Vol. 24 No. 17 - January 13, 2020

Truman is giving students the option to make their residence hall feel more like home by creating a pet-friendly living space.

Starting with the 2020-21 school year, Truman will utilize the first floor of Dobson Hall as pet-friendly housing. Animals that will be permitted to live on campus include dogs weighing no more than 40 pounds, cats, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits.  

“Pets are family, and there is an increasing demand for this service,” said Jamie Van Boxel, director of Residence Life. “Having a pet on campus can make the transition to college a little easier, and it really adds to the feeling that living on campus at Truman is a great choice for our students to continue to make even after their first year.”

While emotional support animals and service animals have been welcome on campus for years, this is the first time Truman has expanded a pet-friendly housing option to all students. Any students who wish to live with a pet can do so as long as they choose to live in Dobson Hall, meet specific requirements in the University’s housing policy and complete the approval and registration process. Those students who do not have a pet but would still like to live in the pet-friendly environment are also invited to do so as space permits.

Dr. Rashmi Prasad has accepted the position of dean of the School of Business and will start at Truman July 1.

Currently Prasad serves as the academic vice president and dean of the College of Business at Western Governors University. He brings more than 20 years of significant academic and administrative experience to the position including an extensive background in strategic planning, program development and accreditation.

“I have admired Truman State University for many years and am deeply honored by this opportunity to serve the School of Business and to join a community of talented faculty, staff and students,” Prasad said.  

Prior to his time at WGU, Prasad served in a variety of roles at the University of Alaska at Anchorage for 16 years. He is the author of more than a dozen journal articles, book chapters and business press articles. Prasad earned his Ph.D. in business administration from the University of Kentucky along with his MBA from the University of Illinois and bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.

“Dr. Prasad has demonstrated that he is a successful collaborator who leads from a place of mutual respect and consideration,” said Janet Gooch, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “I am excited and thankful that he will be joining the Truman community and providing leadership to the School of Business and the University as we move forward.”

SAB will present “An Evening of Conversation with Josh Peck” at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium.

The former Nickelodeon star will share candid and funny insight into “making it” as a child actor and beyond. Using his social media channels as an example, he also talks about the artistic and career freedom that comes with bypassing traditional media gatekeepers and connecting with audiences directly online.

Primarily known for his role in the hit Nickelodeon series, Peck was most recently seen in the indie drama “Locating Silver Lake.” Prior to that, he starred in Netflix’s indie comedy “Take The 10” alongside Andy Samberg, Fred Armisen and Tony Revolori. Peck also starred as John Stamos’ son in the Fox series “Grandfathered” as well as the film “Danny Collins” with Al Pacino, Annette Bening and Jennifer Garner. He has guest starred on “The Big Bang Theory” and had a recurring role on “The Mindy Project.”

Following energy-efficient upgrades in Violette Hall and the Student Union Building, Truman is set to receive nearly $100,000 in cash incentives from Ameren Missouri.

As part of its BizSavers program, Ameren Missouri provides cash incentives for energy-efficient upgrades such as LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC and refrigeration systems, commercial-grade cooking equipment, and motor controls/variable frequency drives. Last summer, the University invested in upgrades to the HVAC system, water chillers and variable frequency drives in Violette Hall which will help use significantly less energy.

“We hope to reduce our carbon footprint by creating an ecologically sound, socially just and economically viable campus community,” said University President Susan Thomas. “Working through Ameren Missouri’s energy efficiency incentive program to upgrade our chiller systems helped us meet commitments in our TRUImpact energy conservation action plan, and ultimately operate a more efficient campus. Lowering our operating costs is important.”

In addition to the cash incentives, Truman is expected to save more than $49,000 annually in energy costs.

Truman has published the names of students who graduated during December commencement.

The University conducted graduation ceremonies Dec. 14. The names of the graduates can be found online at truman.edu/honors/fall-2019-graduation-list.

Students who graduated with honors will have that distinction noted by their names. Cum laude recognizes those who earned a grade point average between 3.50-3.74. Magna cum laude is for graduates with a grade point average between 3.75-3.89. Summa cum laude honors graduates with a grade point average above 3.9.

Master’s degree recipients will have that distinction noted by their names.

The list is 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 will not be included on the list. Any questions regarding student eligibility for inclusion on the list can be directed to the Registrar’s Office at 660.785.4143.

David Gillette, professor of economics, and Summer Pennell, assistant professor of English, each earned the fall 2019 Academic Innovation Award.

Gillette was recognized for MITs, an ACE Up Your Sleeve, in which he suggests MITs (most important things), are little written nuggets that allow the instructor to Assess the day’s class, show Concern for students and Engage with them briefly following each class.

Pennell won for Creating Memes to Increase Comprehension of Queer Theory. To help students understand the concepts learned in queer theory, she had them create weekly memes from the readings to translate their new knowledge to a familiar form of media. At the end of the semester they reflected on their memes and created two to three new meta-memes to describe the thematic connections between them, which allowed them to synthesize their learning.

 
Adair County Family YMCA
Hospice of Northeast Missouri
Girl Scouts
Boy Scouts
NEMO Senior Citizens
American Red Cross
Heartland RSVP
Macon Diversified Industries
The Salvation Army
Community Opportunities Sheltered Workshop
Adair County 4-H Council
Kirk Tran

Donations will be accepted Jan. 19-26. Students and staff from Res Life will be going door to door to solicit meal donations during this week. Donations can also be made at any dining hall, at the cashiers station in the Student Union Building or by contacting Sodexo.

The Office of Admission is looking for enthusiastic student leaders with a passion for sharing their Truman experience.

Applications are open for student ambassadors for the 2020-21 academic year. Student ambassadors guide visiting students and their families on campus tours, assist in the recruitment of prospective students and positively represent the University.
 
Scholarship, work-study and volunteer opportunities are available. Institutional positions are available, but limited. Applications can be found online and are due by 8 p.m. Feb. 23. Questions should be directed to Shari Fieser, student ambassador adviser.

 
The Institute for Academic Outreach has summer positions available for:
 
• Joseph Baldwin Academy
• JBA Junior
• ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy
• Taiwan at Truman

Each academy is in search of preceptors and night monitors. Joseph Baldwin Academy is also in search of a videographer.
 
In order to be a preceptor, applicants must:
1) currently be a full-time student at Truman
2) have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application
 
Preceptors are expected to be supportive of the University goals, responsible, enjoy working with high-ability teenage students and be high-energy individuals.
 
Applicants should prepare a letter of interest which should include: the skills they possess that will assist them when working with high-ability teenage students; related work experiences; and why they are interested in the summer academy for which they apply. Applicants will also need to complete the online application and provide a current resume.
 
Applications are due Feb. 3. Information about each available position and the online application can be accessed at tiacademies.truman.edu/employment.

Students should file the 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) located at fafsa.gov as soon as possible to determine aid eligibility.

Although some students may not qualify for grants or work study, all are considered for the federal direct loan (no co-signer required). Filing the FAFSA does not commit a student to taking a loan, but it does allow more payment options.

The 2020-21 FAFSA requires students to report income and tax information from 2018. It is recommended that students should apply before Feb. 1, 2020. For questions, contact the Financial Aid Office in McClain Hall 103 or call 660.785.4130.

 
This is a REQUIRED class to drive Truman State University fleet full-size vans. Attend one class. Student drivers’ must also complete Waiver of Vehicle Usage Policy form available at police.truman.edu.
 
Spring 2020 Van Classes
 
Jan. 14
2:30 p.m.

Jan. 15
2:30 p.m.

Jan. 21
2:30 p.m.

All classes take place at the Department of Public Safety in the General Services Building located at the corner of Patterson and Franklin streets.

Attendees must sign up to in advance and should allow 2-3 hours for the class. Spaces are limited. For more information, call 660.785.7400 or email joycecook@truman.edu.

Truman was recognized by 24/7 Wall St. on its list of “Most Affordable Colleges with Best Outcomes in Every State.” Using information from the from the U.S. Department of Education, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed a range of data at more than 6,000 colleges and universities, including tuition costs, graduate employment rates, student debt repayment and median salaries after enrollment, to identify the most affordable colleges with the best outcomes in every state.

Senior quarterback Jaden Barr capped off his career by being selected as an Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America. Barr was named to the second team Academic All-America team after leading the Bulldogs to a 10-2 record and a championship in the inaugural America’s Crossroads Bowl. He graduated in December with his Masters in Leadership degree. Barr started 43 of 45 career games at Truman and leaves the Bulldogs as the career leader in total offense with 9,277 yards, touchdowns responsible for with 80 and tops in quarterback rushing yards with 2,390, 10th highest overall by a Bulldog. He earned second-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference honors this season as he completed nearly 65 percent of his passes for 2,052 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 543 yards rushing and six scores. Barr becomes the 15th Truman football player to earn the Academic All-America honor since 1973. Receiver Mitch Nichols was a second-team selection last season. The award is the longest-running and most prestigious academic and athletic award for student-athletes having been established in 1952. All nominees must have a grade point average of 3.30 or above and be a starter or key reserve.

Senior Hanna Burke capped off her Bulldog career by being named to the United Soccer Coaches Association All-Midwest region third team. This is the second-straight year Burke has been named all-region by coaches with the senior earning second-team honors following her 2018 season. Burke was a two-time All-GLVC first-team honoree.

Junior Bobby Campbell earned the Great Lakes Valley Conference Indoor Field Athlete of the Week in December. Campbell established a new school record in the weight throw at the Central College Dutch Holiday Preview. He bested his own record with a mark of 56-1.25 and placed first among the 10 competitors in the event. His previous best mark was 55-9.25, set last season at the Missouri Collegiate Challenge. Campbell ranks first, by three feet, on the GLVC performance list and is 26th on the NCAA Division II indoor list. This was the first GLVC Indoor Field Athlete of the Week honor for a Bulldog thrower since joining the league in 2013.

Barb Kramer, professor of chemistry, and Tim Walston, professor of biology and dean of the School of Science and Mathematics, recently had a paper published in the Journal of STEM Education. It highlights two courses Kramer and Walston developed, STEM 101: Integrative Freshman Seminar and STEM 105: Inquiry Seminar.