Faculty Accomplishments Archives - Page 13 of 22

Dr. William Meadows participates in D-Day anniversary in France

September 23, 2024 by Damilola R. Oyedeji

In June, Dr. William Meadows, alongside 18 members of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association, visited France to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and join in a ceremony on Utah Beach to honor the Comanche Code Talkers.

Meadows is a professor of anthropology and Native American studies in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology at Missouri State University. He was recently appointed to the editorial board of the American Indian Quarterly.

Meadows discusses unique role of Native Americans in war

Speaker at projection screen presents to audience — Meadows presenting on Native American code talkers during the Battle For Normandy Conference at Chateau d’Audrieu near Tilly, France.

Meadows presented “Native American Code Talkers in Europe in World War II” at a conference during the celebration.

Code talkers were Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces. They used their tribal languages to send secure military messages during World Wars I and II, Meadows explained. This was faster than existing coding technology and gave the American forces a unique advantage.

The conference, an annual observance to commemorate D-Day, took place at the Chateau d’Audrieu, located in the heart of the Normandy countryside.

“D-Day describes the Allied invasion at Normandy in 1944 to liberate western Europe and bring an end to the Nazi Reich and the European Theater of WW II,” Meadows said.

In his speech, he noted that many people remain unaware of the unique role Native Americans played in both world wars.

“Despite the American government’s attempts to suppress their languages, Native Americans used these very languages to send secure military messages that saved countless lives,” Meadows said.

“The French are more aware of the war and its impacts on their home villages and families because the invasion occurred in villages throughout Normandy,” Meadows continued. “Many express gratitude to Americans, British and Canadians whose ancestors liberated them. They’re also increasingly learning about the presence and role of the code talkers.”

Large group of people pose for photo on beach — Members of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association with their French hosts and students from Tilly, France, at Utah Beach.

Missouri State University Chorale releases “Radiance Untethered”

September 20, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

The Missouri State University Chorale announces the release of their latest album, “Radiance Untethered: The Choral Music of John Wykoff.”

“This album not only showcases the unique music of John Wykoff but also the talent and enthusiasm that our students have for creating impactful musical experiences,” said Dr. Cameron LaBarr, Clif and Gail Smart professor in music and director of choral studies.

Album cover portraying artistic colorful landscape — Click album cover to purchase from GIA Publications.

The choir recorded the album over three days in the Goshen Music Center in Goshen, Indiana, during their May Tour in 2023. The center has produced several award-winning recordings and is one of the best places to record choral singing, LaBarr said.

A composer of instrumental and choral music, Wykoff studied with composers David Del Tredici, Bruce Saylor, and Jeffrey Nichols at the City University of New York. He also studied privately with Alice Parker, a major influence on his work.

Wykoff lives in Tennessee, where he is a professor of music theory and composition at Lee University.

Celebrating the legacies of Dr. Catherine Jolivette and Professor Keith Ekstam

September 16, 2024 by Reynolds College

Missouri State University has honored the distinguished careers of Dr. Catherine Jolivette and Professor Keith Ekstam with the title of emeritus faculty.

Jolivette and Ekstam recently retired from the Department of Art and Design.

“As Dr. Jolivette and Professor Ekstam step into retirement, their influence will continue to resonate within the university and beyond,” said Professor Vonda Yarberry, art and design department head. “Their dedication to their fields, commitment to education and contributions to the arts and humanities have set a high standard for future generations of scholars and artists.”

History professor Dr. Chelsea Davis wins prestigious journal prize

September 12, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Dr. Chelsea Davis, assistant professor in the Department of History, has been awarded the 2024 CHA Journal Prize from The Journal of the Canadian Historical Association (JCHA).

In “All that Glitters Is Wine? Viticultural Capitalists and the Creation of Britain’s Colonial Wine Industry,” Davis examines how extractive mining industries in colonial South Africa and Australia also boosted the British empire’s wine industry.

The journal announced in February 2024 that Davis had won its best paper prize, which included a certificate of recognition and a monetary award of $250.

“I was very surprised,” Davis said, “but excited at the news.”

“By winning its best article prize, Dr. Davis has demonstrated the significance of her research and its respect by her peers,” said Dr. Kathleen Kennedy, head of the history department. “This award is further confirmation of the skill and dedication that she brings to her craft.”

Davis specializes in the history of the modern British Empire, especially the nineteenth century. Her research interests include British environmental and labor histories but also Britain’s colonial wine industries in South Africa and Australia.

Music professor Dr. Daniel Ketter to perform with American Wild Ensemble Sept. 8

August 31, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Dr. Daniel Ketter will perform with the American Wild Ensemble in “Owl at Home” 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 at Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield, Missouri.

“Owl at Home” is part of the ensemble’s “Wild Imagination: The Magic of Musical Storytelling” program, according to Ketter, associate professor in the Department of Music.

Ketter co-directs the ensemble with flutist Dr. Emlyn Johnson. Composer John Liberatore wrote the music for “Owl at Home” and will narrate the part of Owl, Ketter said.

Child watching performers on stage — A young member of the audience watches a “Wild Imagination” performance. Photo credit: Backstory Photography/Jeff Burkhead.

In addition, the ensemble will present Jennifer Murvin’s “Like a Heart, a Bookshop.” Murvin, assistant professor in the Department of English, owns the Pagination Bookshop in Springfield.

Ketter wrote the music for Murvin’s narrative.

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