Vol. 22 No. 17 - January 16, 2018

Truman is the highest rated Missouri public school to be included in the 2018 Best College Values ranking conducted by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

Kiplinger combined public schools, private universities and private liberal arts colleges into a single comprehensive list and rated the 300 Best College Values for 2018. Overall, Truman came in at No. 71, while the only other Missouri public school on the list is ranked 234.

In total, eight Missouri institutions are on the Kiplinger list. Rated against its Show-Me-State peers, Truman was by far the best financial option. On average, Truman’s annual cost is nearly $20,000 lower than the other Missouri schools.

Along with its comprehensive list, Kiplinger also rated the 100 top values in public colleges. Again, Truman was the highest ranked Missouri institution, coming in at No. 19 overall. In terms of affordability for out-of-state students, Truman was No. 8 on the list for public schools.

Kiplinger’s quality measures, which are weighted more heavily than cost, include admission rate, percentage of students who return for their sophomore year, student-faculty ratio and the four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include total costs, financial aid and average debt at graduation. The complete rankings are now available online at kiplinger.com/links/colleges and appear in print in the February 2018 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

Truman has the highest graduation and retention rates among Missouri public schools according to the Missouri Department of Higher Education.

 
The new year brought a new face to the Truman campus as Janna Stoskopf started as the University’s new vice president for student affairs on Jan. 11.

“Truman State University is clearly a very special place and I am proud to join a group of colleagues committed to creating a truly transformational experience for students,” Stoskopf said. “My family and I are also really looking forward to being a part of the Kirksville community.”

Stoskopf has nearly 30 years of experience in the field of university student affairs. Most recently, she was the assistant vice president of student affairs for North Dakota State University. She worked at NDSU in various roles for the past 18 years. Her career also includes stints at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and South Dakota State University.

As Truman’s vice president for student affairs, Stoskopf oversees a wide variety of programs, services, facilities and activities that promote the safety and holistic development of students. The vice president serves as an advisor to the president on issues relating to student life at Truman and is the primary liaison and advocate for student interests, needs and concerns with parents, faculty, staff, administrators and community members.

In addition to a master’s degree in college student personnel from Western Illinois University, Stoskopf earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. She is currently working on a Ph.D. in institutional analysis from NDSU.

Stoskopf succeeds Lou Ann Gilchrist who retired in December after more than 30 years at Truman.

Beatlemania will return to Truman with the next installment of the Kohlenberg Lyceum Series.

The Liverpool Legends Beatles tribute band will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 in Baldwin Auditorium. Back by popular demand, the group previously performed at Truman in 2013.

Made up of four talented musicians and actors hand-picked by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison, the Liverpool Legends perform songs spanning the entire career of the Beatles. With precise attention to every musical detail, along with costume changes, vintage instruments and special effects, audiences feel like they are watching the real thing.

The Liverpool Legends received national attention when they re-created the Beatles famed 1966 concert at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. They have performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Cavern Club in Liverpool.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at lyceum.truman.edu or at Edna Campbells in downtown Kirksville. They are also available between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Truman cashier’s window, located on the first floor of McClain Hall. All tickets are $5.50 (includes tax). Any remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the door the night of the performance.

Questions regarding the Kohlenberg Lyceum Series can be directed to pr@truman.edu or 660.785.4016. More information on the Liverpool Legends is available at liverpoollegends.com.

The traveling exhibit, “Satiric and Political Graphics in the Modern Times,” will be on display and open to the public from Jan. 19 through March 4 in the first floor gallery of Pickler Memorial Library.

The intention of this small exhibit is to provide a brief overview of graphic art throughout history that, with the use of satire and visual power, has exposed the fundamental contradictions and nonsense that define modern society. Nevertheless, the cultivators of this discipline are so numerous and renowned that it is frankly difficult to include them all. For this exhibit, a select number of prominent artists were chosen whose work best represent the diverse styles of graphic art across the different political and historical eras. In this manner, it is possible to follow the evolution of this visual genre from its beginnings in the 18th century, first linked to the field of pictorial art and the rise of written press, and later in the 20th century, continuing into the 21st century.

“Satiric and Political Graphics in the Modern Times” is organized and provided by Carleton College. The Truman exhibit is sponsored by the Department of Classical and Modern Languages in partnership with Pickler Memorial Library.

Construction on Kirk Memorial nears completion. Photo courtesy of the Special Collections Department in Pickler Memorial Library.

Kirk Memorial is one of the most recognizable features on the Truman campus. It is also located just a stone’s throw away from Kirk Building, one of the school’s most historic buildings. Both are named in tribute to John R. Kirk, the second-longest tenured president in University history.

An alumnus of the University, Kirk was valedictorian of his class in 1878. After graduation, he was a professional educator and later an attorney before he became the school’s fifth president in 1899. Over the next 26 years, Kirk expanded programs and led the movement to change the school’s status from a normal school to a full-fledged teachers college. He also became one of the country’s leaders in teacher education and an innovator and expert in rural education and the training of teachers for rural schools.

Originally built in 1923, Kirk Building was renamed in his honor in 1959. For generations of alumni, it is remembered as the social center of campus since it was the site of games, assemblies and events.

Kirk Memorial was constructed in 1940, three years after its namesake passed away. It was funded primarily by donations collected in a joint campus, alumni and community effort.

A complete biography of Kirk is available on the Pickler Memorial Library website. More information about campus buildings can be found at truman.edu/about/our-campus/facilities.


The gym inside Kirk Building was the site of many basketball games, social events and assemblies. Photo courtesy of the Special Collections Department.

Students interested in a summer study abroad opportunity can experience Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Florence, Assisi, Venice and more during the May 2018 Europe in Transition program sponsored by Truman.

The Europe in Transition Program combines study and field trips using the setting of countries in Europe. The focus will be the examination of current issues and problems in the European Union (EU), the economy and the political and social climate. Scholarship money is available.

Informational meetings will take place at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 17 and Jan. 18 in Violette Hall. Additional details and an application are available here. For more information, contact Jason Lin, chair and professor of business administration.

Instructional classes at the Student Recreation Center began Jan. 15. Participants are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes early to insure a spot in the class. Most classes have a maximum capacity of 30 participants. All classes take place on the second floor of the rec center in the aerobics room, 208. Classes include yoga, Pilates, HIIT, Tabata, martial arts and Zumba.

Students looking to get a better handle on their finances can sign up now for Truman’s one-hour Personal Financial Wellness Class, CRN 2913. Classes meet on Thursdays from 2:30-4:20 p.m. starting Jan. 18 through March 1. For more information, contact jholcomb@truman.edu.

Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) is the career preparation organization on-campus. Every year, thousands of high school students decide to spend their winter break preparing career-related projects within their Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). This year, the Truman PBL chapter has agreed to help one of those CTSOs by providing feedback on graphic design and publication design projects to ensure these young leaders are career-ready.

PBL is asking the campus if they would like to assist too. The event will take place from 5-9 p.m. Jan. 17 in Violette Hall 1432. Grading will be done digitally. There is limited computer space, so interested participants are encouraged to email pbltruman@gmail.com. Questions or concerns can be directed to Taylor N. Libbert, PBL president, at the same email address.

Additionally, a light meal (probably pizza) will be provided for volunteers. For updates, check out the Facebook event.

Students with financial needs that may interfere with their ability to continue their education can seek assistance through the Truman State University Foundation Loan Program.

Foundation loans can come in the form of short-term loans, long-term loans, access loans and cultural loans specifically for study abroad trips. Applications go through the Financial Aid Office and are repaid directly to the University. Banks and outside lenders are not involved in the process.

To be eligible for a Foundation loan, students must be enrolled on a full-time basis, have at least 12 credit hours at Truman and be in good academic standing. Students also need to demonstrate an ability to repay the loan in a timely manner. Deferments of up to five years are available for cultural and long-term loans, provided the student is enrolled on a full-time basis.

In addition to scholarship assistance, the loan program is an example of the immediate impact of donations to the Truman State University Foundation. Gifts from alumni and friends allow Truman to provide assistance directly to students as they pursue their education.

For more information on the Foundation loan program, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@truman.edu, at 660.785.4130 or in person at McClain Hall 103.

Sign up for personal training with one of the Student Recreation Center’s nationally certified personal trainers. A variety of packages are available including four, eight, and 12 sessions. All packages come with a free fitness assessment. Prices vary accordingly. Sign up at the rec center or visit recreation.truman.edu for more information.

6:30 p.m.
Jan. 18
Del and Norma Robison Planetarium
Visiting writer Jim O’Loughlin will read from his flash fiction collection “Dean Dean Dean Dean.”

Sign up at the weight room desk for the Student Recreation Center’s TruStrength program. Participants will be paired with a weight room instructor and given an opportunity to ask questions or learn specific machines/exercises. Orientations last 45-60 minutes and can be completed alone or with a friend.

Anyone looking for some added motivation for their workout routine, or wanting to learn some fun new things which will challenge them and keep them on their toes, can drop in to one of the following weekly 30-minute workshop style workouts with Janes Dreamweaver, director of fitness-wellness and personal trainer. Participants can stay the whole time or leave when they want. Bring friends or come alone.

Monkey Bar Meet Up
Mondays
4:30 p.m.
Build strength on the monkey bars and learn creative ways to challenge yourself.

Speed and Agility Ladders
Tuesdays
3:30 p.m.
Build your speed, agility and coordination learning a variety of ladder patterns.

Ropes and Boxes
Thursdays
3:30 p.m.
Build your explosive jumping ability on the boxes and test your interval training on the ropes.

The first Global Issues Colloquium of the semester will take place at 7 p.m. Jan. 18 in Baldwin Little Theater with a screening of “Bending the Arc.”  

“Bending the Arc” is a documentary about the extraordinary team of doctors and activists – including Paul Farmer, Jim Yong Kim and Ophelia Dahl – whose work 30 years ago to save lives in a rural Haitian village grew into a global battle in the halls of power for the right to health for all. Epic, yet intimate, the film is a compelling argument for the power of collective and personal vision and will to turn the tide of history.

For more updates, check out the Facebook event.

 
The TruFIT physical activity challenge, sponsored by the President’s Wellness Committee, is returning this semester. Participants who successfully complete the challenge this year will win a free T-shirt. Sign-up online beginning Jan. 22. The program is eight weeks long and will begin Jan. 29. Participants are striving for 150 minutes of physical activity per week and must log their minutes online for seven of eight weeks to receive a T-shirt. Participation can be done alone or with a team of friends/co-workers.

The Department of Public Safety will conduct van driving classes at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 23 and Jan. 24 at the General Services Building. This is a required class to drive University fleet full-size vans. Sign-up must be done in advance to reserve a space. Class size is limited. Participants should allow two to three hours for the class. Student drivers must also complete a waiver of vehicle usage policy form. For more information, call 660.785.4177 or email joycecook@truman.edu.

2-6 p.m.
Jan. 24
Student Union Building

Campus and community organizations will be present to distribute information and answer questions. This is a great way to learn more about the numerous organizations available at Truman.

Tim Augustine
“The Power of Social Styles: Respect Them Equally, Lead Them Differently”
7:30-9 p.m.
Jan. 29
Baldwin Hall Auditorium
Sponsored by Delta Sigma Pi, Alpha Kappa Psi, National Association of Black Accountants and Beta Alpha Psi with FAC.

Presentation abstract: Tim Augustine is an author and experienced business leader who speaks about professional development across the country. This presentation will focus on social styles, identifying your own and others to better lead and communicate with those around you. This is a fun, high-energy session including lots of honest conversation and some eye-opening moments. You’ll leave with a better understanding of yourself and others not only in a professional context, but in all parts of life.

Check out the most recent podcast episode of TruTalk featuring John Gardner, director of residence life, and host Janes Dreamweaver, director of fitness-wellness. Listen at recreation.truman.edu. Also available on iTunes.

Cory Anderson, assistant professor of sociology and geography, and Steven Reschly, professor of history, along with colleagues from The Ohio State University and the University of Missouri, have just announced the establishment of the Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies Association (APASA). This is a new association for scholars interested in research about the plain people. The website for the new association amishstudies.org was designed by Truman student Allison Gray, while students Jonas Chang and Alex Garber put together the Amish population maps.

Justin S. Jarvis, Terry L. Olson and Matthew S. Wilson, all of the Truman economics department, along with their coauthor, Parker A. S. Crutchfield, from the Program in Medical Ethics, Humanities and Law, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Western Michigan University, were recently informed that an article they published was chosen as one of the 10 Most Notable Articles in 2017 in the Journal of Dental Education, “selected based on quality of research and presentation, importance of topic area, and innovative approach.” The article, “Observed Altruism in Dental Students: An Experiment Using the Ultimatum Game,” will be available for free on the JDE website through Feb. 28 at jdentaled.org/content/81/11/1301.full.

Assistant professors of accounting Jack Winstead and Kathy Otero, along with co-author Mitchell Wenger of the University of Mississippi, had their manuscript entitled, “Best Venue for Learning? A Comparison of Practitioners’ and Educators’ Preferences among Delivery Method Options for Developing AIS Proficiencies,” published in Business Education Innovation Journal, Vol. 9, No. 2, December 2017.  

Faculty members Carolyn Cox, John Seiffertt and Don Bindner were the inaugural winners of Truman’s Academic Innovation Award.

Carolyn Cox, professor of health science
Rapid e-learning modules: ‘Just-enough/just-in-time’ learning
Abstract: The rapid e-learning interactive modules (used in the classroom or “on-the-go”) are concise and immersive allowing students to review course topics that are relevant at that moment, access the modules at different times (or resume learning at a more convenient time), as well as test themselves on their understanding. Innovative instructional material and content packaged into “bite-sized” or “just-enough” modules lets students acquire introductory or urgent knowledge and concepts quickly on a “just-in-time” basis.

John Seiffertt, assistant professor of computer science
Don Bindner, assistant professor of mathematics
Digital Currencies
Abstract: The interdisciplinary course CS 484 Digital Currencies explores both the social impacts as well as technical details of the new cryptocurrencies currently reshaping the worldwide financial landscape. Students write papers on and discuss the human elements of digital currencies as well as code computer programs interacting with bitcoin nodes.

The Truman State University Foundation has applications for 2018 Study Abroad Foundation Scholarships available now. These are scholarships established by generous alumni and friends of the University.

Scholarships are for students studying abroad through a Truman-sponsored program. To apply, log in to TruView, go to the Student Tab, Student Finances, Foundation Scholarship Application. Applications can be revised any time prior to the Jan. 31 deadline.

The Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation will offer the Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship, named in honor of Allan Walker Purdy. Purdy was born in 1914 on a farm near Macon and was the first in his family to attend a four-year college. He worked in the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture before becoming the campus’s first director of scholarships and student financial aid.

The scholarship is designed to provide merit-based scholarships to emerging leaders who are outstanding students and who have a need for additional resources for higher education. The scholarship amount can vary based on an applicant’s circumstances. The general range will be $2,000-$5,000 based on expected family contribution (EFC), unmet need and other factors.

Applicants must be a Missouri resident, typically a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA, a U.S. Citizen, attending a Missouri public four-year university or the State Technical College of Missouri, and be a sophomore, junior or senior in college. To access more information about this scholarship, click here, or contact the Financial Aid Office at 660.785.4130.