September 2, 2020 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

Sept. 2, 2020 | thewichitan.com |Real Students. Real Stories. | Vol. 85 No. 1

WELCOME BACK MUSTANGS! MEDIA: Pg 4

Have you checked out Logic’s new album?

NEWS: Pg 7 SPORTS: Pg 10

As 2020's freshmen begin their journey at MSU, current upperclassmen reflect on their first day and offer advice on surviving freshman year of college.

Mustangs welcome five new coaches!

TITLE IX: Pg 6-7

SATIRE: Pg 3

DAY IN THE LIFE: Pg 3

Catch up on all things new with Title IX!

College non-voters are always shocked by results.

Bradley Wilson wins David Adam’s award!

@WichitanOnline

@wichitanonline

@TheWichitan

The Wichitan’s promise to the students

ince The Wichitan’s incarnation, the mission has always been to provide students with fair and accurate news. Previously, students at The Wichitan have covered the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, 9/11 and the war on terror. This in-depth coverage will continue as the Presidential election approaches, the Black Lives Matter Movement, COVID-19 and anything else 2020 decides to throw at the world in the next four months. Despite attention to these monumental events, The Wichitan is dedicated to bringing light to the news on campus and in the Wichita Falls community. From Greek life to new events downtown, this is the paper to turn to. The paper is going to look different this semester due to COVID-19. To help prevent the spread, The Wichitan will be publishing issues exclusively online for the foreseeable future. Online editions will not only allow students easier access to breaking news but also makes it easier than ever to share The Wichitan with family and friends. Going online, however, doesn’t mean our team won’t be any less dedicated to providing news students need to know. Just because The Wichitan isn’t biased, doesn’t mean readers can’t be. Columns provide a platform for all members of the community who wish to express themselves. 2020 will no doubt go down as one of the pivotal years of the 21st century and your voices need to be heard, so take advantage of your ability to leave a mark on history and write into The Wichitan.

CAMPUS VOICES

Being a light skin woman at a Black Lives Matter protest

“M

y non-black friends, I ask that you take a knee, if able.” One of the many people who chose to speak in front of hundreds of protesters asked a simple question that left me lost Dallas Wabbington in internal conflict. Should I stand because I am a product of a black and white couple, or should I kneel in fear of no one believing me if I stood? Because I do not look black, I feel locked out of a part of my cultural background. I went to the black lives matter protest in Wichita Falls, Texas because I wanted to stand up to police brutality and to support my fellow black men and women. But I felt alone, as I thought I had to choose between being black or non-black. At the corner of 8th and Scott Street, the park was filled with people of different race, gender, age - all gathered in solidarity to protest injustice set against black people. My senses were affected as I saw this beautiful gathering and heard passionate stories from peaceful protesters of every background. Stories of fear and grief as mothers feared for their children and older black individuals preached for better days. A white woman with two beautiful light skin nephews stood near me on the outskirts of the circle formed in the center of the park. The woman reminded me of my own mother who was a dedicated white woman who raised four children, two of them being biracial children. The woman and her nephews shared a sign quoting George Floyd’s “I can’t breathe” at the top and at the bottom

were the words: “My life matters.” Whether the woman knew it or not, she was making a silent statement that I understood to be about all black people being outed by the police and society, regardless of what shade of black their skin was. What I found unordinary yet extraordinary was how many white protesters presented their support. Their signs were more than “#BLM” and “Black Lives Matter” and acknowledged deeper problems. A young white woman PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN held a white poster, Wichita Falls family protest at a BLM march. June 6. simply labeled in black ing in the beginning said, I kneeled, not marker was “I will use my white privilege to because I felt pressured to, but because the be an ally.” This sign broke many boundarprotest wasn’t about me, it wasn’t about the ies because the white woman holding it was white people with signs or the individuals acknowledging her privilege and used it, not passing out food and water. We all gathfor herself, but for the black individuals who do not have that same opportunity. Looking ered to protest peacefully against the fact at her poster, I had a realization: I shouldn’t that everyday, innocent black individuals have to worry about which racial identity to have to face violence because of the color of let take over, rather I should consider how their skin. I am proud to be black and am not I can use my privilege to ensure another in- ashamed to be a light skin and biracial. The nocent black person isn’t murdered by police officers. After considering what the man preach-

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Bridget Reilly MANAGER EDITOR: Amos Perkins Vol. 85 | No. 1 Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR: Colin Stevenson DESIGNER: Omar Combie BUSINESS MANAGER: Jeri Moore

ISSUE STAFF: Dallas Wabbington, Khirstia Sheffield, Christian

Evans, Stephanie Robledo, Emily Beaman

ADVISOR: Jonathon Quam

day society acknowledges the fact that it is okay to have differences is the day we can finally live in harmony.

Copyright ©2020. First copy free. Additional copies $1.00 each. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

College Students who refused to vote baffled as to why their candidate didn’t win

PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY

**The following article was written after the results of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, and was sent backwards to the present staff of The Wichitan through a reverse time capsule**

ollege students across the United States who refused to take part in the 2020 presidential elections as a “political statement” are reportedly unable to comprehend why their preferred presidential candidate didn’t win. “I just don’t understand how people could allow that candidate to win! I mean he’s horrible and everyone knows it; I just don’t understand how anyone could stand by and let him get voted into office,” Darren O’Dumb, undecided senior, said, before clarifying, “I wasn’t standing by, I was silently protesting through a lack of political action.” A large percentage of voter turnout came from Americans who did not attend or graduate from college. Many of these voters get all their news from the same source, aren’t up to date with world affairs, have been called apathetic and are technologically deficient. Meanwhile, the generation that is more empathetic than any before it, more educated, more aware of world affairs and more technologically savvy decided not to influence the future of the nation. “As an educated citizen, I decided

to make the highly intelligent and woke decision to protest our broken system by letting less-educated Americans decide my president for me,” Brooke Smart, business junior, said. These young citizens, who have reportedly spent the majority of their college careers complaining about how old out of touch “boomers” make all of the country’s decisions for them, have once again made a conscious decision to let the old citizens who actually vote make their decision for them. “My parents spent my entire childhood forcing their political opinions and beliefs down my throat, and they never let me make my own decisions. Now that I have the option to vote for myself, I’m finally going to get back at them by letting them make all the decisions for me for the next four years too,” Chaz McFodder, sociology freshman, said. “I mean, it’s not like my vote counts. It’s just one vote after all,” Tiffany Quitter, history junior, said. Her statement was immediately followed by a thunderous echo of thousands of college students agreeing with her. Hundreds of college students have spent the summer advocating for police and judicial reform. Despite not fearing the threat of tear gas, rubber bullets and being ostracized from friends and families, those same

college non-voters declared voting was “too much work” and “scary.” “It’s a whole lot easier to march the streets advocating for justice while being threatened by counter-protesters and risking both arrest and bodily harm than to wait in line and put a check next to a name on a ballot,” Jeff Spineless, sports and leisure studies sophomore, reasoned. Many incoming freshman have already declared their intention to not vote again in the 2024 election, while some upperclassmen have already resigned to the status quo. They argue that unless suddenly some new group of voters emerges that has never voted before, things are always going to stay the same so they might as well get used to it. “I just wish there was some large group of people with revolutionary ideas that could vote to change our flawed system. Maybe like some group that’s really passionate but hasn’t voted historically for some reason. Oh well, no group like that exists,” Ira ‘Onic, political science senior, said.

COMIC BY DALLAS WABBINGTON

A BROKE STUDENT RECIPE:

Spicy Stuffed Meatballs

PHOTO BY DALLAS WABBINGTON | THE WICHITAN DALLAS WABBINGTON | CARTOONIST

eatballs have always been a classic that we know and love. Stuff them with cheese and you have a mouthwatering creation with a kick.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 pound ground beef pepper jack cheese cubes 4 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup parsley 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (alternative: cracker crumbs) 1/4 cup whole milk 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 jar marinara sauce optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

STEPS:

1) In a bowl, mix together beef, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper (and red pepper flakes if you prefer more spice). Knead ingredients together by hand until evenly distributed. 2) Divide the mixture into small 2-ounce balls or however big you prefer. With your thumb, poke a hole in the center of the ball and insert a cheese cube, covering it completely. Roll back into a ball and place on a plate or pan then refrigerate for 20 minutes. 3) Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook for 7-10 minutes or until evenly brown. 4) Reduce heat to medium-low and pour marinara sauce over the meatballs. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes before serving. IF YOU FOLLOWED THIS RECIPE, POST A PICTURE AND TAG US ON INSTAGRAM OR TWITTER @WICHITANONLINE

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOGIC.COM

Logic “No Pressure” Album Cover

LOGIC’S FINAL ALBUM

aithersburg, Maryland native, Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, better known by his rapper pseudonym, “Logic” released his sixth and final studio Christian album titled No Pressure Evans on July 24th 2020. I say it is his final because eight days before the album’s release, the rapper announced his abrupt retirement from rapping via Instagram, citing the birth of his son and explaining it was time for him to “be a great father”. This project comes after Logic’s fifth studio album Confessions of a Dangerous Mind which was released about a year and four months prior to No Pressure’s release date. The albums name is an ode to another previous album of Logics’ titled Under Pressure, which skyrocketed the rapper’s fame to levels of success that other rappers could only ever dream to achieve. The album features no features as one would expect from a retirement album of a rapper of Logic’s caliber. It is also mentioned multiple times throughout the album that the rapper teamed up with “NO I.D” a famous song producer that help

Logic in his early days to complete. It is even mentioned in the second song of the album, “Hit My Line” that the album was written in just one week in only four studio sessions between Logic and No I.D. If that is really the case, one listen to this album will show you why Logic is one of the greatest MC’s to share his lyrical and musical talent with the world of the last decade. The album opens up with the classic intro that Logic is known for setting up the tone for the entire album and then opens up to “Hit My Line” where Logic sings about the hard times and what he is witnessing in the world and how despite it all he is going to live well. “Hit My Line” as well as much of the album has a very retro sound to it, a sound that over the years has become uniquely attached to Logic as his signature style. Moving further into the album, the song “OpenMic\Aquarius III” is a heartfelt upbeat freestyle where Logic displays his lyrical prowess rapping about his upcoming and how despite his surroundings he was born into, he did not let it dictate the future he wanted. The song “Perfect” which ironically may be the best song on the album is sure to be to the delight of veteran Logic fans

as Logic returns to his signature rap style that first drew him attention as an artist. Another great song, “Man I is” opens up to a melodious symphonic fanfare, which eventually leads to the first time you hear Logic rapping about how people have viewed him throughout the years and how no matter what he will always be proud of the “Man I is”. The last song on the album, “Obediently Yours”, not only serves as the outro to the album but as an outro to Logic’s entire musical career. So to veteran fans of Logic it’s not a surprise that Logic sampled a August 11, 1946 episode of the Orson Welles Commentaries to bring attention to societal issues facing the USA today. Logic has a long and storied musical career that spans nearly a decade and even has its own fanbase name (The Rattpack”) . Despite possibly being his last studio album ever, as he claims retirement to raise his son, this album still feels somewhat lackluster and leaves you wanting more from the artist. But that’s the point of the album in its entirety... Logic doesn’t want some grand retirement celebration; he’s fine with walking away knowing that he did it his way from the beginning to the point that he now feels No Pressure. On my personal rating scale between 1 and 5 with five being the best, I give No Pressure a 4.5.

Current MSU students offer advice to incoming freshmen

PHOTO BY A.J. RUBIO | THE WICHITAN

Biology, junior, Isabel Garcia and Mechanical Engineering, freshman, Cesar Lim have a nice converstation while still keeping distance and wearing their mask. Sept. 1. STEPHANIE ROBLEDO NEWS EDITOR s 2020’s freshmen begin their journey at MSU, current upperclassmen reflect on their first day and offer advice on surviving freshman year of college. “My first day was kinda crazy, because I didn’t know what class I was actually going to; this is my first time actually seeing everything. So I got lost, but I made it, so overall it was good,” Fynne Forde, finance senior, said. MSU, a campus of 255 acres and 70 buildings, can be intimidating for first-time college students, especially on the first day of school. However, the campus attempts to create a welcoming environment through events such as Mustang Roundup and Stampede Week, that are filled with volunteers waiting to help the incoming class. “[The atmosphere on campus] is friendly because you can always go around campus and expect a friendly face whether it is another student, professor, faculty or staff member. [The campus is] also very homey because it is very small and welcoming which creates a home-

like environment. It’s a place where you can be safe and get a good education,” Guadalupe Gamiz, social work junior, said. Being in a welcoming environment allows students to become involved within the campus by participating in organizations. MSU has over 100 organizations for students to join from academic to cultural. This includes Greek life organizations such as fraternities and paternities, cheerleading, student media, PRIDE organization for members of the LGBT+ community, Student Government Association and clubs that cover interests ranging from video games to math. “My freshman year I was involved in RHA, which is one of the largest on-campus organizations, and I served on the executive board as a secretary. I was also on the executive board for Amnesty,” Gamiz said. Not only can students participate in organizations but traditions as well. In the Clark Student Center, there is a seal that students must walk around; if a student steps on the seal they will not graduate on time. The only way to reverse this is by running to the Believers statue, which is located outside of D.L. Ligon Colise-

um, and touching it. Other traditions are events such as Caribfest, which celebrates Caribbean culture on campus, and homecoming that consists of multiple activities like the cardboard boat race, lip-sync competition, the torchlight parade and a bonfire. “I say homecoming week was pretty fun; the whole homecoming week was fun like the game and everything. The energy on campus that week was unmatched,” Katherine Kurylas, social work sophomore, said. “I was in the boat race that was a lot of fun, my boat made it back 95% of the way. It was fun.” Through these events, students see many faces outside of the classroom and are able to create relationships. College is seen as a place to create long-lasting relationships and connections through events, organizations, classes or with a roommate. “I made long time friends. I am so grateful one of my best friends ever was my roommate, and I met her at the school. I made super meaningful connections with people that still mean a lot to me,” Mitzi Lewis, associate professor of mass communication, said. According to currently enrolled students,

meeting new people and going to social events at college is a lot of the college experience, and it is easy to get caught up in them but it is important to remember to also keep up with the academic side of college. Keeping a balance of things is key to having the best college experience. “Do not procrastinate, you’re gonna want to prioritize your social life over your studies. It is gonna come back; it’s gonna affect you later down the road even if you think you are staying on top of everything: no you’re probably not. Study! Learn how to study. [Place] lots of emphasis on study,” Kurylas said. Many upcoming freshman find that balancing college life and personal life can be overwhelming. MSU has resources for freshman and upperclassmen alike, such as the counseling center to help students deal with the stress. More information on resources provided by MSU can be found at the MSU website. “Reach out, ask for help if [you] need it; there is a huge support system to help. We don’t know if [you] need help unless [you] ask,” Lewis said.

THE NEW FAC

TASKED WITH NEW group programs that meet consistently. “Right now with our new programming, one of the main hurdles is trying to see how that’s going to look with COVID-19, because we want to be sure we continue our programming but then also keep everybody safe. My main focus right now is I want to be able to have programming that goes throughout the year, not just certain times of the year,” Hetrick said. Along with navigating a pandemic, Hetrick is also tasked with tackling a new set of laws that change Title IX regulations. “The notice [about the laws] came down on May 19... we’re working on it, and luckily we’ve had a lot of people that we can ask for help… but it has been a lot to cover,” Hetrick said. The new Title IX regulations are now in effect. These include changes to the definition of sexual harassment, geographical scenarios, the way an investigation is conducted and the time frame of completing a case.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURA HETRICK

Title IX Coordinator, Laura Hetrick. AMOS PERKINS MANAGING EDITOR fter operating without a Title IX coordinator since December 2019, Midwestern State University has found the woman for the job in licensed counselor and longtime Mustang Laura Hetrick. Those who have visited the Counseling Center have likely seen Hetrick before, as she has held a position in the Center since 2016. During that time, she worked with multiple Title IX coordinators and helped with several programs for the campus community. When the Tile IX position opened, Hetrick saw it as a way to continue her work with students while bringing about change at the university. “I’ve worked at MSU since 2016 in December, and . . . I’ve been in the counseling center since then. I worked closely with the Title IX position, and I helped out with our sexual assault response team, our programming on cam-

pus for sexual assault awareness, how to report and helping programming for students here on campus, faculty and staff. When the position was posted, I applied. I decided that it would be a really good way to work with students and to help bring about change on the campus,” Hetrick said. Hetrick’s Mustang roots go back further than her tenure as a counselor. Years after graduating from MSU with her bachelor’s degree, she returned to the university to receive her masters in counseling. She applied for the counseling position at MSU because it offered her the chance to be around a university setting while counseling full-time. “I got my bachelor’s from [MSU], and I also got my masters from here. I had come back to school after, I don’t even know how many years of being gone, and completed my masters in counseling, and I was looking for a counseling position that would allow me to counsel full-

time. When the position at MSU came up, I applied for it because I really like the university setting. I like working with college students, and I was really excited when I got it,” Hetrick said. Before working at MSU, Hetrick gained experience working for Child Protective Services, a job that she spoke highly about. “After I graduated with my bachelor’s, I worked with Child Protective Services, or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, for ten years. I started in 2006, and I worked there until I came here in 2016. I really enjoyed working there; it was a great opportunity for me, and I loved working with the families and kids,” Hetrick said. Hetrick takes the Title IX coordinator role during unprecedented circumstances. She will be the first coordinator tasked with adapting to restrictions and changes due to COVID-19. She hopes to adapt by having year-round small

The new definition comes in three parts: “Any unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would find so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it denies a person equal educational access.” Unwelcome sex-based conduct that consists of speech or expressive conduct when in educational and workplace environments is protected under the First Amendment’s freedom of speech. This is in order for students, teachers, faculty and others to “enjoy free speech and academic freedom... even when speech or expression is offensive.” Quid pro quo will not be screened for severe, pervasive or objectively offensive conduct as it satisfies a deprivation of equal educational access. Any instances of stalking, domestic violence and dating violence are now examples of sexual harassment. Concerns pertaining to “other” forms of sexual harassment will be investigated under MSU’s non-Title IX sexual misconduct policy. “What will happen is that [sexual misconduct not covered in the new regulations] will fall under the other policy, the non-Title IX policy,” Hetrick said. “We will still investigate it and look into it, but for the new regulations, it will not fall under what we’ve been given. However, MSU will still look into it.”

Live Hearings

Live hearings are now required and allow cross-examination of the complaining, responding parties, along with witnesses. This is to be done in real-time, however, either party

CE OF TITLE IX

W POLICY UPDATES can request to be in a different room, conducting the cross-examination via video call. “They have to be able to see each other at the same time,” Hetrick said. “We can put someone in a separate room and use Zoom. The respondent and complainant both get advisors, the advisors ask the questions, the head of the panel says whether the question can be asked or not. Once they say, ‘Yes that’s a good question,’ then they can answer.”

Geography

Colleges and universities are only required to respond to reports of sexual misconduct if it occurred on campus, or on official off-campus property like fraternity, sorority or athletic housing. This new regulation also excludes sexual misconduct that may arise during university travel, such as study abroad programs. However, Hetrick says off-campus misconduct will fall under MSU’s non- Title IX sexual misconduct policy. “[Title IX] will be within the geographical restrictions of the campus. So, MSU decided to have two different policies.” Hetrick said. “One of our policies will address sexual misconduct in locations that are covered in the new Title IX regulations... Then we’re going to have another policy that covers sexual misconduct that is no longer covered under the new Title IX regulations or it happens off-campus.”

Gag orders

A gag order restricts the complainant, respondent and witnesses from speaking publicly about a case. Gag orders are no longer a requirement, permitting the complainant and respondent to speak about the case in any setting. However, MSU will continue to use nocontact orders. “Gag orders are going away, however, we’ve always used no-contact orders, and no-contact orders will continue to be used when a case is initiated,” Hetrick said.

Time frame

There is no longer a requirement to finalize a case within a 60-day period. “Since there is no longer a specific time frame, the university is now required to conduct cases – and this is the term – ‘in a reasonably prompt period of time,” Hetrick said. “However, our goal is always to move forward, and to really try and keep it under the 60 days if possible.”

Preponderance of evidence v. clear and convincing

Universities will now get to decide their standard burden of proof. “[Preponderance of Evidence] is what we’ve used before the new regulations, before the change, and that’s what we will continue to use,” Hetrick said.

Informal complaints

Old regulations stated that if the Title IX Coordinator received multiple informal complaints about a single respondent, they were required to formally start the process of a complaint. This is no longer a requirement, however, MSU’s non-Title IX policy will investigate. “[Informal complaints] go under non-Title IX sexual misconduct policy... That policy says that if multiple informal complaints are made then we are going to look at it and determine if a case needs to be opened,” Hetrick said.

Retaliation

While retaliation is still prohibited under Title IX regulations, exercising your First Amendment rights does not constitute retaliation. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to threats, intimidation, coercion, discrimination, reprisals or adverse actions related to an individual’s employment or education. “Just like with any first amendment, we have to look at where that line is crossed… Is it starting to be where it’s hostile? It can’t get to the point where [the retaliation] is hindering things,” Hetrick said. Despite these changes, Hetrick encourages students to come forward if they have been the subject of sexual harassment. “What I really want our campus community to remember is that if you have concerns, if you think that something might be a Title IX issue, make the report, call the office. I will be more than happy to talk to you, and we’ll walk through it and we’ll see what needs to be done. Even if someone does not want to make an official report, or they don’t want to do an actual investigation, I can still help them with resources and help them find out what’s in our community [and campus] that might be helpful to them,” Hetrick said.

Contributor: Bridget Reilly

V.I.P. Peer Educators & the Office of Title IX present:

CONSENT day 2020 Lets Talk about

CONSENT FREE T-SHIRTS & CONDOMS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH 7:00 pm Legacy Courtyard

Sex or Rape? The difference is CONSENT.

Questions? Please contact the Office of Title IX @ laura.hetrick@msutexas.edu or 940-397-4213

Anyone affected by sexual assault can find support at online. rainn.org or call 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673). You are not alone.

Returning to school amid COVID-19

PHOTO COURTESY BY PIXABAY

AMOS PERKINS MANAGING EDITOR March 2020, universities scrambled to develop policies to keep students, faculty and staff safe amid growing concerns due to COVID-19. Fast forward five months and Midwestern State University has a comprehensive, detailed plan of how to return to campus and be as safe as possible. “We’ve had these wonderful working groups who have worked for months on topics like health and safety, in-person instruction, living on campus and all the activities we have and how we’re going to do them,” President of MSU Texas Suzanne Shipley, said in an online address on YouTube. “The care is going to need to continue, “ Shipley said. “We still face challenges and difficulties with the pandemic, and nothing can be more important than our safety at this time and it will take all of our attention so that safety to be successful...”

Campus Life The Midwestern State campus has been enhanced with sanitization stations, increased cleaning efforts, social distancing markers and guidelines put in place with the goal of keeping students safe. “It is our collective responsibility this fall to make sure we are all doing the

right thing to keep everyone safe on campus,” Keith Lamb, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, said in an online address on YouTube. Students who view campus as a major source of socialization may see their social life changed drastically. Facemasks and social distancing is required in every campus building, and this includes clubs and student organizations. Many student organizations will be conducting their meetings via virtual means such as Zoom. “Student-life in many ways is how you connect to the campus outside of the classroom. This fall resident life will proceed, with many events, but will look different. All of our student life programming, student organization events and the like will be required to send safety plans before the event can proceed. Now, these plans will include items such as maximum occupancy, social distancing [and] use of facemasks. This will include the option for non student organization events, so university sponsored events, of having attendees choose a virtual type of attendance instead of in-person attendance,” Lamb said.

Resident Life Enhanced cleaning techniques, such as a disinfecting fog machine, will be utilized to

keep students safe. Housekeeping staff will also clean multiple times each day in high touched, high trafficked areas, and there will also be an evening and weekend cleaning crew. Additionally, rooms in the campus apartments buildings have been designated for students that catch COVID-19 and need to quarantine on campus. “We went ahead apart of our preparation to reopen campus for this fall and identified a block of rooms – 48 beds – in Sunwatcher Village to be used as our self isolation spaces should we need those. It was easier for us to pull a block of rooms from Sunwatcher because we are able to identify an entire building. Sunwatcher building eight has become our self isolation area,” Kristi Schulte, residence life director, said. In a spaced out move-in process, new students moved in Aug. 15-17, and returning students moved in Aug. 22-23. In the time since move-in, no students have had to be moved to the designated quarantine rooms, but the students who have caught COVID-19 have chosen to spend their recovery off-campus with their families. “We have not had anyone stay in there for self-isolation purposes this semester, which is very fortunate. The self-isolation cases that we’ve had, students have opted to go home

and be with family until their case is cleared,” Schulte said.

Classroom Life The term classroom this year won’t just refer to the physical space of learning, as classes will not always take place in-person. James Johnston, provo and vice president for academic affairs, explained in an online YouTube address the three different ways classes will take place this semester. “It is our primary goal to be face-to-face whenever possible. You will notice in the classroom... a lot of seats have been removed. This allows appropriate social distancing and safe instruction in-person. We’ve also enhanced the technology in these classrooms and added technology that will allow us to livestream in addition to face-to-face. This adds some flexibility, wherever it may be necessary, and also creates the second version, which is hybrid delivery. Hybrid delivery is a combination of in-person and online or virtual technology. Finally, we’ll be using online instruction in a limited way. Online instruction is those courses that we have developed and taught for many years in one format and we’ll use to help relieve some of the pressure of some of the physical spaces,” Johnston said.

Bradley Wilson honored as

2020 David Adams Educator of the Year grees and experience would

Though Wilson is well-rounded and knowl-

take him, Wilson is appre-

edgeable about the media industry, he acknowl-

“We’ve had to learn new ways to teach, and

ciative of this recognition

edges that being an educator in higher educa-

I’ve had to be a lot more prepared to walk into

especially because it’s from

tion takes a lot more than just knowledge.

the classroom,” Wilson said.

his peers.

KHIRSTIA SHEFIELD FEATURE EDITOR

to stare at me for 90 minutes, I better be en-

who have won the award in

tertaining. Also, I think you have to know your

the past and saying, ‘Wow

stuff, because I can’t imagine standing in front

those are people I really re-

of a group of students and not being intimately

spect,’” Wilson said. “Those

familiar with the material. It’s not only what

are people I turn to for ideas

you teach but how you teach it, and that’s not

and thoughts. They truly are

easy.”

cluded in that group.” Wilson has always loved learning and he strongly

believes that fully submerging himself in the

course material has stimulated continuous

roads. Freshly graduated Wilson had to choose

“I love learning and passing that on to peo-

between six different job offers that revolved

ple,” Wilson said. “I really do believe that learn-

around newspaper and education. The first

ing never stops. It doesn’t matter what level of

job he was offered was as a managing editor;

class it is or how many times you’ve taught the

although he was honored and elated to be con-

class, there is always something else to learn.”

fter graduating from college in 1989, Bradley Wilson, associate professor of mass communication, was at a cross-

he devotes his time to making sure every single

“The coolest part was

cation. I’m honored to be in-

Bradley Wilson at the 2014 Hotter’N Hell race in Wichita Falls, Texas. August 23.

Wilson lives and breathes for educating as

looking at the list of people

Wilson reveals that being an educator in a

leaders in both scholastic

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRADLEY WILSON

“I think there is a theatrical component to teaching,” Wilson said. “If [a student] is going

journalism and higher edu-

learning that keeps him fascinated and inspiring to his students.

field that is constantly changing comes with its own challenges. “We’re teaching students to go to work in a world, and we don’t know what that world is going to look like,” Wilson said. “But that’s also the cool part about it; the media industry is changing so fast that you have to be in front of it. You can’t teach the same lesson that you’ve taught three years ago, it has to be new and different.” Dedicated to fresh and new ways to teach,

“I’ve had to lower my standards just because of the situation, not

worth after spending six years in higher edu-

quality standards but quantity

cation and obtaining two degrees. After being

standards. We just can’t do as

offered a starting salary of $14,000, he laughed

much because there are too many

and never looked back. 31 years later as an edu-

restrictions,” Wilson said. “I’ve

cator Wilson is being honored as the 2020 Da-

had to pull back a little bit and re-

vid Adams Educator of the Year.

alize that this is the world we live

“It’s recognition from your peers,” Wilson

in, and I’m not sure how fair it is

said. “It’s not recognition from some organiza-

to the students, but it’s not like we

tion that nobody knows what it means. It’s rec-

have control over the situation.” Although the pandemic has al-

ognition from people who are in the classroom

tered the standard ways of teach-

just like me, who know what I’m going through Despite being uncertain of where his de-

PHOTO BY RYAN KANG

Bradley Wilson presents at the JournalWilson has found it challenging to implement ism Education Association/National Schoinnovative techniques to educate and inspire lastic Press Association National High students in the midst of a pandemic. School Media Convention. April 13, 2012.

sidered for a leadership position, he knew his

and respect what I’ve done.”

it be through zoom or face-to-face instruction.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRADLEY WILSON

Bradley Wilson with his dog, Koda. March 17.

ing, Wilson still strives to be the best educator he can be whether

student he comes across knows how to improve and better appreciate the craft they’re practicing. As he continues to break through students’ lives on both a scholastic and higher education level, Wilson strives to leave a legacy of knowledge that reaches beyond the surface. “I’d like to be known as a person who knew his stuff and how to teach it,” said Wilson. “One of the really cool things about this award was the number of people that I’ve heard from. I’ve heard from hundreds of students that I’ve taught from 15 to 20 years ago and it is awesome hearing from those students and seeing the small impact I’ve made on them.”

Mustangs welcome five new coaches

EMILY BEAMAN REPORTER idwestern State University’s athletic department welcomes five new coaches to their positions this year for men’s and women’s soccer and women’s basketball.

LEN SMITH

Len Smith, joining as an assistant coach for men’s soccer, returns to the Mustang’s field after playing on it as a forward from 2013 to 2014. After graduating in 2015 with a degree in Business Administration, he continued to

keep soccer in his life by creating Falls Town FC with Andrew Power, another former MSU soccer player. He still coaches four teams from Falls Town FC, but decided to come back to coach at MSU while also taking classes to receive his Masters in Sports Administration. He says that coaching is what he

wants to do with his life and even left his job in Dallas to return to his alma mater. Smith describes his coaching philosophy as, “having fun while also maintaining discipline; a team needs to be well organized.” While playing for the Mustangs, Smith scored 26 goals and five assists

and played for teams that reached the NCAA Division II region semifinal and final each. His goal tally is tied for 18th best in school history. Alongside Smith will be Patrick Fitzgerald, also a former MSU player coming back as an assistant coach.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MSUTEXAS.EDU

PATRICK FITZGERALD

Fitzgerald played for MSU up until last season when he graduated in spring of 2020 with a degree in Kinesiology. He’s returned to the field in a new role, ready for the season after much organizing and paperwork over the break. Fitzgerald scored seven goals and

started every match in the 2017 season that saw the Mustangs win the Lone Star Conference tournament and reach the NCAA Division II quarterfinals. Fitzgerald is originally from Ireland, and has been playing since before he moved to the United States. However, he describes his proudest moment as something aside from his athletic career.

SADÉ BOSWELL

PHOTO COURTESY OF MSUTEXAS.EDU

DIANNA JONES

Boswell played soccer at, and graduated from, Northeastern State University in 2012 with a degree in Physical Education and her Masters in Educational Administration in 2015. At NSU, Boswell started every game in the 2010 and 2011 seasons. She helped the Eagles reach a record

Dianna Jones is returning to MSU as the new assistant coach for women’s basketball. She played for Midwestern State from 2011 through 2015, and graduated with a degree in Sports and Leisure studies. While a Mustang, Jones’ teams were crowned conference champion once and reached the NCAA Division

PHOTO COURTESY OF MSUTEXAS.EDU

of 11-4-3 in 2011. After her playing career, she spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at University of Sioux Falls, four years as an assistant coach at Rose College and one season as assistant coach at Drury University. However, the campus and history of MSU drew her to the university. “What brought me to MSU is the

II postseason three times. She ended her career ranked 14th in total points (1,106), third in assists (372), seventh in free throws made (349), 13th in 3-pointers made (95) and 14th in steals (149). After graduation, from 2016 through 2018, Jones played ball in Egypt, Mexico, and El Salvador before graduating with a Masters in Sports Administration in 2018.

CHRISTOPHER REAY

Reay played for Midwestern State from 2005 to 2008, after playing for the Mustangs of SMU the season before, and has received his bachelors degree in Social Sciences and his masters in Education. A 6’9 post player, Reay averaged

“My proudest moment is probably graduating or walking across the field with my mother,” Fitzpatrick said. Fitzgerald said he didn’t have a coaching philosophy, but he believes that in a winning team, “everybody plays into the family aspect.” Recently, Fitzgerald has fostered a dog named Bruno, who would get along well with Lakota, the four year

PHOTO COURTESY OF MSUTEXAS.EDU

history and reputation of the soccer programs here,” Boswell said. “As well as the overall feeling I experienced when I visited the campus during my interview from the staff to the atmosphere.” Her proudest moment so far has been seeing those she coached accomplishing and living out their lives in meaningful ways.

She also was an assistant coach at Temple College last season before returning to the Mustang family. “Coach Reay recruited me in high school, and I played for him at MSU, and he wanted me to be a part of his staff,” Jones said. “I was and still am honored that he thought of me and it just feels right to be back at home.” Jones’s proudest moment is being

six points, seven rebounds and a block a game for MSU. He also started 28 games for the 2006-2007 squad that had a .744 winning percentage and was crowned conference champions. For three seasons after graduating, Reay played basketball for the Munawatu Jets in New Zealand, where he was a

old pit-husky mix of Sadé Boswell, who will be joining MSU as the women’s assistant coach for soccer.

Boswell describes her coaching philosophy as “develop not only a dedicated, hardworking, talented athlete to the field, but also someone who can contribute to wherever they go and wherever they do in a positive way.”

the first to graduate with her masters from a single parent home. Jones may also be found teaching archery on campus, thanks to Coach J who taught her throughout her time at MSU. On the court with her will be Christopher Reay, moving up from assistant coach to Head coach for women’s basketball.

double-double threat and shot-blocker, but says Wichita Falls has always been home. “I never really left,” Reay said. “Wichita was my home base for the off season. I’d spend five months in New Zealand, and then seven months here.” Entering his eleventh season at Mid-

PHOTO COURTESY OF MSUTEXAS.EDU

western State, Reay says he has a lot to be proud of, including winning the conference title in 2013. “I think I’m most proud of watching the girls graduate and all the time I was able to spend with Coach J,” Reay said.

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES APPROVED MOU WITH MSU COLIN STEVENSON PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR SU Texas and the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents both approved a memorandum of understanding Thursday, August 6, taking another step towards MSU becoming TTU System’s fifth university. “I’m excited for [this partnership] because I think it’s good for students, I think it’s good for faculty, and I think it’s really good for the state of Texas,” Christopher Huckabee, TTU Board of Regents Chairman, said. An MOU is a document created by multiple parties to detail their agreement on a matter. It has no legal basis but often implies those involved are willing to sign a contract. In approving this document, MSU and TTU are showing they are ready to move forward in their plan to integrate MSU into the Tech system. “We want to provide MSU with a path that will sustain and enhance its reputation in higher education as we enter our second century of learning. We look forward to working with our local legislators during the 2021 legislative session to finalize this alliance with the Texas

Tech University System,” Caven Crosnoe, Board of Regents Chair, said. President Suzanne Shipley first revealed that MSU was invited to join the Texas Tech University system to the members Student Government Association administration Friday, Feb. 14 of 2019. Shipley and the administration hosted meetings for students to ask questions and learn more about the change. Shipley also revealed that MSU would not have to give up its name, mascot, colors, identity or place in the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. “We don’t think students are going to see a big difference,” Shipley said. “The main difference will be that this board goes away and you answer to a different board; students don’t really care about this board.” MSU originally announced it was collecting feedback and answering questions about considering this partnership in February earlier this year. Shipley and MSU administration held multiple forums to discuss the topic and have been working closely with the Board of Regents and leading staff at TTU to develop a coherent plan towards assimilation. “[This cooperation] is a win for Tech, it’s a

win for MSU,” Huckabee said. “Long-term, it will turn out to be a really good joining of two really good institutions.” The decision to join the Tech system is largely a financial one. Texas Tech is able to borrow money at a lower rate than Midwestern State,, and thus the university would benefit financially in the future. “We have debt that is related to our bond rating, so for us to borrow money is more expensive than for Tech to borrow money,” Shipley said. “They would borrow money for us at a much lower rate. To build a building or to do anything with borrowed money would be cheaper with Tech.” TTU System was formally established in 1999 by the State of Texas and is run by a Board of Regents made up of 10 members appointed by the governor and approved by the legislature. To add another school to this system, approval would be needed from state legislature at their next convening in January 2021. “Since our first steps in considering this alliance, members of the MSU community have been welcomed into conversations and deliberations with the Texas Tech University System

that proved helpful and enlightening. From a shared response to COVID to reacting to reductions in our state budget support to reaching out to officials in Washington regarding major policy changes and our international students’ need for visas, the TTU System has generously and effectively offered support and guidance. We are grateful for their assistance to this date and believe that by combining our talents and interests MSU will move toward a strong future,” President Suzanne Shipley said. The decision on whether or not MSU can join the Tech system ultimately lies with the Texas state legislature. “We’re not just free to do this,” Shipley said. “It’s the legislature’s decision, so we can’t say ‘they’re offering us membership and we’re accepting it,’ they’ve invited us to consider it, so we’re considering it. If we decide to pursue it, we’ll draft legislation and the legislators have to approve it. Then we have to have six months where our accrediting body decides whether we can do it or not. If everybody said this is wrong for the community, I don’t think the board would do it.”

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

A crowd runs in a Black Lives Matter protest in Dallas after police open fire with rubber bullets and tear gas. May 30.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

A Black Lives Matter protestor in Dallas raises her fist at police in the distance. May 30. (Right)

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

A crowd starts a chant at a Fort Worth Black Lives Matter protest. June 4. (Left)

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

A store in downtown Fort Worth encourages wearing of masks in their store during the COVID-19 pandemic. May 7. (Right) PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Wichita Falls chief of police, Manuel Borrego, walks away from a crowd protesting as a part of the Dallas Black Lives Matter movement. June 1. (Left)