This spring, Truman is again offering an introductory ceramics course open to community members.
 
“Community Ceramics” begins Jan. 26 with weekly class meetings from 6-8 p.m. Mondays. The 15-week course will conclude April 27. Cost of the class is $375, which includes instruction and materials. Participants will keep all the works they create.
 
As an introductory course, “Community Ceramics” will teach students proper use of ceramic tools, hand building techniques, basic glazing and surface decorating methods, and rudimentary knowledge of kiln firings.

“Community Ceramics” is under the direction of Truman’s Institute for Academic Outreach as part of its professional development and enrichment mission. More information about “Community Ceramics” can be found online at institute.truman.edu under “Community Courses, Professional Development and Enrichment.” 

Registration is open to community members and Truman employees. This is a one-credit, pass/fail course. It is not available to degree-seeking Truman students. Registration can be completed online. Because space is limited, spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration does not guarantee a spot in the class. 

There is no charge to register, and payment is not due until a spot in the class has been confirmed by the University. Once registrations are processed, an email will be sent with information on how to pay online. Payment in full is due before classes begin. Additionally, payment may be made at the cashiers’ window in McClain Hall, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-3 p.m. 

Any questions about the course or registration can be directed to the Institute for Academic Outreach at 660.785.5384 or institute@truman.edu.

An anonymous donor has pledged to match all gifts to the Basketball – Men’s (Purple Pack) Fund received from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31, dollar for dollar up to $50,000.

The goal is to provide the men’s basketball team with resources needed to propel the program forward. Gifts to this fund are used to meet the most pressing needs of the program such as enhanced recruitment/travel to attract top talent, boosting scholarships, enhancing facilities and conditioning equipment, and covering travel costs for expanding the non-conference schedule.

Through this generous matching gift, contributions go twice as far. To make a one-time or recurring gift, click here, or send a check payable to Truman State University Foundation (memo line: Men’s Basketball) to: Truman State University, Advancement Office, 100 E. Normal Ave., Kirksville, MO 63501-4221. 

Truman will celebrate its newest graduates during the fall commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. Dec. 13 in Pershing Arena.

Alumna Eneda Hoxha (’08) will give the commencement address. Hoxha is a biotech executive focused on building companies that turn rigorous science into real therapies. She serves as vice president at Nurix Therapeutics, working at the intersection of science, strategy and law to help shape how breakthrough medicines are discovered, protected and scaled.

Doors will open at 10 a.m. for guests. Tickets are not required to enter the arena. Seating is first come, first served. Guests are encouraged to use the main arena entrance on the west side of the building and to park in the parking lots on Franklin Street, directly west of Pershing Building and the General Services Building and south of Patterson Street. Guests needing handicapped parking may park on the east side of Pershing and enter the east entrance in order to utilize the elevator if needed. 

A livestream of the ceremony will be available online for guests who are unable to attend in person. More information about the ceremony, including links to the livestream, can be found at truman.edu/registrar/commencement.

This spring, Sal Costa, professor emeritus of psychology, will offer a new course open to the public that explores the complexities of the human mind and the science behind psychological disorders.

“The Psychology of Abnormal Behavior” will be a scientific study of the causes, assessments and treatments of a variety of psychological disorders and maladaptive behaviors. The class aims to raise awareness of how these issues and problems can have a profound impact on everyday life.

This one-credit, pass/fail course will be offered both in-person and online, providing flexibility for participants. The in-person section, INDV 161: Abnormal Psychology, will meet during first block on Tuesdays in Violette Hall 1010. Participants taking the class online can join synchronously from 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays or watch asynchronously at a time of their choice.

Registration for the course can be done online. The course is open to all non-degree-seeking students and costs $65. The start date is Jan. 13 with the end date March 3.

For more information, contact the Institute for Academic Outreach at 660.785.5384 or visit institute.truman.edu.

Any member of the Truman community can propose a project/supply or equipment idea to the Athletic Fee Accountability Committee for consideration. These projects should enhance the athletic facilities or equipment on Truman’s campus. The purpose of this proposal is to introduce the project to the committee. 

Recommendations for how Truman can better support club sports, the recreation center and other facilities can be made by filling out the Athletic Fee Accountability Committee Proposal form. 

Dec. 8
9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 9
9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 10
9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Dec. 11
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dec. 12
9 a.m.-5 p.m.


Winter Break Hours
Dec. 15-19
11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dec. 22-26
Closed

Dec. 29-31
11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jan. 1-2
Closed

Jan. 5-9
11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Closed Saturdays and Sundays during winter break. Open for normal semester hours beginning Jan. 12. 

The Office of Admission is looking for reliable and responsible students to welcome and introduce all first-year students and their families to Truman during summer orientation activities.

The position of an orientation leader requires a great deal of dedication and hard work. As representatives of Truman, they are expected to learn the most important aspects of the University to best facilitate positive interactions between families and first-year students and be able to fulfill varying and diverse roles throughout training and the orientation sessions. While serving as a friend and mentor to new students, orientation leaders are also responsible for communicating and upholding Truman policies, as well as any special policies which may apply specifically to summer orientation.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Jan. 16.

The next issue of the Truman Today will be available Jan. 12. 

Rafael Tubongbanua, associate professor of nursing, successfully defended his dissertation, “The Lived Experience of Doctoral Nursing Students with English as an Additional Language (EAL): Perspective from Graduates.” He will be formally conferred the degree Doctor of Education, major in Nursing Education, and will be hooded at the University of West Georgia, Dec. 11-12.

Carol Cox, professor of health science, received the Dr. Kathleen Kinderfather Award. This is MOSHAPE’s highest honor, and it recognizes honor, dignity, integrity and exemplary contributions to the society and the profession.

Julene Ensign, chair of exercise science, was recognized with the Dr. Lynn Imergoot Scholar Award for competence in research. 

Melody Jennings, instructor in exercise science, was awarded the Dance Teacher of the Year for both MOSHAPE and the Northeast District. 

Alumnus Joe Jackson (’13, ’14), a former student of Jennings, was recognized as the Middle School Teacher of the Year for MOSHAPE and the St. Louis District. These Teacher of the Year awards recognize outstanding teaching practices and contributions to physical education/dance education.

Jesse Krebs, left, and Jocelyn Stevens, right, rehearse during the North Central Missouri Bandmaster’s Association Honor Band. 

Jocelyn Stevens, Education Department chair and associate professor of music, along with Jesse Krebs, professor of music, were invited as guests for the 2025 North Central Missouri Bandmaster’s Association Honor Band, Nov. 24. Stevens served as the honor band conductor, and Krebs performed two clarinet concertos as soloist with the ensemble on that evening’s concert: Weber’s Concertino and Mangani’s Blues from an American in Paris. 

This annual event is one of the oldest honor bands in the state, with the first one taking place in 1951. This year’s NCMBA ensemble was made up of the top students from these participating high schools: Cameron, Carrollton, Chillicothe, Excelsior Springs, Fayette, Gallatin, Hardin-Central, King City, Macon, Maryville, Maysville, North Harrison, North Shelby, Norborne, Orrick, Penney, Smithville, South Harrison, Trenton and Winston.

Daniel Mandell, emeritus professor of history, recently published the chapter “Southern New England’s Great Upheaval,” in the collection “The Great Upheaval, 1675-1725,” eds. Ian Saxine and Kristalyn Shefveland (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2025), 37-54.