Truman has released its academic honor rolls for the fall 2025 semester.
 
Students who received a grade point average of 3.5 or better during the fall semester can now find their honor roll information posted online.
 
The President’s List, for students with a perfect 4.0 grade point average, can be accessed at truman.edu/honors/fall-2025-presidents-list. The Vice President for Academic Affairs’ List, featuring students with a grade point average between 3.50-3.99, can be found at truman.edu/honors/fall-2025-vice-presidents-list.
 
To qualify for either list, a student must be an undergraduate and complete at least 12 hours of credit during the semester.
 
Lists are organized by state and hometown. Hometowns are based upon the permanent address given to the University by the student. Students who have requested a directory hold on their information are not included on the lists. Any questions regarding student eligibility for inclusion on the lists can be directed to the Academic Affairs Office at 660.785.4105.

Jackie Jackson has been selected as Truman’s new vice president for advancement, effective Jan. 26.

“With the rapidly evolving higher education landscape, and our deep and unwavering commitment to student support and success, the work of advancement has never been more important,” said University President Sue Thomas. “Jackie brings invaluable strategic knowledge and expertise, as well as great energy to the role, and I am excited for what her leadership will accomplish for Truman.”

Jackson was selected after a national search and comes to Truman after serving as the associate vice president of the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation. In nearly six years in that position, she contributed to fundraising efforts that helped the Foundation reach $103 million in total assets and saw a record-breaking surge of $16 million in annual fundraising. She was also integral in developing and launching UCM’s first-ever $60 million comprehensive campaign from feasibility study through the silent phase. The campaign is now preparing for a public launch.

All totaled, Jackson has more than 15 years in higher education advancement. In addition to her work as associate vice president, she has served as director of annual giving at UCM and Central Methodist University, as well as the director of the annual fund at McMurry University. At Truman, she will be responsible for the University’s fundraising efforts and alumni relations.

“From the first time I stepped on campus, I knew Truman was a special place, distinguished by a passionate and deeply engaged network of alumni and supporters,” Jackson said. “I am excited to partner with the advancement team to promote and elevate the institution’s impact while ensuring student success for generations to come.” 

Jackson has an Ed.D. in organizational leadership in higher education from Abilene Christian University, along with a master’s degree in college student personnel administration and a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant administration, both from UCM.

Women We Admire recognized Jackson on its list of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Kansas City for 2025. Among her civic and professional service, Jackson has been a member of the Warrensburg Senior Center Advisory Board, Rotary Club of Central Missouri, United Way of Abilene and UCM Staff Council. 

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.

Truman is actively expanding its employer partnerships for 2026, and alumni connections are one of the most impactful ways students gain access to meaningful opportunities.

Alumni working at organizations that hire interns or early career talent are encouraged to connect with the Career Center. Participating alumni do not need to be recruiters or hiring managers. They just need to share information about their organizations, including who handles early career hiring or recruiting. Alumni referrals often lead to stronger, longer-term employee partnerships. 

Interested alumni can contact Kim Sprought, director of internships, at ksprought@truman.edu or 660.785.4006. 

Truman is also inviting Missouri-based employers to engage with students this spring. New employers in the University’s recruiting network can receive a one-time reduced rate for participating in the Career Fair. 

The Spring 2026 Grad School Fair and Career and Internship Fair are scheduled for Feb. 25 and Feb. 26, respectively. More information is available at career.truman.edu. 

The Kirksville MLK celebration, planned by representatives from the City, A.T. Still University and Truman, is an annual celebration of Dr. King’s Legacy and those that have contributed to enhancing the greater community.

The MLK Day of Service will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 19. Students can register as a group or individuals to participate in this day of giving back to the Kirksville Community. Registration can be completed online here. 

At 1 p.m. Jan. 20 in the Mehegan Classroom ATSU will host the MLK Guest Speaker. This annual event features individuals at the intersections of healthcare and community through their work and personal experiences that champion King’s legacy.

The Del and Norma Robinson Planetarium will host the MLK Community Movie at 6 p.m. Jan. 23. 

The annual MLK Community Dinner will take place at 6 p.m. Jan. 30 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room. This dinner aims to bring together members across the Kirksville community. This year’s keynote speaker will be Ashley Young, Kirksville’s director of community and economic development.

RSVP for any of the events can be done online. 

This year, Spike is celebrating National Rubber Ducky Day by placing 50 rubber ducks across campus. Students who find a duck and bring it to the Office of Student Engagement, Student Union Building 3100, can win a prize. All returned ducks earn a full-sized candy bar. The first 10 ducks returned will also receive a drink coupon to Einsteins or Starbucks. No ducks are hidden in classrooms. Ducks need to be returned between Jan. 12-23 to receive a prize. One duck per student. 

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. 

The Student Recreation Center is a valuable campus resource, providing free access and programs for students, faculty, staff and retirees. Information about fitness classes can be found at recreation.truman.edu/fitness-home.

Spring REC Hours
Monday-Thursday
6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Friday
6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday
11 a.m.-6 p.m.

For MLK Weekend, the REC will close at 7 p.m. Jan. 16. It will be closed Jan. 17-18 and reopen from 5-8 p.m. Jan. 19. Regular hours will resume Jan. 20.

The men’s basketball team is taking the court for the Free-Throw-A-Thon at 5:15 p.m. Jan. 19. Each player will shoot 100 free throws to raise funds for the program, and donors can make every shot count.

Supporting the team is easy. Donors can back their favorite player with a pledge per free throw made or make a flat donation to help the team achieve their goals. All gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar, thanks to a generous Bulldog supporter.

Donations can be made online here.

The Activities Fair will take place from 12-5 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Student Union Building. This event is an excellent opportunity for students to find organizations to join on campus. A full list of organizations can be found here. 

Monday-Friday
7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday
8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday
12-9 p.m.

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.

In December, Truman’s chapter of Order of Omega initiated 14 new members. Order of Omega is the premier honor organization for fraternity and sorority leaders. It was founded in 1959 at the University of Miami (Florida). Order of Omega’s goal is to recognize undergraduate fraternity and sorority leaders at collegiate chapters in the United States, Canada and The Bahamas. Undergraduate students who belong to a recognized fraternity or sorority and who exemplify high standards in the areas of scholarship, leadership and involvement within their respective organization and within the fraternity/sorority community are selected for membership by the local collegiate chapter. Recent Truman Order of Omega initiated members include: 

Benjamin Athman, Delta Chi
Mason Berliner, Sigma Phi Epsilon
Ben Croat, Phi Kappa Tau
Jenna Elmore, Sigma Sigma Simga
Adli Jacobs, Sigma Phi Epsilon
Christian Martin, Sigma Phi Epsilon
Grace Miltenberger, Delta Phi Epsilon
Aaron Painter, Phi Kappa Tau
Haley Parker, Delta Zeta
Karsyn Poitras, Sigma Sigma Sigma
Kara Richter, Sigma Sigma Sigma
Cole Schniedermeyer, Delta Chi
Ella Trig, Sigma Sigma Sigma
Abigail Wunderlich, Delta Phi Epsilon

Senior nursing students Anna Hans and Grace Taylor presented poster abstracts at the Evidence-Based Practice Symposium at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. Their posters reflected teaching projects they created in cooperation with the nursing units they were assigned to this past summer in their NU 445 120-hour clinical elective. Hans’ poster reflected a patient education pamphlet that was created for patients who had undergone a total knee replacement. Taylor’s poster reflected a pocket guide the nursing staff could use to minimize the occurrence of central line infections.

Truman students earned multiple awards at the Missouri Society of Health and Physical Educators (MOSHAPE) conference in Lake Ozark, Missouri, Nov. 14-16. MOSHAPE requires award winners to have a GPA of 3.25 or higher, to have demonstrated professional involvement and have a recommendation from a faculty member in their program.


Joey Habel received the Future Professional Award for Physical Education in Exercise Science for 2025. 
Lauren Krohn Quint received the Future Professionals Award for Exercise Science for 2025. 


Libby Washburn received the Future Professionals Award for Health Science for 2025.