Reynolds College Blog

RCASH sees record participation in Education Abroad programs for 2023-24

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During the 2023-24 academic year, the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) witnessed a record number of student participation in Missouri State University’s Education Abroad program.

According to a report issued by Elizabeth Strong, Director of Education Abroad, out of a total of 428 MSU students enrolled in an education abroad program, 181 came from RCASH. The vast majority of those trips were faculty directed.

Strong noted that this number represented a “significant increase” from 107 the previous year, the combined participation of the former colleges of Arts and Letters (COAL) and Humanities and Public Affairs (CHPA) that now make up RCASH.

In addition, of all RCASH undergraduate students graduating in 2023-24, 28% participated in an education abroad program, representing nearly one third of all RCASH undergraduates for the academic year.

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

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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.

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Missouri State University Chorale releases “Radiance Untethered”

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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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MSU students experience Ecuador through Education Abroad

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Five Missouri State University students, including three from the Reynolds College, traveled to Ecuador July 3-6 as part of an Education Abroad program.

The students were graduate student Kinli Miller and undergraduate students Bailey Meesey, Kai Schiller, Ryan Ziegler and Brynn Kayhill.

They were accompanied by Jason Shepard, senior instructor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology.

Multi-faceted curriculum emphasized experiential learning

During the three-hour credit course, “Andes to the Amazon,” the students learned about Ecuador’s cultures and societies through experiential learning, according to Shepard. The curriculum included community tourism development, traditional medicine and agriculture.

Six individuals sitting outside in front of Andes mountains
Enjoying the beautiful outdoors near the lake town of San Pablo de la Laguna. L-R: Ryan Ziegler, Brynn Kayhill, Kinli Miller, Jason Shepard, Kai Schiller and Bailey Meesey. Photo credit: Juan Miguel Espinoza.

As part of the course, students conducted interviews, participated in field trips and kept daily field journals. They will use these field notes, Shepard said, along with lectures, interviews and additional research to construct presentations and posters. The students will then present their findings at an approved conference or public forum.

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US Air Force’s Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble to perform in John Goodman Amphitheatre Sept. 17

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Missouri State University and the Department of Music invite the public to hear the US Air Force’s Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in the John Goodman Amphitheatre.

The event is coordinated by MSU’s Dr. Jason Hausback, director of jazz studies.

Tickets are free. Registration is required.

Reserve your tickets

According to its website, the Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble is a group of 18 professional enlisted musicians. Their repertoire includes traditional big band jazz, bebop, swing and modern jazz. Several of the band’s members compose and arrange their own works and include them in their performances.

“The USAF Band in St. Louis has brought various groups to our campus several times in the last 10 years, but this is the largest event they have planned thus far,” Hausback said. “There are terrific military band ensembles stationed throughout the country, and we are lucky to have one of the US Air Force units just down the road in St. Louis.”

Noting the group’s mission of outreach, Hausback said having the group perform at MSU serves both students and the community.

“I’m personally excited for this performance because it also gives our students an opportunity to learn about other career paths open to them,” he said. “In addition, it’s an opportunity to recognize and honor our veteran population on campus and in the greater Springfield area.”

“I’m thrilled that the Reynolds College is a willing participant and promoter of events like this,” he added.