You don’t have to look far to see the momentum building in Missouri State University’s Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. From national recognition for our students and alumni to visible progress on the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Performing Arts Complex, RCASH is helping create an exciting future for Missouri State.
Celebrating Bear excellence
The college’s students and alumni continue to achieve at the highest levels.
Kendal Blumenthal, a music alumna, was recently appointed to “Pershing’s Own,” The United States Army Band. That’s one of the most prestigious musical organizations in the country and a great example of where a Missouri State education can lead.
Our department of communication, media, journalism and film is also earning national attention. Students brought home multiple top honors at the 2026 Broadcast Education Association Festival for scriptwriting, highlighting the strength of our programs and the real-world experiences our students gain.
And through performances like “Broadway Giants,” celebrating the work of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim, our campus continues to showcase the creativity and talent that make the arts such an important part of the Missouri State experience.
This work also reflects what makes our university distinctive: a commitment to creativity, critical thinking and the public affairs mission that prepares students to lead and serve.
Thank you to all RCASH faculty and staff who make these opportunities possible and mentor our students every day.
A transformation underway
You can also see the momentum in the physical transformation taking place on campus.
The Judith Enyeart Reynolds Performing Arts Complex is taking shape, and people are noticing. This project is already changing the southeast corner of campus and creating a space that will bring faculty, staff, students and the community together in new ways.
Construction remains on schedule. In Craig Hall, interior ramp work and terrazzo installation are underway. In the new building, crews continue drywall installation and mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-ins. Masonry work is progressing on the west façade and scene shop addition, and we’re awaiting the remaining exterior glass.
Thank you to our facilities team, project partners and community supporters for helping make this possible.
Thank you, Bears
Finally, I want to thank everyone who participated in last week’s Higher Learning Commission visit.
Accreditation is essential to our university. It reflects the quality of our academic programs, our commitment to student success and the strength of our mission. The visit was an important opportunity to tell our story and demonstrate the impact of our work.
I’m especially grateful to our HLC oversight committee: co-chairs Mary Bohlen and Mark Woolsey and members Dr. Algerian Hart, Dr. Egon Heidendal, Dr. Tamera Jahnke, Dr. Clarenda Phillips, Dr. Shawn Wahl, Dr. Andrea Weber and Dr. Kelly Wood. Their leadership, preparation and countless hours of work ensured we were ready to showcase Missouri State at its best.
In addition, special thanks go to this group of people:
- Chelsey Giles, Dr. Kayla Robinson and Dr. Victor Matthews (internal reviewers)
- Tracy Dalton (assurance argument editor)
- Lucie Amberg (communication plan creator)
- Veronica Adinegara and Andrea Mostyn (executive summary creators)
- Office of institutional effectiveness staff Stephanie Dixon, Shannon Holt, Ben Metzger and Maartje Van Den Bogaard, and the graduate assistants
- University Ambassadors who led campus tours
I also appreciate the many faculty, staff and students who attended open forums, shared their experiences and helped showcase Missouri State. Your voices matter and they make a difference.
I’m proud of how our campus community came together and grateful for all you do to support Missouri State and our public affairs mission.
There’s a lot to be proud of this spring, and even more ahead as we keep moving forward.
It’s a great day to be a Bear!
Biff