloquiums have enjoyed the experience. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to hear from them about their main areas of expertise and hope that you all can attend. The lectures are open to the public and refreshments will be served (I have it on good authority that those delicious meatballs will be making an appearance).
Perhaps most exciting of all, our own Jenna Schulte will be tackling a redesign of our space for her honors project. If you have not done so, please add your input to this survey. We have an inspiration board on display in our office for those interested in seeing what we envision for the space.
Your Honors Director, Jennifer Varriale Carson, Ph.D.
As our Program Assistant, Reyna does a lot of behind the scenes work for the HC and helps with promotional materials. While working full time, she is also getting a degree in Public Relations and completeing an internship with the Johnson County Adult Literacy Program.
Fun Fact: Reyna once met Adam DeVine, from Pitch Perfect at the Starbucks in Sedalia!
Graduate Assistant - Graduating Spring '22
In her role of GA, Marion helps to coordinate events, process administrative forms, and help with any odd jobs. Marion has been working at the HC for almost two years, and she is about to graduate with a Masters in Industrial Hygeine. We will miss her in the Fall!
Fun Fact: Marion loves to visits waterparks and could go everyday.
Student Worker - Graduating Spring '23
As the HC Student Worker, Grace is responsible for social media content, promotional materials, administrative forms, and odd jobs Grace is a Junior studying Public Relations. In addition to her role with The HC, she is in Phi Sigma Pi and PRSSA.
Fun Fact: Grace loves to travel and is signed up for a faculty led trip this summer.
The Honors College moves from the Ward Edwards A to the John C Kirkpatrick Library, Suite 1450
The 2021-2022 academic year has brought many ch to The Honors College. One of these changes is our to JCKL. We are back at our old stomping ground can now be found at the far end of the library in 1450. You are welcome to stop by the office at any t
In addition to our move, the HC is getting a rem Honors College student, Jenna Schulte, has a specia in our updates As an interior design major, J edesign. is work
After touring the suite and talking to The Honors College team, it was apparent that they wanted to create a space that makes students feel SPECIAL. We want to honor our students for their hard work. We are choosing materials that give the space a sense of luxury and class. Using hues of maroon and navy to contrast with rich wood tones and brassy accents, we are bringing the space to life. We will also include different artifacts from the library to highlight the history of the school and program I am extremely honored to get the opportunity to design the space for a program that has done so much for me and many other individuals here at UCM. I hope it makes an impact and inspires students to keep striving and working hard for their goals.” - Jenna Schulte
HC exclusive quiet study room, complete with plenty of outlets and seating
HC "living" space for more relaxed, chatty studying and meetings
HC coffee bar New paint, flooring, and furniture
This spring, Honors College Alum Caitlin Peterson was named head coach of the Jennies Volleyball team Coach Peterson has a long history with Jennies Volleyball. In her undergrad, Peterson was a Jenny herself (as pictured below). From playing on the field to pursuing coaching through her schoolwork, Peterson lived Jennies Volleyball After playing on the team, Peterson became a grad assistant coach, then later an assistant coach, before being named head coach this semester. Join us in congratulating Caitlin Peterson!
Caitlin (Pankratz) Peterson during her time as a student athlete
What are your degrees in, and where did you complete them?
Peterson has an undergraduate degree in accounting and a master's degree in exercise science. She earned both degrees here at UCM!
What was your Honors Project, and does it relate to your new position?
Peterson created a manual titled, "Head Coaching for Dummies." She filled it with useful information including a calendar of duties, practice plans, how to order uniforms, how to book hotels and flights, a section on recruitment, and much more! This project helped her to understand all of the different parts of coaching that are separate from the sport. After looking at it recently, she believes that the manual is still a great learning tool.
How has being a Jenny impacted your life?
“Being a jenny - it means a lot more than just being a good volleyball player," said Peterson. She explains, "Being a Jenny means being a good human, a good student, a good member of the community, and a good teammate." Though volleyball is the practical focus, good character and service have always been emphasized by the program. Peterson intends to keep this tradition alive.
How have past coaches influenced you - as an athlete and a coach?
"They are absolutely the reason I am here," said Peterson. Former Jennies head coach Peggy Martin, encouraged Peterson to pursue coaching. Past coaches across college and high school helped Peterson to learn the value of hard work and foster a great love of athletics.
This past fall was full of transformation! Our team revamped communication with students, started planning events for the spring, and worked to discuss changes to our program. All of this work set us up to engage with and support our students better.
Here is to a fall full of advancement, and a spring full of opportunity!
Enjoy photos from summer and fall of '21.
Christina Courtney
Grant Decker
Carolyn Elliott
Lauren Erdman
Symaria Fisher
Aaron Mesey
Mackenzie O'Connor
Samantha Simpson
Honors College student workers at our Homecoming Spirit WindowTop: HC Staff at Family Weekend
Bottom Left: Study Abroad Fair Bottom Right: Orientation
A Publication of: The Honors College
University of Central Missouri James C. Kirkpatrick Library, Suite 1450 Warrensburg, MO 64093
Phone: 660-543-4633 Email: thehonorscollege@ucmo.edu Website: www.ucmo.edu/thehonorscollege Facebook/Instagram: @UCMHonors
If you are interested in becoming a part of the Honorably Speaking staff or have an article you would like placed in the next issue, please email Grace Kennedy at gkennedy@ucmo.edu.
The opinions expressed by the columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of The Honors College, The Honors College Student Association, or the University of Central Missouri.