24 minute read
Campus News
CMU’s First Psychology Lab Created in Late Dr. Anson’s Honor
BY GRACE UNNVIK
Psychology faculty and students have been hard at work since the start of the semester, clearing out a cluster of offices on the fourth floor of T. Berry Smith Hall. Inside those offices will be the home of Central Methodist University’s first-ever psychology lab, which will allow students to conduct experiments and studies in psychology and social sciences. The lab was the dream of the late Dr. Jackie Anson and will be dedicated in the beloved professor’s honor. Anson passed away in November of 2020.
Anson was very passionate about research. Her close friend and colleague, psychology professor Dr. Elizabeth Gold, said that Anson wanted a research lab to attract students to CMU, as well as a place for current students to work on their own projects.
“She was looking for a place that research activities could call home,” Gold said. “Her dream was to formalize our commitment to doing research in the psychology major.”
Before Anson’s passing, she and Gold worked on a proposal that they presented to the Board of Trustees. They were given approval to begin working on and funding the lab. At this point, the funding of the lab has come from people who have generously donated in Anson’s honor.
Dr. Christopher Arnold began working at CMU in August as assistant professor of psychology and has taken the initiative to help guide the opening of the lab. He’s been working closely with three students who are interested in conducting their own research in psychology and social sciences.
Although the lab is not yet fully set up, Arnold and the students have already planned a couple of studies they wish to conduct once the lab is up and running.
Arnold said that the lab still needs to lock down consistent annual funding for a couple of computer programs that are important to psychology research, such as MTurk, which would allow students to survey hundreds of people from all over the world for their studies.
Gold is hoping to officially dedicate the lab, which will be called “Dr. Jacqueline M. Anson’s Social Science Lab,” next fall. Anson’s close friends and family will be invited to the dedication, since it was their donations that helped create the lab.
To contribute to the lab, go to www.givetocentral.org and note "Dr. Anson lab" in memo line.
From left to right; Bethany Freel, Indra Chandrasekar, and Ryan Hart
Alumna Awarded Grant for Research at Sanford
Central Methodist alumna Bethany Freel, ‘17, was awarded a grant by the Smith-Lemli-Opitz/RSH Foundation to aid the research she is conducting at Sanford Research Center for her PhD dissertation, entitled “Defining the impact of DHCR7 disruption on astroglia.” Freel is attending University of South Dakota (USD) for a PhD in Basic Biomedical Science and plans to become a medical science liaison after graduation.
As an undergraduate student at CMU, Freel was struggling to choose a career path. Dr. Greg Thurmon was sure that Freel would enjoy research, so he organized a trip for her and a couple of other students to visit Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There, Freel was able to tour their hospital and research labs. Experiencing the exciting environment of the research labs prompted Freel to apply for Sanford’s summer internship program, to which she was accepted.
“I enjoyed getting to tour the hospital, but the research center really won me over,” Freel said. “We got to meet with several faculty members and learn about the internship program for undergraduate students, and by the end of the day I knew that I wanted to at least give research a try.”
Freel studied cell biology in the kidney alongside Dr. Indra Chandrasekar during her summer internship. Meanwhile, she was accepted into USD’s Basic Biomedical Science PhD program. There, she has been pursuing her degree while performing her graduate work at Sanford Research. Her research is centered on the impact cholesterol has on brain development and function.
CMU still takes students on visits to Sanford Research, and Freel is now the one directing their tours. She enjoys helping students explore Sanford as an option for internship and research opportunities, the way that she did when she was in their shoes.
Freel acknowledges the impact that CMU has had on her journey thus far and is thankful for its role in her success.
“Central gave me all of the tools that I would need to excel in my post-graduate endeavors,” she said. “I owe much of my success to the support that I received [and continue to receive] from those at CMU, especially Professor Greg Thurmon, Nicolette Yevich, Dr. Ashley Lough, Dr. Tiger Gordon, Dr. Kendal Clark, and Coach Mike Davis.”
Bergsten Returns to CMU for Lecture
BY GRACE UNNVIK
One of Central Methodist University’s most notable alumni, Dr. C Fred Bergsten, ‘61, presented a lecture titled “The State of the World” to a packed Inman Lecture Hall on October 29. His visit was a part of the many events that took place over Homecoming weekend. Bergsten is a renowned American economist and author who has held many high-level government positions.
He began his lecture by emphasizing the importance of having knowledge of the global economy as Americans.
“We are an integral part of the world economy,” he said. “We are heavily dependent on it, and if it doesn’t go right, it costs us a lot.”
According to Bergsten, the U.S. has greatly benefited from its place in the world economy, after helping shape it during the second World War. The open and integrated world economic system has helped prevent any major wars over the past 75 years.
However, Bergsten warns that there has recently been an “echo” of the problems that occurred pre-WWII, such as a trade war that’s broken out between the U.S. and China. Bergsten believes that this is caused by breakdown of cooperation due to a failure of economic leadership.
“The rise of China presents the first real challenge in the last 100 years to U.S. global economic leadership and to an open and cooperative world economy,” he told the crowd.
Bergsten said that China is growing three times as fast as the U.S., at up to 10 percent per year. While he doesn’t think the U.S. is in any sort of decline, he does think that leaders in the past have not been proactive enough to keep up with China.
Trump’s approach on China was containment, but China is too powerful for that, he said. Bergsten proposes “conditional competitive cooperation,” which means seeking to cooperate with China and agreeing with the Chinese in many cases.
Bergsten ended the lecture with a couple of questions from the audience.
“It’s great to be back on campus,” he said. “I’m very gratified by the turnout. I don’t know if that’s because people remember what I said on the last occasion or because they don’t.”
Bergsten has just published a new book, titled The United States Versus China: The Quest for Global Economic Leadership, which will be released early next year.
There was a summertime celebration this year at Central Methodist University. Officials learned that CMU had been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for its unique implementation of Apple technology.
Central implemented a “Digital U” pilot program four years ago, “and we continued to build each year,” said President Roger Drake, who announced the prestigious honor in August to faculty and staff. “It really takes the buy-in from the whole campus to make this work. I can’t say enough about the effort of the folks who made this happen. And the faculty members who not only made it work in the classroom but became innovators.”
Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. They use Apple technology to connect students to the world, fuel creativity, deepen collaboration, and make learning personal.
Each full-time student on the Fayette campus gets an iPad and Apple Pencil before classes start in the fall. The “Digital U crew” helps distribute the devices and provides workshops and tutorials for students who are experiencing iPad for the first time.
The selection of Central as an Apple Distinguished School “highlights our success in creating an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic achievement,” said Chad Gaines, vice president for technology and planning.
Central uses Apple TV in classrooms across campus and students utilize their devices in courses from nursing to music and from biology to public speaking. There are dozens of App Store apps used in classes, with the most popular being Notability.
Faculty members are focused on transforming learning experiences with iPad, redefining engagement, and encouraging innovation and creativity, not only in students, but also in their own approach to pedagogy, said Gaines.
When making the announcement on August 19, Drake recognized the hard work of numerous people in helping the institution achieve the honor, particularly Carrie Strodtman, CMU’s director of digital learning.
Ahandful of new faculty members arrived on campus at Central Methodist University and started their Fall 2021 semester in August.
Returning to Fayette to teach were alumni MaryAnne Winn, ’13; Meredith Buchmeier, ’17; and Alexis Parrish, ‘17. Adjunct professor Lucas Willsie also returns full-time in a new role this year, while Jeremy Erdmann, Christopher Arnold, and Susie Stone are new to Central.
Having taught at CMU from 2009-2013, MaryAnne Winn now serves as the nursing program coordinator. She previously held the BSN program director position at University of Saint Mary and served as an ICU nurse at the Department of Veteran Affairs.
“I am excited to return to CMU. The campus is a great place to be, and the faculty really cares about the students,” Winn said. “I am looking forward to helping to continue CMU’s excellent tradition in nursing education. I love working with students and helping them see all the possibilities a nursing degree brings and helping them reach their goals.”
Joining Winn as part of the nursing faculty is Meredith Buchmeier, another CMU alumna. Buchmeier, who teaches family nursing, says she immediately fell in love with obstetrical nursing after graduating from Central. Her passion for newborn care and pediatrics led her to become a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, and now she is fulfilling a longtime interest in teaching nursing.
“I am so excited to return to CMU as a faculty member where my interest in the nursing field began,” she said. “I have such great memories of my time in nursing school and hope to inspire current and future nursing students.”
Alexis Parrish began work on August 9 as the marine biology coordinator and admissions representative, a new position created to recruit students for biology-related areas. In addition to her admissions work, she is providing instructional support for Professor Greg Thurmon and the marine biology program.
Aside from studying marine biology and participating in the marine biology club, Parrish spent time on the golf team while attending Central. She was also a member of the Beta Beta Beta professional fraternity for biology.
“I’m excited to come back to Central,” she said. “I’ve always loved being on campus, so I’m excited to be back and helping grow the [marine biology] program and make it even stronger than it already is.”
Lucas Willsie has been teaching clarinet and bassoon lessons and directing the clarinet ensemble for the past two years as an adjunct faculty member, but this year he began a new role as the fine arts admissions recruiter in addition to his teaching.
“I first became interested in music when I joined band in fifth grade, and the rest is history,” said Willsie. “I am excited to be able to help grow and strengthen the fine arts at CMU as well as continue my own teaching. I love teaching here, and I am excited to help show prospective students all we have to offer.”
After 20 years of teaching at the same school where he earned his master’s degree, Jeremy Erdmann is beginning a new chapter as a member of the CMU faculty. Starting this fall, Erdmann is the new assistant professor of education/exercise science.
Erdmann worked for a short time as an athletic trainer after graduating from Murray State University but returned in 2001 to become the first program director for the athletic training program. He stayed for From left to right; 20 years, teaching, advising, and MaryAnne Winn, ’13; coordinating the program. Two years Meredith Buchmeier, ’17; ago Erdmann’s wife, Kristan, began Alexis Parrish, ’17; Lucas Willsie, Christopher Arnold; Jeremy Erdmann; Susie Stone. working at Central as an associate professor of athletic training, and now he has joined her on the Fayette campus. “I’m really excited about working with the students,” he said. “I really like that aspect of the job, and I also like the administrative stuff. I really New Faculty Members for Fall want to look at what the program is now and what offerings CMU has to make our students even better.” Joining the psychology faculty this year is Bowling Green State alumnus Christopher Arnold. In addition to his teaching role, Arnold will be responsible for establishing the university’s new social science research laboratory. Before joining Central’s faculty, Arnold was an instructor at Monmouth University, University of Saint Francis, and Bowling Green State University. “I became interested in psychology in college because I wanted to get a better understanding of the way that people think and how they interact with each other,” he said. “I’m most excited to get to work closely with students and become part of the community.” Finally, in Susie Stone the education department is getting a physical education teacher with more than 30 years of teaching and coaching experience across many subjects. Stone, who says she first became interested in the field of education when she was young and loved going to school, has taught and coached at multiple school districts across the state. She says teaching and coaching was the only field she considers not just work, but a true passion. “I am extremely excited that CMU gives me an opportunity to share my experiences and help direct students on their path to become quality educators for future generations,” said Stone. “One of the most influential factors in learning at any level is student-teacher relationships, and my goal at CMU is to build strong relationships as my mentor teachers did with me. CMU offers opportunities with personal attention you do not receive from many institutions.”
Neil Berry - Admissions After a brief retirement from a career in education, Neil Berry has returned to work with students for Central Methodist University. He joined the CMU admissions team as a recruiter in the St. Charles County area this fall.
Berry spent 32 years in education at the high school level and most recently served as head building principal at Fort Zumwalt West High School in O’Fallon for 18 years.
“I just had a passion for it. I wanted to be a high school principal; it was always my goal,” said Berry, who credits his passion to a mentor at Washington High School. “I was very motivated by my high school principal. I felt like he made a real difference because he really knew the kids.”
Now Berry will have the chance to use his relationships and knowledge of students in St. Charles County to find excellent recruits for Central and offer big opportunities to those same students.
Felixhy Dominguez – Smiley Library On June 21, Central Methodist University alumna Felixhy Dominguez ’21 began her newest job for her alma mater, library communications assistant. Dominguez, who came to Central on an academic scholarship from her Methodist high school in El Paso, Texas, says she originally had her sights set on becoming a communications director for a non-profit but enjoyed working in the Smiley Memorial Library as a student and thought she could turn it into a career.
The position is something of a promotion for Dominguez, who previously worked at the front desk assisting visitors to the library. In this role however, she has both more responsibility and more opportunity for creativity.
“I think the most important thing about this position is how much space for creativity I have in taking care of events for the library and the social media,” she said. “I’m excited to see what impact this job can make in the culture of our college. Hopefully students like the ideas that I have and the events the library will provide. I want it to be a resource for creativity and not just for homework.”
Aside from planning events and maintaining a social media presence, Dominguez is responsible for training and overseeing the library’s work study students.
Rusty Elder – Center for Learning and Teaching Rusty Elder has spent more than 20 years working as a college professor and advisor for first-year students. It’s this rich experience in higher education that help him make a difference at Central Methodist University as its newest academic advisor.
Elder graduated from University of MissouriColumbia in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education, specializing in secondary music education. After graduation, he would go on to work as an adjunct professor and fulltime music faculty member at both Stephens College in Columbia and University of MissouriColumbia. Elder is excited to use the knowledge he gained at other institutions to help students at CMU—especially freshmen.
“Everyone is such an individual. Working with freshmen presents certain challenges of how to negotiate a system that’s designed for someone who doesn’t have college experience,” Elder said. “[I love] that kind of experience of being able to lead students that are new to something.”
Regarding CMU, Elder says that he likes the way people are taken care of and how studentcentered the university is.
Matt Fohn – Admissions Former Central Methodist University dance team captain Matt Fohn has returned to his alma mater as one of the latest CMU alumni to join the admissions staff. The 2020 graduate began his new job on July 14 and was also named the interim head coach of the competitive dance team.
A native of Lebanon, Mo., Fohn majored in education while attending Central and has since begun working on earning a master’s degree in athletic administration. While a CMU student, he participated in numerous activities, including being a member of the cheerleading team and Delta Beta Tau fraternity. He also competed with the Eagle Envy dance team, earning a role as a captain in his senior year.
“I’m excited to bring new faces to Central,” Fohn said. “I’m a people person. I love to meet new people and get to know their stories. I think this is a way for my story here at CMU to be heard and to help people connect their stories to Central and affect them in a positive manner.”
When he’s not working on his advanced degree or at his alma mater, Fohn spends his time working as a designer for Independent Winter Guard in Iowa and a freelance choreographer for high schools in southern Missouri.
Arline Holmes – Financial Assistance As a lifelong resident of south Howard County and a holder of an education degree, there is perhaps no better place of employment for Arline Marie Holmes than Central Methodist University. Holmes began her new job as documentation coordinator in the financial services department on September 7.
After graduating from New Franklin High School and Columbia College, Holmes went on to work in multiple business administration and secretarial roles, most recently as a customer service representative for ASI Flexible Benefits in Columbia. In her new role, however, Holmes feels more at home in the realm of higher education.
“I’m looking forward to working with students and doing a job that I actually want to do,” she said. “I have a degree in education but decided I didn’t want to teach, so this is another avenue into the educational world, which is a little more my style.”
As the documentation coordinator, Holmes will be responsible for gathering and organizing various financial information from CMU students.
Sheri Kemp - CGES
When it comes to educating and advising future teachers, there are few better people to turn to than those who have spent their lives in the classroom themselves. Experienced educators like Sheri Kemp, who
began full-time work with Central Methodist University this fall, are vital to teaching the next generation.
Kemp, who has 30 years of teaching experience at the elementary school level, was named the new education coordinator and faculty advisor at Central’s Clinton and Lake of the Ozarks sites.
“I can’t remember ever not wanting to teach,” said Kemp. “That’s what I’ve always wanted to do since I was really little.”
Her passion for teaching led her to earn undergraduate degrees in elementary education from State Fair Community College and the University of Central Missouri. She later returned to UCM to complete a master’s degree in reading. Aside from teaching in elementary schools, Kemp owned and operated the Kemp Learning Center for 20 years and supervised more than a dozen student teachers. She also has previous experience with Central Methodist, having taught in an adjunct capacity for two years.
Rev. Bill O’Neal – Advancement and Alumni Relations
Over the years, Bill O’Neal’s career has at times looked vastly different from one job to the next. He’s spent time in the Air Force, then selling cars, then in public relations and marketing. When he finally accepted the call to ministry and entered St. Paul School of Theology, his path began to look more consistent. And now that it has brought him to Central Methodist University, he’s delighted about the possibilities.
“I’m super excited to be here,” said O’Neal, who started in July as both a major gift officer (MGO) in the advancement office and the pastor at Linn Memorial United Methodist Church. “This is like a dream come true.”
In addition to community outreach, O’Neal says he wants to emphasize care, both for the students and the faculty and staff. He also wants to take advantage of the enthusiasm of Central alumni in order to give current and future students an even better experience.
“I love building relationships, I love connecting,” he said. “So I can’t wait to connect the passions of our alumni with our students and with the possibilities of what we can do here at Central Methodist.”
O’Neal is also hoping he can successfully recruit at least one person close to him.
“I’m hoping my daughter goes here,” he said of his youngest child, Grace, currently a junior in high school. “She’s big into music, so I can’t think of any school that could be better.” Jason Rinne – Technology Services A lifelong resident of Marshall, Jason Rinne admits it was strange to trade in his purple and orange for green, but Central Methodist University’s new assistant director of technology services couldn’t be more excited to be working in Fayette.
Rinne started in his new role as network administrator on May 19, after spending 16 years in various roles at his alma mater, Missouri Valley College.
“It’s a bit of a change coming over, but I’m excited to be a part of the team,” said Rinne, who added that one of the things he’s most looking forward to about his new job is being a member of a larger technology services staff. “I’ve known Chad [Gaines, vice president for technology and planning,] for over 12 years, but to actually get to sit in the same office and learn from him and work for him, that’s one of the biggest things for me.”
Outside of his career, Rinne is married and lives in Marshall. In his spare time, he likes hiking and canoeing, as well as holding a weekly board game night.
Breilly Roy – Center for Learning and Teaching Since graduating from Central Methodist University in 2017, Breilly Roy has worked and studied in numerous states and with several important institutions, but now she’s come home to fill a new role at her alma mater. Roy began work on October 18 as Central’s first academic and athletic liaison/advisor.
Roy has worked on beaches everywhere from Florida to Maine, as well as in Yellowstone National Park, in the area of marine biology and conservation. But now she’s “switching gears” in her return to Fayette.
“I have hopes and aspirations of someday helping take over the marine biology program when Professor [Greg] Thurmon retires,” said Roy. “But for now I’ll be working closely with our athletes as well as the faculty and coaches. I’ll help coordinate and make things easier if problems do arise or students are struggling or they just need somebody to chat with.”
As the university’s first liaison between the academic and athletic sides of student life, Roy monitors student-athletes’ academic eligibility and identify at-risk students while coordinating with various offices and departments on campus. Central Methodist University’s newest CGES admissions specialist is Colton Tolias, a 2018 graduate who says he’s enthusiastic about returning to his alma
mater.
“I always loved it here,” he said. “I’m excited for the new environment, the new scene and a change of pace. I’m looking forward to working with all the staff I knew while attending CMU.”
Tolias, who majored in sports management and business while at Central, joined the college of graduate and extended studies (CGES) admissions staff, where he works on graduate and online studies enrollment and transcripts.
The work is definitely a shift from running Vintage Stock stores in Columbia and Kansas City, Kan., but Tolias calls it “a good change” after coming back to the area to be closer to his grandparents.
A graduate of Marshall High School, Tolias was a member of Chi Delta and Phi Mu Alpha during his time at CMU. His hobbies now include playing video games, singing, and playing in an adult kickball league.
Anne Ziegler – Admissions A year after graduating with a degree in sports management, Central Methodist University alumna Anne Ziegler returned to join the enrollment management team as an admissions
counselor.
A native of Kelso, Mo., Ziegler originally came to Central to pursue a nursing degree but later chose to focus on sports management. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in education, with a focus on athletic administration. She hopes to one day become an athletic director and possibly coach softball or soccer.
In the meantime, however, Ziegler will serve as an admissions counselor for her alma mater, helping facilitate the admissions process for parttime and non-traditional students in particular. With four years of experience on campus as a student, an athlete, and an active member of Zeta Psi Lambda, she has the expertise to help any CMU recruits through the process.
“When choosing a college, it is important for it to feel like home,” she said. “Central has certainly had that impact on me, and I would love to get the chance to help other prospective students find their home away from home.”
