THE
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
M I S S O U R I
S T A T E
U N I V E R S I T Y More than 100 years in print
Volume 109, Issue 2 | the-standard.org The Standard/The Standard Sports
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New members open their bid cards on Monday, Aug. 24 on the North Mall. Over 900 women went through the week-long formal recruitment process to join one of seven Panhellenic Association sororities on campus. In contrast, the recruitment process for Inter-Fraternity Council membership is informal.
Nixon announces $19 million for continuing campus renovations By Brian Wright Reporter
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon entered the Plaster Student Union at 2 p.m. to announce the $19 million to Missouri State University for building renovations as part of the $200 million Building Affordability initiative to statewide campuses. Missouri State board has said they will match in funding of the projects that will receive funding. Ellis hall and Hill Hall will be the most significant buildings impacted by the $18,925,377 in state bonds. “Education from pre-kindergarten to high school to graduate school, is the best economic development tool that there is,” Nixon said. “Education is a must. We’re going to have to be better armed individually for economic independence, and the best way to do that is through a robust higher education system.” Nixon gave much of the due credit state senator Mike Parson from Bolivar, who championed the bill for almost two years. This year the General Assembly of the State passed the bill that will lead to ren-
ovations at two-and four-year institutions across the state. The renovations that are being paid by the state means that cost will not go up at this university as it pertains to the renovations. Ellis Hall renovations will include making the recital hall more handicap accessible, installing a fire compression system and modernizing classrooms and practice areas. Hill Hall, which houses the college of education, will ensure that students will have energy-efficient building as part of the upgrade. The West Plains campus will receive a new academic building, converted from an old postal building. It will have a state-of-the-art computer lab with modern classrooms. Both campuses will receive upgrades in utilities and being more ADA accessible. Nixon called Parson the quarterback of the senate, who is responsible for the movement of the entire package. That’s probably the toughest piece of legislation I ever worked on in my career in Jeff. City,” Parson said. “If it wasn’t for the Legislature branch, school presidents and the Governor of Missouri working together, this would not have become a reality for the state of Missouri.”
Parson believes other states and Washington, D.C. could use today as an example of what happens when governing bodies work together. This project will also create more jobs in Springfield where unemployment is already below the state level. Over the last six-and-a-half years Missouri has had some of the lowest flatrates of tuition cost for colleges in the nation. Nixon hopes they can keep it up and the $200 million in state funding will keep tuition cost down. “We’ve got to continue to bring technology into the classroom and put more money in higher education,” Nixon said. Challenges to this bill came from the large deficit Missouri was in as a state and Nixon cut the budget by $1.5 million and laidoff 5,000 government workers. Challenges also included the rebuilding of a mental health hospital in Fulton as well as personal challenges. “As far as things happening to you, the Joplin tornado, the unrest we saw in Ferguson,” Nixon said. “You can count on Missourians to step up when times are tough.” The Building Affordability initiative will save Missouri taxpayers around $30 million.
Emily McTavish/THE STANDARD
Gov. Nixon says campus construction creates jobs.
Advisors from multiple departments recieve national recognition By Emma Jones Reporter @WildEmmaChild
In keeping with a history of excellence, Missouri State University is now home to several award-winning advisors. Nora Cox, Juli Panza, Jamie Schweiger, Tracey Glaessgen and Ross Hawkins were all recognized and awarded at this year’s National Academic Advising Association conference. Kathy Davis, the director of the academic advisement center at Missouri State, says the main focus of the NACADA is to promote higher-education academic advising on a global scale in order to advance and support students in a more efficient and successful manner. According to Davis, the NACADA has over 12,000 members in all. Davis nominated two of the five winners herself — Panza and Cox. Juli Panza, advisor for early childhood development, elementary, middle school and special education majors was awarded a Certificate of Merit for the primary-role advisor category. Panza said she felt honored to have been nominated, and even more so to have been selected. “I love working with students,” Panza said. “Whether an incoming freshman or a returning, non-traditional student,
each student has a unique story and academic journey. There is no greater joy as an advisor than to watch students graduate after walking by their side for four or more years.” Cox, an advisor in the communications department, was selected as an Outstanding Faculty Advisor. “I never expected it,” said Cox. “Winning the National Award is fairly indescribable. There are many dedicated, gifted, caring advisors across our campus, so winning the MSU recognition was humbling and a real surprise.” Cox’s enthusiasm for her work was evident. “Saying students should follow their passion and find their place is one thing, seeing it in action for advisees is an absolute thrill,” Cox said. Hawkins, a transfer advisor, was nominated by his colleagues in the Commission and Interest Groups Division. Hawkins was grateful for the support of his fellow faculty. “It’s an honor to win the award,” Hawkins said. “I work in a very supportive division and received many emails, phone calls and in-person congratulations.” Hawkins is grateful for the interaction he has with students on a daily basis. “Without students, my job would be very boring,” Hawkins said. “I’ve been an advisor at MSU for over 10 years, and I still look forward to coming in to work every day.”
What’s going on in News:
“MO State changes up student parking this year”
Though every interviewed winner had mostly positive comments about their field of work, it is not without its difficulties. One of the biggest hardships mentioned was the struggle of having to tell a student that maybe their major of choice was not the right fit for them. “It can be a difficult conversation,” said Hawkins, “but hopefully a rewarding one if I can assist the student in choosing a major that will be a good fit.” Schweiger, advisor for the undeclared and exploratory students as well as those in general studies, was selected for the Outstanding New Advisor Award. “I love what I do. It is nice to get recognized for that,” Schweiger said. Schweiger said she enjoys helping students explore their options, set goals and reach their full potential. Our other honorable mention, though unable to be interviewed, is Tracey Glaessgen. Glaessgen will receive the NACADA Graduate Scholarship. Kathy Davis finished with one last praise for her staff of advisors. “I am grateful to work with such dedicated and accomplished academic advisors who work so hard to help their students pursue the best possible education here at Missouri State University,” said Davis.
What’s going on in Life:
“Communicating passionately: Jerri Lynn Kyle”
What’s going on in Sports: “Career-ending injury creates career opportunity”