College of Humanities and Public Affairs
CHPA Newsletter: Spring 2006, Volume 8, Issue 2
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COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS NEWSLETTER Missouri State University VOLUME 8-2 Spring 2006
Dean's Corner: Dean Lorene Stone
Spring greetings from the College of Humanities and Public Affairs. This has been a very busy academic year for us, and the pace will accelerate over the next few weeks as we start to wrap up the semester. I can report to you that our first year as Missouri State University has been full of change and challenges, but as we look back over our accomplishments, we find another productive and successful year in the CHPA. This newsletter highlights a number of these accomplishments including well-attended symposiums and conferences sponsored by the College, as well as faculty, staff, and student awards and recognitions. In addition, we want to pay special tribute in this edition to the six CHPA faculty members and staff who will retire at the end of the spring semester. Together they have provided 143 years of service to the University, and they will be missed. Have a great spring/summer, and please keep in touch with us. If you have a change in contact information, please e-mail (or write) us so that we can remain connected with you and let you know that is happening in the College
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Public Affairs Activities
Women's History Month Contributes to the discussion of Diversity
Ozarks Woman of Distinction Award Presented
Panel Discusses "Women's Bodies as a Public Affair" As part of Women's History Month events, a panel of three faculty members, Dr. Catherine Jolivette (Art & Design), Dr. Martha Finch (REL), and Dr. Deborah Cox (Counseling), explored with their audience the various ways that our society and culture view women's bodies. Through a visual overview of representations of women's bodies in western art from the Middle Ages to the present day, Jolivette considered images of women produced by both male and female artists and focused on the ways that contemporary artists have challenged assumptions about the gender, sexuality, and ethnicity of the viewing subject. Finch pointed out that because of media personalities, from televangelists Tammy Faye Bakker and Joyce Meyer to dieting gurus Gwen Shamblin and Neva Coyle, evangelical women understand their weight, dress, hairstyles, and makeup as visible displays of either submission to God's ideals or indulgence in selfish sin. Finch then discussed the ways these women embody their Christian, female identities to negotiate between private experience and public self-presentation. Presenting narrative research findings on the subject of U.S. Beauty Culture, Cox demonstrated how beauty culture shapes women's interactions with each other and argued that disordered eating and obsession with appearance, body, and fashion are more than just issues of individual psychology--they are issues of relationship, power, privilege, and voice among all women, including mothers, daughters, friends, and co-workers.Local History Explored and Celebrated
Ozarks Studies Forum
The Religious Studies Department and the Ozarks Studies Institute teamed up to present a forum on "Experiencing Faith at Silver Dollar City," featuring Dr. Aaron Ketchell of the University of Kansas Department of Religious Studies and Mr. Peter Herschend, co-founder of Silver Dollar City. This event held at 4:30 pm in Glass 108 drew an overflow crowd of over 140. Dr. John Schmalzbauer, Strong Chair in Protestant Studies, organized the presentations, with help from Professor Rachel Gholson of the Department of English. Dr. Ketchell emphasized the ways in which Silver Dollar City from its founding had been shaped by its evangelical Christian ethos. He also pointed out that SDC is the only theme park in America with regularly scheduled worship services every day for employees and guests. In his response, Herschend noted, "We are not in the business of building a religion; we are in the business of glorifying God.... and we are in the entertainment business." Elaborating on his business plan, Herschend added, "We want the company to be the best place to work for our employees, we want Christ to be at the center of all decisions, and we want a return on our investment."
International Conference on Taiwan
Under the leadership of Dr. Dennis Hickey, the Political Science Department, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Kansas City, MO. International Conference on the Middle East
Faculty/Staff Achievements and Departmental Activities Sociology Secretary Recognized for Service to the Community
Janet Graham, secretary in the Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology Department, was a 2005-2006 recipient of the Excellence in Community Service Award. She has helped organize a special needs class at her church for Down Syndrome young adults and helped with volunteer outreach projects in which they can become involved. When possible, she schedules trips within the state traveling with 5th graders for projects at the Forest Avenue Homeless Shelter in Kansas City. In December 2004, she and her husband were able to travel to Diaz Ordaz, Mexico with a church group to help with construction on an orphanage. These are a few examples of how Janet Graham has chosen to spend her free time. She enjoys people and wants to take advantage of any opportunity to be an encouragement to someone in need. She states it very simply: "For me it is a chosen way of life."
Fulbright Report from Sri Lanka
Dr. Steve Berkwitz (REL) is currently in Colombo, Sri Lanka on a Fulbright Lecturing/ Research Fellowship. He arrived there in early January to begin a seven-month stint to conduct research on Sinhala poetry written in Sri Lanka under Portuguese colonialism in the late-sixteenth and early-seventeenth centuries. He has been busy translating the poetry of Alagiyavanna Mukaveti and reading up on secondary sources about that tumultuous period of history. He intends for this research to serve as the foundation for an upcoming book on poetry, colonialism, and the rise of "modern" Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Steve is also lecturing at the University of Colombo and to other institutes and groups on a variety of topics related to Sinhala literature and Buddhism in America. He is joined by his wife Imali and their daughter Rashmi. In addition to his work, Steve and his family are visiting relations and Buddhist monasteries in various locations around the island. 
Student Activities and Achievements Students Receive Post-graduate Fellowships
Annual History Day Contest
23rd Annual Missouri High School Philosophy Essay Contest The Philosophy Department, with the financial assistance of Rob Baird of Conco Companies, once again sponsored their High School Philosophy Essay Contest. This year's topic, "Just War and Terrorism," attracted participants from throughout southwest Missouri. Students were asked to resolve the following issue: Do you think that circumstances now exist that would make it just to wage war against another country in order to combat terrorism? The finalists were invited to the annual banquet at Kentwood Hall for the presentation of the $1000 scholarship and to hear Dr. Denise Dutton (PLS) speak on the issues raised in the essay question.
Transitions The College of Humanities and Public Affairs announces the retirement of six of its faculty and staff in the spring 2006 semester.
Twyla Everett has served as Administrative Secretary for the Military Science Department for eleven years and has served the university for nearly 26 years. Prior to working in the Military Science Department, Twyla worked for the university in the records office for 15 years. In her retirement she plans to spend more time with her six-year-old grandson, exercise more, plant more flower gardens, and work on her pond. She will also work at the tropical fish store, Cichlids and Salt, that she owns with her husband. In addition, she and her husband plan to take their bass boat out to Stockton Lake to fish as often as possible.
College Development Report
by Robert Beumer
Graduate scholarships have been identified as a critical area of need -- The student profile has changed at Missouri State in recent years. While students still have a work ethic and commitment to excellence, their skill level has increased. This is evident in all phases of the University, but especially in the growing number of graduate programs that are offered. In the past 10 years, the number of full-time graduate students has doubled and the number of full- and part-time graduate students now stands at nearly 2,775, which accounts for 15% of the University's enrollment and places Missouri State third in the state in the size of its graduate programs. Trends indicate that graduate enrollment will continue to grow as more and more professions require advanced training. Yet the financial resources needed to attract and to support these graduate students is currently inadequate. Existing graduate scholarships available to students in the College of Humanities and Public Affairs include: The Strong Family Graduate Scholarships – These scholarships will be awarded for the first time during the upcoming year and are available to students in any graduate program in the College. Gerrit J. tenZythoff Religious Studies Scholarship – This scholarship is available to graduate or undergraduate students in the Religious Studies Department with a minimum 3.50 grade point average. Rose Marie and Martin H. Boone, Jr. Graduate Scholarship – These scholarships are available to graduate students in the Religious Studies Department with an overall grade point average of 3.25. Ulrike Schumacher Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship is available to students in the Defense and Strategic Studies master's program. Phi Alpha Theta Centennial Scholarship – This scholarship is not yet at the minimum endowment level. When the scholarship is fully endowed, it will be awarded to History graduate students with a minimum grade point average of 3.50. Frank Mazzella Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship is not yet at the minimum endowment level. When the scholarship is fully endowed, it will be awarded to a Political Science graduate student in the master's of international affairs and administration program. Stanley M. Burgess Graduate Religious Studies Scholarship – This scholarship is not yet at the minimum endowment level. When the scholarship is fully endowed, it will be awarded to Religious Studies graduate students with a minimum grade point average of 3.50. For more information on how you can give a gift to an existing graduate or undergraduate scholarship or create a new named scholarship in any department within the College of Humanities and Public Affairs, please contact Bob Beumer at 417/836-4547 or by e-mail at bobbeumer@missouristate.edu Graduates and friends can make gifts online through the Missouri State Foundation website located at https://ws.missouristate.edu/giving/pledge2.asp?major=CHPA, or if you prefer, we can send you information through the mail. For more information contact Bob Beumer, Director of Development, at 417/836-4547 or bobbeumer@missouristate.edu Would You Like to Contribute? The size of scholarships at both the graduate and undergraduate levels needs to be augmented, as does the outside speaker (Warren) lecturer fund. In addition, while Strong Hall is quite lovely and is equipped with state-of-the-art projection systems, it still lacks artistic decoration such as paintings and sculptures. If you would like to send a donation to help the College of Humanities and Public Affairs aid its undergraduate and graduate students or in other ways enhance our educational mission, please print out this form and send it to: Missouri State University Foundation, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897-0089. Name: ____________________________________
Address:___________________________________
___________________________________ ___________________________________ Phone: __________________ Email: _______________________ I/We would like to make a contribution of: _____ $50 _____ $100 _____ $500 _____ Other (please specify amount) Please specify where you would like your donation applied: _____ Bernice S. Warren Lecture Series _____ CHPA General Fund _____ CHPA Scholarship _____ Endow Classroom _____ Area of greatest need _____ Equipment or Art Please make your check payable to Missouri State Foundation On-Line Pledge Form: http://www.missouristate.edu/campaign For more information please contact Bob Beumer, Director of Development, College of Humanities and Public Affairs at 417/836-4547 or 
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Among the primary goals each year during African American Heritage Month and Women's History Month is to develop a greater awareness of diversity in American society and to bring in a nationally known speaker who can spark that interest on campus and in the community. In 2006, this goal was achieved with a presentation by Dr. Kristal Zook, a
Annually, the Missouri Studies Gender Studies Program hosts the Ozarks Woman of Distinction Community Leadership Award during Women's History Month. This award was designed as a means of providing recognition to women who have through their efforts over the years been able to assist and empower other women. Nominees must have demonstrated a substantial contribution to the betterment of women's lives in the Ozarks, and that contribution may be social, economic, technical, or cultural. From a group of 20 nominees, the 2006 recipient is Joyce Worsham, president of the Hickory County Child Advocacy Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping needy women and children in Hickory County. Her award was presented in a ceremony held at the Executive Conference Center Ballroom on West Battlefield on March 6th. Assisting in the presentation were Dr. Deborah Cox, Counseling Department, together with last year's recipient of the award, Kellie Freeman-Rohrbaugh. In addition to a certificate, Mrs. Worsham received a small sculpture crafted especially for this event by Dr. Dwaine Crigger (Art & Design).
, Missouri State University hosted a major international symposium on "Taiwan's External Relations in a Time of Transition" over the weekend of April 1 & 2. Sessions covered the full range of topics from current political positions to economic and strategic concerns. Participants also enjoyed a dinner that allowed them to mix with Missouri State faculty and administrators. Among the participants were Ms. Janice Tsai, a military analyst from our "unofficial" embassy in Taiwan; 
A one-day conference on America, Islam and the Middle East, sponsored by the Department of Political Science and the Assistant to the Provost for Public Affairs, was held on April 11, 2006. The goal of the meeting, which was organized by Dr. Mohammed Olimat (PLS), was to discuss issues of critical nature pertaining to America's foreign policy toward the Middle East and the Islamic world. The major topics discussed included: Islam and the West, Muslims in the American public-square, Islam and terrorism, America's foreign policy in the Middle East, America's presence in Iraq, war on terrorism, Islam and women, Islam and democracy, and clash of civilizations. Among the presenters were Dr. Hussein Hassouna, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to the United States; Counselor Eynat Shlein-Michael, a career diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, specializing in Israeli-Arab relations and American Affairs; 
Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang, who teaches at the Department of African Studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C.; and 
Merrissa Khurma, Press Attaché at the Jordanian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Several members of the Missouri State University faculty also participated as presenters at this conference, including Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim (HST), Dr. Pauline Nugent (Modern & Classical Languages), and Rabbi Rita Sherwin (REL). The conference was held in the Plaster Student Union Theater and was open to the public
Over the past 30 years she has volunteered in Iowa public schools with special needs classes, worked in a free medical care clinic, and has assisted an oral surgeon in Guatemala for a week, treating 165 patients in 5 days. She helped paint hallways, wash windows, helped with book fairs in local elementary schools and washed curtains and raked leaves for the elderly. Her routine is to go to the Victory Mission monthly and on holidays to help supply and serve meals.
Dr. Craig Smith (HST) was recognized at the 48th Annual meeting of the Missouri Conference on History (
Dr. Suzanne Walker (ANT) has just published her first book, entitled "Exploring Physical Anthropology: a Lab Manual and Workbook" (Morton, 2006; 
Three Religious Studies students have received fellowships to attend prestigious graduate schools. Rachel McBride (spring 2006 graduate) has been named the recipient of the President's Fellowship at Princeton University, which includes full tuition, a stipend, and a research supplement. She plans to study American Religious History as she works toward a Ph.D. degree. Her primary research interests are in late nineteenth-century Protestantisms, and more particularly their "on the ground" dimensions--not so much ecclesiastical/institutional as popular and social. She is also interested in more contemporary phenomena, such as the "culture wars," particularly representations of religious persons and events in the media and popular culture; religious theory; and the broad-ranging scope of "lived religion," including (but not limited to) regional religiosity, material and print culture, sex, food, and gender. 
Brian Doak, who completed his Masters in Religious Studies in spring 2004, has received a $250,000 fellowship to pursue a Ph.D. through the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Harvard University, specializing in Hebrew Bible. His particular interests at this time involve understanding how the literature and religion of ancient Israel interact with the greater milieu of the ancient Near East. He says he is looking forward to studying various issues in the history of Israelite religion, the sociology/anthropology of religion in the ancient Near East, and the role of writing and enacted prophecy in ancient Israel/Palestine. Sarah Klaassen, who came to Missouri State from Newton, Kansas, majored in Religious Studies and was a starter on the Lady Bears basketball team, has been accepted into the Masters of Divinity Program at Vanderbilt University. She is looking forward to the challenges of applying her studies to the world in keeping with the social justice commitments of the school and hopes to work in either the institutional church or for a humanitarian organization.
Students may create either individual or group (2 to 5 students per group) performances, documentaries, or exhibits, or they may submit an individual historical paper. The top three winners in each category at the regional are invited to enter the state contest, which will be held on the campus of the University of Missouri at Columbia. The theme for this year's competition was "Taking a Stand in History: People, Ideas, Events." Over 90 performances, video presentations, and poster displays created by area high school and middle school students were judged by the faculty.
Dr. Shahin Gerami has been a member of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology since 1983. During her tenure at Missouri State she has served as the Director of the Gender Studies Program, coordinated Women's History Month activities, and spoken to many civic and university groups on gender issues in the Middle East. After leaving Springfield she will become 
Dr. Joe Bell's tenure as a member of the Department of Economics began in 1971 and he has given 35 years of service to the University. During this time he has also served as the Director of the Center for Economic Research, producing bi-annual reports on economic activity in the Ozarks region. In retirement, he and his wife (she also retires this summer from MSU; her second retirement) plan to travel some every year, primarily in the U.S. This fall, for example, they plan to spend 3-4 weeks driving around the western U.S. Both of them also plan to become involved in volunteer activity, mainly in the Nixa area.
Dr. Brad Hoppes joined the Economics Department in 1980 and is completing 26 years of service to the University. A specialist in environmental economics, Dr. Hoppes has managed the internship program for the Economics Department for many years and contributed to the Masters program in Administrative Studies. In retirement, he plans to finish his second volume on why economics is essential to one's understanding of the way the world works. Other things he plans to do include reading lots of stuff he has not been able to, working on his golf swing, greeting at Wal-Mart, and most importantly, doing whatever his wife has on the list! They may travel a bit as long as gas is less than $3.12/gal, the1980 equivalent even though MPG have doubled.
Dr. Wayne Bartee, Professor of History, will retire this May, after an academic career of 42 years, 39 of them on the Missouri State faculty. Bartee, a native of Springfield, grew up near the campus and remembers coming as a child in the 1940s for piano lessons before school. He is an alum, class of 1958, and after graduate school, a stint in the army and a first teaching job in Oklahoma, returned to the campus in 1967. "The campus has, of course, grown and changed a lot during all these years. When I look around and see so many buildings named for professors I knew and studied with as a student -- Blair-Shannon, MacDonald, Meyer, and others -- it's getting time to retire. I have enjoyed the research and publishing part of this career, but the most enjoyable part has been the students I have known and the pleasure in seeing their successes as they went on to graduate school or to careers in business and the professions." After retirement Bartee plans to continue occasional part-time teaching and to take a few courses himself on subjects he never had time before to pursue. Bartee looks forward to reading, gardening, travel and especially to more time with his three-year-old granddaughter, Shields. "This university has been very good to me and I will always cherish the friendships and experiences here and will continue to 'hang around!'"
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