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Graduating student promotes belonging on campus

April 30, 2025 by Morgan E. Tinin

Boomer Bear and Reagan Mulungi Mwenyi pose

For a while, Missouri State University graduate student Reagan Mulungi Mwenyi thought his career would be in the agriculture field.

In 2020, the native of Kampala, Uganda, earned his undergraduate degree in agriculture business from Makerere University. He planned to continue his studies in agricultural education. 

“But when I spoke to one of my friends, he said my interests sounded more like student affairs in higher education,” he said. 

He was particularly interested in helping students outside of the classroom.  

“I thought, ‘Is there any way I can invest myself in supporting students without teaching?’ The answer was a career in student affairs,” he said. 

Finding a program that fit

In June 2023, Mwenyi began the student affairs in higher education (SAHE) graduate program at Missouri State. This May, he will complete it. 

What drew him to Missouri State was the faculty and the opportunity for professional development. 

“I talked to Dr. Gilbert Brown (former SAHE program director and faculty emeritus) and Dr. Dee Siscoe (vice president for student affairs) who were not only invested in my research, but personable too,” he said. “Also, the level of experience offered through this program is equivalent to doctoral programs.” 

He notes he continues to experience positive, personal relationships with his professors.  

“Having one-on-one interactions with professors like Dr. Nicole West (associate professor and SAHE program director) made me feel like I belonged,” he said. 

Outstanding graduate assistant honor

During his time at MSU, Mwenyi worked as a graduate assistant (GA) for business services in the Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services unit. For his excellent work, he won the Outstanding Graduate Assistant award in the Division of Student Affairs in September 2024.  

According to Myenyi, he has gained many professional experiences through this opportunity.  

“I’ve enjoyed conducting data analysis about student experiences,” he said. “Knowing I get to contribute to the environment where students live is really special.”  

During his time as GA, he got the chance to help organize the university’s Welcome Weekend in fall 2024. 

“Being able to shift from one weekend to three weeks of welcome, rebranding to ‘MSU Belong’ and seeing the impact on students’ lives were some of the major highlights of my time at Missouri State,” Mwenyi said. 

He also credits his GA supervisor, Angela Strider, for giving him valuable advice. 

“I told Angie I didn’t know which practicum to choose,” he said. “She said, ‘OK, let’s go over the choices.’ We talked about various options, and we figured out where I’d already gained experience in and where I had deficiencies.” 

Post-graduation, Mwenyi plans to pursue a professional doctorate while working in one of the functional areas of student affairs. 

Learn more about the student affairs in higher education graduate program

Filed Under: COE Students, Student Affairs Tagged With: Student Affairs in Higher Education, student spotlight

On track to becoming a filmmaker

December 5, 2024 by Morgan E. Tinin

A person walking into a cave.

Since he was 16 years old, Luke Goldston has wanted to make films. Thanks to Missouri State University’s Bear POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Work, Education and Resilience) program, he has begun to achieve his filmmaking dreams.

Bear POWER began in 2018 at Missouri State as a way to offer college experiences to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Goldston, who is from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, joined the program in fall 2022, majoring in digital film and television production. This December, he will graduate. Although his time at Missouri State is ending, his filmmaking will continue to take him far.

“What I’ve most enjoyed about MSU is being with friends and making films with them,” Goldston said. “It has been a magical experience to not only improve my craft but also bond more with my friends.” 

According to Bear POWER director Dr. April Phillips, the support Goldston received from his peers, staff and faculty has enabled him to succeed.  

“As a Bear POWER student, Luke has overcome challenges and persevered in his quest to learn more about media and film,” she said. “We’re very proud of him and his work.” 

An outstanding achievement 

While at MSU, Goldston created “Springfield Stroll,” a short, independent film. It debuted on Oct. 6 at Moxie Cinema. The indie genre film was a 26-minute anthology of three people walking through different parts of Springfield: downtown, the MSU campus and Sequiota Park.  

Goldston was the film’s cinematographer, editor and producer. It starred Thade Yates, Charles Sargent and Cade Johnson. 

For this project, Goldston chose to follow the rules of Dogme 95. This is a filmmaking movement aimed at taking films back to the basics by excluding traditional production values like special effects and other technological enhancements. Another Dogme 95 rule is films must be shot on location.  

“It was fun to work within the rules of Dogme 95 and see what resulted. The actors also called it an interesting challenge,” said Goldston, who interns at the Moxie.  

He notes having his film on screen for the first time was an exhilarating experience.  

“Ethereal is how I would describe it,” he said. “The actors and I were more and more excited as we got closer to the premier.”

During Goldston’s time on campus, one of his favorite faculty members is Bobby Lewis from the department of communication, media, journalism and film. 

“He gave me so much important advice when it came to filmmaking,” Goldston said. 

Looking ahead with optimism 

Upon graduation, he plans to continue directing films and work in the art world.  

“My future plans are to get a job at either a theater, Vintage Stock, Barnes & Noble or a film happening in Oklahoma City,” he said. “I want to eventually make bigger and more complex films.” 

Goldston dreams of bringing awareness to personal hardship and invoking compassion through his films. 

“I want to continue to tell stories about personal struggles and obstacles that many people deal with daily,” he said. 

Learn more about Bear POWER

Filed Under: COE Students Tagged With: April Phillips, Bear POWER, student spotlight

Student leader prepares to become special education teacher

November 22, 2024 by Morgan E. Tinin

Faron Haase in his graduation attire standing in front of the Bear statue at Plaster Student Union.

One Missouri State University student who will complete his undergraduate degree this December is senior Faron Haase. 

After studying at Missouri State since fall 2020, Haase will receive his bachelor’s degree in special education and a minor in literacy. He has made the most of his time at Missouri State and displayed genuine commitment to his community and students.   

On campus engagement 

Haase, a native of Joplin, Missouri, has taken on many roles during his time at the university. It might be easier to find a club or organization he has not been a part of.  

A few of the leadership hats he has worn include: 

  • University Ambassadors president (fall 2023-spring 2024) and new member liaison (fall 2022-spring 2023) 
  • Homecoming Committee marketing coordinator (2021-2022) and committee chair (2023) 
  • Greek Week unaffiliated points coordinator (spring 2022) 
  • Residence Hall Association president (2021-2022) 

Haase notes juggling his studies and extracurricular activities has helped him with time management.  

“It was hard to learn to delegate but also stay involved in all the things I wanted to do,” he said. “I just had to remember how much I enjoyed what I was doing, learn to prioritize and focus.” 

Mentorship from cooperating teachers

Faron Haase with his cooperating teacher Rachel McGowan
Faron Haase with his cooperating teacher Rachel McGowan

Haase chose special education because of his desire to help students with disabilities learn and thrive. He admits that he struggled with his classroom confidence initially, but his time at Missouri State has made him more comfortable.  

“I fought a lot of imposter syndrome as far as, ‘what gives me the right to come into a classroom and expect students to care what I have to say,’” he said. “My time in the College of Education has made me more confident in my ability to teach my students.” 

He is currently a student teacher in a ninth-grade special education classroom at Nixa High School with two cooperating teachers: Rachel McGowan and Lindsey Hamilton. Together, they teach English and mathematics. 

The three have formed a close friendship and built a lot of trust among them.  

“We can really feed off each other’s energy,” Haase said. “We know when we’re not having a good day and can talk to each other about anything.” 

He shares they even try to find ways to incorporate their humor and personality in their lessons.  

“When we introduced the budgeting unit, we performed a skit,” he said. “I explained I’m a college student, so I don’t have money, and Rachel prompted me with questions to get our points across.” 

Pursuing a master’s program 

Haase will continue his studies at Missouri State in the educational technology graduate program. His undergraduate classes shaped his interest in the field. 

“I took one course related to educational technology and performed the best I’ve ever performed in a class,” he said. “I spent a lot of extra time focusing on the class because I loved it.” 

His goal behind this specific degree path is to connect better with his students.  

“We live in a modern age and the new tech for education is expanding. I want to learn more about how to understand my students better,” he said. “That’s what technology in education does; it teaches the teachers how to reach students in ways humans can’t.” 

Although he only started working with his current students during student teaching, they mean the world to him. 

“My students mean everything – there’s no job without them,” he said. “They’re how I have a job that makes me happy. I’ve only been in this school for 12 weeks, but they’re part of me now.” 

Learn more about the College of Education

Filed Under: COE Students Tagged With: educational technology, Special Education, student spotlight, Student Success

Graduating senior returns to hometown for teaching position

May 10, 2024 by Strategic Communication

Photo of Michaela Bledsoe

Graduating Missouri State University senior and Marshfield native Michaela Bledsoe was excited to return home this semester for her student teaching duties. 

“I built such a great connection with this community and I wanted to continue that for my adult life,” said Bledsoe, an elementary education major.  

She always considered rural education the obvious career path for her. 

“The community offers so many ways to connect to students,” she said. “Whether it’s at sporting events, church or even just from their backyard, kids really enjoy seeing the same people in their small town.” 

Ozarks Teacher Corps supports rural education 

For the past two years as a student at Missouri State, Bledsoe has been a part of the Ozarks Teacher Corps (OTC).  

OTC is a scholarship run by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks that provides financial aid to future educators and helps put them in rural classrooms. OTC connects education students through professional development events, building a network of rural education leaders. 

She first heard about OTC from her academic advisor at Missouri State. As of 2019, OTC has a teacher-placement rate of 92%.  

Bledsoe found connecting with her peers through OTC an enriching experience. 

“It’s not just about my classroom; it’s about education as a whole,” she said.  

“We all have the desire to improve and teach the next generation of students. Being with people who are excited about kids and students is just so energizing.” 

A teaching job secured 

While Bledsoe’s time as a student teacher is ending with her graduation from MSU this May, her relationship with Marshfield R-I School District is not.  

It offered her a fifth grade teaching position starting this fall. 

“I’m so thankful I get to go back home for my first year of teaching, and hopefully for many more,” she said. 

Learn more about Elementary Education Programs

Filed Under: COE Students Tagged With: childhood education and family studies, Elementary Education, student spotlight, Student Success

Getting ready to shape students’ futures

March 20, 2024 by Strategic Communication

A portrait of Aleila Cage

Aleila Cage has a passion for learning, equity and her community. She decided to pursue an education degree because she wanted to foster a safe space for all students. 

This semester, she is completing her student teaching at Springfield’s Reed Academy in 7th and 8th grade social studies. 

“Student teaching has been a roller coaster of events,” Cage said. “Middle schoolers keep you on your toes. Their perspectives and experiences give me a meaningful approach to teaching.” 

Cage was selected for the second cohort of the Future Educators Program. This partnership between Missouri State and Springfield Public Schools seeks to recruit, hire, and retain educators from diverse backgrounds to the district. 

Her time at Missouri State 

From St. Louis, Missouri, Cage transferred to MSU from Southern Baptist University after having positive experiences with the campus community. She is now in her last semester of the middle school education program. 

“The entire education program has had the most positive impact on me,” Cage said.  

At MSU, she has found professors who model what a good educator looks like. She notes Dr. Julie Steiger and Dr. Ashley Payne have played a major part in shaping her into the educator she is today. 

After graduating this spring, Cage plans on teaching middle school while pursuing a master’s degree in education.  

Engaging with the campus and larger community

Cage is the president of Missouri State’s NAACP chapter. She joined the NAACP because it is the largest civil rights organization in the country, and she is proud to be a part of their fight for equity. 

“The past, present and future of this nation is shaped by the NAACP,” Cage said.  

She is also vice president of Sigma Gamma Rho, a historically African American sorority. Cage resonated with this organization because it was founded by educators. She said she found a true sisterhood within her chapter of people who share her goals. 

Off campus, Cage is also a cheer coach at Central High School in Springfield and a pre-teen coordinator at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield. In this position, she develops programs and curriculum encouraging self-growth and healthy lifestyles for students aged 11-13.   

Offering some advice 

Her advice to those wanting to pursue education is to get organized, practice patience and be intentional.  

“Remember, you’re shaping the future,” Cage said.  

She believes education is one of the most important careers someone can engage in.  

“Be that person your younger self would need.” 

Learn more about education programs at MSU

Filed Under: COE Students, Middle School Education Tagged With: School of Teaching Learning and Developmental Sciences, Springfield Public Schools, student spotlight

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