Five Truman alumni members of the University faculty were recently recognized for excellence in teaching and advising. Rolena Stephenson (’01) was promoted to Associate Professor of Health Science and granted academic tenure. Jay Self (’93), acting English Department Chair and Professor of Communication, was recognized with the William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award. Ben Batzer (’13), Assistant Professor of English Education and Megan Batzer (’13, ’15), Clinical Instructor in Communication Disorders, were recognized with Academic Innovation Awards. And Elizabeth Wiles (’06), Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies and Assistant Professor of Justice Systems, was named Educator of the Year. All were recognized at the Fall Opening Assembly, a welcome to the new school year for the Truman Faculty and Staff which happens the afternoon of move-in day. In addition to faculty promotions and awards, the opening assembly recognizes grants awarded over $100,000, outstanding Staff members and Athletic Achievement. A special award, Points of Light, recognizes community members and organizations who have shown invaluable support and contribution to the University. This year, Bonzai, a traditional Japanese restaurant on the historic square, was recognized for their friendly atmosphere and willingness to hire Truman students.
Alumni Spotlight – Jay Self
John W. Self (Jay) attended Truman State University (then NMSU) from 1989-1993 where he majored in Communication and fell in love with the study of language and symbols as tools of human connection and persuasion, more commonly known as rhetoric. He also met and fell in love with Beth Ann Quackenbush (now Self) during his time as a student. Jay was an RA in Dobson Hall for 2 years and worked as a DJ for a short time at KNEU, the campus radio station that only ‘broadcast’ on cable.
Jay currently holds the position of Chair of the Department of English and Professor of Communication. He used to pitch for the Truman’s professor-stacked softball team, the Homers, until his shoulder surgery during the pandemic that ended that career. Additionally, Jay enjoys watching the Royals and Chiefs, having backyard barbeques, kayaking, watching Star Wars, and performing stand-up comedy (both with and without the Truman stand-up comedy group, the UpChuckles, for which he is the faculty advisor). Most recently, Jay was honored as a 2024 recipient of the William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award.
Jay says the best part of his job is interacting with students and watching them get excited to learn and expand their minds. Advice for all Bulldogs: “Don’t hold back. Try it. Do all those things that seem fun or interesting. It may work out, it may not. If nothing else, you’ll have a story.”
Alumni Spotlight – Dr. Gail Bruce Crump (’64)
Dr. Gail B. Crump received a BA and a BSE in English from Truman, graduating summa cum laude in 1964. He went on to earn a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Arkansas, where he was selected a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Crump’s academic interests are in Modern British and American Literature, particularly fiction and drama.
A native of Kirksville, Dr. Crump, his twin brother, Gary, and younger brother, Jay all attended Truman and all eventually earned doctoral degrees – something he firmly believes would not have happened had he not lived in a town with an affordable, quality University. As an undergraduate, Dr. Crump was a member of College Players, Blue Key, Alpha Phi Omega, and other organizations. The relationships he developed with faculty, particularly Dr. Jim Severns, had a profound impact on his years at Truman and his professional career.
Dr. Crump joined the Department of English at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg in 1969 and taught there until his retirement in 2011. He served as chair of the Department of English and Philosophy, interim chair of the Department of Modern Languages, interim chair of the Department of Geography and Interdisciplinary Studies and associate provost. Dr. Crump is so well regarded on Central’s campus that in 2014, the Service Award of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences was renamed “The Gail B. Crump Meritorious Service Award” in his honor.
Always connected to his alma mater, Dr. Crump served six years on Truman’s Foundation Board of Directors and is a member of the President’s Circle, has been actively involved in the Kansas City Alumni Chapter, and was the Distinguished Service Award recipient in 2015. In 2007, Dr. Crump created the C.V. Huenemann Lectureship in English. He was also a major contributor to the campaign for the Severn’s Theatre, honoring his teacher and mentor. A member of the Joseph Baldwin Society, in his estate plans, Dr. Crump will create the Dr. Gail Crump Scholarship Fund and a second scholarship honoring his late brother, Gary.
Jeff Romine (’74) Receives Bulldog Forever Award
Jeff Romine accepts the Bulldog Forever Award from Jeanne Harding (left) and Michelle Mollick, vice president and chapter president, respectively, of the Northeast Missouri Alumni Chapter.
Truman’s Northeast Missouri Alumni Chapter recently presented Jeff Romine with the chapter’s Bulldog Forever Award at a Rotary Club of Kirksville meeting, Dec. 6. This award recognizes individuals who truly express the Bulldog spirit through their dedication, support and involvement with both the Northeast Missouri Alumni Chapter and Truman State University.
In 2022 and 2023, Romine coordinated chapter efforts with the Rotary Club of Kirksville’s Fly-The-Flag Program. Using Rotary’s existing community contacts and flagpole bases, NEMO chapter volunteers have been able to display more than 100 purple flags in conjunction with Truman’s Family Day and Red Barn Arts & Crafts Festival, Homecoming and spring graduation.
Kohlenberg Lyceum Series Presents the Kansas City Chorale
On Tuesday, March 5th, the multiple Grammy award-winning vocal ensemble, Kansas City Chorale, will perform in Baldwin Auditorium under the direction of Charles Bruffy.
The Kansas City Chorale debuted in 1982 and has been an integral part of the community ever since. Charles Bruffy has been artistic director since 1988 and has brought the choir international recognition. Together they have produced 11 recordings and have performed everywhere from New York City to South Korea.
The performance will be a homecoming for two alumni – Frank Fleschner (’05) and Daniel Hansen (’13, ’15), both Truman music graduates.
Tickets to this and all 2023-24 Lyceum performances are available free of purchase. For more information, visit lyceum.truman.edu.