Reynolds College Blog -

Art and design department and efactory announce opening of Brick City Design Studio

July 2, 2025 by Reynolds College

When local entrepreneurs dream up bold new ventures, design can make or break their success. Unfortunately, early-stage companies don’t always have the resources for the polished branding and marketing materials they need.

That’s where the new partnership between Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design and efactory comes in. Together, they’ve launched the Brick City Design Studio (BCDS), an initiative housed in Brick City 3 that bridges talented student designers with local businesses that need their skills.

Thanks to funding from the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC), efactory members will gain access to high-quality design services at no cost. Meanwhile, student designers are compensated for their work. The initiative supports startups, enhances student portfolios and strengthens Springfield’s creative community.

Two young adults working at digital art computers — Charles Carter (student) and Jaden Lohmeyer (student) working in their cubicles at Brick City Design Studio.

Student artists “start their journey” at 2025 Missouri Fine Arts Academy

July 1, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Ready to “start their journey,” 125 high school students from nearly 60 Missouri schools attended the 2025 Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) June 1-14.

As a summer residential program, MFAA serves highly motivated high school student artists throughout Missouri. The program, taught by faculty from across the state, gives students an immersive training experiences in visual arts, theatre, dance, creative writing and music.

The academy received 209 applications for the 2025 session, according to MFAA Director Dr. Fatih Benzer, associate professor in the Department of Art and Design.

The Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) at Missouri State hosts MFAA and works with the state legislature to manage the affordability of the Academy. As a result, MFAA 2025 students received free tuition, thanks to the support of the State of Missouri and private donations. Benzer said he remains grateful to Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for “keeping ‘MFAA 2025’ free.”

Shawnewa Dahozy completes prestigious M-PATH program

June 30, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Shawnewa Dahozy, a junior biomedical sciences major at Missouri State University, recently completed the Frontline Indigenous Partnerships (FLIP) Medicine Pathways for Advancing Tribal Healthcare (M-PATH) program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

The highly competitive program consists of a three-week immersive medical exposure experience. Only eight students are accepted into M-PATH each year.

During the program, M-PATH students shadow physicians and practice procedural skills through simulation workshops. They also participate in professional development activities such as panels, presentations and community building exercises.

Dahozy observed several different procedures in multiple medical disciplines during her stay, including emergency medicine, general surgery, ICU, OB/GYN and anesthesia. As a result, Dahozy now hopes to specialize in the emergency medicine and pediatric fields.

“I really enjoyed the fast-paced specialty [of emergency medicine] and having the opportunity to encounter patients from various backgrounds,” she said.

The program’s professional development components proved equally enlightening, she added.

“These sessions were not only educational, but also practical — providing tools I will continue to use throughout medical school and into my professional career,” Dahozy said. “In just three weeks, I saw tangible growth in myself — becoming more confident, focused and ready to take on the next steps in my journey.”

Following the onsite summer session, the M-PATH participants will continue the program virtually for one full year. This engagement includes quarterly group meetings, individual meetings and participation in various discussion topics. The FLIP team also provides extended support to M-PATH students through medical school and beyond, according to Dahozy.

“Let me tell you a story” exhibit featured at Carolla Arts Exhibition Center

June 30, 2025 by Reynolds College

The Carolla Arts Exhibition Center at Missouri State University announces a new summer exhibition, curated by Olga Shute, MFA in Visual Studies candidate, in collaboration with Director of Exhibitions Jodi McCoy.

“Let me tell you a story: gathering our roots to find belonging,” represents a group exhibition that explores Latin identity through personal and cultural storytelling. It features work by Marco Hernandez, Veronica Ibargüengoitia, Mariana Ruvalcaba, Tina Tavera, Xavier Tavera and Leandre Urrutia.

The exhibit is on view 11 a.m.-6 p.m. July 7-Aug. 1. The center’s schedule is Tuesday through Friday during the summer.

A public reception will be held during First Friday Art Walk on Aug. 1 from 6-8 p.m.

Intergenerational art exhibit on view at Cabot Gallery

June 27, 2025 by Reynolds College

The Intergenerational Artistic Expression exhibition is on view at Missouri State University’s Cabot Gallery July 7-Aug. 1.

The Cabot Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located at 215 West Mill Street, inside Brick City’s BRK3.

A special First Friday Art Walk reception for the exhibition will take place Aug. 1 from 6-8 p.m.

Exhibit inspired by interdisciplinary collaboration

Drawing of bare tree on beige background — “Untitled” artwork by Martin Cramer.

The exhibit features a range of collaborative and individual artworks created by students from diverse backgrounds, including those over 62 and first-generation college students.

The exhibit grew from the inspiration of Diane Denton, a per course instructor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology (SAG). Denton approached the department with a course she had developed, which led to an invitation to teach. Shortly after, SAG picked up the course, and the Department of Art and Design made space for it, leading to a creative collaboration.

Ultimately, the exhibition invites viewers to see others and themselves with compassion. Denton hopes visitors “see people’s humanity, find encouragement and be willing to challenge themselves. It’s about finding space for someone else’s story” and embracing our own.