Vol. 30 No. 27 - March 30, 2026

The William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award pays tribute to excellent faculty and staff academic advisors and demonstrates how important academic advising is at Truman.

This is an opportunity for students to honor their assigned faculty-staff academic advisor. The award recognizes outstanding advising/mentoring by a full-time faculty or staff academic advisor who is nominated by students. In addition to campus-wide recognition at the Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop in August, the awardee receives a $1,000 grant to be used for the enhancement of student advising.

To make a nomination for the William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award, complete the online nomination form. Nominations are due April 20.

Jack Smith, acclaimed novelist and author of literary magazine stories and articles, will be the next visiting Ofstad scholar to present at Truman.

Smith will read selections of his book, “Madness,” at 5 p.m. April 1 in Baldwin Little Theatre.  

“Madness” plunges readers into the gripping and turbulent world of Friedrich Nietzsche, unraveling the enigma of his tragic descent into madness, through the eyes of Hans Meister, a devoted student and confidant. As Nietzsche's brilliance gives way to chaos, Meister becomes both witness and participant in a journey fraught with philosophical revelations, personal turmoil and an eerie foreboding of Nietzsche's ultimate fate.

Additional information can be found on the School of Arts and Humanities Instagram or on their website.

Hosted by the Department of English, the Ofstad Visiting Scholar Program is available thanks to the generosity and vision of Odessa Ofstad in creating Truman’s first-ever endowed chair. The Ofstad Visiting Scholar Program brings renowned guest writers and scholars from around the world to the Truman campus. During their stay, these talented scholars offer a range of workshops, lectures and readings.

Chad Gooch has been selected as the next director of Truman’s Department of Public Safety.
 
A dedicated law enforcement officer with 25 years of experience, Gooch is returning to DPS after an extensive career with the Columbia Police Department. The Kirksville native was a Truman officer for nearly five years in the early 2000s.
 
During his tenure with the Columbia Police Department, Gooch gained experience in a number of roles, including as a patrol officer, field training officer, member of the Street Crimes Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics Team leader, downtown unit sergeant, patrol division watch commander and lieutenant of the special services division. 
 
“Truman State University and the Kirksville community provided me the foundation for a rewarding law enforcement career serving the citizens of Columbia, Missouri. During my time in Columbia, I learned the value of hard work, commitment to your department and the value of relationships built while serving your community,” Gooch said. “I am excited to lead the law enforcement professionals of Truman Police and the Department of Public Safety. Truman State University has a very bright future and the DPS will contribute to that success.”    
 
Gooch also brings classroom experience from two years spent as an adjunct professor of criminal justice with Columbia College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, as well as a master’s degree in criminal justice from Columbia College. Additionally, he completed the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association’s Executive and Command Leadership School. 
 
Gooch will begin his duties with Truman DPS April 1.

Senior agriculture capstone students will host a community “Farm Fest” event from 3-8 p.m. April 10 at the University Farm.

Farm Fest is a project created by Zoe Landolt, Rylee Mastin, Abby Moseley and Karissa Peel, students in the senior capstone course taught by Michael Siepel, professor of agricultural science. The event will feature various games, activities and demonstrations suitable for all ages. 

Visitors can expect a day full of education and excitement, as Farm Fest will feature demonstrations for equine riding, soil health, compost tours, sourdough starters, mushroom log building, Dark Skies, vegetable cooking, wild clay ceramics and herpetarium animals. In addition to demonstrations, hayrides, outdoor games, mini coloring activities and a petting zoo will be available for younger audiences. Food will also be provided, with hotdogs and s’mores available for all attendees. It will be a great day to come out and see the farm and learn something new along the way.

In the instance of rain, a tentative reschedule date is set for 3-8 p.m. April 24 at the University Farm. Additional information can be found on the Farm Fest Instagram. Questions should be directed to Zoe Landolt at ax66512@truman.edu, Rylee Mastin at rmm7346@truman.edu, Abby Moseley at vh66467@truman.edu or Karissa Peel at ne57644@truman.edu. 

Feedback on the candidates is important. An evaluation form is available for anyone participating in the open forum process and other interviews each day.

The Department of Art, Design and Art History will host a talk with Truman alumna Dr. Jasmine Cloud from 4-5 p.m. March 30 in Ophelia Parrish 2210.

Cloud, a 2005 Truman graduate, is an associate professor of art history at the University of Central Missouri. Her presentation, “Reclaiming Rome's Imperium: Celebrating Military Victors in the Sixteenth-Century Forum,” will explore how the military triumphs of Charles V in 1536 and Marc'Antonio Colonna 1571 were celebrated in the Forum in Rome. 

This event is free and open to the public. It is funded by the School of Arts and Humanities Alumni Visit Grant.

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

Dereck Daschke, professor of philosophy and religion, contributed the chapter "Apocalyptic and End Times" to “The Routledge Companion to Religion and Film, 2nd Edition,” edited by John C. Lyden and published by Routledge, March 4, 2026. This chapter takes a genealogical approach to films portraying various types of apocalypses and End Times scenarios — religious, technological, terrestrial, celestial, viral, dystopian and comedic — comparing and contrasting interrelated strands of narrative that have emerged out of the potent global stew of history, politics, religion and entertainment over the last century, as various fears and desires have commanded the attention of the human species.

Applicants must: be a Missouri resident; be an undergraduate second-, third- or fourth-year student for the 2026-27 academic year; enrolled full-time and making satisfactory academic progress; and have a cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or higher. Recommendation from an instructor, counselor, advisor, current or recent supervisor, community leader or other similarly qualified individual is required.