Vol. 31 No. 1 - August 17, 2026

This year’s Truman Theatre schedule promises laughs, gasps and dancing, with a classic and modern shows for everyone.

This season’s opening production, “The Night Witches,” is a drama about the entirely female Soviet 588th Night Bomber Regiment of World War II. The one-act play follows Nina and Vera, two inexperienced navigators, as they traverse an intense night with enemy tactics they don’t anticipate. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1-3, and 2 p.m. Oct. 4, in the James G. Severns Theatre in Ophelia Parrish.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a musical comedy that features six over-eager kids competing for a middle school spelling bee grand championship. As the contest becomes more difficult, the contestants spell their way through impossible vocabulary and share hilarious personal stories. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5-7 and Nov. 13-14, and 2 p.m. Nov. 8 and 15, in the James G. Severns Theatre in Ophelia Parrish.

“Hedda Gabler” follows the dramatic tale of Hedda, a general’s daughter and prisoner in her marriage to her husband, George, an aspiring academic. After an unsuccessful honeymoon, Hedda initially turns to manipulating the people from her past for her own amusement, before her own secrets become exposed. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18-20, and 2 p.m. Feb. 21, in the James G. Severns Theatre in Ophelia Parrish.

Each year, Truman Theatre performs a show tailored to young audiences. This year’s show, “Twelfth Night,” follows Viola, separated from her twin in a shipwreck, who dresses as a male page named Cesario. The love triangles, mistaken identities and pranks that follow lead to a heartwarming ending. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. April 15-18 and April 23-25 in the James G. Severns Theatre in Ophelia Parrish.

More information about events and tickets will be found here as they become available. Students interested in auditioning for upcoming productions, or working as a member of the crew, can contact Cat Gleason, assistant professor of theatre, at cgleason@truman.edu for more details. Roles and participation in Truman Theatre productions are open to all Truman students.

Dr. Scott Schneider has been selected as the University’s new vice president for administration and finance/chief operating officer. 

Most recently, Schneider served as director for business affairs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He has also occupied the roles of vice president for administration and finance at McKendree University and vice president for business and finance at Cameron University. 

“I am truly excited to join the Truman State University community and to begin this next chapter of my career at an institution with such a strong tradition of academic excellence and student success,” Schneider said. “What drew me to Truman was the opportunity to be part of a university that is deeply committed to its students and to work alongside talented faculty, staff and leadership to help position the University for a strong and sustainable future. I look forward to listening, learning and building relationships across the campus and the community that will ensure resources have the greatest possible impact on Truman’s students and mission.”

As a senior finance and administrative leader, Schneider has experience with complex, multi-functional operations, including budgeting, human resources, facilities, construction, information technology and enterprise planning. He has led the development and oversight of comprehensive operating budgets, multi-year financial forecasts, and state and institutional reporting processes while working with foundations to ensure donor funds are put to their best use in supporting the students and operations of the university.

In addition to his knowledge of higher education, Schneider brings experience from the private sector. He served as the vice president and director of technology with West Plains Bank and Trust Company after also filling the role of vice president and chief operations officer with the organization. 

Schneider has an Ed.D. in higher education from the University of Arkansas, along with an MBA from Missouri State University and a bachelor’s degree in geology and geophysics from Missouri S&T. He is a U.S. Army veteran and a 20-plus-year member of Rotary International. 

Schneider will begin his duties with Truman Aug. 24.

Truman’s newly created Human Futures and Ethics Institute will seek to explore the expanding capabilities of humankind while simultaneously weighing past, present and future ethical considerations. When fully operational, the institute will serve as an interdisciplinary hub for examining how histories of science and ongoing technological innovations shape contemporary society.
 
Established with a Truman Academic Innovation Grant, the Human Futures and Ethics Institute will examine singular topics on an 18-month timeline, allowing for multiple modes of discussion and exploration. While other universities across the country have similar programming, Kandice Grossman, assistant professor of sociology and author of the grant establishing the Human Futures and Ethics Institute, believes the interdisciplinary nature of Truman’s liberal arts and sciences mission gives the school a distinct advantage on the subject.    
 
“Truman is uniquely positioned to be a leading voice on how societies can learn from history and respond to present-day ethical challenges,” she said. “Complex questions about science, technology, society and human experience are best explored through multiple, engaged knowledge disciplines and traditions. By bringing together faculty and students from the arts and humanities, business and professional studies, and science and mathematics, it will foster collaborative inquiry and inspire innovative curriculum development.”
 
Grossman envisions three distinct components of the Human Futures and Ethics Institute programming: public lectures from guest speakers, interdisciplinary courses designed with the current topic in mind, and a series of cross-campus dialogues designed to include various points of view. 
 
As part of the initial planning stages of the Human Futures and Ethics Institute, an advisory board is being established. Grossman will serve as the director and the first-year faculty fellow. Among those who have expressed interest in participating, either on the advisory board or with institute programming, include representatives from interdisciplinary studies, nursing, mathematics, data science, sociology and anthropology, Pickler Memorial Library and the SKILLS Center. 
 
Current goals for the Human Futures and Ethics Institute include creation of a website, developing an interdisciplinary course for the spring semester, establishing dates for potential events and scheduling a visiting scholar presentation. The first 18-month topic will be finalized and announced later this fall. Potential topics could range from the ethics of biogenetics to the use of AI in higher education or lessons learned from the eugenics movement. 
 
“The hope is to establish a sort of societal barometer, and there really is no end to the list of possible topics to explore,” Grossman said. “Consideration of ethics can and should be included in the pursuit of humankind reaching its peak potential. As we continue to make scientific and technological advances, society can quickly be faced with questions it might not be fully equipped to answer. The institute can be a part of the discussion on how we achieve the greatest good while also maintaining our collective good.” 
 
Created in 2024, the Academic Innovation Grants are an effort to advance Truman’s culture of interdisciplinarity and engage in academic innovation to collaboratively address emerging fields and societal needs that fit within the University’s public liberal arts and sciences mission. Financial support for the grants comes from multiple donors to the Truman State University Foundation. Grants are awarded through the Academic Affairs Office.

Dr. David Brooking has been named associate vice president for enrollment management and strategy.

During his 25-year career in higher education, Brooking has occupied multiple roles relating to recruitment, retention and student success. Most recently, he served as the executive director of enrollment management at Mississippi University for Women. In that position, he was responsible for the school’s strategic enrollment plan, consultation on marketing and recruitment materials, and monitoring of scholarship and financial aid distributions. 

“Truman State University has earned a national reputation for academic excellence and student success, and I am honored to become part of that tradition,” Brooking said. “From my first conversations with President Thomas and members of the campus community, I was impressed by the University’s unwavering commitment to students, collaboration and academic quality. I look forward to partnering with colleagues across campus to strengthen enrollment strategies, support student success and ensure that more students have the opportunity to experience the exceptional education that Truman provides.” 

During his tenure at MUW, Brooking served on the President’s Cabinet and the Deans’ Council, as well as the Planning and Institutional Effectiveness Council. Prior to his experience as executive director of enrollment management, he was the director of the Student Success Center and director of the Title III Project. In addition to his time at MUW, Brooking has supported students in a variety of positions at the University of Southern Mississippi, Auburn University and Enterprise State Community College. He contributed to his institutions securing or retaining nearly $2 million in grant and award funding. 

Brooking has an Ed.D. in higher education administration from the University of Alabama, along with a M.Ed. in college student personnel from the University of Southern Mississippi and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Auburn University. 

This newly established position oversees all aspects of the admissions process and reports directly to the president. Brooking began his duties Aug. 11.

Truman was bustling with excitement during the summer months as more than 600 young students were welcomed to campus for summer academies by the Institute for Academic Outreach.
 
The Joseph Baldwin Academy for Eminent Young Scholars is a residential academy for students who have finished 7th, 8th or 9th grade. This year, a total of 538 students attended across two separate three-week sessions. Participating students could choose from more than 20 classes, with topics covering business, neurobiology, theatre, data science, chemistry, Chinese, genetics, game design, mythology and creative writing, among others.
 
JBA has historically served as many students’ first taste of Truman, leading hundreds of program alumni to go on to attend the University. JBA alumni make up a larger representation of the Truman student body than any single high school. 
 
Targeted toward younger students is JBA Jr., a program designed for 4th-6th grade students from northeast Missouri communities as a means to get them excited about the possibility of college. To inspire enthusiasm for learning in all ability groups, JBA Jr. does not have any scores-based restrictions for entry. This weeklong day program introduces participating students to Truman’s campus, including the planetarium, herpetarium, science labs, University Farm and Pickler Memorial Library. A total of 50 students took part in JBA Jr. during the 2026 session.
 
Continued success was also seen in the ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy, which offers high school students a glimpse of careers in the medical field. During a weeklong stay on Truman’s campus, participants experience hands-on activities and stimulating discussions at both schools. A total of 36 students from across Missouri and Kansas participated in this year’s ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy.
 
On Truman’s campus, students were able to visit the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center and use the Nursing Simulation Lab, the Speech and Hearing Clinic, athletic training facilities and the Virtual Anatomy Lab. During excursions to the ATSU campus, student activities took place in the Ultrasound Lab, Cadaver Anatomy Lab, and multiple simulation labs. As part of a field trip to the hospital, students were able to explore the robotic arm used in surgery. Academy participants learned about various careers throughout the week, including nursing, neurobiology, chiropractic care, biomechanics, physical therapy, counseling, emergency response and dentistry from doctors, nurses and health care practitioners. Students were also able to engage in multiple fun events, including a scavenger hunt and camp challenge.
 
Each summer academy has its own application process. JBA requires a nomination from a teacher, guidance counselor, principal or parent of a home-school student. The nomination process opens in November for sessions the following summer. JBA Jr. and ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy applications are due during the spring semester. More information about summer academies at Truman can be found online at institute.truman.edu or by contacting the Institute for Academic Outreach at institute@truman.edu or 660.785.5384.

The Department of Languages and Linguistics will welcome Lily Yang as the 2026-27 Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) for the Chinese program.
 
Originally from Tainan, Taiwan, Yang has a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in teaching profession from the National Taichung University of Education, where her graduate research focused on bilingual education. Before coming to Truman, she taught English and bilingual education at the elementary school level in Tainan and served as her school’s counseling section chief. Her teaching emphasizes creating supportive learning environments that foster language development, critical thinking and cross-cultural understanding.
 
Yang’s academic interests include bilingual education, language teaching and intercultural communication. During her Fulbright appointment she looks forward to sharing the culture and traditions of Taiwan, building meaningful cross-cultural connections and bringing new ideas and perspectives back to her students and colleagues in Taiwan.
 
Throughout the year, Yang hopes to organize and participate in cultural programs including Lunar New Year, the Lantern Festival, Chinese Valentine’s Day (Qixi Festival) and the Mid-Autumn Festival. She also looks forward to sharing Taiwanese food and tea culture and collaborating with students, faculty and the Kirksville community on activities that promote intercultural understanding.
 
Outside the classroom, Yang enjoys hiking, cycling, jogging, traveling and exploring different cultures through food and nature. She especially enjoys meeting people from diverse backgrounds and learning from their stories and experiences.

In celebration of students being back, donuts will be available at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 17 in McClain Hall, Pershing Building and at the Student Union Building information desk while supplies last. They will also be served from 8:30 a.m. Aug. 18 in Magruder Hall, Violette Hall and Pickler Memorial Library while supplies last.

Semester planners are now available. They can be picked up at the information desk in the Student Union Building while supplies last.

Planner Palooza will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 in the Student Union Building Alumni Room. This is a chance for students to learn how to effectively use their planner. Attendees will also receive free items to help them plan and stay organized.

4-7 p.m.

Parking lot between McClain Hall and the Student Union Building

Parking lot between McClain Hall and the Student Union Building

4-7 p.m.

Parking lot between the Student Union Building and Magruder Hall

All new Truman students are invited downtown for a Kirksville welcome, 5-7 p.m. Aug. 23 on the courthouse lawn. Businesses, churches and organizations will have tables set up with items for students presenting a Truman ID.

The Fall Activities Fair will take place Aug. 26 from 12-5 p.m. 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. For more information contact Union and Involvement Services in the Student Union Building 2000, at 660.785.4222 or by email at orgs@truman.edu.

Bonus Bucks will be available to purchase through Aug. 28. Load $100 worth of Bonus Bucks and get $20 free. Bonus Bucks can be purchased at truman.sodexomyway.com. For more information call 660.785.4197.

Subs in the Hub will take place four times throughout the semester. Free chips and sandwiches will be available at 11 a.m. in the Student Union Building.

Campus organizations are encouraged to submit event information to the Truman Today as well as the master calendar. The Truman Today is emailed to all students, faculty, staff and some off campus subscribers, making it an excellent tool to publicize an event. The majority of the content in the Truman Today is also utlized on social media platforms and is likely to be shared with others. Truman Today submission form can be found here.

Students who may be interested in sharing their Truman experiences should fill out this form.

The University is seeking students to be Spike for various events on and off campus, including some nights or weekends. This is a paid position at a minimum $25 per event. Applicants must be taller than 5’4” and shorter than 6’2”. Applicants must also be enthusiastic and outgoing. Those interested can email wcarter@truman.edu to apply.

The following organizations and individuals volunteered during Move-In Day, Aug. 12.

Alpha Gamma Delta
Alpha Kappa Lambda
Alpha Phi Omega
Alpha Sigma Alpha
Alpha Sigma Gamma
Baptist Student Union
Baseball
Men and Women's Basketball
Beta Theta Pi
Catholic Newman Center
Cheerleading
Delta Chi
Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Zeta
Football
Grant Milligan
JujiTSU Ultimate Frisbee
Lambda Chi Alpha
Panhellenic Council/Recruitment Counselors
Pi Kappa Phi
Phi Kappa Tau
Student Government
Sigma Kappa
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Sigma Sigma Sigma
Men and Women's Soccer
Softball
Men and Women's Swim
Track/Cross Country
Tony Wiemann
Trixie Le
TSUnami Women's Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball

Kirksville has been named to World Atlas’s list of the “10 Best Places to Call Home in Missouri in 2026.” Kirksville was added to the list for its practicality and unique environment, with Truman and A.T. Still University noted for their contribution in keeping the community active. Mentioned alongside the universities were the entertainment and businesses in downtown Kirksville, as well as the sites, activities and historic locations found throughout Thousand Hills State Park.

Óscar Sendón, associate professor of Spanish, recently had his paper “No quiero cansaros en persuadiros: las arengas en Naufragio y Peregrinación de Pedro Gobeo de Vitoria” published in the Italian journal Rassegna iberistica. This study examines the use of exhortatory speeches and their rhetorical effects in one of the lesser-known Spanish travel narratives of the Early Modern period.

During the summer months, Emma Porter, member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, was awarded the Generous Spirit Award at the sorority’s 54th National Convention and Leadership Conference in Richmond, Virginia. 

The award recognizes an undergraduate member who exemplifies generosity, character and concern for others while serving her community. Porter earned the award for her generous leadership as the chapter’s service and giving director, having coordinated various service efforts towards her community’s local service centers.

Beta Theta Pi is offering a scholarship totaling up to $1,000 for non-Greek male students.

Beta Theta Pi believes that college men should be recognized for their desire to achieve. They strive to provide strong relationships as well as leadership opportunities and personal development. They seek to reward men who demonstrate devotion to intellectual growth and a commitment to making both the University and community better places to live.

Applications are due Aug. 30 and can be completed here. Applicants have no obligation to join Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Questions should be directed to Josh Corbett, recruitment chair, at fi83244@truman.edu.