Dr. Barbara Kramer, Professor of Chemistry and Director of STEM Talent Expansion Programs, was recently awarded nearly $500,000 in National Science Foundation grant money for the continuation of the Missouri Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MOLSAMP) at Truman. MOLSAMP is specifically designed to diversify the nation’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics workforce by increasing the number of graduates that are historically underrepresented in these disciplines. The partnership, which began in 2015, includes a coalition of public and private universities statewide: Harris-Stowe State University, University of Missouri-Columbia, Lincoln University, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Washington University, Missouri State University, University of Central Missouri, St. Louis Community College Center for Plant and Life Sciences, and Truman. The end goal is to double the number of undergraduate minorities graduating in STEM in the state.

Each campus uses the grant money in a unique way, playing to their needs and strengths. Major research institutions like the University of Missouri and Washington University focus on undergraduate research and offer summer opportunities to students in the program. Truman’s focus has been on intentional academic advising and retention, and since its inception, sixty Truman students have had some active participation, and the University has seen an increase in the number of minority students in STEM degrees. The new grant will help fund more collaboration with partner institutions and provide stipends for students between $1,000 and $2,000 so that they can attend more in-person activities as well as utilize online resources.

Dr. Kramer believes the community aspect is the most valuable. Students attend workshops, conferences (on the state and national levels), and work together with other underrepresented students in STEM fields. There is also an annual Undergraduate Research Symposium sponsored by MOLSAMP where scholars from all the partner schools present their research in poster sessions. Kramer said, “Having the community that MOLSAMP builds for them is making a difference, not just at Truman but as they enter graduate school or industry.”

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.

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.”