Missouri State University

Skip to content Skip to navigation
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Public Affairs Blog

Carrington with light snow fall.

MSU Common Reader Project: Changes in leadership and programming for 2022

We’re challenging the MSU and Springfield community to develop your own mantra with Shaun Tomson’s book, “The Code.”

November 3, 2021 by Public Affairs

Since 2010, Missouri State has selected a Common Reader annually. In addition to being promoted as a shared read for the university, the book has been embedded into the course work for the university’s first-year seminar course (GEP 101).

But in 2022, you’ll notice some changes. The changes are designed to spark more discussion and get more of the university and Springfield community engaged in this shared experience.

“The power of reading, especially shared reading opportunities, builds community,” said Dr. Keri Franklin, associate provost for public affairs and assessment.

The Common Reader for the 2021-22 year is “The Code: The Power of ‘I Will” by Shaun Tomson.

Learn more about the book

In addition to the book, the expanded Common Reader Project includes a speaker for the Public Affairs Winter Convocation.

We hope you will mark your calendars to attend Tomson’s presentation at 3:30 p.m. April 6, in PSU Theater.

About the book

At its heart, “The Code: The Power of ‘I Will’” is a book of short stories that take readers on a journey toward their own goals.

As part of the expanded Common Reader Project, readers will be encouraged to develop their own mantra or ‘code.’

“Writing your 12-line code is a powerful motivator and guide,” Franklin said. “For this year’s shared reading, the goal will be that students, faculty and staff find inspiration, aspiration and an action plan through reading Shaun’s powerful story and through writing our code.”

About the changes

After a review of the GEP 101 curriculum and a change from a 16-week course to an 8-week blended course, the First-Year Programs Advisory Council decided to take the Common Reader out of the curriculum.

After a review by the faculty committee, it was decided that a rebranding needed to take place to engage the entire university in the Common Reader Project and that the Common Reader no longer be required in the course.

The Common Reader committee was part of the First Year Programs group. Due to the curricular change, Franklin will oversee The Common Reader Project in close collaboration with university partners and advisors.

“The Common Reader Project and this shared act of reading is another way we enact Missouri State’s public affairs mission,” added Franklin.

Future Common Readers

In the coming months, the division of public affairs and assessment will form an interdisciplinary advisory team of campus leaders — faculty, staff and students — to plan for the 2023 Common Reader Project. This group will provide input on the selection, programming and the Public Affairs Winter Convocation.

Filed Under: Public Affairs, Public Affairs Convocation Series Tagged With: CitizenBear, Common Reader Project, Community Engagement, Ethical Leadership, Public Affairs and Assessment, Public Affairs Mission, Public Affairs Winter Convocation

Subscribe via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Follow us on Twitter

My Tweets

Recent Posts

  • Four MSU employees are honored for volunteerism
  • New Home for the Office of Public Affairs Support
  • Breaking Barriers Exhibit: THE VOICES OF MISSOURI WOMEN IN THE FEDERAL RESERVE
  • Answering 5 Questions as You Prepare to Vote
  • Recordings for Public Affairs Conference Panel Sessions Available

Categories

  • Common Reader Project
  • Excellence In Community Service Awards
  • Excellence in Public Affairs Award
  • Featured
  • Public Affairs
  • Public Affairs Conference
  • Public Affairs Convocation Series
  • Public Affairs Events
  • Public Affairs Film Series
  • Public Affairs Grants Program
  • Public Affairs Scholarship Program
  • Public Affairs Signature Event
  • Public Affairs Week
  • Related Events
  • Spotlights
  • Voter Education

Links

  • Contact Information
  • Excellence In Community Service Awards
  • Public Affairs
  • Public Affairs Conference
  • Public Affairs Convocation Series
  • Public Affairs Mission
  • Public Affairs Scholarship Program
  • Public Affairs Volunteer Opportunties
  • Public Affairs Week
  • Sustainability at Missouri State

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
Make your Missouri statementMake your Missouri statement
  • Last Modified: February 8, 2022
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
  • Disclosures
  • Equal Opportunity Employer and Institution
  • © 2025 Board of Governors, Missouri State University
  • Contact Information
  • Healthcare MRFs