Vol. 25 No. 22 - February 22, 2021

Dr. Saint Rice has been selected to serve as the director of Truman’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI).

Throughout his career, Rice has been a passionate advocate for education and has a track record of directing instructional programs to meet the needs of students and organizations. He has more than 15 years of experience in administrative leadership in the fields of higher education and criminal justice, including six years as a trainer and facilitator of diversity, equity and inclusion curricula.

“I was excited about the possibilities after meeting with President Thomas, Vice President Stoskopf and other Truman State University colleagues and students,” Rice said. “My wife and I left the campus feeling diversity and inclusion are not separate issues on a list of objectives that must be accomplished. Diversity, inclusion and belonging are strategically infused on all levels, and I look forward to adding my experience and knowledge to the next level of success.”

Rice has experience in higher education through various roles with multiple institutions including Lincoln College, the University of Phoenix, Harris-Stowe State University and St. Louis Community College. During his time at Lindenwood University he served as the assistant dean for Accelerated Degree Programs where he contributed to academic planning, enhancement of programs, curriculum, scholarship, professional accreditation, recruitment of faculty, faculty development and evaluation, student recruitment, advising, budget development and allocation of resources.

“My professional experiences in higher education and the criminal justice system give me a different perspective on the issues related to diversity, equity, social justice and the need to create a more inclusive society,” Rice said. “I have learned diversity and inclusion are more than a conversation about race or gender. In addition, conversations centered on topics of diversity are not simply about societal differences and how to celebrate those variances. Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging require healthy working relationships built on trust, mutual respect, mindfulness, and open and honest communication.”

Rice earned his doctor of education from Maryville University with a concentration in higher education leadership and administration. He also has a master’s degree in criminal justice administration and a bachelor of arts degree in communication, both from Lindenwood University.

As the director for the CDI, Rice will be responsible for serving the University community by supporting diverse groups academically, emotionally and socially. He will also serve as a resource for campus departments regarding training and programming needs and play a key role in providing oversight for the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusion, which is currently in development.

The CDI offers students assistance in the areas of identity development, intersectionality, inter-group relations and justice to develop a consciousness for the common good and the global community. More information about the CDI is available at diversity.truman.edu.

Rice will officially join the Truman community and begin his duties May 24. In the interim, he will devote a number of hours per week to Truman in an effort to familiarize himself with University programs, students and colleagues.

In March, Truman will conduct a series of virtual town halls designed to give students the opportunity to be a part of a conversation about what has been an unusual academic year.

The University Art Gallery is currently accepting submissions for the annual Juried Student Exhibition.

Truman students may submit up to three artworks for no fee. An online entry form for each piece of work must be completed by Feb. 27. Students must drop off their works in Ophelia Parrish 1114 between 3-6 p.m. Feb. 28 or 8:30-10 a.m. March 1. More information and the online entry form can be found here. The annual Juried Student Exhibition will run from March 16 through April 15 in the University Art Gallery.

The guest juror for this exhibition is Nick Satinover, associate professor of print media at Middle Tennessee State University. He will give an artist talk from 4:30-5:30 p.m. March 2 via Zoom. Visit gallery.arttruman to sign up.

Truman is partnering with The Healthy Minds Network for a survey to assess the mental health needs of students.

All currently enrolled students should have received an email with a link to the survey, which can be taken through March 7. The confidential information provided to faculty and administration from this study reflects students’ day-to-day experiences on campus and provides insight into both their struggles and successes. This knowledge will be used to inform policy, practice and funding for programs and services on campus, thus bettering student life.

All JED Campus colleges and universities participate in the HMN survey. Using validated measures, the survey results will provide a detailed look at the prevalence of mental health problems, service utilization and related behaviors, attitudes and knowledge among a representative sample of students at participating institutions. HMN’s survey research has a special emphasis on understanding help-seeking behavior, examining stigma, knowledge and other potential barriers to mental health service utilization.

Data from the survey can be used to: strengthen grant applications; advocate for mental health services and programs on campus; evaluate existing programs; assess need for programs and services; raise awareness of mental health and campus resources; and make comparisons with peer institutions.  

Students can check their email by searching “Healthy Minds Survey” or “healthyminds-Truman@umich.edu” to make sure it was not redirected to a spam folder.

This year’s Career and Graduate School Expo will take place virtually Feb. 23-25.

Truman’s third annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition will take place Feb. 27, providing students an opportunity to highlight their graduate-level research.

The uniquely named musical “[title of show]” will be Truman Theatre’s third production of the year and will run nightly at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24-27.

For more information, contact the Truman Theatre Box Office at 660.785.4515 between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Dr. Rocki Wentzel, associate professor of classics at Augustana University, will give a virtual talk entitled “Technological Divinity in Spike Jonze’s ‘Her’” at 6 p.m. March 2 via Zoom. Wentzel will incorporate themes and narratives from classical antiquity to provide a unique perspective on love and machines in a technological world. She will also combine the methodologies and content from the fields of classics and film studies. This event is free of charge and sponsored by Interdisciplinary Studies through the Classical Studies and Film Studies Minors.

The nomination form for the 2021 Leadership Recognition Program is now open.

The online submission site for the Student Research Conference is now open and abstracts can be submitted until 5 p.m. March 16.

ROTC’s Warrior Dash 5K Run is open for registration. This year’s challenge will take place both in-person and virtually. For in-person the 5K will start 8 a.m. March 27. Masks will be required and age groups will be staggered at the beginning of the race to prevent grouping at the start and finish lines.

First Place and Missouri State Champions - Debate Sweepstakes

The clinic is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vaccine recipients should arrive at The Crossing at the same time as their first dose was scheduled Jan. 27. There is no charge for the vaccine; however, Medicare beneficiaries are asked to bring their Medicare card with them to the clinic.

During their weekly meeting, members of the Faculty Senate COVID-19 Working Group, Nancy Daley-Moore, Scott Alberts and Christine Harker, recently discussed cases on campus and in the community, as well as making a plan for spring break.

Case numbers related to Truman decreased for the week of Feb. 16, and numbers in the county have also slowed, but the group warned this could potentially be an artificial decline if exposed individuals are not getting tested. Everyone should continue to wear a mask, wash their hands and maintain a social distance. They should also consider getting vaccinated when they have the opportunity.

Students and employees are also encouraged to start making a plan for spring break the week of March 8. Anyone who chooses to travel during that time should consider getting a test prior to their departure and return, and they should plan for time to quarantine before and after their trip. Students returning home should work with their family for a plan while they are visiting, and faculty members might want to consider virtual options before and after break to allow for their students to quarantine until they know they do not pose a risk to others.

A recording of their conversation can be found here.