Lynn M. Lansdown, Author at Reynolds College Blog

CAR’s Kevin Cupka Head honored with Lincoln School Light Award

July 11, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Kevin Cupka Head, director of the Bernice S. Warren Center for Archeological Research (CAR) has been honored by the Lincoln School Project of West Plains, Missouri, with its Lincoln School Light Award.

The Lincoln School Project recognized Cupka Head, along with Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo from the University of Lagos, during a dedication ceremony held May 17, 2025, at the Lincoln School. Both individuals received the honor for their preservation efforts and service to the community.

According to the project’s website, the organization does not give out the Light Award annually nor do they accept nominations. Instead, the organization reserves the award for individuals who deserve special recognition because they “reflect a steady light, guiding, uplifting, and inspiring others in meaningful and lasting ways.” These individuals “are living examples of illumination” who bring “dignity to the past and hope to the future.”

Cupka Head said he felt “extremely humbled” to receive the award.

“To have my contributions highlighted through this award is inspiring,” he noted. The award “reaffirms my personal commitment to public history, archaeology and the stewardship of our precious cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible.”

Special topics course on 16mm filmmaking revives traditional skills

July 8, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

During Missouri State University’s May 2025 intercession, students who enrolled in “The Art and Skill of Shooting Super 16mm Celluloid Film” (Media 300/600) course got a first-hand look at the craft of celluloid filmmaking.

Instructor Conci Nelson, from the Department of Communication, Media, Film and Journalism (CMJF), taught the three-week practicum. The course trained students on how to plan and shoot celluloid footage using two Bolex H16 film cameras.

“The goal of this course is for students to gain an appreciation for the origins of filmmaking and content creation and better understand the utility of thorough planning and economic execution in a production,” Nelson said.

Nelson will incorporate footage that the class created into a short film she is producing, “The Princess of Ildereen.”

Reviving traditional filmmaking

In the fall of 2024, Nelson pitched the idea of a course devoted to celluloid filmmaking to the CMJF department. The class was needed, she said, because current technologies tend to inhibit students’ ability to learn essential filmmaking skills. Moreover, while digital and AI technologies might speed production, they don’t always encourage creativity, she added.

“Many students rely far too heavily on digital technology for focus, [but] what happens when you don’t have access to power?” Nelson asked. “Without power in digital filmmaking, there likely won’t be any shooting happening.” For example, a filmmaker might not have access to important peripheral tools, like Bluetooth monitors and scopes, which are used to represent focus using color or grids.

Instead, Nelson’s course teaches students how to use external light meters, tape measures to calculate focus, manual focus techniques and how to plan a shot. Even understanding the tangible qualities of film, such as its feel and smell or how it sounds when rolling properly, is part of the course.

Young man setting up celluloid film camera — Jake Martin observes Julian Garrett as he rehearses a shot on the Bolex H16 camera, mounted on the studio jib.

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.

Tent Theatre’s “Vintage Hitchcock” promises an evening of mystery and suspense

June 26, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Tent Theatre continues the 2025 season with its production of “Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play.”

Performances are June 27 and 28, then June 30-July 2 at the John Goodman Amphitheatre.

All show times are 8 p.m.

Ticket information

Individual, group, and season tickets are now on sale. Patrons can purchase by mail, calling the box office at 417-836-7678 or 1-888-476-7849 or online at MissouriStateTix.com.

On show days, Tent Theatre patrons can pick up their tickets at the will-call kiosk next to the Amphitheatre between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Food and drink concessions will be available. Patrons can access restrooms in Hill Hall, just north of Craig Hall.

Get tickets

Early Hitchcock films brought to the stage

Directed by Betsy Kruse Craig, “Vintage Hitchcock” adapts three of film director Alfred Hitchcock’s earliest films – “The Lodger,” “Sabotage” and “The 39 Steps” – into radio format.

Known as the “master of suspense,” Hitchcock used innovative techniques in his films. Camera angles and framing, along with ominous music, create a sense of escalating danger and the surreal.

In “Vintage Hitchcock,” the stories are presented as they might have been in the 1940s. Five actors play dozens of characters, with live sound effects and atmospheric music keeping audiences spellbound. Vintage commercials woven into the performance add to the fun of this unique production.