Reynolds College Blog

“History on Tap” series provides support and guidance for local history teachers

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One small idea to bring K-12 teachers and university scholars together in an informal setting has grown into the successful “History on Tap” series, and Missouri State University’s Dr. Michelle Morgan has helped pave the way.

Morgan, associate professor in the Department of History, became interested in the “History on Tap” event after learning of it through the Missouri Council for History Education (MOCHE). Morgan has been a member of MOCHE since 2011 and became a member of the board of directors in January 2022. She also serves on the program committee that coordinates the “History on Tap” series.

According to Morgan, the first “History on Tap” event was held in St. Louis when Debbie Schmidt, president of MOCHE, took inspiration for the event from a program she learned about through the National Council for History Education.

To achieve the desired informal atmosphere, the events started being held at local breweries.

“Hence ‘History on Tap,’” Morgan said. [Read more…] about “History on Tap” series provides support and guidance for local history teachers

Dr. William Meadows’ research dedicated to Native American code talkers

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Missouri State University’s Dr. William Meadows has devoted thirty years of his life to studying Native American code talkers who served in both world wars.

Meadows, professor of anthropology and Native American studies in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology, began researching the Comanche Code Talkers in 1992, then branched out to study other Plains Indian military societies for his doctoral studies at the University of Oklahoma in 1995.

Coming from a military family, Meadows became interested in finding out more about the military experience of Indigenous peoples early in his career.

As he explored their cultures, traditions and ceremonies, he discovered many Native Americans from several tribes had served as code talkers in both world wars. In particular, the Navajo were already well-known, but more than 30 other tribes were not.

At least 34 different tribes participated in the code formulation for World War I and World War II, according to Meadows.

“When I was interviewing Native American veterans, one of the Comanche veterans brought up his background in the war,” Meadows said. “He explained that he and some others were recruited to create an undecipherable code in their native language.”

“They were put in military prep schools with the aim of assimilating them into mainstream America,” Meadows explained. “They were banned from speaking their language or practicing any form of culture. It’s an irony that the same culture has brought them recognition.”

“Their stories are good examples of holding on to culture,” he added. [Read more…] about Dr. William Meadows’ research dedicated to Native American code talkers

“Talking History” brings scholarship to public radio

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If you like radio talk shows and podcasts, and if you find yourself drawn to history topics despite yourself, Missouri State University has just the thing for you.

It’s called “Talking History,” and it broadcasts on KSMU on the first Thursday of every month.

Created and co-hosted by associate professor of history Dr. Djene Bajalan and MSU student Patrick Needham and produced by Jessica Balisle of KSMU, the show features conversations “with historians and scholars about the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world.”

Radio show and podcast formats

“Talking History” broadcast its first episode in April 2023. The show has evolved into two formats – a brief radio show and a longer podcast that can be accessed online at any time.

“The podcast is basically an extended version of the radio show,” Bajalan explained. “We are limited with our time on the radio (24 minutes). Therefore, we release an extended cut (‘Talking History Extra’) via KSMU where we continue our conversation.”

Bajalan and Needham just completed their October episode, featuring Ozarks history expert Dr. Brooks Blevins.

Balisle said the response to the Blevins episode has already been quite positive, describing it as “the most popular episode so far.”

Previous topics have included the Ottoman Empire, communications in ancient Rome, and China’s one-child policy.

[Read more…] about “Talking History” brings scholarship to public radio

Paws to the Polls shows college students importance of voting

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Missouri State University’s Paws to the Polls (PTTP) hit the Fall 2023 semester running.

The campus voter initiative has already participated in several events around campus and the community to aid in voter education and registration.

[Read more…] about Paws to the Polls shows college students importance of voting

MSU’s School of the Arts honored at 38th Annual Ozzies

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Missouri State University’s School of the Arts, part of the Judith Enyeart Reynold’s College of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, was honored with the Arts Champion Award at the 38th Annual Ozzie Awards Oct. 14, 2023.

In addition, MSU’s Dr. Steve Willis, professor of art education, was honored with the Ozzie’s Excellence in Arts Education award.

The Ozzie Awards are sponsored by the Springfield Regional Arts Council (SRAC). The SRAC supports visual, performing, literary and film/media arts organizations across 27 Missouri counties.

[Read more…] about MSU’s School of the Arts honored at 38th Annual Ozzies