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October 3, 2019 | Vol. 94, No. 6
KENTUCKY
GUBERNATORIAL
Colton Colglazier/The News
Students and faculty to closely watch forum Daniella Tebib News Editor dtebib@murraystate.edu Emily Shepherd Contributing Writer eshepherd2@murraystate.edu
Gov. Matt Bevin and Attorney General Andy Beshear will square off in the first of five televised gubernatorial forums on Thursday, Oct. 3, in Paducah, Kentucky. The event, hosted by the Paducah Area Chamber of CommerceandWPSD-TV,will airliveontheNBCaffiliateand WKMS. Beshear and Bevin are consideredthetoptwocandidates in the race for governor. One of the key issues in this year’s election that impacts faculty, staff and students at
Photo courtesy of ag.ky.gov
News Opinion Sports Features
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Murray State is the pension crisis as it continues to affect the overall budget for the University. The University administration has made several cuts to programs and services over the last year to make up for the additionalpensioncosts.Most recently, dining and transportation services on campus were outsourced and a requestforproposalswentout in September to companies interestedintakingoverfacilities management services. The two candidates have vastly different ideas on how to fund the pension system. Bevin signed a bill into law earlier this year that would allow colleges and universities, among other governmental agencies, to opt out of the Kentucky Employee
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The News will be at the gubernatorial forum on Oct. 3. Follow our coverage on our social media platforms and TheNews.org
RetirementSystemandmove employees into a 401(k) retirement plan or continue in KERS at an increased rate. Thatratewouldlikelygofrom 49 to 89 percent in July 2020 fororganizationsthatdecided to stay in the state-sponsored program,aratethatPresident Bob Jackson said is not feasible for Murray State. “This pension rate is unsustainable and places tremendouspressuresonourbudget and greatly impacts all areas of the University,” Jackson said. University officials said at the September quarterly BoardofRegentsmeeting,the Universitycurrentlypaysover $6 million into the KERS plan forabout338employees.That figurewouldincreasetonearlyover$10.4millionnextyear. If the University chose to leave the state’s pension system, it would have to pay unfundedliabilitieseitherina largelumpsumorinstallments
over the next 30 years. The Murray State administration has until April 2020 to make a decision. MadisonHillberry,co-president of College Democrats from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, said the pension crisis is an important issue on her mind during this election. “With that being said, we need to elect a governor who has teachers and students at theirbestinterestandonethat willshowtheymatterwithtangible action,” Hillberry said. The pension system currently has $13.6 billion in unfundedliabilities.Bevinhas blamed previous administrations for allowing the pension system to get this far in debt but has signed legislation that would fully fund the pension, despite the opposition of his plan to do so. “It’s why I was willing to take the slings and arrows of those who would kick the can down the road and withstand
thepoliticalpressurethattried to convince me we couldn’t affordtofullyfundourpension system,” Bevin said in a statement on his campaign website. “I did so because it was the right thing to do.” Beshear has been critical of Bevin’s plan to fix the ailing system. “When this governor tried to slash pensions, I went to the Supreme Court and personally argued for the promised pensionsofmorethan200,000 teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMS, social workers and nearly all city and county employees in Kentucky,” Beshearsaid onhiscampaign website. Beshearrecentlyannounced he will support expanded gaming in Kentucky in an effort to help the pension system. “As governor, I will work to
TreyBookdetails plans for presidency
Required core classes need work
Seeing double: two sets of twins suit up for Racer football
16th annual Fall on the Farm
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Photo courtesy of @GovMattBevin Facebook
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News
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October 3, 2019
How do you plan on implementing your goals?
“It’s busy. There is a lot of work, there are a lot of meetings and a lot of talking with individuals. Mainly, the core of what I do every day is try to enhance student life - whether that’s through student engagement, promoting events on campus, helping people, helping professors or helping the administration. I get an email almost every day asking me to come to this meeting or be on this committee or do other things; but, like I said, my main role is how can I help students, how can I be that representation for the student body.”
“The biggest thing is collaboration. I have a lot of ideas and I have a lot of stuff that I want to do, but I can’t do it without my executive team, without Jeanie, Claudia, the senate, Residential College Association or Campus Activities Board. I’ve told my senators before - I like innovative people, I like people that are doers, that don’t sit on the sidelines and be told what to do. I like people that have a strong work ethic and drive. It’s not even just the collaboration with students; I have made and will continue to make and foster relationships with administration. Dr. Robertson is a huge asset. He knows anything about everything and he is such a huge, huge asset, and so is Dr. Jackson, as well as the different departments on campus.”
What are your goals and main priorities heading into this year?
What can the students look forward to this year with you being president?
“Student engagement is one of my main priorities, whether that’s just having events or helping promote events more because I think a really big issue that I have heard in the past and ever since I have
“I think one thing I am excited about is the money Dr. Jackson [and his team] have been able to help find and implement for new policies and deferred maintenance projects, because I don’t think
Photo courtesy of Trey Book
What does your role as SGA president look like?
2:31PM
A vehicle was struck by another vehicle that left the scene on Chestnut Street. The investigation is still open.
2:15PM
11:35AM
Theft was reported at the Business Building after a bicycle was stolen. The bicycle was later recovered.
Criminal mischief was reported after a flyer was vandalized in Lee Clark College. The investigation is still open.
9:01PM
Criminal mischief was reported after a wall was vandalized in Doyle Fine Arts. The investigation is still open.
1:14PM
Theft was reported in Sparks Hall after medication was stolen on Sept. 20. The investigation is still open.
5:05PM
Multiple crimes were reported in Hester College. Marijuana, drug paraphernalia and alcohol were found in a room. A citation was issued.
Enrollment has also been a consistent topic on people’s minds, as it is up right now. As SGA president, how do you plan to continue to enhance recruitment? “Recruitment and enrollment - that is something I am passionate about, just because I was a summer orientation counselor for two years, a student ambassador and I work in the Office of Recruitment as a student worker. I think SGA in general can be a huge asset to the office because our number one best recruiters on campus, even though we have admissions counselors that we hire that do a fantastic job, are students. Specifically freshmen and sophomores, because they just graduated from high school and they could still be in contact with their guidance counselors. I think it would be a great idea if every senator got some sort of gift basket at the end of every semester to take home and give to their guidance counselors; it’s a Murray State gift basket...” Visit TheNews.org to read the full interview.
An assault was reported at James H. Richmond College after a subject struck another person which resulted in a minor injury on Sept. 14.
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“I’m still trying to figure out how to go about this; whether it’s having a committee, who all needs to be involved, do we have a rise in mental health [issues] because people are more aware of the programs, events, and initiatives, or is it that students are a lot more stressed now than they were five, 10, 15 years ago? Once we figure out why students are stressed, then we can plan to improve mental health. I think right now we can just continue to help advertise and market the great initiatives and programs that we are already doing, like the counseling center.”
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elected the new Student Government Association president. The senior business marketing major from Henderson, Kentucky, is responsible for representing the students not only as SGA president, but also as student regent on the Board of Regents. On Sept. 20, The News spoke with Book to discuss what he has accomplished as president and what his plans are for the rest of his term.
people realize how important that and the asset preservation fee is and how great our campus is going to look because of it. Also, I’m really excited for different activities and the speaker we are bringing in November, it’s going to be huge. The speaker is nationally known and has been on television. We are hoping to bring another speaker in the spring. There are some concerts in the works with the CFSB as well.” When campaigning for presidency, you emphasized a focus on students’ mental health. What are your plans to improve or highlight mental health on campus?
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In March, Trey Book was
been here is Murray is dead on the weekends. People go home on the weekends. So, I’m trying to revamp and re-energize what goes on in the Curris Center. There’s a lot of energy and a lot of stuff going on in the Curris Center right now with Chick-fil-A and Starbucks about to happen, and so far I feel we have done a good job with hosting events. One thing they used to do that Dr. Jackson told me about and is something I would really like to do is have a coffee shop event with musicians, singers or anyone who wants to come and could sing for an hour. This is just one small idea, but I think it would be neat, cool and interactive for students. On the topic of the Curris Center, the board approved a budget for a deferred maintenance and asset preservation fee of $11 million to do deferred maintenance with; and, depending on if the state legislation does a 1-1 or 2-1 match, we may end up with $33 million, $22 million or $11 million, but we will definitely get $11 million. Three million of the $11 million is going to the Curris Center this upcoming year. I want to make sure the Curris Center is used for student activities.”
6:01PM
Possession of alcohol by a minor was reported in Springer College.
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Alexia Rainey Contributing Writer arainey2@murraystate.edu
9/16
Trey Book details plans for presidency
7:12PM
Marijuana was found in a dorm room in Hester College. A citation was issued for possession of marijuana.
1:10PM
Harassment was reported at Lee Clark College on Sept. 14.
7:12PM
Marijuana was found in a room in Richmond College. A citation was issued for possession of marijuana.
Police Beat is compiled with material from the Murray State Crime and Fire Log. Not all dispatched calls are listed. Colton Colglazier/The News
Correction: On Thursday, Sept. 26, The Murray State News incorrectly identified Kendall Knox as a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. Knox is a member of the Delta Zeta sorority. The News deeply regrets this error.
October 3, 2019
News
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myGate gets security boost Grant Dillard Staff Writer gdillard@murraystate.edu
On Oct. 1, the University administration made it mandatory for all students and employees to use a two-factor authentication system to log in to myGate. The two-factor authentication system will affect any applications that use myGate credentials including Canvas, Service Log and Banner. If students and employees have not signed up, a notification screen will be presented every time the user logs in with their myGate credentials until they have enrolled. Users who are not enrolled in the myGate two-factor authentication system by Oct. 22 will be unable to access any of these systems until they have completed the enrollment process, according to an email sent to faculty, staff and students from the administration. To enroll in the program, users can log in to myGate and click on the blue “enroll in myGate 2FA now” button on the home tab. The most preferred method of setting up the two-factor authentication is by downloading the Duo Mobile app on users’ cellphones. However, users may choose a combination of many other options including text messages, phone calls, tablets, TouchID on supporting Macs, USB security keys or backup passcodes. It’s recommended to set up a combination of backup methods in case users do not have access to their mobile
Screenshot of www.murraystate.edu/mygate
Students and employees who have not enrolled in the 2FA system have a grace period until it is mandatory. devices. If users frequently use the same computer, they can also have the two-factor authentication system remember the user for 30 days, so they will not be required to authenticate every time they access myGate. However, the 30 days option only applies to the exact browser and computerithaspreviouslybeenenabledon. Systems like two-factor authentication are important, as usernames and passwords are no longer secure enough on their own to protect student and staff accounts from unauthorized access, according to the Murray State TeamDynamix website. Brian Purcell, interim chief information officer of information systems, said the University’s implementation isn’t
part of an ongoing trend of increasing security, but is a necessary change to augment the security of reusable passwords. “Murray State is adding this to our authentication for web-accessible applications to protect personal data of not only students but also faculty and staff,” Purcell said. The implementation of the new system is not a direct reaction to any security breaches, but rather the addition of an appropriate security control to protect data and computing resources, Purcell said. Laura Castleberry, assistant director for information systems, said the new system is necessary, given the advancements in technology over the years.
“As technology evolves and more personal data is available online, users expect that the online resources they access will provide privacy and security,” Castleberry said. “This is something Murray State University takes seriously and will continue to improve upon.” Castleberry also said many institutions in Kentucky have implemented other forms of multi-factor authentication to varied degrees. Western Kentucky University started using two-factor authentication on Feb. 25 and University of Kentucky began the system’s use on July 17. For those still confused on how to sign up, step-by-step instructions for differentdevicescanbefoundinthisarticleon TheNews.org.
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October 3, 2019
Professor develops new grading system Sarah Mead Contributing Writer smead@murraystate.edu
A new software to increase the speed and efficiency of grading exams was created by a Murray State professor. Sebastian Jezowski, assistant professor of physical chemistry, previously used Akindi, a grading program also used by other professors on campus, to help grade his multiple-choice exams. However, he disliked the wait time for receiving results. As he had an interest in computer programming, he decided to write his own code to grade tests faster. “I’ve always liked programming computers, and I’ve been doing that for my hobby,” Jezowski said. “I’m a chemist, but my hobby is programming.” Rapid Grading is similar to Akindi in that educators can submit multiple-choice question answer keys into the system to be graded. Rapid Grading has its own set of downloadable answer sheets for students. After students finish their tests, the answer sheets can be scanned into the computer and emailed to the professor’s Rapid Grading account where they are quickly processed. The professor will receive a notification when the tests are graded.
There is no required software download, as the system is run via the cloud. He also created a separate link to the website specifically for the University. With the assistance of Ashley Ireland, dean of University Libraries, Jezowski is working toward donating the Rapid Grading services to Murray State. The process is still in its early stages. “We need to review to make sure various standards and policies are met and that will take a bit of time,” Ireland said. The donation process takes place through the Office of Development. The office is currently processing the potential donation and are reviewing how it can be used by the University. “He has submitted the potential gift and we are reviewing how it can be used, if it can be used, by Murray State University,” Melanie Brooks, director of development for the College of Education and Human Services and University Libraries, said. “It all has to be coordinated through multiple departments for approval. We are always happy to talk with someone who thinks they can help Murray State University.” Jezowski said he believes the value of his product over Akindi is the speed of
receiving results. He has also developed code to process the data into charts and graphs that allow professors to interpret the data. Currently, the program does not interact with Canvas. Jezowski plans to create additional coding that would allow professors to upload results directly to Canvas. Writing the Learning Management System code will be his last step in completing his program. “The grades are transferred from the website onto Canvas automatically,” Jezowski said. “It’s called LMS. It’s a program that connects the cloud with Canvas.” When he began preparing to offer his program to the public, security was one of Jezowski’s main concerns. After developing a quicker grading process, he then focused on securing the results. “These are students’ tests,” Jezowski said. “We don’t want these students’ tests to be leaked out anywhere, other than to the faculty who handles them. I applied solutions such as two-factor authentication.” Faculty who make accounts with his system must confirm the accounts with a cellphone number. He has also added security to the start of the web address that
Tuition grant created FORUM From Page 1 for legacy students Iris Snapp Contributing Writer isnapp@murraystate.edu
Beginning in summer 2020, the University will offer a new grant to the children of Murray State alumni pursuing an undergraduate degree. The grant provides in-state tuition to eligible out-of-state students. “The Alumni Legacy Tuition Grant will be a game-changer for alumni families all over the country and the world who have for years dreamed that their children or grandchildren would follow in their footsteps and become Racers,” Carrie McGinnis, alumni relations director, said. The Alumni Legacy Tuition Grant will cover the spring and fall semesters’ tuition for full-time students with a cumulative 3.0 GPA, who meet all other out-of-state requirements to attend. To qualify for the grant, students must have a parent, step-parent, grandparent or step-grandparent who
attended the University and graduated with a baccalaureate or graduate degree. Students must also be an undergraduate for summer 2020 and enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program pursuing their first baccalaureate degree. The grant is for up to eight semesters. Biological, adoptive, step-parents and grandparents must submit legal documentation to verify the relation between the students and qualifying alum. Documents that can be used for verification include birth certificates and marriage licenses among others. For eligible students, the deadline to apply is the first day of classes. If students have any questions or concerns about their eligibility for the grant, they should contact the office of recruitment at msu.recruitment@murraystate.edu or (800) 272-4678, ext. 2. Registration for the fall 2020 semester is now open online at admissions.murraystate.edu.
legalize sports betting, casinos, fantasy sports and prepare for online poker, and use the revenue from these activities as a dedicated funding stream for our public pension system,” Beshear said in a statement on his campaign website. Bevin spoke to a crowd at the Planters Bank-Jennie Stuart Health Sportsplex in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, on Monday, Sept. 30. He was vocal about Beshear’s gaming plan to fix the pension. “The people who tell you including the guy I’m running against - that if we all just smoke pot and gamble, we could fix the problem,” Bevin said, according to an article published on the Hoptown Chronicle website. “We can’t.” Another of Beshear’s top priorities is college affordability. “I stopped Matt Bevin when he tried to illegally cut budgets of our universities and community colleges,” Beshear said in a statement on his campaign website. “As governor, I’ll fight to lower the costs of attending Kentucky’s public universities and community and technical colleges.” While speaking to the media
Photo courtesy of Sebastian Jezowski Assistant Professor Sebastian Jezowski has developed a new grading system.
will prevent hackers from manipulating their way into other accounts once logged in to the system. “My accounts are secured by a hash,” Jezowski said. “There is a code, called a hash, that cannot be broken within the lifetime of a person.” Rapid Grading is available to educators via three different payment plans. The blue plan, a pay-as-you-go option, charges $15 per exam. The
gold plan is a year-long subscription for $79 that allows for an unlimited amount of assignments. The final plan, called a sponsored account, allows a school or university to purchase 10 accounts for $650. In the future, Jezowski plans to market his product to educators around the world. The program is available to high school and middle school teachers, as well as college professors.
during an event on campus in March, Bevin said he wishes there were more funds for higher education but the pension system has to come first. “The reality is you have to pay the bills,” Bevin said. “We’ve gotta pay our bills. So we’re going to fund the pension because we have a legal and moral obligation to do it. And we’re going to the best of our ability, with the money that’s left, fund everything we can.” Bevin’s slogan of his re-election campaign is “Forward.” Bevin is running on the basis of his past four years of leadership bringing in 55,000 jobs, over $20 billion in new business investments and record education funding per pupil, according to his campaign website. Other priorities for Bevin include tax reform, preserving Kentucky’s energy sector, health care reform and shrinking the size of government, according to his campaign website. “Bevin is basically stating that if you give him another four years he’ll be able to complete what he’s been doing,” Paul Foote, associate professor of political science, said. Beshear’s campaign website lists a number of priorities in addition to the ones mentioned above, including affordable health care, criminal justice reform, energy, equal pay,
voting rights and fighting opioid abuse. Abby Rock, president of College Republicans, said students should get out and vote in this election. “Whatever party or candidate you support, it is important that you cast your ballot to show our public officials that the young voters are listening and that we want our concerns addressed,” Rock said. Foote echoed Rock’s call for the Murray State community to vote in the Nov. 5 election. “If the students want a more affordable tuition and to stop the increases they need to make sure that the governor looks into this issue to stop cutting our appropriations, that’s what’s causing the tuition increases,” Foote said. “The importance of the outcome will determine whether tuition goes up, it all comes down to the election.” The deadline is Oct. 7 to register to vote. Kentucky residents can register to vote and students who aren’t from Calloway County can request that an absentee ballot be sent to their local address at vote. org/ky2019. The News will be live at the Oct. 3 gubernatorial forum in Paducah with social media updates and complete coverage on TheNews.org throughout the day.
Opinion
October 3, 2019
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The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board.
Core classes need a better system Required core courses for undergraduate degrees total 20-23 hours at Murray State. The purpose of general education requirements is to shape students into well-rounded individuals with cultivated perspectives and capabilities. Yet, required courses might not always be as beneficial as intended. Bundled with complex advantages and disadvantages, core classes are thoroughly debated. Determining the origin of what makes each student well-rounded and the ways they use gen ed knowledge after graduation would be nearly impossible. Therefore, the question arises as to whether university core classes genuinely help. Murray State’s required classes include the following categories: oral andwrittencommunication;scientific inquiry, methodologies and quantitative skill; and world’s historical, literary and philosophical traditions. In other words, undergraduates must take communication, humanities, world civilization, English, science and math classes. Comparatively, Murray State requires far fewer core classes than other universities in Kentucky. The aforementioned categories are an optimistic proposal. When done correctly, students become better critical thinkers who can communicate creative ideas effectively. The goal is to help students understand different perspectives and positively interact with them. Some students even change their majors based on subjects they are exposed to through core classes. However, the system of requiring general education classes could be better. Gen ed classes can have negative outcomes when they do not serve their purpose. Too
already feel pressured to graduate early or right on time in order to avoid extra college expenses. Spending more time in school due to gen ed classes will result in spending money that could be avoided. Risking GPAs and spending thousands of dollars on these classes is not the way to help students. Further, some students are at an unfair advantage if their particular high school doesn’t offer certain dual credit or advanced placement classes. Whether students grow up in a place with one high school or multiple, it comes down to chance on which high schools offer dual credit classes. In the end, students can be disadvantaged by thousands of dollars simply because they never got the opportunity to take them. STEM and humanities classes should still be necessary requirements. Nowadays, employers are looking for candidates who have a broader set of skills and solve problems efficiently and creatively. Required classes could help with these goals, but the current Autumn Brown/The News system in place does not help. many required core classes end up being extra What students need is an intuitive baggage rather than providing insight. Core system that incorporates analytical thinking, classes should be challenging, but not what effective communication methods and diverse brings a student’s GPA down. This can have perspectives that will build their majors. negative consequences, such as loss of scholA wider variety of gen ed classes that perarships or financial aid. Further, not doing well tain to each major could assist with this. The in a class might affect a student’s mental health, University could merge many core classes into which is not the way to create well-rounded a fewer amount so that students still benefit individuals. but spend less time and money. In a time of overwhelming student debt, It could also be beneficial to offer core gen ed classes force students to be in school classes in practical living. Required classes longer and ultimately pay more tuition. Many in something like finance could help students students would rather take the classes needed by teaching them to budget and responsibly solely for their major and graduate. Students spend money.
Megan Reynolds Daniella Tebib Claire Smith Gage Johnson Cady Stribling Editor-in-Chief News Editor Features Editor Sports Editor Opinion Editor mreynolds12@murraystate.edu dtebib@murraystate.edu csmith110@murraystate.edu gjohnson17@murraystate.edu cstribling1@murraystate.edu
Editorial Board
Bryce Anglin David Wallace Production Manager Chief Copy Editor zanglin@murraystate.edu dwallace15@murraystate.edu Kalea Anderson Elizabeth Erwin Chief Videographer Public Relations Manager kanderson29@murraystate.edu eerwin1@murraystate.edu
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Sports
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October 3, 2019
Seeing double Two sets of twins suit up for Racer football Nick Kendall Staff Writer nkendall1@murraystate.edu
Murray State football has Racer fans seeing double with the McCray and Downing twins. Redshirt freshman Jarad and sophomore Jared McCray are identical twins and freshmen Isaiah and Elijah Downing are fraternal twins. Getting to Murray State was easy for the Downings as they were recruited at the same time, but for the McCrays the process took a little longer. “At first, I got offered to [come play at] Murray State my junior year and they didn’t know about Jared,”
Jarad said. “I guess they didn’t know I even had a twin. We went to a camp in Memphis and they saw that he was playing good at wide receiver then they looked him up and offered him on the spot.” Since Jared plays offense and Jarad plays defense, to tell the brothers apart, Head Coach Mitch Stewart refers to Jared as “O-McCray” and Jarad as “D-McCray.” Though Stewart has a little trouble telling the McCrays apart, their high school coach had no problem at all. “He had grew up with some twins so he knew off the rip who we were and how to tell us apart,” Jared said. “That
was surprising, though, because that’s never happened to us.” As for the Downings, telling them apart has never been an issue. Isaiah and Elijah said they are twins but they don’t really tell people unless they ask. The Downings like to show their brotherly love by helping one another excel on and off the field. “In practice we don’t really go up against each other unless we do, like, one on one,” Elijah said. “After our rep we’ll go and watch film and I’ll tell him like some tips and tricks of what receivers tend to do and he’ll tell me some stuff about what DBs
Jarad
tend to do.” Isaiah believes competition creates and strengthens their bond as brothers and Elijah agrees. “We don’t really get mad at each other,” Elijah said. “We come back to our room and we’ll talk about it. We just learn from one another at the end of the day that makes us better, so that’s really it.” The McCrays also use competition to tighten their bond, Jared especially. “Okay, so I’m the bigger brother,” Jared said. “It’s like, when we get in trouble, I literally take all the blame. I’ll take it all, because that’s my son kind of. When it comes to stuff like that I will take
the charge I don’t let him get in trouble.” Jarad enjoys that the Racer football family accepted him and his brother with open arms. “It all pretty much correlates and Murray State does a real good job of reminding us while we’re here,” Jarad said. “We obviously have a bigger purpose of being here and we’re trying to fulfill that purpose and just flourish in it.” Racer fans can catch the two sets of twins when they hit the gridiron next against the Panthers of EIU at 1 p.m. on Oct. 5, at Roy Stewart Stadium.
Jared
McCray
Elijah
Isaiah
Downing Photos courtesy of Racer Athletics
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Gateway Magazine? Contact Connor Dame, advertising manager, at 270.809.4478 or msunewsads@gmail.com
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THE MURR AY STATE
NEWS
October 3, 2019
Sports
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Giustino powering Racers volleyball
We have special prices on drinks! (Monday and Wednesday) Photo Courtesy of Racer Athletics Senior outside hitter Rachel Giustino celebrates a point with her teammates.
Simon Elfrink Contributing Writer selfrink@murraystate.edu
Senior outside hitter Rachel Giustino leads Murray State volleyball in virtually every statistic and hopes to carry this success through the season and into her career after she graduates. The senior Racer started the season strong with a double-double in the season opener against Valparaiso with 24 kills and 18 digs. She hasn’t looked back since and now has 275 kills, the most not only on her team, but in the entire OVC with a conference-leading 297 points. Giustino is also the Murray State leader in total blocks with 16, is second in digs with 160 and averages 5.17 kills per set. Giustino has six double-doubles on the season, and recorded the first-ever 30-20 game in Murray State volleyball history against Bradley University with 31 kills and 22 digs. Giustino attributes her success to her experience, as well as simply perfecting her game. “I’ve just been cleaning up the little things,” Giustino said. “Working with Coach to try and make fewer errors when I’m hitting.” These high-level statistics are nothing new to Giustino, who set records in career kills and single-season kills at Marian Central Catholic High School in Algonquin, Illinois. She also helped lead the school to four straight regional titles and three consecutive sectional championships. Giustino caught the eyes of many college scouts in her time as a Hurricane, but in the end she ultimately chose the Racers for her col-
legiate career. “I had seen her originally when she was a sophomore in high school,” Head Coach Dave Schwepker said. “I just remember seeing this red-headed girl who could jump high and hit the ball hard. She had a lot of schools looking at her, but she ended up committing to us, and I think we got the good end of the deal.” Giustino’s firepower on the court is something Schwepker is glad to have had on his side for the past four years. “That’s one of the great things,” Schwepker said. “She’s a great player and she’s come a long way. It’s nice when you have someone who can hammer the ball, put the ball away and come through big.” Though preparing to graduate with a degree in biology and pre-dentistry, Giustino plans to continue playing beyond the collegiate level. Both she and Schwepker mentioned the possibility of playing volleyball overseas. “I think she’s interested,” Schwepker said. “I’m big on encouraging my athletes to do that. This is the time to go. See part of the world, play the sport you love and get those experiences.” Giustino has thoroughly enjoyed her time with the Racers and agreed with her coach that she and the game of volleyball aren’t done with one another yet. “I think I’m going to use volleyball to see the world and spend some time before going to dental school,” Giustino said. “I love the game, and that’s going to be a great experience.” The first volleyball home games of the season against UT-Martin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4 and take on the Redhawks of SEMO at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Racer Arena.
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Sports
October 3, 2019
Men’s basketball holds first official practice Gage Johnson Sports Editor gjohnson17@murraystate.edu
The journey toward three straight OVC Championships and trips to the NCAA Tournament began on Monday, Sept. 30, as Murray State men’s basketball held its first official practice. “Real excited about our first official full week of practice coming up,” Head Coach Matt McMahon said. “[I’ve] been real pleased with our guys from a work rate standpoint. Really looking forward to getting to practice back-to-back days so we can really start improving our habits and get better as a team.” The Racers are coming off of their second-straight OVC Championship and second-straightappearanceintheNCAA Tournament. Murray State advanced to the Round of 32, where they fell to Florida State University. While the program has lost players like Ja Morant, Shaq Buchanan and Brion Sanchious,MurrayStatehasreplenished its roster through returning players and the 2018 recruiting class. The Racers boast a roster returning seven players and welcoming six freshmen, including redshirt freshman DaQuan Smith. One of the returning seven is redshirt senior forward Anthony Smith. After working his way back from his 2018 season-ending ankle injury, Smith said the group had a solid summer and is ready to go to work for the upcoming season. “It’s been very good,” Anthony Smith said. “[We’re] just trying to gel with these new guys within the system to come together, so we can have a remarkable season.” With six new players being added to
Blake Sandlin/The News Junior forward Devin Gilmore goes for a layup in practice.
the Racers’ system, Murray State is set to have one of its most complete teams in recent memory. “We are real deep at every position,” Anthony Smith said. “That makes it even better for us overall as a team, because we don’t have to dwell on one player. Withusknowingthatwe’redeepatevery position, it means that there’s no time to takeplaysoff.Becausethere’ssomebody right behind you who’s working against you and who’s trying to compete with you at every chance to take your spot.” Part of this depth is thanks to a solid incoming freshman class for McMahon and his staff, that has a slew of freshmen
who have come in and impressed the team right away. “Every player that has come in in this freshman class, has exceeded their expectations for me,” Anthony Smith said. “They were all highly recruited to the school, so I feel like everything that they’re doing is nothing that is new to me.” The team was also able to build on their culture from last season through a series of pre-season games in the Bahamas. This allowed upperclassmen and underclassmen to bond and get familiar with the team before starting prac-
tice in the fall. “On that trip seven of our 11 guys who played on the trip didn’t play on the team last season, so I thought it was really beneficial from an experience standpoint for them,” McMahon said. “But really just getting to spend that time together and hopefully start to build team chemistry and comradery I think is a lot more valuable than the x’s and o’s.” McMahonsayshewilllooktohisRacers who have had experience within the program to help guide and teach the incoming players in order to achieve maximum success. “I think it’s really important that you’re able to depend on the returning players who’ve proven what they can do at this level,” McMahon said. “As you look at this group you return Tevin, Darnell, KJ, Anthony although he missed last season injured, who’ve proven themselves at this level and I think you have to now get the newcomers to join in with them and build the best team we can.” Anthony Smith and Brown have been with the team the longest due to injuries, but have also logged a lot of minutes in their time as Racers. McMahon says the two have seamlessly stepped into leadership roles for the team. “Tevin and Anthony have really set the tone for how hard you have to work,” McMahon said. “The value of every possession, how we do things on a day-today basis; I think from how much time and how hard they’re working they’ve set the tone.” Murray State will continue to prepare for the start of the season and its first time in front of Racer fans, when the team hosts Racer Mania at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, at the CFSB Center.
Football looks to grab first OVC win at home Nick Kendall Staff Writer nkendall1@murraystate.edu
Murray State football returns to the bluegrass state for a cat fight with the Eastern Illinois University Panthers. Murray State is coming off a 40-7 blowout loss to UT-Martin. The Racers couldn’t get anything going offensively or defensively as the Skyhawks were able to score 13 points on four fumbles and an interception. Head Coach Mitch Stewart blames himself for last Saturday’s loss because
he didn’t hold his team to the high standard he set for them. “We’re going to become a disciplined football team,” Stewart said. “I’ve been called a lot of things on some teams but undisciplined has never been one of them and the other night, we were very undisciplined. While that hurt my feelings, that really sticks me hard, but it’s very truthful. We’re going to own up to it and we’re going to fix it.” For Stewart, it’s about earning and protecting a brand for the football team. “Confidence over entitlement,” Stewart said. “You’re not entitled to a
Junior running back Rodney Castille surveys the field while taking off toward the endzone.
brand because you played one game a certain way, you have to earn that brand of ball over a period of time and I think we’re the same football team, we had the pain of regret. We showed up to an opportunity and we did not protect our brand, we did not continue to develop our brand as a football team. We weren’t prepared to go fight for that brand the other night.” The Racers have lost seven of their last 10 meetings with the Panthers but emerged victorious last year with a 48-41 victory in Charleston, Illinois. After a 3-8 finish last year, the Panthers
finished seventh in the conference. They are expected to finish eighth in the OVC preseason poll, three spots below the Racers, who finished fourth with a 5-6 record last year. With only one conference game played, the Racers and Panthers are part of a four-way tie for last place. The Panthers have yet to win a game after coming off a 40-29 loss to Tennessee Tech making it their fifthstraight loss. Murray State will kick-off its third OVC game of the season at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Roy Stewart Stadium.
Lauren Morgan/The News
Features
October 3, 2019
16th annual Fall on the Farm The Agriculture Leadership Council and Hutson School of Agriculture hosted its 16th annual Fall on the Farm. This year’s event marked the opening of Pullen Farm to the public. Elementary students visited during the week to participate in a number of activites. All booths at the event were operated by students in the school of agriculture. Students also helped teach, lead activities and supervise the play equipment. Richard Thompson/The News
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Features
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October 3, 2019
Supreme Court justice joins political science faculty Ciara Benham Staff Writer cbenham@murraystate.edu
From high school basketball playertotheKentuckySupreme Court to teaching, Justice Bill Cunningham has had a long journey to becoming a professor at Murray State. Former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham has returned to his alma mater to teach legal studies and criminal law. “It’s been an uplifting and nostalgic trip down memory lane being on the campus of my almamater,”Cunninghamsaid. “It’s hardly recognizable today from what it was when I was a student. But, it is such a warm feeling every time I walk across campus and see these bright young students around me and feel all of those old ghosts of my past days here walking by my side and nodding approvingly.” When Cunningham came to Murray State he was a 17-yearold former high school basketball player. The boy he describes as “green and immature” had no intention of pursuing the future he came into. “To be honest, when I was a rough and tough basketball player at Benton High School if someone would have told me I was going to become a lawyer, a writer, a judge and… a professor,” Cunningham said. “I
would have probably drowned myself in the Cumberland River.” However, in his time at Murray State, Cunningham said he grew and matured significantly through his experiences. When Cunningham got involved with Greek Life, he found his niche for politics. “My fraternity Sigma Chi forced me into campus politics where I was eventually elected student body president,” Cunningham said. “My professors there taught me how to write concisely and simply, which helped me be a better lawyer and judge I would like to thank Dr. C.S. Lowry, Dr. Howard Giles and Professor Hough. They had completely different styles but the message was the same in teaching me to analyze and then simplify, simplify, simplify.” Since his graduation in 1962, Cunningham has taken on an array of political ventures including being a public defender,commonwealthattorney and circuit judge. He said he learned more from working in the criminal justice system than he did as a Supreme Court justice and hopes to pass this knowledge onto his students. “I want my students to learn and appreciate the grandeur as well as the imperfections of our criminal justice system,” Cunningham said. “I want to challenge them to a profession
Photo courtesy of Digitial Media Services
Justice Cunningham sat down with students on RoundaboutU prior to joining the faculty. that is filled with great challenges as well as heartbreak, but when the day is over, and you drop wearily into your bed, you can make the proudest claim of all: I worked for justice today.” Cunningham came to work at the University under the personal invitation of President Bob Jackson. Cunningham said he had reached a point where he felt burnt out after 50 years witnessing human tragedy in the criminal justice system, and
saw this invitation as a beacon of hope. “I saw teaching as an avenue where I might once again make a difference,” Cunningham said. “I would be remiss in not saying, the entire staff of Murray State from the president down to everyone in the political science department have simply been marvelous. They have been so nice and treated me like royalty. It’s been a tonic just to be around them.” On his journey from bas-
ketball player to professor, Cunningham has learned a lot of lessons that he hopes to teach students that that will help them achieve success. “Just remember, you can be the richest person in the world but the size of your funeral will still depend upon the weather,” Cunningham said. “Work hard and prepare, but know that God provides signposts along the way which may lead you into areas you never expected to go.”
Features
October 3, 2019
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RCC presidents work to build college communities Ciara Benham cbenham@murraystate.edu
A handful of students have accepted the challenge of balancing academics and leadership roles in order to make the residential colleges the best they can be. In each residential college across campus, the Residential College Councils are made up of students who are dedicated to setting goals and planning programs for their colleges. At the head of these councils are RCC presidents who have taken the highest leadership position to ensure the success of their colleges and residents. ShannonEaton,ajuniorEnglish majorandSpringer-FranklinRCC president, started her involvement with RCC as a freshman and admired all it had to offer the students. “I loved the events they put on so I decided that I wanted to be a part of the group that put on these great programs and events,” Eaton said. “I got more involved during the spring semester of my freshman year and I was nominated, and later won, a position on the board.” While the programming originally piqued her interest, Eaton decided to run for president because of her adoration of the college. “Springer-Franklinhasdoneso many things for me as a person and I wanted to be able to not only return the favor but also provide those opportunities for other Terrapins,” Eaton said. “After seeing what my two friends had accomplished as presidents the years before me, I knew that I wanted to live up to the legacy they left behind.”
Friday, Oct. 4: Pride Prom
@ 6:30 p.m. in the Curris Center Ballroom
Saturday, Oct. 5: Cinema International Photo courtesy of Orville Herndon
Shannon Eaton is RCC president for Springer-Franklin College. Wendy Owens, a junior veterinary technology major, also wanted to become RCC president because of her love for her residential college, as well as her relationships with students. “My favorite part of being president is getting to have a great bond with the residents of Elizabeth College and getting to lead such an awesome group of students,” Owens said. The job of an RCC president consistsofleadingRCCmembers and keeping them accountable for their positions and responsibilities as well as coordinating events on campus. “I prepare for weekly RCC meetings and executive board meetings, attending RCA (ResidentialCollegeAssociation) meetingstogetinformationabout events happening on campus, communicate with groups such as ISO (International Student
Organization) to coordinate events, etc.,” Eaton said. RCC presidents dedicate their time and efforts to their residential colleges in hopes of getting students engaged, involved and comfortable. “Getting involved in RCC is such a great way to be involved within the community and it is not a huge time commitment considering we are all college students,” Owens said. These RCC presidents love their involvement with their colleges and want to encourage other students to do the same. “Your residential college is your housing away from home for four years,” Eaton said, “Why not make it your home away from home by joining an amazing family?”
Doctor of Nursing students prescribe passing exams Grant Dillard Staff Writer gdillard@murraystate.edu
For the past four years, every student participating in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program passed their certification exams. The program consists of 20 students and is three years long. Students have the option to take the certification exam during their last semester or right after graduating. The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program is made up of 76 credit hours, and includes over 1000 clinical hours in a variety of settings like family practice, adult health, pediatrics, urgent care, prenatal care and women’s health. These settings are selected to give students the experience they need to provide the best quality of
care. Jessica Bridgforth, a 2019 Murray State graduate, was one of the students who passed the certification exam. “In the program, test questions are designed to prepare students for the certification exam,” Bridgeforth said. She selected Murray State for graduate school knowing the program was designed to help students succeed not only with the certification exam, but in their future careers. “I prepared for the certification exam by taking advantage of the curriculum provided throughout the DNP-FNP program, knowing I would use it not only for the certification exam, but also in my future practice,” Bridgforth said. Amy Hale, who lives in Hanson,Kentuckyandgraduted in 2019, also went through an
extended period of studying in order to achieve her goals of passing the exam. “I read up on guidelines and any unsure information in textbooks and online,” Hale said. “I spent about three weeks (several hours per day) studying both on my own and with other students.” Hale chose Murray State after a lengthy conversation with another student. Having always wanted to continue her education, she applied after researching the opportunities Murray State provided. “I found MSU to be a student-focused and success-orientedUniversitywithprofessors who genuinely want each student to succeed,” Hale said. “I felt that the online and classroom hybrid program enabled students to interact with each other and with faculty.”
@ 7:30 p.m. “This is Our Land” Curris Center Theatre
Sunday, Oct. 6: Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band Concert
@ 3:30 p.m. in Lovett Auditorium
Sunday, Oct. 7: Octubafest
@ 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Hall of Old Fine Arts Room 2023
Tuesday, Oct. 8: Tinseltown Tuesday
@ 7 p.m. in the Curris Center Theatre
Octubaween
@ 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Hall of Price Doyle Fine Arts Building
Wednesday, Oct. 9: Spanish Conversation Table
@ 3 p.m. in Waterfield Library Gallery
Best Racer
@ 4 p.m. at Hamilton Field
Thursday, Oct. 10:
Fall Break If you would like to see your event featured email the features editor at csmith110@murraystate.edu. Colton Colglazier/The News
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October 3, 2019