Reynolds College Blog

Gerontology program readies students to work in the “longevity economy”

by

The American population is getting older—quickly.

A woman stands at a table and listens to two other women as they speak.
Dr. Maureen Templeman (standing, right) listens to one of the MSU 62 participants in the Unlearning Ageism project.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, older adults will outnumber children in the U.S. by 2034. The number of people in the U.S. age 65 and older is expected to grow to nearly 90 million by 2050.

As coordinator of Missouri State’s gerontology program, Dr. Maureen Templeman, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology, always has statistics on hand. She can quickly illustrate just how broadly a gerontology education can be applied to what economists call the “longevity economy.” The term refers to the goods, services and industries driven by older adults’ needs and spending habits, Templeman said.

A recent AARP statistic, for example, estimates that adults age 50+ contribute $8.3 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. According to Templeman, this trend contradicts the stereotype that older adults are dependent. Instead, they are consumers, workers, caregivers and community members.

And employers are looking for professionals who can address the needs of this growing population.

Workforce training for the “longevity economy”

Templeman wants students to know that gerontology is not a niche field of study. It is a vibrant and growing career option.

“It’s relevant to almost every career path you can imagine,” Templeman said. “We live and work in an aging society.”

In short, gerontology students graduate with skillsets that can be used in any career. These include, but are not limited to, healthcare, social work, law, finance, public policy, education, architecture, communications and technology.

“Really, any field where understanding the needs and experiences of older adults is an asset,” Templeman said.

[Read more…] about Gerontology program readies students to work in the “longevity economy”

Dr. Kyler Sherman-Wilkins named SAG department head

by

The Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Kyler Sherman-Wilkins as head of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology (SAG).

Sherman-Wilkins has been serving as interim department head since July 2025. He joined Missouri State as an assistant professor in 2017.

RCASH Dean Shawn Wahl described Sherman-Wilkins as a valued member of the college.

“Kyler brings various forms of leadership experience that align with academic program advocacy,” he said. “I am grateful for his willingness to continue leading the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology.”

Sherman-Wilkins said he felt “honored and humbled” to be appointed to the position.

He recalled his years as an undergraduate at Cornell University and a doctoral student at Penn State. “The thread running through that entire educational journey has been a deep passion for understanding the human condition and how we grow within broader social and structural contexts,” he said.

Becoming head of the sociology, anthropology and gerontology department is a “natural continuation of that journey,” he added. “I don’t take it lightly for a single moment.”

[Read more…] about Dr. Kyler Sherman-Wilkins named SAG department head

Digital humanities strategies enhance interdisciplinary research

by

The online encyclopedia Britannica defines the humanities as “those branches of knowledge that concern themselves with human beings and their culture.”

In the 21st century, digital technology now dominates all fields and professions, including the humanities. As a result, the field of digital humanities (DH) has emerged as an innovative approach to blending the two.

“There’s a lot of scholarship on what digital humanities is and isn’t,” said Assistant Professor Leah Washburn. “Ultimately, I think it is an area that acknowledges technology as an asset to fields that are often associated with older scholastic traditions.”

One of the most attractive features of DH is its ability to foster interdisciplinary research and teaching, according to Washburn.

“At its core, digital humanities celebrates an interdisciplinary turn in the humanities,” she said. “It invites exploration and inquiry across multiple platforms, fields and subjects in a way that highlights connections between knowledge bases.” [Read more…] about Digital humanities strategies enhance interdisciplinary research

Phi Alpha Theta launches “Tasting History” series

by

Missouri State University’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta (PAT), the history honor society, has found a unique way to get people curious about history—through food and drink.

With assistance from the Department of History, the organization held its first ever “Tasting History” series March 4 in Strong Hall.

“Tea in East Asia and the British Empire” offered historical comparisons and connections regarding the globalization of tea, said Dr. Chelsea Davis, assistant professor of history. Davis also serves as faculty advisor for PAT.

According to Davis, PAT secretary Rob Manganiello first came up with the idea for a tea tasting event. After taking a class with Assistant Professor Linshan Jiang, Manganiello suggested PAT host a tea tasting activity for the public. During that class, Jiang discussed the history and culture of the Chinese tea ceremony while serving tea to her students.

Davis estimated 35-40 people attended the event. She is thrilled with the outcome.

“People seemed to have positive reactions to the tea tasting and the lecture,” she said. “Attendees were excited by the prospect of this becoming a recurring event.”

Two women and one man standing behind a table filled with teas and serving materials
Making history tangible and fun. L-R: History professors Dr. Chelsea Davis and Dr. Linshan Jiang with Xiao’ou Gong, Chinese Program Specialist in the College of Business.

[Read more…] about Phi Alpha Theta launches “Tasting History” series

Missouri State’s Model UN wins multiple awards at 2026 regional conference

by

Several Missouri State students brought home awards from the Midwest Model United Nations (MMUN) Conference, held Feb. 18-21 in St. Louis, Missouri.

The team garnered three delegation awards and nine individual awards.

Twenty-two students from the university attended. Thirteen were from Dr. Ashley Leinweber’s Model United Nations (PLS 333) class. They were Corrigan Bielefeld, Delilah Boggs, Brooklyn Cortez, Ann Costanzo, Ameliya Gerlt, Kerrigan Hand, Madeline Hardwick, Jennifer Hedges, Sean Lay, Emma Mabary, Traven Madison, Harriet Melton and Christian Wood.

Nine Model UN Club students attended as well. They were Abigail Hardwick, Mehmet Karatas, Sewly Khatun, Keira Monroe, Daphne Pierson, Isabella Reed, Thomas Ryan, George Swayne and Ian Toney. Missouri State and Model UN Club alumna Chloe Mitchell also volunteered as legal staff for the General Assembly 4 committee, Leinweber said.

Leinweber serves as faculty advisor for the club. She is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science and Philosophy.

[Read more…] about Missouri State’s Model UN wins multiple awards at 2026 regional conference