RCASH Highlights Archives - Page 2 of 79

Missouri Fine Arts Academy accepting applications for 2027

October 12, 2026 by Reynolds College

The next session of the Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is scheduled for May 30-June 12, 2027, on the Springfield campus of Missouri State University.

Missouri high school students interested in attending can apply online starting Oct. 12, 2026. The application portal will be available through Jan. 25, 2027.

In addition, the Academy is accepting resident assistant and faculty applications.

Let’s “Connect” with the 2027 Academy theme

MFAA’s 2027 theme is “Connect,” according to MFAA Director Dr. Fatih Benzer. He is an associate professor in Missouri State’s Department of Art and Design.

Through a variety of interdisciplinary, discipline-specific and elective courses, MFAA 2027 offers students a chance to improve as emerging artists, Benzer said. “MFAA provides crucial abilities that promote a meaningful learning environment for self-expression, effective communication and multidisciplinary teamwork.”

“In the Footsteps of Titans and Gods:” Missouri State students experience Greece

October 11, 2026 by Lynn Lansdown

The Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) produced several successful Education Abroad programs for the 2025-26 year. Two of those programs—Ecuador and Italy—have already been featured in RCASH News. We conclude our coverage of these programs by heading to Greece.

Thirteen students and two faculty from Missouri State University helped launch the inaugural Education Abroad experience in Greece May 11-22, 2026.

The students were Nadia Adamson, Teagan Allison, Alia Barker, Katherine Bracy, Cal Bussen, Michaela Dickey, Sylvie Edwards, Loren Halmick, Ava Hurley, Scout Hutchinson, Sav Jordan, Julie Kate Moylan and Gabrielle Stonehouse.

Faculty members Dr. William Harwood and Nikki Ferry led the interdisciplinary program, “In the Footsteps of Titans and Gods: An Immersive Exploration of Philosophy and Theatre in Greece.”

When they applied for the Education Abroad Faculty Fellows inaugural cohort, Harwood and Ferry each selected Greece as their destination. The happy coincidence created an opportunity for them to collaborate.

“[We] were very excited to explore how our two disciplines, philosophy and theatre, intersected while imparting our love of the country of Greece to our students,” Ferry said.

Harwood is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science and Philosophy. Ferry is an assistant professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Abigail Hardwick appointed to Parent-Teacher Association national committee

October 7, 2026 by Lynn Lansdown

Abigail Hardwick, who is in her second year in Missouri State University’s Master in International Affairs (MIA) program, has been appointed to the Resolutions Committee of the National Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).

Hardwick will serve a three-year term starting August 2026. The Resolutions Committee makes recommendations to the PTA Board of Directors regarding rescission, retention or amendment of current resolutions, she explained. “The committee also reviews new resolutions submitted by any PTA unit, region or state before recommending them to the PTA Board of Directors.”

The appointment is a volunteer position, Hardwick said. The committee meets monthly, but most of her work happens outside of the monthly meetings, she added.

Model UN experience creates opportunities

Hardwick stands proudly next to the Model UN display case in Strong Hall.

Not only is Hardwick working on her master’s in international affairs: she is also an active member of Missouri State’s Model United Nations team. In particular, her work with Model UN has given her both professional experience and the kinds of networking opportunities that led to the PTA national committee.

Hardwick was nominated for the committee by Missouri State alumnus Dr. William Datema. Currently, Datema serves as president of the national PTA. In addition to having graduated from Missouri State, Datema is also a fellow Model UN alumnus. Since he was a past member of the Missouri State team, Hardwick kept in touch with him.

“Datema knew my experience, and during networking, I guess I had made an impression,” she said.

With her Model UN experience, Hardwick feels well-prepared for her role as a PTA committee member. “My tenure has been a great way to fully understand resolution writing,” she said. “I am really excited to use that experience to go over these important documents and make the best outcomes for our students.”

Theatre and dance presents “Company” Oct. 22-26

October 1, 2026 by Lynn Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance continues its 2026-2027 production season with “Company” Oct. 22-26.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22-24 and Oct. 26 along with 2 p.m. matinees Oct. 24 and 25. All performances will be held in the Credo Arts Center, 931 S. Kickapoo Avenue in Springfield.

Theater and design professor Sarah Wiggin directs. Heather Chittenden-Luellen serves as music director.

MATURE THEMES. Drug and/or alcohol use. Recommended ages 13 and up. Parental discretion advised.

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Students connect with the past during Italy Education Abroad

September 28, 2026 by Lynn Lansdown

Twelve Missouri State University students and religious studies professor Dr. Vadim Putzu traveled to Italy May 10-19 as part of the Education Abroad program, “A Booted History of Judaism.”

During their two-week visit, the group first stopped in Rome, then traveled to Apulia, Italy’s southern “heel” region. The last part of their itinerary included an overnight train ride to Venice.

Throughout their journey, the group visited archaeological parks, museums, burial sites, synagogues, churches and Jewish quarters. They met local scholars and community members. They also polished their Italian language skills whenever possible.

Participating students were Lisa Brackenridge, Evelyn Carter, Alexander Geringer, Beth Hallmark, Abigail Hardwick, Justice Jones, Hailie Mongillo, Mallory Morton, Mason Oliver, Ilene Smith, Emma Thomas and Isabella Wrisberg.

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