Vol. 30 No. 23 - February 23, 2026

Every year, through Student Government, the student body will select four professors to receive four different awards: Educator of the Year, Research Mentor of the Year, Health and Wellness Honoree and the new Outstanding Faculty Ally award. This is an opportunity for students to show appreciation to educators and research mentors for their commitment to the Truman community and highlight their accomplishments. 

Students can read further descriptions of each award or make a nomination in this form. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. March 4. 

Questions should be directed to Cooper Spacil, academic affairs chair for Student Government, at cx56871@truman.edu.

Forensics brought home a total of eight state championships, including Individual Event Sweepstakes and Combined Sweepstakes. The team placed second in Debate Sweepstakes and was also awarded the Director’s Award for the most cumulative points earned over multiple years. The team defeated in-state competitors including the University of Central Missouri, the University of Missouri-Columbia and Webster University. They also prevailed over out-of-state competitors including Simpson College and McKendree University.

In individual events Annie Nguyen, first-year political science and environmental science student, was top novice and state champion in Communication Analysis. Nguyen was joined by Sawyer Partney, second-year economics and political science student, who placed fourth. Emery McEvoy, second-year accounting student, took home the championship in Informative Speaking, with Nguyen placing third and earning top novice. Ashton Mullen, third-year political science student, was fourth. In Persuasive Speaking, Alex Peterson, fourth-year criminal justice and social issue advocacy student, took home the state title, closely followed by Nguyen, who finished second and was the top novice. Lauren Weiss, second-year biology student, was sixth. In After Dinner Speaking, Willow Adamson, first-year psychology student, finished fourth, followed by Jessie Philips, fourth-year political science student, in fifth, qualifying for nationals, and Weiss in sixth. Peterson also took home the championship in Impromptu speaking, joined by McEvoy, placing third. Mullen and Jack Unsell, first-year political science and environmental science student, were semifinalists. In Extemporaneous Speaking, Partney placed fourth, and Mullen finished fifth. 

In interpretation events, the team continued its success. In Poetry Interpretation, Philips took home the state title. Philips was joined by Briggs Maynor, fourth-year chemistry student, who finished second, Zoe Walker, third-year criminal justice and English student, who placed fourth, and Adamson, who placed sixth. Maynor and Philips finished second in Duo Interpretation, with Maynor and Peterson finishing fourth. Peterson finished fifth in Prose Interpretation. Finally, in Program Oral Interpretation, Adamson was sixth, and Walker was seventh. In Pentathlon, which reflects competition across five events, Peterson was fourth, and Maynor was sixth. 

Truman’s debaters kept the winning streak going. In Novice Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate, Ammi McHugh, first-year political science and creative writing student, and Tessa Kremer, first-year statistics student, were semifinalists. McHugh received the third-place speaker award. Emmett Beeson, first-year business administration student, was fifth speaker, and Kremer was sixth. In Open LD, Aiden Breesawitz, fourth-year communication student, was a semifinalist and received the second-place speaker award. Payten Luaders, third-year political science and philosophy student, was the third-place speaker, and Ryan Franklin, second-year math student, was fourth. In Open International Public Debate (IPDA), Partney and Cooper Spacil, second-year social issue advocacy student, were octafinalists. Spacil also received a third-place speaker award. In Team IPDA, the team of Partney and Unsell claimed the state champion title. McEvoy was third speaker and Unsell was sixth. Unsell placed second as Top Forensicator, given to competitors who compete in both individual events and debate. 

“This team always amazes me. I can’t wait to see how much they shine at Nationals,” said  Ben Davis, director of forensics.

With the regular season over, the Truman Forensics Union is preparing for the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament to take place after spring break.

For more information, follow @trumanforensicunion on Instagram and visit forensics.truman.edu for additional details.

Truman’s Three-Minute Thesis Competition will take place at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 27 in Violette Hall 1010, providing students an opportunity to highlight their graduate-level research. 

For the competition, participants will create a slideshow containing an introductory slide, using the set template, and a single slide that conveys their study. They will then have three minutes to discuss their research and its importance. Any original graduate research qualifies. It can be a scientific study, a discussion on a student’s creative writing adventure or musical composition. Current graduate students cannot submit research completed as an undergraduate. 

Students will create a three-minute presentation following the guidelines available on the Truman 3MT website. They will need an introductory slide that will include their name, title of presentation, faculty member and department. The single research slide appears right after, and as soon as the student starts speaking, the timer begins.  

The first-place prize is a $75 gift card, with second place earning a $50 gift card. The winner of the competition will attend the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools annual competition.  

For registration, students must include their name, email, title of their research and name of their faculty research mentor by 12 a.m. Feb. 23. After registration, students must then submit their final slideshow including their introductory and research slides by 2:30 p.m. Feb. 26. 

In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, Fraternity and Sorority Life will host a free clothing swap from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Student Union Building Activities Room.

The event is an opportunity for students to donate clothes that no longer fit or suit them and swap for items new to them. This is to emphasize that students do not need to fit into a certain size, style or stereotype, and should wear what makes them comfortable. 

Students are encouraged to bring clothes to donate, regardless of if they want to swap. Any leftover clothes will be donated to the Pride Xchange Closet through the Office of Community Enrichment.

Questions should be directed to fsl@truman.edu. 

The last two “Drive Safe, Drive Smart” tables will take place Feb. 23 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Feb. 24 from 1:30-3 p.m. in Magruder Hall.

Students enrolled in Introduction to Community and Public Health (HLTH 255) have been tabling around campus to promote safer driving practices and the CHEERS program. Stop by a “Drive Safe, Drive Smart” table to learn about risk-reducing driving behaviors and pick up some freebies such as tire pressure gauges, keychains, pens, cups and car air fresheners. 

Union and Involvement Services will host workshops throughout the semester that cover some commonly asked questions and topics from student organizations. 

Funding and Budgeting 
6 p.m.
Feb. 25 
Magruder Hall 2001

Publicity and Advertising on Campus 
6 p.m.
March 4
Magruder Hall 2001

Reserving Space on Campus
6 p.m.
April 7

Publicity and Advertising on Campus 
6 p.m.
April 14
Violette Hall 1010

The Office of Student Research is accepting TruScholars proposals for the eight-week summer 2026 term from June 1-July 24. 

Applications for research and creative scholarship grants may request up to $5,750 and may include a $3,500 maximum student stipend, a $1,750 maximum mentor stipend and up to $500 for supplies.

To be eligible for funding, students must; have full-time enrollment in undergraduate studies, be mentored by a Truman faculty member, have good academic standing, plan to graduate no earlier than the fall 2026 semester and have completed their freshman year by May 2026.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 25. Additional information about the TruScholars program is available on the Office of Student Research website. Individuals with any other questions regarding the TruScholars program should email ewiles@truman.edu or osr@truman.edu. 

The University Art Gallery will feature “Creative Urges: The Paintings of Dorothy Wirtz” now through Feb. 27.

Born and educated in the Midwest, Wirtz (1915-2013) was unstoppable at a time when few opportunities were afforded to women in academia. She earned a Ph.D. in French in 1944. Despite facing considerable obstacles, she became a professor of French and a published poet and scholar.

Alongside her teaching, Wirtz found time to develop her own style of expressive painting that drew from the current movements of surrealism and abstract expressionism. These paintings have remained largely unseen until now.

Throughout her life, Wirtz was constantly engaging with art and sought to impress in others a love for creativity and culture.

Beta Alpha Psi will host free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) sessions for Truman students, employees and community members. 

VITA sessions will take place from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 28 in Violette Hall 1432. Students, employees or community members who come to VITA should bring: social security cards for spouses and dependents; bank routing numbers and bank account numbers for direct deposit; wage and earnings statements such as W-2, 1098T and 1099; a copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns if available; and, if applicable, the total paid for day care provider(s) and the day care provider’s tax identifying number. VITA services will be completed by IRS-certified volunteers and will also offer free electronic filing to receive a faster return.

Students are encouraged to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible for the 2026-27 school year. 

In celebration of Financial Aid Awareness Month, the Financial Aid Office in McClain Hall 103 will have free candy available. Students are encouraged to visit the office and discuss any questions they may have about financial aid. 

Along with processing the FAFSA to determine federal, state and some University funds, the office provides information about scholarship service and renewal for returning students. They can also help with private scholarship check processing, funding for study abroad or summer school, budgeting, financial literacy or loan counseling.

Upward Bound is currently seeking Truman juniors, seniors or graduate students to serve as residential mentors for the 2026 Summer Academy. 

Upward Bound participants are income-eligible students from Northeast Missouri high schools, and the Academy is designed to help prepare underrepresented students for success in college.

Dates of employment are May 28-July 1, with most weekends free. Successful applicants are responsible, high-energy, interested in working with adolescents and possess an understanding of educational barriers experienced by low-income/first-generation college applicants.

Student Engagement and Union and Involvement Services will host Barbie Bingo in honor of National Barbie Day. 

The Truman Institute for Academic Outreach will host the new Truman Band Academy for high school students, June 7-11. 

Students will have the full campus experience, including staying in residence halls, enjoying campus dining and meeting fellow musicians from across the Midwest. Under the orchestration of Curran Prendergast, Truman’s director of bands, students will participate in daily full-band rehearsals, instrument sectionals led by University faculty and interactive electives designed to enhance musicianship and creativity. At the end of the week, students will perform a full-ensemble concert to showcase their work. 

Applications for the Academy are due March 15 and require two complete years of transcripts, contact information for an educator recommendation and a completed signature page. Applications are not completed until all materials are received. 

Tuition is $500 and includes housing and meals, all activities, a t-shirt and additional materials. Once acceptance is confirmed, $250 must be paid by April 16 to secure the student’s spot, with the remaining tuition being paid no later than May 14.

Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s Leadership Recognition Program.

The LRP is designed to honor Truman students, organizations and advisors for their dedication to their peers, organizations, campus and the Kirksville community through various leadership roles during the academic year. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate exceptional student leaders, advisors, organizations and events on campus.

Submissions for the LRP are taken online only. A link to the nomination form can be found at involvement.truman.edu/leadership-recognition-program. Multiple nominations for individuals or organizations are welcome. Details about all of the awards can be found in the nomination packet available here. Nominations will close at 5 p.m. March 16.

The Student Activity Board’s annual spring survey is now open. 

The survey is open until March 20 and is available at sab.truman.edu. Anyone who fills out the survey will be entered into a raffle for a prize. Students must be logged into their Truman email to submit a response. 

The Office of Student Research is accepting abstract submissions for the 2026 Student Research Conference.

This conference is a University-wide celebration of student research, scholarship and creative achievement and will take place April 16.

Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit abstracts. Submissions are welcome for oral, poster, performance art and studio art presentations. Abstracts must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. March 20 and be sponsored by a Truman faculty or staff member. Students should work with their mentor before submitting.

Complete abstract guidelines are posted on the Office of Student Research website. The website will be updated with additional details for this year’s event once they are finalized.

Inquiries about the Student Research Conference should be directed to the Office of Student Research at osr@truman.edu. Email any questions to ewiles@truman.edu or osr@truman.edu.

Volunteer and service sign-ups for the Big Event, taking place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 28, are now open. 

As a way of saying thanks to the Kirksville community, Truman students, alumni, faculty and staff are participating in the 25th annual Big Event. Hundreds of volunteers will provide services to the residents of the community by raking leaves, washing windows, painting and more. The Big Event gives Truman the opportunity to show appreciation for all the support the Kirksville community has offered to them.

Those interested in volunteering can sign up here. Sign-ups for volunteers will close March 20. 

Kirksville residents and non-profit businesses interested in receiving volunteer service can sign up here. Sign-ups for residents and non-profit businesses will close March 20.

Check-ins will begin at 9 a.m. March 28 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room. Questions about the Big Event should be directed to serve@truman.edu.

The Environmental Sustainability Fee Accountability Committee (ESFAC) is currently accepting campus sustainability project proposals.

Project proposals should be focused on enhancing sustainability on campus. They are judged based on environmental benefit, cost-effectiveness, visibility, student impact and opinion, contribution to Truman’s image, feasibility and time sensitivity. 

Most projects approved by ESFAC will receive funding for the 2026-27 calendar year and are intended to be completed within that year. However, the committee also allocates funding to one ongoing project that will take multiple years to complete. Their last major project, installing solar panels at the University farm, has concluded and they are welcoming submissions for a new major project.

Applications should be well thought out and as detailed as possible, however the committee will help to refine submissions. Proposals can be completed using this form. The deadline for proposal submission is March 21. For more details about the application process and guidelines, visit the committee archives or reach out to Kara Sargent, committee chair, at kms5248@truman.edu.

The Office of Community Enrichment (OCE) is hiring candidates for various positions for the 2026-27 academic year.

Open positions include event manager, social media manager, pride exchange manager, webmaster, newsletter manager and TRUSelf mentors. All students are encouraged to apply. Applications can be submitted at trupositions.truman.edu.

Additional information about OCE can be found at oce.truman.edu. Anyone with questions regarding employment with OCE can stop by their office in Baldwin Hall 109 or contact them at oce@truman.edu. 

The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) Tutoring Center is hiring academic peer tutors for the 2026-27 academic year. 

This is a scholarship or work-study position, three to four hours per week, with initial training and additional training throughout employment. Tutors provide academic support to their peers with one-on-one instruction for specific courses, subjects or learning strategies support.

All majors are welcome to apply. The Center is particularly seeking tutors for ACCT 220/221; BIOL 107;  BSAD; Communication Disorders; Computer Science; DATA 222; Economics; Health Science; LING 238; Math; Nursing; PHYS 185;  Statistics; and Learning Strategies.

To qualify, students must maintain scholarship eligibility, be a sophomore or above and have successfully completed the course they plan to tutor with an "A" or "B."

Students can apply on TruPositions. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Violet Odzinski, the Center supervisor, at vodzinski@truman.edu.

The Truman State University Foundation 2026-27 Foundation Scholarship applications are now available.

Recipients must be enrolled full-time during the term of the scholarship to receive scholarship funds. Applications can be submitted and revised at any time prior to the March 6 deadline. To apply, log in to TruView, go to the Student Tab, Scholarships, Financial Aid & Loans then Foundation Scholarship Application.

The Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation will offer the Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship, named in honor of Allan Walker Purdy. Born in 1914 on a farm near Macon, Purdy 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.

This program supports candidates who demonstrate leadership, character and academic performance. It is open to students who started higher education right after high school, as well as adult learners who are now pursuing or returning to complete a degree. Additionally, these students have a vision, are eager to make their contribution to the world and have the work ethic to bring their dreams to fruition.

The scholarship application period runs through April 1. More information, including details on how to apply, can be found here. The scholarship amount can vary based on an applicant’s circumstances. The general range will be $2,000-$5,000 based on student aid index (SAI), unmet need and other factors.