Faculty Accomplishments Archives - Page 2 of 11

Emeritus professor Bob Westenberg lands role in Neil Diamond musical

October 15, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Retirement has been good for Bob Westenberg, emeritus professor from Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

Not only is he now living near his children and grandchildren in Colorado, he’s also landed the job of a lifetime.

Westenberg is currently on a national tour, playing famed singer Neil Diamond in “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.”

The show launched Sept. 21 and will continue through August 2025.

Scheduled appearances include the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri, Oct. 29-Nov. 10.

Get tickets to St. Louis performance

Audition leads to offer

Westenberg said he learned about the role through an old acquaintance from his New York days.

Bob Westenberg.

“Jim Carnahan of Carnahan Casting…reached out about two years ago and asked if I was interested [and] available to audition for the Broadway show,” he explained.

Westenberg then compiled and sent an audition tape with the help of Heather Luellen, Music Director and Accompanist in the theatre and dance department, and MSU theatre and dance alumna Olivia Schmitt, who read the scene with him.

He got a callback to New York, but had to wait to learn more about his future.

“Last November, they called again to have me go to New York for a session with the music director, Sonny Paladino, and also to see the show,” Westenberg said. “This audition was to replace Mark Jacoby in the role on Broadway, as they thought he was leaving when his contract ended at the end of December.”

But Jacoby decided to stay with the show, so Westenberg was offered the national tour.

Biennial Faculty Exhibition at Brick City Gallery Oct. 4-Nov. 1

October 6, 2024 by Reynolds College

The Biennial Faculty Exhibition, sponsored by Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design, will be on display 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 4-Nov. 1 at the Brick City Gallery. The Exhibition Center will be closed Oct. 10-11 during MSU’s Fall Break.

Held every two years, the exhibition features a wide range of media and techniques. The artwork reflects the perspectives MSU’s art and design faculty bring to their diverse and innovative work. Visitors can view works that engage personal stories, reflections on the past, spirituality, environmental themes and much more.

“Students see their professors as active professionals, and so their points of view in the classroom take on a different significance,” said Vonda Yarberry, art and design department head. “Seeing works by professors in different disciplines [that] address similar topics deepens students’ awareness about multiple approaches to content and inspires students to try new things.”

The department’s gallery programming also strives to show students different approaches to professional art and design practice, which are highlighted in the numerous other exhibits offered throughout the year.

“Legacy: Celebrating the Art + Design Department” opens Oct. 4

October 6, 2024 by Reynolds College

This fall, the Carolla Arts Exhibition Center and the Department of Art and Design will host “Legacy: Celebrating the Art + Design Department,” an exhibition honoring all who helped shape the department’s history since it began.

A special reception will be held 6-9 p.m. Oct. 18 at the center, bringing together alumni, faculty, friends, and family.

The exhibit runs from Oct. 4-Nov. 1., coinciding with the university’s homecoming celebrations. The Exhibition Center will be closed Oct. 10-11 during MSU’s Fall Break.

“I am thrilled that so many faculty are planning to attend,” said Vonda Yarberry, art and design department head. “We’ve also heard from many alumni who are excited to meet up with their friends and former professors.”

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.

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