opera Archives - Reynolds College Blog

Accounting, Biology, Math…and the Arts?

April 10, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

The Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, or “RCASH,” offers students a variety of academic studies and professional opportunities. Art, theatre, dance, music, communication, history, sociology, languages, criminology and political science are just some of RCASH’s programs.

Opportunities are indeed abundant. Just ask Veronika Yerina, Rocky Lane and Caroline Wolfe.

Yerina, Lane and Wolfe are all pursuing non-RCASH degrees. Yerina, a junior, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biology. Lane will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. Wolfe will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics and will continue her studies through Missouri State’s accelerated master’s program.

Yet these students are also supplementing their degrees with arts-intensive programs and courses. For each of them, there are no contradictions. Studying the arts has improved their professional prospects. They also believe it has made them better humans.

Brown Bag Concert Series launches second season April 9

March 21, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s “Brown Bag Concert Series” is back for its second season, boasting a diverse lineup of creative performances.

This year’s performances include country, indie-pop, folk and opera. Performers were selected through an application process.

Hosted once again at the John Goodman Amphitheatre (JGA), the event series is free and open to the public. The amphitheater is located immediately north of Craig Hall in the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park.

“We are thrilled with the increase in applicants for this special spring campus event,” said Mark Templeton, Executive Director of JGA Marketing and External Relations. “Bring your lunch and have a relaxing time while enjoying some great performances.”

All performances start at noon. Public parking will be available starting at 11 a.m. across Grand Street in Parking Lots 22 and 24.

MSU opera students shine in national competition

February 26, 2025 by Damilola R. Oyedeji

Missouri State University’s Opera Theatre achieved an impressive milestone, qualifying for the 2025 Robert Hanson National Collegiate Opera Scenes Competition in January.

Three sophomore standouts represented the university during the competition. Jb Love (music performance), Ryan McIntosh (music education) and Veronika Yerina (double major vocal performance and biology) are all members of MSU’s “Opera Bears” club.

MSU Opera director Dr. Ann Marie Daehn and Dr. Chris Thompson, both professors in the Department of Music, oversaw the students’ performances.

“This is a huge accomplishment for our students and speaks to their talent, dedication and hard work,” Daehn said.

Sending three sophomores was a deliberate choice, Daehn added. Most schools tend to send more experienced seniors or returning finalists.

“We focus on giving opportunities to all performers, even younger students,” she said. “This is about providing every one of our students the chance to grow.”

The National Opera Association (NOA) hosted the event at its national conference in Savannah, Georgia. The competition aims to recognize and promote artistic excellence in opera performance in college and university programs.