Reynolds College Blog

English department to host award-winning author Dr. Taylor Byas

by

Missouri State University’s Department of English will host a creative writing reading featuring award-winning poet Dr. Taylor Byas.

The reading will take place at 7 p.m. April 12 in Meyer Library, Room 101.

The event is free and open to the public.

Photo of Taylor ByasByas, who won the 2023 Maya Angelou Book Award, will read from her latest poetry collection, “I Done Clicked my Heels Three Times.”

The award is named after the late legendary poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou.

Sponsored by the Kansas City Public Library and six universities across Missouri, including Missouri State, it is given to a book that demonstrates dedication to social justice and diversity.

“The winner travels to Kansas City and all six universities each spring to read and discuss the chosen book,” said Michael Czyzniejewski, MSU English professor and coordinator of the creative writing program. “This is the third year of the prize and MSU has been involved since the beginning.”

“Byas is a tremendous poet and reader, and she will provide an entertaining and thought-provoking reading. She will also sign copies of her book, which will be sold at the event,” Czyzniejewski said.

“Anyone can attend, but we’re very particular about MSU students, faculty and staff participating, especially those in the English department. This is because this event kicks off English Week, which starts on April 15, after the reading,” he added.

Expanding MSU’s literary scene

The English department sponsors about four to six readings every year. The department also sponsors Moon City Press and Moon City Review, which brings international writing talent to the Ozarks community.

“Hosting readings every year expands our community’s horizons and exposes our students to great writing that exhibits fantastic themes,” Czyzniejewski said. [Read more…] about English department to host award-winning author Dr. Taylor Byas

Dr. William Meadows appointed to serve on American Indian Quarterly’s editorial board 

by

Missouri State University’s Dr. William Meadows was recently appointed to the editorial board of the American Indian Quarterly (AIQ).

He will serve with 12 other noted American Indian scholars.

As an editorial board member, Meadows’ responsibilities will include overseeing and reading manuscripts submitted to the journal. He will also find ways to improve the journal.

Meadows is a professor of anthropology and Native American studies in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology. He believes his appointment to AIQ will enable him to showcase the department.

“While I’ve already reviewed some manuscripts for American Indian Quarterly prior to now, this position will teach me more about the workings of academic journals and contribute to professional services in the field, while helping make Missouri State University and the sociology, anthropology and gerontology department known to a wider audience,” he said. [Read more…] about Dr. William Meadows appointed to serve on American Indian Quarterly’s editorial board 

Dr. Philippa Koch selected as one of Interfaith America’s 2024-25 Faith & Health Fellows

by

Missouri State University’s Dr. Philippa Koch, associate professor in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Religions, has been named one of Interfaith America’s 2024-25 Faith & Health Fellows.

Founded in 2002, Interfaith America is a national organization based on “the idea that religious difference should serve as a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division,” according to the organization’s website. The company provides “consultation, training, curricula and resources to positively engage religious diversity.”

According to Interfaith America’s press release, “This cohort of outstanding educators from various disciplines will design and implement academic and narrative projects to advance a broader public understanding of the vital promise of engaging religious identities and communities in health settings.”

The fellowship runs from January 2024-May 2025. Fellows will receive a $4,000 stipend for their research.

Koch, who teaches courses on religion in America, religion and health, and religion and sexuality, learned about the fellowship from colleagues who have worked with Interfaith America.

“In 2017, Eboo Patel, the founder of Interfaith America, came to MSU,” Koch said. “His work inspired students to create an interfaith engagement certificate, and some past MSU students now work with Interfaith America.” [Read more…] about Dr. Philippa Koch selected as one of Interfaith America’s 2024-25 Faith & Health Fellows

Criminology alum Alison Gatzemeyer helps fight crime as intelligence analyst

by

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

Gerontology students partner with historic Gillioz Theatre Midweek Matinees

by

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