#GradBear Spotlights
#GradBear Spotlights
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MSU Graduate Program: Master's in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Insider information
Why did Samara choose her program?
"I completed my Master's in Criminology and Criminal Justice at MSU in May 2024. During my undergraduate studies, I had several opportunities to engage in research, both as a research assistant to my professors and through independent projects. These experiences helped me discover my passion for conducting research and contributing to the development and application of new knowledge, particularly for improving criminal justice related issues in marginalized communities and populations."
Why choose MSU for Graduate Education?
"In my junior year, as I became increasingly interested in research and considered pursuing a graduate program after completing my undergraduate degrees, I learned about the accelerated master's program offered by my department. The opportunity to begin taking graduate-level courses early and complete the degree in a shorter timeframe was very appealing. It was also a relatively easy decision for me, given the strong relationships I had built with my professors within and outside my department at MSU. Additionally, receiving a graduate assistantship from my department was a blessing, as it provided me with hands-on research experience and further opportunities to deepen my skills."
Favorite Class/Professor:
"My favorite class was the independent study on restorative justice that I did with Dr. Aida Hass and Professor Caryn Saxon as my mentors. Designing the course with their guidance allowed me to engage with a variety of materials and have in-depth discussions with them. We share a common interest in restorative justice, and I gained a lot from their insights and our conversations. We even formed a research team that we are all fond of to continue exploring restorative justice topics together. Taking initiative and leading my own learning was both a great and fun experience, and the personal, meaningful interactions with my professors made this class my favorite."
Overcoming Challenges:
"The most challenging aspect of my graduate program was, without a doubt, completing my thesis. Although I love research and enjoyed working on my thesis, there were times when I felt overwhelmed and exhausted. I had never struggled with procrastination during my undergraduate studies or other earlier graduate courses, but with my thesis, I sometimes found myself postponing work because of burnout. My research topics are close to my heart, and I care deeply about my projects, which often led to perfectionist tendencies, emotional fatigue, and time constraints. To overcome these challenges, I took time for self-care, like going for walks in nature, setting detailed and realistic daily goals, and participating in thesis writing retreats organized by the Writing Center and Graduate Student Senate. However, the most crucial support came from my professors. My thesis committee and other professors I had close relationships with empathetically listened to me during moments of overwhelm, even when I tried to hide my emotions or when, on the contrary, I was just letting it out without making any sense. I am incredibly grateful for their emotional support, research guidance, and mentorship. They helped ground me and were my biggest cheerleaders throughout the process. I feel very fortunate to have been surrounded by such amazing people."
Memorable Experiences at MSU:
"It is hard to choose just one memorable experience because all the moments I spent as a student at Missouri State University are precious, even the stress-driven coffee pickups and midnight Andy’s ice cream runs. However, I would love to use this opportunity to highlight my time with the Graduate Student Senate (GSS). I served as a senator representing the College of Humanities and Public Affairs (now the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities) in my first year and as vice president in my second and final year. Although it was challenging to balance studies, research, work, life, and GSS, I am very proud of having been part of this organization and the work we accomplished. I enjoyed leading discussions and organizing events with other GSS members to provide more engagement, educational, and professional support for our graduate student community."
MSU Community Supporting Students:
"I am grateful for the support system I developed at MSU and in the Springfield community. My involvement with the International Programs Office at multiple levels—as a mentor in the Global Leaders and Mentors program and later as a student worker—allowed me to become friends and work with incredible people from both the U.S. and other countries. Outside of MSU, I also found a home in the Springfield community through the Springfield Sister Cities Association. This organization promotes "peace through people," and it has been an absolute delight to participate in and help organize events fostering friendship between cities in Japan, Mexico, and the U.S. Another significant part of my support system is my professors, both within and outside my graduate program. I have built strong relationships with professors from the Criminology, Anthropology, and Communication programs throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies at MSU. I love them and am deeply grateful for their attentiveness and care for my well-being, as well as their mentorship and guidance. These connections were a source of light for me and what made many challenges and overwhelming moments feel more bearable."
Proudest Professional Accomplishment:
"My proudest accomplishment is earning my Master's degree in the U.S. As a first-generation student, I am deeply proud to have completed my degrees in a foreign country. I am especially proud to have finished my thesis and feel honored to have received the Citizen Scholars Award, the Outstanding Graduate Student Research Award, and the Distinguished Thesis Award. Additionally, I take pride in continuously working on issues I am passionate about alongside my studies, such as addressing sexual violence, supporting restorative justice efforts, contributing to the education of and interaction with diverse cultures, and advocating for student conditions and concerns through student government. Having my parents fly in to attend my graduate commencement ceremony was a precious moment I will treasure for life, as it celebrated my achievements and recognized and appreciated their sacrifices, love, and unwavering support."
Graduate Education is preparing Samara for the future:
"My graduate education at MSU has been instrumental in helping me discover my passion for research and advocacy work, which now drives my aspiration to pursue a PhD and seek a position as a university professor or researcher at an organization dedicated to addressing criminal injustice and human rights issues. Throughout my time at MSU, I learned a lot and honed essential research, communication, and critical thinking skills. These skills were developed not only in the classroom but also through engaging discussions with my professors and peers, as well as through opportunities to assist with faculty research during my graduate assistantship. Now, working as a per-course faculty member at MSU while preparing my PhD application, I can see how everything I have learned and gained during my graduate education continues to have a profound impact on my journey"
Advice for Upcoming #GradBears:
"If you are considering pursuing a graduate degree at MSU, my advice is to fully embrace the experience. Graduate education can be challenging, with demanding coursework and the need to balance various aspects of life. It is not uncommon to encounter feelings of imposter syndrome and burnout along the way. It happened to me. However, MSU offers a supportive environment with exceptional professors, staff, and peers who are genuinely caring and willing to work with you. I encourage you to actively engage with them, build meaningful relationships, and seek their guidance or simply a listening ear when needed. Your time as a graduate student is significantly shorter than your undergraduate studies, so make the most of it by taking advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you. This will enhance your academic journey and personal growth. Despite the challenges, it is a 100% worthy experience! Go Bears!"
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LinkedIn: Samara Mizutani Cesar
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MSU Graduate Program: Master of Professional Studies
Insider information
Why did Danielson choose his program?
"I chose this program because I want to be well rounded in all things sports management, while preparing to become a sports agent."
Why choose MSU for Graduate Education?
"I chose MSU for my grad degree because of its robust academic curriculum and beautiful campus. Also because it was close to home."
Favorite Class/Professor:
"My favorite class was Technical Writing and it was taught by Dr. Rhonda Stanton. It is my favorite class for multiple reasons, mainly because Dr. Stanton was patient and understanding."
Memorable Experiences at MSU:
"Playing Football for the Missouri State Bears."
Graduate Education is preparing Danielson for the future:
"My graduate education at MSU has taught me that anything is possible."
Advice for Upcoming #GradBears
"Picking MSU for their graduate degree will be the easiest decision and best decision they ever have to make."
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LinkedIn: Danielson Ike
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MSU Graduate Program: Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology
Professional Accomplishments:
"Under the guidance of my PI [Principal Investigator], Dr. Kyoungtae, I have accomplished many things throughout my graduate studies. To this date, I have published four science articles as the first author, of which two are research articles and two are review articles. I have also collaborated with other graduate and undergraduate students on their research projects and co-authored two research papers. Due to these accomplishments, I received admission offers for PhD programs..."
Nhi Le is now pursuing her PhD at John Hopkins University.
Insider information
Why did Nhi choose her program?
"I have always been interested in biology, especially cell and molecular biology. This interest of mine was nurtured in my undergrad years by the faculties of the biology department through their intriguing lectures. In my junior year of undergrad, I joined Dr. Kyoungtae Kim’s laboratory and fell in love with research. I found it to be both challenging and captivating. As such, I decided to pursue research in biology as a career."
Why choose MSU for Graduate Education?
"After I got my bachelor’s degree, I decided to stay at Missouri State University for my master’s degree. This is because I recognize that I still have much to learn from the faculties and the professors in the biology department. I also felt that the biology program offered by Missouri State University was a good fit for me. The structure of the program encourages students to spend time developing their research and critical thinking skills, which eventually guide them to become independent researchers. In addition, the program also provides a wide range of special topic courses that the student can select from according to their interest. Most importantly, Missouri State University and its Biology department make me feel welcomed and supported, which is essential to my health and well-being through my graduate study."
Favorite Class/Professor:
"My favorite professor is also my PI, Dr. Kyoungtae Kim. He has trained me from the very beginning. His passion for research is contagious. He always encourages his students to go above and beyond in the research lab and the classroom. On the other hand, he is also very understanding and ensures his students know he is always there to help."
Overcoming Challenges:
"The most challenging aspect of the program is to learn how to manage my time wisely. In undergrad, I had a packed schedule, which helped me stay on top of my daily activities. As I transitioned from undergrad to graduate school, I have more flexibility time-wise as my master's program only requires 6 to 9 credits per semester. Initially, it feels like I have a lot of time. However, there are other areas that I have to invest time in, such as teaching and researching. Thus, I had to learn to rely on self-discipline and self-motivation to prevent procrastination in these areas."
Memorable Experiences at MSU:
"My most memorable experience as a graduate student was when I traveled with my lab to the Society of Toxicology conference in Utah and presented our data. On this trip, I got to showcase my research to scientists worldwide and, simultaneously, learn about the latest advancements in the field. I learned and gained much insight from this trip."
Graduate Education is preparing Nhi for the future:
"From a girl who didn’t know how to use a micropipette to a master's student who successfully defended her thesis project, I can confidently say that I have learned a lot throughout my time as a graduate student in the biology department at Missouri State University. I have developed and improved my problem-solving skills, which is much needed in real-world applications. I learned to develop, execute, and troubleshoot my experiments, which helped train me to become more independent in research. Most importantly, I learned to collaborate and connect with people from diverse backgrounds and scientific experiences, which I think is the most valuable lesson. In addition to my publications, I have also had the chance to present at many internal, regional, and national conferences. All these experiences have shaped me into a more rounded student, which helped me tremendously in applying to PhD programs. Due to the preparation I received at Missouri State University, I obtained admission offers from exceptional PhD programs."
Advice for Upcoming #GradBears
"I think initiating and maintaining clear communication with your mentor is important. Let your mentor know your career goals; from there, plan what you must do to achieve that goal. If you are willing to put in the effort, the faculty will definitely help you as best they can."
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MSU Graduate Program: Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry
Professional Accomplishments:
"I have had the opportunity to work with researchers from other institutions in the US, China, and Pakistan understanding and studying the effects of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). At the present, I have four peer-reviewed manuscripts published with three more in preparation.”
Insider information
Why did Preston choose his program?
“My B.S. in Chemistry gave me a wide purview of my field, allowing me pursue options within. It touched base with many subfields, but left me without an in-depth knowledge of any particular field. I choose to continue with my M.S. to rectify this by specializing in my field of choice (Environmental Chemistry), in order that I may become well-versed and proficient; thus mastering my field that I am in.”
Why choose MSU for Graduate Education?
“I was motivated by the thrill of the discovery process [chemistry] and having a passion for helping others. I wanted to make science education accessible for everyone and see the spark in student’s faces. A M.S. in Chemistry would allow me to showcase the excitement of chemistry to students but would allow me to advance our field through research too.”
Favorite Class/Professor:
“Advanced Topics in Analytical Chemistry (CHM 702) with Dr. Erich Steinle. We learned topics from electroanalytical methods, to nanotechnology, and even mass spectrometry instruments. My favorite instrument learned was MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry). It is an analytical technique that uses a laser to ionize molecules from a sample embedded in a matrix and measures their mass-to-charge ratio.”
Overcoming Challenges through a Supportive Community:
“The most challenging aspect of any graduate degree is the advancement for personal growth. Education is not just about academic and professional learning, it goes above and beyond conventional domains aiding in personal growth. The M.S. requires determination, commitment, and resolve- and having a support system who treats you with kindness and respect, and having your best interests at heart is vital. I would not have gotten far without the support of my colleagues (Acacia, Carissa, and Iqra), the faculty in the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department (i.e. Dr. Cyren Rico) and my family.”
Memorable Experiences at MSU:
“There were many memorable experiences as a graduate student that I cannot choose one. I have really enjoyed the many conversations that I have had with my students, colleagues and the faculty in the department.”
Graduate Education is preparing Preston for the future:
“Missouri State has shown me that there is always room for improvement, even outside of the school setting. My M.S. has polished my analytical and critical thinking, time management, and reasoning skills which will play a decisive role in my future career. At the moment, this has been to further my education even more as I will begin my doctorate degree at UCLA this coming fall.”
Advice for Upcoming #GradBears
“If you are considering a graduate degree in STEM, I would highly encourage you to do undergraduate research, or at least start your research as soon as possible. It would give you the opportunity to learn about something that interests you most and take ownership of the thought, discovery, and delivery of new ideas to your field of study.”
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MSU Graduate Program: Master of Early Childhood & Family Development
Professional Accomplishments:
" My proudest professional accomplishment would be receiving my master’s degree. This is a big accomplishment for me because I will be the second person in my family to receive a graduate degree. It is something that is amazing because not everyone can say that they have a master’s degree. A lot of hard work went into earning this degree so once I finally walk across the stage in May, I will be accomplishing one of my biggest goals so far. ”
Insider information
Why did Jahnari choose her program?
“I chose this program because the courses relate to my field of study, which is education. My bachelor's degree is in Early Childhood Education so I thought this program would be the perfect fit and it is. I love working with children so I thought this program would allow me to expand my knowledge in the field of education.”
Why choose MSU for Graduate Education?
“I always wanted to get my master’s degree. I decided to go through Missouri State because it was an easier and familiar option. For my bachelor's degree I had the same professors for different courses more than once. Some of those same teachers teach the courses I am in now for my graduate degree. Being familiar with the school, and some of the professors just felt more comfortable for me personally since I already had relationships with them. Lastly, I chose to pursue my degree at Missouri State because I could do the accelerated option. The accelerated option was better for me because I could do dual credit courses (complete my bachelor’s, while working on my master’s at the same time).”
Favorite Class/Professor:
“My favorite professor in the program would have to be Dr. Elizabeth King. I have known her since I was a freshman at Missouri State and our relationship has grown so much over time. I have been able to collaborate with her as a professor and as my advisor. She has not only been amazing as a professor and advisor, but also just as a person. She does an excellent job of communicating as well as understanding that people have things going on outside of school. Dr. King has always helped me work through whatever issues I may be having and figure out what the best solution is. Overall, she is great and anyone who may have her as a professor or advisor is in great hands!”
Overcoming Challenges:
“The most challenging aspect of my graduate program was how tedious it is to do research. I like to think that I am good at research, but this time around it was particularly challenging. Especially because I had to research specific terms that related to the topic of my research. Another tricky part of it was finding scholarly articles that were recently published. Most research studies were completed years ago, which may not be helpful to something that is currently happening. I overcame it by taking my time and learning how to use MSU Libraries database correctly, to find what I needed.”
Memorable Experiences at MSU:
“My most memorable experience as a graduate student would have to be finding out that the IRB approved my study. When I first started my graduate program and was looking over everything, the IRB approval was the main thing I was worried about. I would always hear stories about people’s studies not being approved so they would have to go in and change it. I really felt that my topic for my study was great, so I was hoping that it would be approved. Once I found out that it was approved that made me feel a sense of relief because I knew that the hardest part was over.”
MSU Community Supporting Students:
“There are always resources available to use whenever you need them.”
Graduate Education is preparing Jahnari for the future:
“Taking these graduate courses has allowed me to learn more about children. I currently work at a school, and I feel like I have been able to use the information I have learned throughout this program to strengthen my skills as a teacher. Kids grow and develop each day, so it is great to be able to know how and why they are doing certain things.”
Advice for Upcoming #GradBears
“The advice that I would give to someone who is considering pursuing a graduate degree at Missouri State University is to choose the accelerated option. I say that because it is quicker and cheaper. You can receive credit for both your bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at the same time. For students who are currently attending MSU, that would be the best option. Another piece of advice is to take the time to decide which program is the best fit for you. Talk with your advisor and see what graduate program aligns well with your undergraduate degree.”
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MSU Graduate Program: Master of Geology & Geography
Professional Accomplishments:
" I was able to present my masters research to Congress in Washington DC. It was a very cool opportunity to discuss the importance of my research to The House and Senate backing the importance of Science in the Appropriation Bills. Here’s a link to read a little about my experience : From Classroom to Congress - School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability Blog (missouristate.edu)”
https://blogs.missouristate.edu/sees/2023/10/09/from-classroom-to-congress/
Insider information
Why did Dorian choose his program?
“I am in the Geology & Geography graduate program at MSU. I chose it because I am constantly interested in the earth, planets, environment, and their processes.”
Why choose MSU for Graduate Education?
“I wanted to pursue higher education, and Missouri state had a project available that I was interested in, as well had funding”
Favorite Class/Professor:
“I don’t necessarily have a favorite class, but I enjoy having been an RA and a TA, as I like to have an unorthodox teaching style and make class fun. As for professors, they all have their cool and unique backgrounds in geoscience. It’s really cool to go in depth with a professor on pollution and geochemistry and have a conversation with another on geospatial information systems, to discuss the difficulties of water and karst in this area. There is a vast and wide variety of knowledge each professor brings.”
Overcoming Challenges:
“The most challenging aspect of the graduate program is TIME MANAGEMENT! Grad students are extremely busy between being research or teaching assistant, going to class, doing homework, having outside jobs, studying, reading journal articles, writing thesis, all on top of doing everyday necessities and having a social life. My tools for overcoming this is having a schedule or calendar with EVERYTHING you need to get done during the week, including when to eat. This makes sure nothing gets forgotten and gives the ability to finish tasks in advance to be able to maximize time. This works extremely if I get tasks done early to where I can work on tasks for later in the week, and potentially have more time to relax.”
Memorable Experiences at MSU:
“It definitely the comradery of the grad students. We all know when a week is going to be tough, but we all embrace that the times are hard and laugh it off. On the other side, it has the most memorable experiences such as going on field trips. To read and see pictures about different amazing national parks, caves, volcanoes, and landmarks is one thing. Actually, viewing them is another. I won’t forget my experiences going out on many field trips not just see but also learn about many of the United States amazing places.”
MSU Community Supporting Students:
“Community has a lot of importance throughout my graduate program. A lot of times, we are there to support each other when we have questions, and there are A LOT of questions we may not know the answer to. Working together has helped me problem solve, and approach problems from different perspectives.”
Graduate Education is preparing Dorian for the future:
“MSU has prepared myself for future career goes by offering a variety of programs, certificates, and hands on experiences. I will be graduating with two graduate certificates in Environmental Monitoring and Sampling, and Geospatial information Sciences. These certificates entail a variety of different classes in where we learn skills for various types of fields in geoscience. It makes us more marketable and broadens what we can bring into being a potential candidate for government jobs, private sector jobs, or industry jobs.”
Advice for Upcoming #GradBears
“Push forward, whatever it takes. It is a very good opportunity to pursue higher education, especially with the variety that MSU offers. You will face challenging days, but those challenging days become stories of perseverance in the future.”
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LinkedIn: Dorian DeHart
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MSU Graduate Program: Master of Science in Agriculture
Professional Accomplishments:
"My proudest professional moment was being named a 2023-2024 Citizen Scholar. I don’t take this nomination lightly and I am so honored to have achieved the highest recognition a student can receive at MSU. Specifically, sharing this award with my parents and my sister over dinner with President Cliff Smart, the Board of Governors, and my advisor is a feeling of pride that I will not forget.”
Insider information
Why did Sarah choose her program?
“Master of Science in Agriculture, I have been a student in the College of Agriculture for almost six years. I chose this program to continue my education with the college I enjoy and have learned from for all my academic career.”
Favorite Class/Professor:
“One of my favorite professors is Dr. Ben Onyango. I’ve taken several courses with Dr. Onyango, and he has pushed me to be a better professional but has also been a friend.”
Overcoming Challenges:
“My most challenging aspect of grad school has been the quantity of work to turn in and the quality of detail it should be at. Pairing both makes this a challenging experience but very rewarding upon completion of projects.”
Memorable Experiences at MSU:
“One of my most memorable moments as a grad student was through a class I took in the communications department. The central purpose of the course was to explain and explore what diversity and equitable representation looks like in the workplace. My professor used an arts-based pedagogy for the class, and I learned so much from taking the course. My classmates were very diverse, and it was refreshing to have so many opinions and experiences when talking about sensitive topics like diversity.”
MSU Community Supporting Students:
“I would say the MSU community has supported me specifically through being themselves. Springfield always hosts events, festivals, and different community workshops that I love going to. Just in having this fun, soulful community I have been able to stay out of my shell when it could be so easy to exclude myself and keep my head down. Springfield makes it easy to be involved and enjoy life when school can be stressful, overwhelming, and challenging at times.”
Graduate Education is preparing Sarah for the future:
“This degree has prepared me for my career goals in terms of time management, networking skills, professionalism, workload, and even work life balance. I have been able to hone in on some of these skills and really become proficient in some areas I was lacking after my undergraduate degree. Grad school has prepared me for the good, bad, ugly, and best of the workforce!”
Advice for Upcoming #GradBears
“The advice I would give to fellow grad students is to be sure you have support systems. To survive and thrive you will need support within your program from advisors, professors, and fellow students. Outside of this you will need friends and family too. Grad school is a community effort in my experience, and you need a full circle or corner of people to hold you tight through this opportunity.”
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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mccord-
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Photo By: Camilla Fatticcioni, Instagram @camilde
MSU Graduate Program: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual studies.
Professional Accomplishments:
“Being selected for, and participating in, an international artist residency has been my proudest professional accomplishment to date. Supported artist residencies are extremely competitive and being selected by the foundation for the Villa Lena Artist Residency was a great honor. In addition, participating in the residency required me to travel alone internationally and to spend a month away from home. This felt like a really intimidating task for me personally and I am very proud of myself for doing so!”
Insider information
Pursuing a graduate degree at MSU:
“I moved to Springfield in 2013 to pursue my undergraduate degrees in studio art and education and found a community here that has supported me and helped me see progress and change in my own life. Missouri State has been, and continues to be, a huge part of that support network. A great motivator for choosing Missouri State for my MFA program was the opportunity to have close mentorship with the faculty in the Art and Design program. Namely, painters Sarah Williams and Amanda Smith, sculptor Deidre Argyle, and art historians Dr. Catherine Jolivette and Dr. Mitzi Kirkland-Ives. The program is structured so that students are able to get ample feedback and guidance from faculty during the culmination of their research. As a student in the program, I feel very connected to the faculty and am very appreciative of the time and energy they dedicate to helping me develop my work!”
Why did Erin choose her program?
“I chose this interdisciplinary master's program because I felt that it was necessary to dedicate time and space to my art practice in a safe and supported environment. The MFA in Visual Studies degree program offers an individualized curriculum that supports my personal creative research.”
Favorite Class:
“Over the past year I have been able to work directly under professors Amanda Smith and Sarah Williams in directed graduate studio classes. These classes have given me the opportunity to receive routine feedback and individualized instruction from professional artists - both in conceptual development and in practical guidance in professional development. We spend about an hour deeply discussing my work which results in new discoveries, questions and challenges. Both Amanda and Sarah have been incredibly generous in giving me time out of their busy schedules to discuss my work and I have seen immense value in this class structure!
In addition, although we are only a few weeks in, I feel that my current graduate critique class taught by Colby Jennings will be one of the best classes I experience. This class allows us to spend an hour in each graduate student’s studio asking questions and providing feedback on their work. Our first critique session, discussing the work of 3rd-year graduate students Mara Cressey and Erin Sedra, left me feeling deeply inspired. This dedicated time allows each of us to delve into one another's work and generates meaningful conversations on art, experience and life. The class structure allows students in different years in the program to connect and learn from one another.”
Highlights from Artist Residency in Italy:
“Where to begin!? My residency with The Villa Lena Foundation in Palaia Italy was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The MSU Graduate College and the Department of Art and Design both generously awarded me funding in support of this opportunity, truly making it financially possible for me to attend. For those unfamiliar, an artist residency is an opportunity for artists to live and work in a place for a period of time, often with an opportunity to disconnect from their regular life and routines in order to focus on the creation of new works. While in residence at Villa Lena I had just that - uninterrupted time to think, work and feel surrounded by a breathtaking natural environment in the rolling Tuscan hills. One of the greatest parts of the experience was connecting with the incredible interdisciplinary cohort of artists who were in residence with me, including: Camille Bacon (writer), Miyelle Karmi (ceramicist), Hinako Omori (musician), Ms. Z Tye (visual artist), and Jordan Boucicaut (composer). With this lovely group I was able to find close companionship over incredible farm-to-table family style meals. On the Villa Lena Foundation open day, a day where additional artists, curators, collectors and writers were invited to meet with us during studio visits, we were treated to an amazing dinner by MQBMBQ (My Queer Blackness My Black Queerness) the organization who partnered with three of the artists in our cohort! This decadent meal was written about in New York Times’ Style Magazine!”
Overcoming Challenges:
“As with any rigorous program the most challenging aspect to the program is time management. As a graduate student I feel that I am always wearing many hats - artist, student, teacher, and social media manager to name a few! As an artist first and foremost I find that prioritizing studio work while still keeping up with all the other moving parts is a challenge, but one that is manageable with structured time management. Professor Sarah Williams has been a great motivator for me in regards to time management. I have found that digital calendars and task lists make it possible for me to keep everything running smoothly!”
Memorable Experiences at MSU:
“Last Spring my classmate Joy Okokon and I were able to take a trip to New York City together! Joy was recognized by the International Sculpture Center as an outstanding student and the ceremony was in NYC. I was sent on assignment to document her recognition as our social media manager, and to interview Sam Mattax, a BFA alumni from Missouri State who is currently pursuing his MFA at Hunter College. In a whirlwind 72-hour trip Joy and I were able to explore the city, visit the Museum of Modern Art and enjoy the incredible awards ceremony. Missouri State’s department of Art and Design was generous in their support of this trip!”
MSU Community Supporting Students:
“I have received incredible support from MSU’s faculty, staff and my graduate cohort. They have shown me this support through careful listening and feedback, constant encouragement, genuine care and through a collaborative dedication to challenging me as a student person. In addition, through my graduate assistantship, scholarships and additional funding opportunities I have found financial support that has helped me commit to my education”
Graduate Education is preparing Erin for the future:
“First and foremost my graduate program at Missouri State has allowed me the time and space to invest in my practice, in a supportive environment that can facilitate and guide my growth. Through the program I have had the opportunity to grow my art practice, both conceptually and physically - creating large-scale works that would not be possible without the large studio space that MSU’s program has provided me. In addition, I have been introduced to incredible contemporary artists, including Corwin Levi, Anna Valdez, Monika Weiss and Britt Ransom through one-on-one studio visits and podcast interviews, made possible by the Department of Art and Design’s Visiting Artists, Designers, and Scholars Series. These connections broaden my understanding of the art world and give me access to valuable feedback, advice, and mentorship that would otherwise not be as easily accessible. These experience, in addition to the close guidance of the graduate faculty at MSU, have truly shaped my art practice and helped prepare me for life after graduation.”
Advice for Upcoming #GradBears
“Pursuing a graduate degree, like any other major life choice, requires careful consideration, planning, confidence and risk-taking. My advice to those considering a graduate degree at MSU would be to take time to deeply evaluate what the program could provide to you and give yourself time to consider when might be best to pursue the continuation of your education. I took 5 years between my undergraduate degree and my masters program and those years were essential for me to grow in ways that supported my ability to learn. I now have a stronger foundation to stand on while pursuing my graduate program. Everyone’s journey and needs look different, but developing a sensitivity to what your needs are and how to fill them is crucial to making life decisions that support your growth. The graduate program I am in has been specifically beneficial to me because of my choice to pursue it when it felt right and necessary”
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Website: www.erinptyler.com
Instagram: @erintylerstudio
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MSU Graduate Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Professional Roles:
Kim: Purchasing Manager for Christian County, Missouri.
Chase: Managing Director for Higginbotham Insurance
Haley: Senior LIHTC Credit Officer at Legacy Bank and TrustProfessional Accomplishments:
Kim: I was recently promoted to Purchasing Manager of Christian County. I have had some amazing jobs in my life, but I am exactly where I want to be right now.
Chase: Having the opportunity to become a shareholder in the company I work for and assist in directing the local offices with three other Managing Directors while serving partner organizations.
Why did they choose the MBA program?
Kim: My graduate program of study was Business Administration. I finished my undergraduate degree at Belmont University in Nashville. My undergraduate program was Business Administration, it seemed the perfect progression to continue my business education with the latest and greatest information in business. I have always been passionate about business and how it works.
Chase: M.B.A. in the graduate program. I moved forward with this program in order to further my understanding in applicable business concepts to be more effective in my professional roles and businesses in running them.
Haley: I chose the MBA because I received my undergrad from Missouri State in accounting and decided to continue pursuing additional education in my applicable field.
Insider information
Favorite Class:
Kim: My favorite class was ITC 761, Management Information Systems. I enjoyed the assigned articles that we read, and researching the latest and greatest technological breakthroughs that are profoundly changing the world. It was also interesting to receive classmates' viewpoints on something you wrote. My favorite professors are Dr. Dana Haggard and Dr. Stanley Leasure. Organization Behavior and the Law have always interested me. I took two classes from each of them. I learned so much about myself with Dr. Haggard and the law has always interested me. I deal with contracts and negotiations daily in my job. Dr. Leasure provided some great insight on how to negotiate in the Negotiations, Arbitrations, and Mediations class. I highly recommend both professors.
Chase: I didn’t have a specific class or teacher that was my favorite, all the classes in the graduate program gave me perspectives that are applicable in my day-to-day professional life. Furthermore, the students we were able to connect and network with was an incredible experience to see the different perspectives on each class depending on the background of the students in the program too in all stages of their professional life.
Overcoming Challenges:
Kim: Juggling my schedule was challenging. I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a sister and I took a new job during all of this. Most importantly my husband, Randy Will, found out last year that he had cancer. We discussed whether I should lay off a semester until he improved. He said, “Absolutely not. You have gone too far to stop now.” I am glad to report that he is doing well, and we are taking it a day at a time. He has always been my greatest cheerleader.
Chase: The most challenging aspect of the program was the time commitment to the studies while having a full-time job. Having my wife and mom go through the program together helped with the understanding of the time commitment needed to be successful. We would block out times on Sunday evening and weekdays in order to make sure we completed all of the necessary work. Furthermore, we were pregnant and had our baby, Henry, in the second to last semester. Haley had a baby close to the final tests in the second to last semester, which was also challenging but the professors were very graceful, and we made it work.
Haley: The most challenging aspect of the graduate program was just juggling my full-time career, family, and having our son, Henry, mid-way through the Fall semester. I was able to overcome the time commitment through dedicating specific times throughout the week towards studies.
Memorable Experiences at MSU:
Kim: The CAPSIM project. I had phenomenal team members. We met every Sunday evening for a minimum of two hours to discuss our project strategy. It was a challenging environment that created an incredible learning experience.
Chase: The workplace simulation in one of our classes that simulated a full day of e-mails, meetings, and notifications to assess how you would react to a “stress test” during your day. This was very challenging to complete but helped in teaching the areas that you can improve into better work through your daily tasks which I was able to implement in my day-to-day professional workflows.
Haley: The business simulation was the most memorable experience as a graduate student. This was a challenging project and provided hands-on experience to the day-to-day aspects of the working environment.
Capturing the Family Experience:
Kim: A semester after I started my graduate program, my son, Chase Marable, and his wife, Haley Decker Marable began their MBA at Missouri State University. Side note: Chase and Haley met in class while attending Missouri State University. My husband, Randy Will, received his MBA in 1996. Randy still remembers how hard it was to work, have a family, and get his MBA even twenty years later.
Chase: Going through the MBA with family was the biggest support system ever. It helped due to the understanding of the time needed to be successful in the program and the support to keep continuing even when studies were harder at times. I would recommend to go into this program with family and complete this educational milestone together.
Haley: Going through the graduate program at Missouri State with my husband and mother-in-law created a great support system and understanding environment for the time commitment required to be successful.
MSU Supporting Students:
Kim: My advisors were great at guiding me through the process and provided insight on classes that I inquired about.
Chase: The advisors were incredible in planning out my calendar each semester and keeping me on track to graduate. The professors were always open and willing to help. The students were great to connect with and stay in touch with even after on business topics we learned from our studies.
Haley: The advisors and the professors were very responsive and helpful, for the most part. Working with the other graduate students through group projects helped to build a community and support.
Graduate Education Prepared Kim, Chase, and Haley for the future:
Kim: The diverse subject matter in the MBA program exposed me to ideas and vocations that I have not spent a lot of time on. It helped me to improve my communication and service levels when working with other offices in the county. I am working in my dream job at Christian County. I hope to continue to build the department into a world-class purchasing department, something the county can be proud of for years to come.
Chase: The program helped prepare me for my current and future goals by giving me the tools and knowledge on business processes that is applicable in running businesses. This helps in our strategy to create businesses in the future and run current businesses including real estate and insurance operations. This program has allowed us to do this effectively and implement processes that were taught and discussed in classes.
Haley: Classes in the MBA program provided a lot of information and guidance on professionalism and how to be an effective, good leader.
Advice for Upcoming #GradBears:
Kim: A thousand times I would tell them to do it. Going back as a sixty-one-year-old was difficult but exhilarating.
Chase: I would advise younger graduates to go directly into the graduate programs or get into the accelerated program as fast as possible. Waiting a few years before getting the M.B.A. was applicable to gain real world experience, but I wish I had gained this M.B.A. earlier in my college career.
Haley: You can never have too much education and Missouri State really is a good program to pursue further education.
Connect with Kim, Chase, & Haley:
LinkedIn: Kimberly Hopkins-Will, MBA, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
LinkedIn – Chase Marable
LinkedIn: Haley Marable, MBA -
MSU Graduate Program: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dramatic Writing.
Professional Accomplishments:
" My proudest professional accomplishment to date is being selected as a semi-finalist in the drama screenplay category at the Austin Film Festival. Being able to attend this festival was a wonderful experience. I was able to learn from panelists and make great connections with other writers.”
Insider information
Why did Jade choose her program?
“Professor Cristina Pippa is a huge reason why I decided to start an accelerated masters at Missouri State. After taking a couple of her courses in undergrad, I sent her a screenplay that I had been working on and was hoping to submit to competitions. She not only encouraged me to submit it to the Austin Film Festival, but also to use it to apply to the Dramatic Writing program. Her confidence in me was very motivating!”
Favorite Class:
“My favorite professor in the program has been Cristina Pippa. Her dedication to helping students succeed and her belief in myself and my work has been invaluable.”
Overcoming Challenges:
“The most challenging aspect of starting the accelerated masters was feeling like I wasn’t a real grad student, since I began taking graduate courses while finishing my undergrad. My graduate classmates helped me to overcome this by always making sure I felt welcome. That fear was quickly alleviated because of their kindness.”
Memorable Experiences at MSU:
“My most memorable experience has been getting to work with my classmates to write a web series. It was a great mock writer’s room experience where we worked together to break story and then were each given an episode to write.”
MSU Community Supporting Students:
“The community at Missouri State University has been extremely supportive of my studies. After learning about my success with the Austin Film Festival, I was able to receive some funding from the program to help me attend the event in Texas. This helped take away some of the financial burden of needing to travel out of state for the festival”
Graduate Education is preparing Jade for the future:
“Taking courses in the Dramatic Writing program has helped strengthen my knowledge of the screenwriting craft and provided me with the foundation I need to become a working screenwriter in the industry.”
Advice for Upcoming #GradBears
“Go visit! I fell in love with Missouri State University after visiting the campus. The community, staff, and students have been a joy to make connections with. I’ve made friends for life at MSU!”
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MSU Graduate Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Professional Accomplishments:
Tahniya was able to secure a job prior to graduating with her bachelor’s degree with an amazing business. “I currently work at the Gillioz Theatre as a Ticketing Representative, and it is honestly a dream because I get to work in the entertainment industry and at a beautiful historic theater where I am able to be a part of making memorable experiences for others.”Insider Information
Why did Tahniya choose her program?
“I chose this program because it most closely relates to my bachelor’s degree in Entertainment Management and because it is a very versatile degree”Favorite Class:
“My favorite class and professor in the MBA program has been COM 703 with LeAnne Lagasse. She is not only a great professor, she is also a kind human and provides very thought provoking and relevant material to engage in learning. This class gives great tips and reminders on professional communication and I think it is a class that would benefit anyone pursuing any master’s degree.”Overcoming Challenges:
“So far the most challenging aspect of the program has been accepting the fact that I may not get an A in every class. These classes are more challenging than undergraduate classes, as they should be, so it is not necessarily easy to get an A. You really have to work for some of your grades and while working, attending full time school, and trying to have a social life, it can be hard to manage my time. I’ve tried to remind myself that I do not need to be perfect, I just have to learn something from the information.”Memorable Experiences at MSU:
"The most memorable experience I’ve had as a graduate student was studying abroad in Ireland for a week. It was a spectacular experience and I am so grateful that I was able to take the trip and receive credit for the class. It was amazing getting to experience another culture and to visit local businesses and learn about their practices. I highly recommend taking a study abroad trip whether it’s for a week, a semester, or for a year!”MSU Community Supporting Students:
“There is always someone willing to help you at MSU. Whether it be a professor, staff, or a student, you will always have someone to reach out to. I have loved having multiple classes with the same people over many semesters because it is helpful to have someone you know to ask questions to. Never once have I felt alone at MSU”Graduate education is preparing Tahniya for the future:
“With my MBA I will have many more job opportunities in the future when I make a career change. It also opens me up for better paying jobs since the MBA gives me more qualifications.”Advice for Upcoming #GradBears:
“I would highly recommend the accelerated MBA program because you can complete your studies much faster with minimal extra effort. Thanks to the accelerated program I will be able to graduate with my MBA only one year after graduating with my bachelor’s degree. This is the way to go if you are attending MSU for undergrad and want to pursue your MBA.”Connect with Tahniya Redus:
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MSU Graduate Program: Master of Public Health
Current Professional Role: Instructor at the University of CincinnatiProfessional Accomplishments:
Having a Ph.D. in Health Education. In my Ph. D. program, I had the opportunity to teach courses, lecture, lead seminars, advise students, conduct research, and represent my school in several conferences and committees, which is important training for building a career as a health education professional.Why did Dr. Olaniyan choose her program?
“I chose this program to make a difference in the lives of underrepresented groups in the community. In times of an outbreak of disease, people turn to public health professionals for information and advice on how to stay safe. This allows me to exercise my desire to serve others.” This led her to pursue a graduate degree at Missouri State because “Missouri State University is dedicated to developing well-rounded individuals capable of leading full and successful lives. Students who attend Missouri State University will find robust programs in the different diverse departments as well as the graduate school."Insider Information
Favorite Class:
“My favorite class was research methods because the instructor actively sought opportunities for me to grow academically and personally. After his normal classroom instruction, he likes to stay back to further discuss research topics outside of the normal classroom instruction with students.”Overcoming Challenges:
“Funding my graduate program, I started the program without funding sources, and I had to pay out of pocket. Over time, I could apply for graduate assistant opportunities on campus and got the role; this helped me cover most of the costs so I could solely face my program.”Memorable Experiences at MSU:
“I had the opportunity to attend conferences, and African and international cultural events, which enabled me to make connections and build good relationships during my time as a graduate student at Missouri State University. I am thankful for my experience because I use these networking skills every day in my career.”MSU Supporting Students:
“Missouri State University community provided me with a graduate assistant opportunity and encouraged several training opportunities needed in my career. I also made several friends, role models, and mentors.”Graduate education prepared Fola for her future:
“The courses I took at MSU enabled me to understand the concepts of research design, statistical analyses, and epidemiology; I also got the opportunity to often stay after class to discuss topics outside of the normal classroom instruction with my instructor. I also took the time to learn the material and understand and apply it in various health outcome situations. I have been able to leverage those skills into a robust research program as a doctoral student at the University of Cincinnati.”Advice for Upcoming #GradBears:
“I advise new students to make good connections and relationships by attending or joining the Student Alumni Association. By joining this organization, they will feel a stronger connection to Missouri State while there and after they graduate. They will also make some wonderful friends along the way.”Connect with Dr. Afolakemi Olaniyan: