Cultural Competence Archives - Page 36 of 49

Reynolds College and University Libraries to open Digital Humanities Lab Fall 2024

August 29, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University will have a new Digital Humanities Lab (DHL) beginning Fall 2024, thanks to a collaborative effort between the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) and the Missouri State University Libraries.

Located in the lower lever of the Duane G. Meyer Library, the DHL will provide resources and guidance for faculty and students to create digital scholarship projects, according to RCASH Associate Dean Dr. Jason Jolley.

A ribbon-cutting opening ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sept. 17 in the lower level of Meyer Library.

The event is open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Using technology to study cultures and societies

According to Jolley, the term “digital humanities” reflects an interdisciplinary approach to studying the humanities using digital tools and technologies. Subjects as wide-ranging as literature, languages, history and philosophy can all benefit from digital humanities research.

The primary goal of digital humanities research, he added, is to learn more about human societies. “Digital humanities scholars use computational methods to analyze, visualize and interpret cultural artifacts and texts,” Jolley said. “By employing techniques such as text mining, data visualization and digital mapping, digital humanities projects provide new insights and perspectives on human culture and society.”

Digital humanities scholars also use complex tools in their research, Jolley explained. Examples include high-resolution digital cameras, virtual reality systems for immersive historical experiences, scanning technologies and 3D modeling.

“These tools enable researchers to capture, analyze and present humanities data in innovative ways, making research more accessible and engaging to broader audiences,” he said.

Finally, in another use for digital humanities, research can be shared through online archives, interactive exhibits and open-access publications.

Missouri State’s new DHL will offer all these resources to students and faculty throughout the university community.

Sociology professor reflects on African American Heritage Trail marker honoring Mary Jean Price Walls

August 23, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

The late Mary Jean Price Walls, who as a woman of color was denied entry to Missouri State University in the 1950s, has been honored with a historical marker celebrating her place on the Springfield-Greene County African American Heritage Trail.

The marker is located outside the Plaster Student Union, just west of Siceluff Hall.

Many members of the campus and Springfield communities gathered for a dedication ceremony at the Mary Jean Price Walls Multicultural Center August 21. The marker was unveiled immediately after.

Walls received an honorary undergraduate degree from Missouri State in 2010. The university later named the Multicultural Resource Center in her honor in 2016.

Walls died July 6, 2020.

Celebrating the contributions of people of color

According to the organization’s website, Heritage Trail members work to recognize contributions people of African descent have made to local history. As part of that mission, the organization places physical markers at key historical locations throughout Springfield and Greene County.

Man standing outside next to sign giving two thumbs up — Dr. Lyle Foster gives two thumbs up at the Walls marker unveiling. Photo credit: Dr. Leonard B. Horton III.

Heritage Trail sites include the Sherman Avenue Corridor, Lincoln Cemetery, Miss Alberta’s Hotel, Silver Spring Park, the Downtown Square and Lincoln High School. Other important sites include Springfield’s historic black churches, such as Washington Avenue Baptist Church, Benton Avenue AME Church, Pitts Chapel United Methodist and Gibson Chapel Presbyterian Church.

According to Dr. Lyle Foster, Walls’ marker is the first Heritage Trail marker on the Missouri State campus. Foster is a Heritage Trail committee member and associate professor of sociology in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology.

Plans are in the works to recognize Missouri State’s Kentwood Hall next, Foster said.

“What we know as Kentwood Hall [is that] it played a role in the effort to desegregate public facilities in the city of Springfield,” he explained. “The story will help shed light on the effort to make public spaces available for everyone.”

Department of Art and Design announces Fall 2024 professional development lecture series

August 21, 2024 by Reynolds College

The Department of Art and Design launches its biannual professional development series Aug. 29 from 5:30-8 p.m. in Brick City 1, Room 312.

The series, “Professional Practice for the Studio Artist,” runs every Thursday during the fall semester from Aug. 29-Dec. 5, 2024.

According to Professor Sarah Williams, series organizer and graduate coordinator for the MFA in Visual Studies program, the series is designed to meet the unique needs of emerging artists by providing them with the tools and insights they need for career success.

“Ultimately, the professional development series aims to prepare students for life beyond academia, providing a solid foundation on which to build their careers,” Williams said.

Giving students career guidance

As coordinator of the series, Williams said she believes she has “an ethical obligation” to communicate to her students “the theoretical and practical aspects of succeeding as practicing artists beyond the academic setting.”

Accordingly, guest lecturers will provide insights into the skills necessary for a sustainable career as a visual artist, Williams added. Students will hear from a variety of experts, including business advisors, industry professionals and practicing artists.

Blurred image of person looking at art — Professor Sarah Williams speedily selects artwork for a museum exhibit. Photo credit: Sarah Williams.

Lecture topics include time management and goal setting, financial literacy, preparing artworks for exhibition and understanding contracts.

The series has already helped Missouri State art and design students find satisfying career paths, according to Williams.

“With the competitive nature of careers in higher education, it’s noteworthy that recent graduates like Teddy Osei (2023) and Erin Sedra (2024) have secured assistant professorships at four-year universities,” she said.

Brick City 1 is located at 327 W. Mill St., Springfield, Missouri. Call (417) 837-2330 for more information.

Dr. Richard Todd Payne performs in Verdi’s “Aida”

August 20, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Dr. Richard Todd Payne, professor of voice in the Department of Music, performed in a concert production of “Aida” at the Union Avenue Opera in St. Louis, Missouri, July 26, 28 and Aug. 3.

Payne sang the role of Il Re dell’Egitto/The King in the Giuseppe Verdi classic.

First time playing role

Payne noted this was the first time he had played the role of The King. He auditioned in January 2024 and learned a few weeks later that he had been selected.

“I felt excited and humbled to take on a role I have never sung before,” Payne admitted.

“Tremendous Opportunity”

Payne described the “Aida” cast as “amazing” and a joy to work with.

“In the words of Sly & The Family Stone, ‘It’s a Family Affair!'” Payne said. “Such an awesome group of talented and disciplined artists whom I enjoyed working with, learning from and developing new friendships.”

“Because Union Avenue saw in me the capability of bringing this role to life and awarded me this tremendous opportunity, I knew that, from a work ethic perspective, I must be above and beyond prepared,” he added.

Jessica Barnes named Missouri History Teacher of the Year

August 8, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Jessica Barnes, per course instructor in the Department of History, has been named Missouri’s 2024 History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

According to its website, the Gilder Lehrman program “recognizes excellence in the teaching of history at the K–12 level.”

In addition to teaching part-time at Missouri State, Barnes teaches full-time at St. Clair Middle School in St. Clair, Missouri. She has been teaching K-12 for 17 years.

Barnes said she was nominated for the award by a colleague from Kansas City, Missouri. She learned about the nomination in April, and in July she learned she had won.

“I remember feeling very overcome and happy at the news, especially because I had been nominated and chosen by my peers across the state, making it a truly meaningful award,” Barnes said.

“This is a prestigious award that reflects the care and hard work that Jessica puts into her craft,” said history department head Dr. Kathleen Kennedy. “We are excited that she has received the recognition she richly deserves.”

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