This summer Truman will partner with a program designed to set children as young as middle school on the path to obtaining a college education.
The University’s Truman Institute and the Office of Advancement are working with the Kauffman Scholars, Inc., to provide a three-day college experience for up to 45 middle school students this August. The students are part of the Kauffman Scholars program, which prepares urban students from an early age to succeed in and graduate from college.
The program’s goal is to increase the number of college graduates from the Kansas City metropolitan area. It is expected to serve around 2,300 students over 19 years and is supported by a $70 million grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
“We are positively ecstatic about having the Kauffman Scholars on our campus,” said Gina Morin, vice president for enrollment management at Truman. “The nurturing of academic excellence provided to the Kauffman Scholars throughout their time in the program is very consistent with Truman’s mission. We are eager to help these young people learn to identify a college that is right for them and, of course, we hope they will find Truman an attractive environment at which they may someday continue their studies.”
During their stay on campus Aug. 3-5, the Kauffman Scholars will rotate through three workshops of rocketry, ballooning and writing. These workshops introduce interesting and important scientific, mathematical or computational skills and ideas.
Jason Miller, professor of mathematics and director of Truman’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Talent Expansion Programs Office, will coordinate the program at Truman, drawing upon the already well-established experiences of the University’s previous summer enrichment programs.
“Truman’s undergraduate science and mathematics programs are among the best in the nation, and we faculty are always looking for new ways to spread our enthusiasm for the opportunities available to those with training in STEM areas,” Miller said. “Working with the Kauffman Scholars program is an exciting opportunity for us.”
Currently, Kauffman Scholars range from seventh grade through college. They enter a “stair step” program of learning and mentoring as early as their middle school years. Each student has an academic coach and a life coach mentoring them as they receive rigorous instruction in math, science, language arts and life skills. Throughout their middle school and high school years, students are exposed to a range of special academies and workshops to further develop their skills, culminating in support at the college level.
Debra Kerby, professor and chair of Accounting, has been selected as the Dean of the School of Business.
A member of the Truman faculty since 1982, Kerby has served the School and University in many roles, including as interim head of the Division of Business and Accountancy in 1999-2000.
Kerby has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Truman, as well as a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Among her accomplishments at Truman, Kerby received the Walker and Doris Allen Fellowship for Faculty Excellence in 2004 and the Missouri Society of CPAs Outstanding Educator Award in 2009.
Richard Coughlin, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced Kerby’s appointment June 20. She assumed her duties as dean July 1. Kerby replaces Renee Wachter who earlier this year was named chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Jay Self, professor of communication, will be assuming responsibility for leading the Truman in Washington Program this summer.
For the next few months, Self will be working with Diane Tobin Johnson, professor of communication, who has served as program leader since 2006. Johnson will retire as of Jan. 1, 2012.
The Truman in Washington Program supports students who wish to explore the opportunities available for for-credit and non-credit internships in the Washington, D.C. area. One-on-one discussions with students address a variety of concerns, such as budgeting, housing, types of internships (corporate, nonprofit, government), integration with academic courses and successful self-presentation in written, telephone and in-person interviews.
For-credit work can be done through Truman’s departments or through the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, with whom Truman has partnered for approximately 10 years. The Washington Center also offers internship experiences in London, England, and in Sydney, Australia.
Self has a master’s degree from Texas Christian University and a Ph.D. in rhetoric and political communication from the University of Kansas. His research interests include the use of humor in argument, political debate and satire. His most recent publication is a chapter in the book “The Daily Show and Rhetoric: Arguments, Issues and Strategies,” published in 2011. Self has served on Undergraduate Council and the Athletic Committee. He is currently the chair of the political communication minor and is coordinating a pilot Truman seminar for first-year students with an interdisciplinary group of faculty members.
To celebrate the successful conclusion of the
“Bright Minds Bright Futures” campaign, the University will host a Dessert Reception at 7 p.m. July 7 on the south end of the Quadrangle.
“Bright Minds Bright Futures” is Truman’s first-ever comprehensive campaign. It began in July 2006 with the goal of raising $30 million in five years. The campaign, which officially concluded June 30, exceeded that goal with more than $30.6 million in cash, multi-year pledges and new planned gift commitments recorded. Major initiatives of the campaign included student scholarships, student enrichment and academic programs, faculty support, athletics and mission enhancement.
RSVPs are not required but are appreciated. Those planning to attend can call 785.4133 or email
alumnievents@truman.edu by July 6. In the event of rain, the Hub in the Student Union Building will serve as the event location.
