Missouri State University

Skip to content Skip to navigation
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Reynolds College Blog

Sociology professor enjoys continued career successes

July 18, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Woman in glasses smiles for the camera
Book cover
Click book cover image to learn more.

Associate professor Dr. Alicia Walker of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology has been enjoying a successful 2025.

First, Walker recently received the 2026 Sociology of Sexualities Early Career Award from the American Sociological Association.

The award honors an exceptional early career scholar whose contributions to the discipline and to the sociological study of sexualities are evident across scholarship, teaching, service and community-building, Walker said.

Nominated by four colleagues in the field, Walker added that she was “incredibly honored to receive this recognition.”

In addition, Walker will publish a new book this year that she co-wrote with Arielle Kuperberg. “Bound by BDSM: Unexpected Lessons in Building a Happier Life,” is, based on the largest-ever study of BDSM practitioners. The book uses in-depth interviews to explore issues in consent, boundaries, communication and creativity.

Filed Under: Cultural Competence, Faculty Accomplishments, Faculty Research, RCASH Highlights, Research Tagged With: Alicia Walker, Department of Sociology Anthropology and Gerontology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences

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

July 11, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Photo of Kevin Cupka Head by Kevin White/Missouri State University

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.”

[Read more…] about CAR’s Kevin Cupka Head honored with Lincoln School Light Award

Filed Under: Community Engagement, Cultural Competence, Ethical Leadership, Faculty Accomplishments, Faculty Research, RCASH Highlights, Research Tagged With: Bernice S. Warren Center for Archaeological Research, Brandon Ives, Dustin Thompson, Kevin Cupka Head

Taiwanese artists enjoy exchange program with Art and Design

July 9, 2025 by Reynolds College

Ceramic sculpture

As part of the long-standing exchange program between Missouri State University and Tainan National University of the Arts (TNUA), two artists from Taiwan — Yi Hung Chang and Yi Ping Ku — spent the Spring 2025 semester working alongside faculty and students in the Department of Art and Design. Their presence brought fresh energy and new perspectives to the studio spaces on campus.

Missouri State’s partnership with TNUA began informally in 2001 and was officially recognized by the Education Abroad program in 2014. Since then, 31 students have participated in the exchange, gaining firsthand experience in new artistic settings and cultural perspectives. The program continues to foster creative dialogue and collaboration between the two universities, enriching both communities through shared learning and making.

[Read more…] about Taiwanese artists enjoy exchange program with Art and Design

Filed Under: Community Engagement, Cultural Competence, RCASH Highlights Tagged With: Department of Art and Design, Education Abroad, School of the Arts

Art and design department and efactory announce opening of Brick City Design Studio

July 2, 2025 by Reynolds College

Young person working on a computer behind a colorful wall

When local entrepreneurs dream up bold new ventures, design can make or break their success. Unfortunately, early-stage companies don’t always have the resources for the polished branding and marketing materials they need.

That’s where the new partnership between Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design and efactory comes in. Together, they’ve launched the Brick City Design Studio (BCDS), an initiative housed in Brick City 3 that bridges talented student designers with local businesses that need their skills.

Thanks to funding from the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC), efactory members will gain access to high-quality design services at no cost. Meanwhile, student designers are compensated for their work. The initiative supports startups, enhances student portfolios and strengthens Springfield’s creative community.

Two young adults working at digital art computers
Charles Carter (student) and Jaden Lohmeyer (student) working in their cubicles at Brick City Design Studio.

[Read more…] about Art and design department and efactory announce opening of Brick City Design Studio

Filed Under: Community Engagement, Cultural Competence, RCASH Highlights, Student Accomplishments Tagged With: Brick City Design Studio, Department of Art and Design, efactory, James Mulvenon, Maria Gerasimchuk-Djordjevic, School of the Arts

Student artists “start their journey” at 2025 Missouri Fine Arts Academy

July 1, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Three young people leaping into the air

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.”

[Read more…] about Student artists “start their journey” at 2025 Missouri Fine Arts Academy

Filed Under: Camps, Community Engagement, Cultural Competence, Ethical Leadership, Event News, Pre-college, RCASH Highlights Tagged With: Department of Art and Design, Department of Music, Department of Theatre and Dance, Fatih Benzer, Heather Nelson, Jason Hausback, Laine Cordell, Missouri Fine Arts Academy, School of the Arts

Next Page »

Categories

  • Alumni
  • Alumni Accomplishments
  • Announcements
  • Camps
  • Club
  • Colloquium
  • Commencement
  • Community Engagement
  • Competitions
  • Concerts
  • Conferences
  • Cultural Competence
  • Education Abroad
  • Emeritus
  • Employment
  • Ethical Leadership
  • Event News
  • Exhibitions
  • Faculty Accomplishments
  • Faculty Research
  • Feature
  • Festivals
  • Field Trips
  • Graduate Student
  • Internships
  • Lecture Series
  • Pre-college
  • Public Affairs
  • RCASH Highlights
  • Readings
  • Recital
  • Remembrance
  • Research
  • Scholarships
  • Shows
  • Student Accomplishments
  • Student Research
  • Tournaments
  • Uncategorized

Archives

  • July 2025
  • June 2025
  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
Make your Missouri statementMake your Missouri statement
  • Last Modified: July 1, 2025
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
  • Disclosures
  • Equal Opportunity Employer and Institution
  • © 2025 Board of Governors, Missouri State University
  • Contact Information
  • Healthcare MRFs