Vol. 29 No. 21 - February 10, 2025

Features

  • Truman Welcomes Community Participation for Book Club, Author Visit

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    Truman is sponsoring a free community-wide book club in preparation for an on-campus presentation by the author in March.  
     
    Anthony Ray Hinton was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1985 and spent nearly 30 years on death row in Alabama. With the assistance of the Equal Justice Initiative, led by attorney Bryan Stevenson, Hinton finally won his release in 2015. Since his conviction was overturned by the United States Supreme Court, he has become a sought-after speaker and author of “The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row,” which was selected for Oprah’s Book Club and is a New York Times bestseller.
     
    Hinton will be at Truman at 6 p.m. March 26 as part of the University’s Holman Family Distinguished Speaker Series. In anticipation of his presentation, the Criminal Justice Studies program is offering free copies of “The Sun Does Shine” as part of a community book club.
     
    “‘The Sun Does Shine’ is Hinton’s story from the perspective of someone who faced an unimaginable ordeal being sentenced to die for a crime he didn’t commit. Yet through it all, his message of hope, faith and justice is resounding,” said Elizabeth Wiles, director of interdisciplinary studies and chair of legal studies and pre-law programming at Truman. “It is a powerful memoir, and this event is sure to be a transformative experience for anyone from any background.”
     
    Hinton may be familiar to audiences from his inclusion in Stevenson’s book “Just Mercy,” later adapted into a movie of the same name. At the time “Just Mercy” was originally published, Hinton had yet to be exonerated. “The Sun Does Shine” gives readers the firsthand account of his redemptive journey.
     
    The book club is open to all members of the community. Copies of “The Sun Does Shine” will be provided free of charge. Small groups of book club members will be organized for weekly meetings in March leading up to Hinton’s presentation. Each group will meet at a set day and time for three weeks. Participants will be able to sign up for the day and time that works with their schedule. Most times are after 5 p.m., with two lunch time slots also available. Each small group will be led by Truman students. Wiles will offer a virtual option for alumni and participants from outside of the area.
     
    Those interested in participating in the book club can sign up online at truman.edu/events/the-sun-does-shine. Copies of the book can be picked up in Truman’s Social Sciences and Human Inquiry Department located in McClain Hall 213. To inquire about getting a delivered copy of the book, call 660.785.7201, or email Wiles at ewiles@truman.edu. “The Sun Does Shine” is also available online or at the Adair County Public Library.  
     
    Hinton’s presentation will take place at 6 p.m. March 26 at a location to be announced. The book club and presentation are sponsored by the Holman Family Distinguished Speaker Series and the Criminal Justice Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies programs, in collaboration with the Equal Justice Initiative.
  • New Scholarship Supports Northeast Missouri Students

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    Students from northeast Missouri planning to attend Truman this fall can receive up to $2,000 from a newly created scholarship.
     
    The Northeast Missouri Scholarship will be awarded to new students from Adair, Putnam, Schuyler, Scotland, Knox, Macon, Linn and Sullivan counties this fall. It provides $2,000 for students living on campus. Students from the area not living on campus can still receive $1,000.
     
    “This scholarship was created in celebration of the region we call home,” said Allison Schweizer, director of admission. “Truman is committed to empowering northeast Missouri students and investing in their future success.”
     
    All new admitted Truman students from the eight northeast Missouri counties are automatically eligible for the scholarship, which is renewable each year the student attends. No additional application is required. Transfer students who meet certain criteria and hail from the applicable counties may also be eligible to receive the award. More information about the Northeast Missouri Scholarship can be found at truman.edu/nemos.
  • Campus Offices Make Adjustments to Better Serve Students

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    In an effort to streamline and strengthen domestic and international student recruitment goals, the international admissions team will now become part of the Admissions Office. Previously, international recruitment efforts operated as part of the Center for International Students.
     
    “Domestic and international admissions are vital parts of our holistic enrollment strategies,” said Tyana Lange, vice president for student engagement, enrollment and marketing. “Putting these teams together with the same reporting structure will strengthen our collective recruitment efforts and allow for international counselors in particular to focus on reaching prospective students.”
     
    International student support responsibilities, previously overseen by the Center for International Students, will now be under the purview of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI). In order to better reflect its expanded scope of services available to all Truman students, the CDI will be renamed the Bulldog Community Enrichment Office. Expanded services provided through the Bulldog Community Enrichment Office include engagement sessions on any number of topics such as alcohol use and mental well-being, as well as conflict management workshops.
     
    The Center for International Education Abroad will continue to focus on assisting Truman students seeking study abroad opportunities and will report to Academic Affairs.
  • Entrepreneur Speaker Series Features Local Businesswoman

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    Alumna Laci Cook will speak at 12 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Doug & Diane Villhard Innovation Lab located in the Pickler Memorial Library, as part of the TRU-Entrepreneur Speaker Series.

    Cook is the founder and owner of SIP Downtown. She is a dynamic entrepreneur and community leader known for more than 20 years of business ownership, innovation and unwavering commitment to her community. Through hosting events, sponsoring community initiatives or volunteering her time, Cook is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those around her. She was the recipient of Kirksville’s “5 Under 40” award and named the Kirksville Daily Express “Person of the Year.” Cook serves on the City of Kirksville’s Tourism Board, the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce Board and volunteers for many other organizations throughout the community.

    Driven by a passion for both business and community service, Cook continues to inspire others with her tireless dedication, innovative spirit and boundless enthusiasm for personal and professional growth.
  • Theatre Production Puts Contemporary Spin on Classic Greek Tragedy

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    A version of the Seneca play “Medea” will run at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20-22, and 2 p.m. Feb. 23, in the Severns Theatre in Ophelia Parrish.
     
    The mythic figure of Medea has captivated audiences for millennia. When Jason, the hero she helped and loved, abandons Medea for a royal match, she is driven to unimaginable vengeance.
     
    This rendition is under the direction of Cat Gleason, assistant professor of theatre, who also adapted the production to a contemporary framework that challenges the perceptions of the role of women, mothers and outsiders in society. While this production is mostly based on Seneca’s version, it has been wholly re-written and combined with other versions of the play and myth, making it what Gleason refers to as a “loose adaptation” of the original. In this version, the chorus members use the actors’ own names, are in the present time and speak to the audience directly.
     
    “The play we are presenting is an adaptation of an adaptation,” Gleason said. “I first co-authored this adaptation with Barbara Salvadori-Heritage in 2012. This year, with Salvadori-Heritage’s blessing, I rewrote it changing the setting and much of the characterization with this version, leaving the plot structure close to the same.”
     
    Due to the nature of the subject matter, including multiple references to filicide, “Medea” is not intended for younger audience members.
     
    Tickets for all performances of “Medea” are $15 and available now. They can be purchased in advance online here. Tickets are also available at the door before each performance. Any questions about this production may be directed to boxoffice@truman.edu.
  • Foundation Scholarship Applications Available Now

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    The Truman State University Foundation fall 2025 Foundation Scholarship applications are now available.

    Recipients must be enrolled full-time during the term of the scholarship to receive the full amount. Applications can be submitted and revised at any time prior to the March 16 deadline. To apply, log in to TruView, go to the Student Tab, Scholarships, Financial Aid & Loans then Foundation Scholarship Application.

    When starting the online application process, students will automatically be considered for all Foundation scholarships for which they qualify. While some scholarships are limited by major, many general awards exist.

    These scholarships are available thanks to the private gifts of alumni and friends of the University.
  • Housing Self-Selection Starts Feb. 13

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    Students interested in living on campus during the 2025-26 school year can now make arrangements to do so.

    Living on campus provides students with a built-in community of peers, in addition to offering a variety of amenities. All campus residence halls feature furnished rooms, access to laundry facilities and a meal plan. On-campus residents also have all of their utility costs included in the price of their room.

    Residence Life has several options for students who want to live on campus including single residence hall rooms, apartments and suites for up to four roommates.

    Self-selection for housing will follow a schedule based on minimum credit hour requirements:

    8 a.m. Feb. 18
    Students that have earned 75 credit hours or more

    8 a.m. Feb. 19
    Students that have earned 45-74 credit hours

    8 a.m. Feb. 20
    Students that have earned 30-44 credit hours

    Feb. 21-March 19
    Any returning student may self-select a room or apartment

    Students that have completed a housing application but have not found a roommate and/or self-selected a space by March 20 will be manually assigned to a room with a roommate by the Residence Life team.

    The housing portal is open now and can be accessed through TruView. Questions about the housing process can be directed to Residence Life at 660.785.4227 or reslife@truman.edu.

Announcements

  • Pizza Bowl Rescheduled to Feb. 20

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    Spike’s Annual Pizza Bowl will now take place from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 20 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms. Due to the prospect of inclement weather, and to accommodate the participating vendors coming from off campus, the event has been rescheduled.

    Pizza Bowl pits local vendors in competition for the students’ choice of the best overall pizza in Kirksville. From 2-4 p.m. in the Student Union Building Georgian Room, students can stop by for free samples from all participating local vendors. Voting will take place on Truman’s Instagram, and students will be eligible for prizes. Other giveaways, including Spike’s Annual Pizza Bowl stickers, will also be available at the event.      

    The winning business will receive a pizza trophy. Follow Truman’s Instagram, @trumanstate, for updates and information on how to vote. A list of local vendors will be announced closer to the event.
  • Piano Festival Showcases Promising Performers

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    The 42nd annual Truman Piano Festival and Piano Fellowship Competition will take place Feb. 14-15.
     
    Performances will begin with a guest recital by Dr. Oliver Jia, a piano faculty member from Bilkent University in Turkey. With a repertoire of dozens of concertos and more than two hundred solo and chamber works, Jia has performed for audiences worldwide. He made his official debut at the Isaac Stern Auditorium in Carnegie Hall, playing Sergey Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto No. 5” with the Juilliard Orchestra.
     
    Jia’s recital will take place at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. A live stream will be available at youtube.com/@trumanmusicconcerts/streams.
     
    As part of the festival, Jia will present master classes and serve as a judge for students participating in the fellowship competition, Feb. 15. Incoming first-year and transfer students pursuing a degree in music with piano as the primary instrument will compete for scholarships. Top prize is a four-year renewable scholarship covering tuition and room and board. Second place is a scholarship package worth up to $4,000. Participating students were selected after applying and submitting video recordings of the required repertoire in January.
     
    The top three competition participants will perform on Truman’s newly refurbished Steinway D and be professionally recorded during the winners’ recital at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.
     
    Both recitals are free and open to the public. More information about the Piano Festival can be found online at truman.edu/majors-programs/majors-minors/music-major/piano-festival.
  • TSUnami Women’s Ultimate Offers Valentines Delivery Service

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  • February is Financial Aid Awareness Month

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    Students are encouraged to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible for the 2025-2026 school year.

    In celebration of Financial Aid Awareness Month, the Financial Aid Office in McClain Hall 103 will have free candy available. Students are encouraged to visit the office and discuss any questions they may have about financial aid. Along with processing the FAFSA to determine federal, state and some University funds, the office provides information about scholarship service and renewal for returning students. They can also help with private scholarship check processing, funding for study abroad or summer school, budgeting, financial literacy or loan counseling.

    For more information, visit the Financial Aid Office website, call 660.785.4130 or email finaid@truman.edu.
  • Leadership Recognition Program Honors People, Orgs Making Contributions

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    The Chinese Language and Cultural Association for Lunar New Year Gala won Outstanding Overall Program for the 2024 LRP awards.

    Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s Leadership Recognition Program.

    The LRP is designed to honor Truman students, organizations and advisors for their dedication to their peers, organizations, campus and the Kirksville community through various leadership roles during the academic year. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate exceptional student leaders, advisors, organizations and events on campus.

    Submissions for the LRP are taken online only. A link to the nomination form can be found at involvement.truman.edu/leadership-recognition-program. Multiple nominations for individuals or organizations are welcome. Details about all of the awards can be found in the nomination packet available here. Nominations will close at 5 p.m. March 3.

    Questions about the LRP can be directed to the program coordinator at lrp@truman.edu or orgs@truman.edu. Union & Involvement services will host the Leadership Recognition Program ceremony April 8.
  • Organizations Looking for New Members

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  • Subs in the Hub to Take Place Feb. 13

    Subs in the Hub will take place 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Student Union Building. Free chips and sandwiches will be available.

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  • Now Hiring Student Ambassadors

    The Office of Admission is looking for enthusiastic student leaders with a passion for sharing their Truman experience.

    Applications are open for student ambassadors for the 2025-26 academic year. Student ambassadors guide visiting students and their families on campus tours, assist in the recruitment of prospective students and positively represent the University.
     
    Scholarship, work-study and volunteer opportunities are available. Institutional positions are available, but limited. Applications are open online and are due by Feb. 14. Contact Madison Stogsdill, orientation student ambassador coordinator, with any questions.

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  • Lunar New Year Celebration Features Food and Prizes

    The Chinese Language and Culture Association will host a Lunar New Year Gala, celebrating the year of the snake, Feb. 15 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room. This event will include free dinner, live action and prizes to be won. Scan the QR code on the event poster to RSVP. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the festivities will commence at 6 p.m.

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  • Fresh Start Fridays Features Yoga and Stretching

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  • Cardinal Key Hosts Spring Rush

    Cardinal Key is a national honors society dedicated to service.  They will host rush events from 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 6-8 p.m. Feb. 19 and 3 p.m. Feb. 22. Those interested should fill out the rush application prior to the events.

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  • Organization Offers Free Help with Tax Preparation

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    Beta Alpha Psi will host Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) sessions from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 22, March 1 and March 29 in Violette Hall 1424.

    Clients who come to VITA should bring: social security cards for spouses and dependents; bank routing numbers and bank account numbers for direct deposit; wage and earnings statements such as W-2, 1098T and 1099; and a copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns if available. VITA services will be completed by IRS-certified volunteers and will also offer free electronic filing to receive a faster return.

    Appointments are required. Truman students can make appointments online. Truman staff and community members should call 660.785.6064 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit bap.truman.edu/vita.
  • Newman Center Sponsors Retreat

    The Catholic Newman Center will provide rides to Awakenings retreat in Edina, Missouri. The retreat will take place from 4:30 p.m. Feb. 21 to 3 p.m. Feb. 23. This event is open to all and is a great opportunity to grow in faith, community and self. Sign up here.

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  • Big Event Set for March 29

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    The 24th annual Big Event is set to take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 29.

    The Big Event gives Truman students, faculty, staff and alumni the opportunity to show appreciation for all of the support the Kirksville community has offered to them. Hundreds of Truman volunteers will provide services to the residents of the community by raking leaves, washing windows, painting and more.  

    Volunteers can sign-up here. Local Kirksville residents hoping for volunteers to help them with projects can sign-up here. All sign-ups are due by March 16. For more information visit serve.truman.edu.
  • Upward Bound Hiring for Summer Positions

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    Truman’s Upward Bound program is currently looking for juniors, seniors or graduate students to serve as residential mentors for summer academy.

    Upward Bound is a college preparatory program for income-eligible area high school students, many of whom will be the first in their families to attend college.

    Dates for this position are May 30-July 2, which includes training and a trip with students. Residential mentor positions are paid, full time, offer weekends off and include room and board.

    Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled with qualified candidates. For more information, or to access an online application, visit the Upward Bound website.
  • Student Engagement Survey to be Emailed to Students

    Students may soon receive an email survey from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), addresses from “Sue Thomas, President <nsse@nssesurvey.org>.”

    First year students, not necessarily freshmen by credits, and seniors, must have been senior status in the fall, should receive an invitation to participate. The email contains a unique link for the survey. Those that didn’t receive an email can request their link from jhopkins@truman.edu or visit nssesurvey.org and click on “Don’t know your login ID?” Students can use their Truman email address on the next page to access the survey.

    The message in the email will read:

    It is important to me, the administration, faculty and staff, that you can make the most of your time at Truman so you are best prepared to achieve your goals and dreams when you graduate. Results from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) will give us students’ perspectives of the Truman experience, including academics, learning with peers, experiences with faculty and campus life. By completing the NSSE Survey, you will provide invaluable insights that will inform what Truman does now and in the future. Knowing what you think is essential, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

    All the best,
    President Sue Thomas
  • Summer Undergraduate Research Program Accepting Proposals

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    The Office of Student Research is accepting TruScholars proposals for research and creative scholarship conducted over the eight-week summer term, June 2 through July 25. Grant applications may request up to $5,750 and can include a $3,500 max student stipend and a $1,750 max mentor stipend.

    More information about the TruScholars program is available on the Office of Student Research website. Applications are due by Feb. 21. Any additional questions about TruScholars can be directed to osr@truman.edu.
  • Summer Jobs Available Through Truman Academies

    The Institute for Academic Outreach is seeking applications for each academy for programs ranging from one to three weeks during June and July. Stipends vary based in the length of the program and nature of the work. Applications are currently being accepted and will continue until the positions are filled. Information about each available position can be accessed at tiacademies.truman.edu/employment or by emailing Michelle Wilson at mwwilson@truman.edu.

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  • Environmental Committee Accepting Project Proposals

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    Environmental Sustainability Fee Allotment Committee (ESFAC) is currently seeking proposals for improving sustainability and environmentalism on campus. Any individual or organization in good standing with the University can submit an application for funding for a project that aims to enhance sustainability on Truman’s campus. In the past they have funded projects such as updated compost equipment, bee houses, solar power for the University Farm and reusable water bottle fillers.

    Applications should be well thought out and as detailed as possible, however the committee will help to refine submissions. Proposals can be completed using this form. The deadline for proposal submission is 12 a.m. March 16. For more details about the application process and guidelines, visit senate.truman.edu/archives/officialdocuments, or reach out to Willow Reese, committee chair, at sb85256@truman.edu.

Notables

  • Jahnke Hired to Oversee Physical Plant

    Nick Jahnke has been selected as the director of physical plant. He earned a Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management. Prior to joining Truman, Jahnke was employed in the facility industry at two Chicago area school districts and as a project manager for large building systems installation projects.
  • Smiser Named Institutional Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator

    James D. “JD” Smiser has accepted the position of institutional compliance officer and Title IX coordinator, effective Feb. 3. Smiser has served in that role on an interim basis since October 2024 and has served as Truman’s director of Citizenship and Community Standards since 2016.   
     
    An alumnus of the University, Smiser earned a Bachelor of Science degree in justice systems in 1993 and received his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law in 2002. Prior to returning to Truman in 2016, Smiser was in private legal practice in northeast Missouri.
     
    The Truman Institutional Compliance Office is responsible for enforcing and overseeing all aspects of the University’s Nondiscrimination Policy, including compliance with Title IX. The Compliance Office receives and investigates reports of potential misconduct, communicates with parties and witnesses, coordinates supportive and protective services, and facilitates hearings related to alleged violations.
  • Grobey Presents at MMEA Conference

    Paul Grobey, assistant professor of violin and viola, presented “Sound and Structure: Exploring Violin Bow Technique” to a room of approximately 100 people at the MMEA conference in Osasge Beach, Missouri. His presentation was one of only two orchestra presentations at the conference. Lily Schmitt, music pre-certification sophomore, also performed with Grobey.

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  • Master of Athletic Training Students and Faculty Attend State Conference

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    Students and faculty from the Truman Master of Athletic Training attended the MOATA Educators’ and Student Leadership Conference in Fayette, Missouri, Feb. 1. Members of the MOATA Student Leadership Committee organized the event to include speaker sessions, poster session and quiz bowl. Speakers included Truman alumni Logan Benedict and Meredith Wekesser. Truman MOATA Student Leadership Committee members included Jadan Crader, Jaylynn Martin and Abby Buckman.

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    The Truman Master of Athletic Training quiz bowl team took home second place in the state competition. This has earned them a spot in the Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association District V competition as one of the two teams representing Missouri. The next competition will take place March 14 in LaVista, Nebraska. Pictured are Jaylynn Martin, Cole Hedrick, Jadan Crader and Dr. Carr, MOATA president.
  • Students Participate at MMEA All-Collegiate Band Conference

    Six Truman students participated in the MMEA All-Collegiate Band, Jan. 29. This event was part of the annual Missouri Music Educators Association winter conference in Osage Beach, Missouri. More than 25 Missouri colleges and universities were represented in this ensemble that takes place once every four years. The students that participated were Lexi Balog, Alex Lee, Kayla Marker, Andrew Meyer, Frank Ponder and Emilie Vinyard.

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