Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance was well-represented at the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri (STAM) Conference Sept. 21-23.
According to STAM’s website, the conference gives members “the opportunity to come together with other professionals in their field” to collaborate, learn and celebrate.
Maples honored with Loren Reid Service Award
During the conference, speech and theatre faculty member Dr. Carol J. Maples was honored with the Loren Reid Service Award.
The Loren Reid Service Award recognizes outstanding service to STAM and the speech and/or theatre professions.
Maples previously won STAM’s Outstanding Teacher Award in 2010. At various times she has also served as the organization’s vice president, president and on its Board of Governors.
Maples had no idea she was being recognized until the honor was announced during the conference.
“Aside from surprise, I was very humbled, knowing the caliber of others who have won this award before me,” Maples said.
“I also feel like I am very fortunate with the caliber of students I work with in the BSEd Speech & Theatre program,” Maples added.
Maples was nominated for the award by one of her former students, Taylor Wallsmith, who is now teaching theatre and debate at Monett High School.
“I feel my students make me look good,” Maples said.
Students and alumni win scholarship, positions on STAM board
Two current MSU students and one alumnus of the Theatre and Dance program enjoyed their own moments of recognition during the conference.
Freshman Cooper Zumwalt was awarded a STAM scholarship, and sophomore Kelsey Cook was elected to serve as Student Liaison for STAM’s Board of Governors.
Alum Ethan Gambriel was elected to a position on STAM’s Board of Governors as well.
“Our current students, who are working hard toward their degree and teaching certification, took the professional initiative to attend the STAM conference,” Maples said. “Soon they will join our outstanding alumni who are teaching throughout Missouri and beyond.”
Zumwalt wins STAM scholarship
Zumwalt was one of three students to be awarded STAM’s annual scholarship for students who plan to teach speech communication and/or theatre. Zumwalt received $500, a year’s membership in STAM, conference registration and banquet ticket fees.
Unlike Maples, Zumwalt was aware that he had won the scholarship prior to the conference.
Still, when his achievement was announced at the banquet, he acknowledged feeling both a sense of pride and a boost in confidence.
“I spent time in both middle and high school working toward the goal of becoming a better communicator,” he said. “This showed me that I have what it takes to be an educator.”
“It really proved that all my hard work paid off.”
Zumwalt said the scholarship will help him financially by allowing him to take classes that he needs for success as well as traveling to gain more experience.
“It is not a rare occurrence for me to go back to my old high school and coach or judge at local tournaments, and the award will aid me in doing this,” Zumwalt said.
MSU program ideal for career goals
Zumwalt, who plans to teach speech and theatre at the high school level, chose MSU partly because of its “small-town feel.”
More importantly, he believed Missouri State offered “a more career-specific experience than most other colleges would.”
“The program thus far has given me a chance to preview the major through the STAM conference and introduce me to many of the fundamentals that I will inevitably be teaching,” Zumwalt said.
“I chose a major in speech and theatre because I have seen its impact on not only myself, but also others firsthand,” Zumwalt continued. “Both of these activities have given me the tools to learn how to effectively communicate with others, discuss topics that are relevant and important to me, and build real and long-lasting relationships with others.”
Cook, Gambriel attain board memberships
Current MSU student Kelsey Cook and alumnus Ethan Gambriel both earned seats on the STAM governing board for the upcoming year.
“Many of [our students] have held leadership roles on the STAM Board of Governors and have won outstanding teacher awards in their school districts, state and STAM,” Maples said.
Cook elected STAM Student Liaison
Cook, a sophomore speech and theatre education major, completed a self-nomination process, then was elected by student members of STAM to serve as their liaison.
The position comes with big responsibilities, but that didn’t stop Cook from feeling excited when she learned she had been chosen.
“It’s an important position because I represent all of the college students in the organization,” Cook said.
In addition to keeping student members of STAM informed about scholarships and other opportunities, Cook will serve as a true liaison for the students.
“I serve as a person they can go to with any questions or concerns, and I make sure that it is taken care of,” Cook explained. “I attend Board of Governor meetings for the STAM organization, and I advocate for the students in those meetings.”
“I’m really hoping to increase engagement from the student members of STAM,” Cook continued. “I would really love to see some other students present workshops. I also just want to see more students taking advantage of [the] STAM conference in general, as it is a valuable resource.”
Gambriel elected to STAM Board of Governors
Gambriel, who graduated from MSU in December 2022, was motivated to serve on STAM’s board by a desire to give back.
“STAM provided me with multiple scholarships throughout my college career, and they were literally the only reason I was able to pursue my degree financially.” Gambriel said.
“Without STAM, I couldn’t pursue my dreams. So, I decided to give back to this organization by serving the population that has given so much to me.”
Gambriel said he felt “extremely humbled” upon being elected. “When I heard my name called, I was proud that my community had chosen me as a representative for them” he said.
Being a voice that matters
Gambriel, who now teaches at Williard High School, chose a career in theatre and speech because of teachers who told him that his “voice and perspective mattered.”
“To me, that idea that I could empower students in that way was a major guiding force in why I wanted to become a speech and debate teacher,” he said.
Like Zumwalt, Gambriel found MSU’s speech and theatre options to be ideal.
“[MSU] was one of the only programs that actively combined my two favorite things: Speech & Debate and Theatre,” he explained. “The program allowed me to explore careers in both paths that I was interested in, which was a big sway for me.”
STAM offers students opportunities for professional growth
Maples has specific goals in mind when encouraging students to attend STAM conferences.
“My goal is for students to gain a sense of the professional world of teaching, including professional development workshops, networking with teachers in the field and building our own network of soon to be professional educators,” she said.
Cook has already seen the benefits of STAM membership.
“It’s really amazing that students are included in this organization,” she said. “I decided to run…because I wanted to work more closely with the organization and professionals in the field.”
As part of her duties as Student Liaison, Cook will present a workshop at the fall 2024 STAM conference, which is scheduled for Sept. 19-21, 2024.
Gambriel expressed excitement about his new position on STAM’s governing board.
“I think this experience will benefit me because I am surrounded by some of the best coaches and directors in the state of Missouri,” he said. “I am so excited to learn and grow around these individuals.”
And Maples is already gearing up for next year’s conference.
“I plan on MSU to once again be well represented by our students, both current and alumni,” Maples said.