Reynolds College Blog

Archives for February 2024

Criminology alum Alison Gatzemeyer helps fight crime as intelligence analyst

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For Alison Gatzemeyer, the opportunity to explore various courses at Missouri State University and complete an internship while she was a student led her to discover a career path as a crime intelligence analyst.

After graduating in December 2022 with a degree in criminology, psychology minor and a criminal investigation certificate, Gatzemeyer landed a crime analyst position at the Kansas City Missouri Police Department (KCPD).

Gatzemeyer said her job involves critical thinking, puzzle solving and making connections to criminals, associates, properties, financials and other areas. The goal is to identify patterns in ongoing investigations by reviewing criminal history, evidence or data.

“I love being able to pull pieces of information from different places and make everything fit together. I spend a lot of time searching for what others may not be able to find, so it’s fun to figure out those missing pieces to make the big picture,” Gatzemeyer said.

“Working with detectives is so much fun!” [Read more…] about Criminology alum Alison Gatzemeyer helps fight crime as intelligence analyst

“Homeland” landscape photography exhibit features nationally recognized artists

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The landscape photography exhibit “Homeland: Photographs from the Anthropocene” will be on view March 1-April 5 in the Brick City Gallery.

The exhibit features the works of four artists: Ian Campbell, Terra Fondriest, Dana Fritz and Drew Nikonowicz. Each artist will give a brief gallery talk April 5 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The event is curated by Dr. Gwen Walstrand, professor in the Department of Art and Design.

Brick City Gallery is located at 215 West Mill Street, Springfield, MO. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 417-837-2330 for additional details. Audiences can also view the exhibit during the First Friday Art Walk on March 1 and April 5 from 6-9 p.m.

The Art and Design department is pleased to host these artists as they exhibit their work to students and the community.

[Read more…] about “Homeland” landscape photography exhibit features nationally recognized artists

Political science graduate student Chris Rinehart lands State Department internship

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Chris Rinehart has wanted to work at the U.S. Department of State since high school, when he first became interested in issues related to civil service and policy.

When he earned an internship position there for the Spring 2024 semester, he got one step closer to that goal.

Rinehart’s internship runs from February-April 2024.

MSU’s International Affairs track was excellent preparation

Rinehart chose the accelerated Master of International Affairs track when he arrived at Missouri State University in 2020. He graduated in 2023 with a BA in Global Studies and immediately entered the accelerated program.

“I was nervous about attending a university outside of the Washington, D.C. Beltway because foreign policy is so heavily concentrated in our capital, and almost exclusively so,” Rinehart admitted.

Rinehart found MSU to be a good fit and credited his courses with increasing his confidence.

Three of those courses were political science classes taught by Dr. Ashley Leinweber, associate professor of political science in the Department of Political Science and Philosophy. Leinweber and Rinehart also worked together in Model United Nations.

“I have really enjoyed the policy-based aspects of the courses I have taken,” he said. “And Dr. Leinweber has always been such a big supporter of my endeavors.”

“I am very thankful to have her and Dr. Gabriel Ondetti as professors because they are always willing to help me reach the next step in my academic and professional careers,” Rinehart added. [Read more…] about Political science graduate student Chris Rinehart lands State Department internship

MSU hosts National History Day Regional competition March 1

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Missouri State University will once again host the Region VII competition for National History Day (NHD) March 1, 2024, in the Plaster Student Union.

First round judging starts at 9 a.m., followed by potential run-off rounds. The award ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m.

Each year, NHD competitions showcase historical research projects developed by students grades 6-12. Students compete individually or in groups to curate museum-like exhibits, create documentaries, write historical papers, put on a performance or develop a website.

Students in the Region VII competition represent schools in Springfield as well as Christian, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Howell, Laclede, Oregon, Ozark, Polk, Stone, Taney, Webster and Wright counties.

Region VII winners advance to the state-level competition, held in Columbia, Missouri, in April. State winners advance to the national competition in Washington, D.C., in June.

The 2024 NHD theme is “Turning Points in History,” according to the organization’s website.

An educational curriculum, not just a contest

National History Day ends with an exciting competition, but it starts several months earlier as an educational curriculum, according to Sara Zandi, who has served as Region VII coordinator since 2018.

“National History Day is a yearlong academic program that 6-12 grade educators choose to incorporate into their classroom curricula,” Zandi explained. “The curriculum focuses on project- and inquiry-based learning to scaffold learners’ historical thinking and information literacy skills.”

In a given academic year, teachers from 15 different middle and high schools in and around Springfield include NHD in their curriculum, Zandi estimated. The highlight of all that hard work—the competition itself—typically showcases 150-200 student projects.

A child and an adult adjust a display
National History Day contestants set up an exhibit.

[Read more…] about MSU hosts National History Day Regional competition March 1

Gerontology students partner with historic Gillioz Theatre Midweek Matinees

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To put into practice community engagement — a pillar of the Missouri State University public affairs mission — students in two gerontology courses help with the historic Gillioz Theatre Midweek Matinees, which are geared toward senior citizens.

The courses, Mental Health and Aging (GER/PSY 370) and Social Forces and Aging (GER/SOC 375), offer experiential learning and community engagement opportunities to students.

According to Dr. Lisa Hall, associate professor and gerontology program coordinator, the partnership began in the spring 2023 semester and 29 MSU students have participated so far.

The Midweek Matinees take place every Wednesday. [Read more…] about Gerontology students partner with historic Gillioz Theatre Midweek Matinees