Cultural Competence Archives - Reynolds College Blog

Sociology professor enjoys continued career successes

July 18, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

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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.

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

July 11, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

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.”

Taiwanese artists enjoy exchange program with Art and Design

July 9, 2025 by Reynolds College

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.

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

July 2, 2025 by Reynolds College

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.

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

July 1, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

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.”