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Eye on UMSL: Accounting excellence

Eye on UMSL: Accounting excellence

Did you know that UMSL has an outstanding accounting program? Our students have a CPA exam pass rate that’s 10 percent higher than the national average, and more than 80 of our alumni are chief financial officers at businesses and nonprofit organizations around the country. The photo: Stephen Moehrle, professor of accounting at UMSL, teaches Financial and Accounting Reporting II on Jan. 30 in 336 Social Sciences & Business Building. The picture, by campus photographer August Jennewein, is the latest to be featured at Eye on UMSL.

Political scientist talks peace, turmoil in West Africa

Political scientist talks peace, turmoil in West Africa

People celebrated in streets throughout Senegal last week after Macky Sall was announced as the clear winner of a presidential run-off election pitting him against incumbent Abdoulaye Wade. The peaceful and quick election that ended Wade’s 12-year reign is rare in Western Africa, a region accustomed to turmoil.

Historian to discuss barrier-breaking civil rights attorney

Historian to discuss barrier-breaking civil rights attorney

Civil rights attorney Margaret Bush Wilson (1919-2009) was a complex individual who broke many barriers throughout her life and professional career. She was part of the legal team that fought housing covenants in the 1940s. She went on to work for the National NAACP, U.S. Department of Agriculture and state of Missouri.

Take the climate survey, improve the campus, win prizes

Take the climate survey, improve the campus, win prizes

What’s it like to be part of the UMSL environment? Is it warm, egalitarian and inviting? Or, isn’t it? Do you feel empowered and free, or not? What can make your campus life happier? Over the next two weeks, students, faculty and staff at the University of Missouri–St. Louis will be asked to complete a survey on the campus climate to answer those and other important questions.

Is graduate school right for you right now?

Is graduate school right for you right now?

Normally, getting into a good graduate program requires time to demonstrate that you’re capable of doing advanced work. There are, however, two fast tracks at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. First, 2 + 3 programs invite outstanding undergraduates with around 60 hours to complete integrated requirements of the BA and MA degree programs in three years from the beginning of their junior year.

Studio recital promises wonderful evening of piano music

Studio recital promises wonderful evening of piano music

Piano students at the University of Missouri–St. Louis will present a wonderful evening of piano music at 7:30 p.m. April 11 in the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL.

St. Louis streets to serve as stage for Shakespeare director

Mild winter bolsters tick population

Folks heading outdoors to enjoy the early spring weather should be aware that they’re not the only ones taking advantage of the warmer temperatures. Tick season is getting off to an early start, courtesy of a mild winter, according to a recent St. Louis Post Dispatch article.

‘Sum of Motion’ headed to Touhill stage

‘Sum of Motion’ headed to Touhill stage

Dance students will put on an eclectic performance when they take to the stage for the University of Missouri–St. Louis’ spring dance concert, “Sum of Motion.”

Panel to focus on youth, summer programs

Panel to focus on youth, summer programs

Todd Swanstrom knows the value of communities working together. He is, after all, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Community Collaboration and Public Policy Administration at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Swanstrom put that title to work recently when he met with leaders at more than 30 St. Louis Community Development Corporations to help facilitate collaboration.

Center to kick off National Poetry Month

Center to kick off National Poetry Month

The Center for the Humanities at the University of Missouri–St. Louis will kick off National Poetry Month in April with a pair of Monday Noon Series events. Jeff Friedman, who has been called “the funniest poet in PoBiz” will give a reading April 2 at UMSL. He will explore poems from his most recent collection, “Working in Flour,” and selections from his new manuscript of parables, fables, tales and comic sketches.

Forum to focus on reproductive rights as national debate heats up

Forum to focus on reproductive rights as national debate heats up

Reproductive rights have been a recent hot-button political issue. As the national debate heats up, a forum on reproductive rights at the University of Missouri–St. Louis will explore the issue, why the rights are important and why these issues are in the news now.

Is graduate school right for you right now?

Future of state universities in doubt?

Are we observing a downward spiral toward the end of the state university? In the past three years the University of Missouri–St Louis has suffered budget cuts in state appropriations of $2.9 million, $3.7 million and $3 million. In the coming year we are projected to see a $6.8 million cut. This represents a decrease of more than 25 percent of state funding.

Character education visionary leaves imprint on UMSL

Character education visionary leaves imprint on UMSL

After leaving his corporate career as chief executive officer of McDonnell Douglas Corp., Sanford Noyes McDonnell could have enjoyed the easy pace of a relaxing retirement. Instead, he began what he called his “retirement career,” and that career has left a lasting imprint on the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the region.

UMSL takes research, technology transfer, economic development seriously

UMSL takes research, technology transfer, economic development seriously

The University of Missouri–St. Louis takes its research, technology transfer and economic development mission seriously. That’s the message Nassar Arshadi, vice provost for research at UMSL, conveyed at a recent meeting of the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association’s Energy and Environment Council.

Men’s basketball player, head coach earn All-Midwest honors

Men’s basketball player, head coach earn All-Midwest honors

Senior guard Troy Long of the University of Missouri–St. Louis men’s basketball team and head coach Steve Tappmeyer have been honored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Long earned Second Team All-Midwest Region honors, while Tappmeyer was recognized as Midwest District Co-Coach of the Year.

IS professor talks student demand

IS professor talks student demand

Information system jobs in St. louis are on the rise, according to the career site Dice.com. And with rapid and continuous growth over the last two years, the demand for qualified information systems professionals is high.

NSF awards student grant for plant research

NSF awards student grant for plant research

Research taking place at the University of Missouri–St. Louis could render valuable insight into how biodiversity can affect natural ecosystems. Diego Salazar, a PhD candidate in biology at UMSL, has been awarded a $15,000 dissertation improvement grant from the National Science Foundation for his doctoral dissertation which is titled “The effect of plant phylogenetic and chemical diversity on herbivore community structure and plant host herbivore damage.”

Eye on UMSL: Olympic interview

Eye on UMSL: Olympic interview

Richard Wright, Curators’ Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at UMSL, interviews Susan Brownell, professor...

Sweating to the symphony

Sweating to the symphony

The speakers are blasting Beethoven, hands are punching the air and sweat is starting to form on brows. This is what learning looks like in Gail Fleming’s music class. “Pretend you’re in sixth, seventh and eighth grade,” Fleming, a lecturer in music at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, instructs her students, all future elementary school teachers.

From start to finish: Creative writing students produce Natural Bridge

From start to finish: Creative writing students produce Natural Bridge

About half a year separate new editions of Natural Bridge, the contemporary literature journal published by the University of Missouri–St. Louis. And it takes every bit of that time for a staff primarily composed of students in the MFA in Creative Writing program to produce the issue in print and – for the first time ever – digital formats.

Education students, ARC members use flash mob to raise awareness

Education students, ARC members use flash mob to raise awareness

Patrons in the Nosh at the Millennium Student Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis last week got a little more than chips with their lunch. More than 70 people, including UMSL education students and members of St. Louis ARC, took part in a flash mob to spread awareness about a national campaign to end the use of negative words.

Researchers discuss new ‘old’

Researchers discuss new ‘old’

The adage “You’re only as old as you feel” rings true today more than ever. Whether the reason is better health options, working later in life due to economical challenges or just the need to stay active, older adults are not created equal.

Political scientists weigh in on GOP presidential race as Missouri caucuses near

Political scientists weigh in on GOP presidential race as Missouri caucuses near

The focus of the 2012 race to select a Republican presidential nominee will soon shift to Missouri – again. The state held a nonbinding primary last month. The symbolic vote awarded no delegates, but the forthcoming caucuses will yield 52 delegates. The voter turnout, however, might be slim, according to David Robertson, Curators’ Teaching Professor of Political Science at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Most of the Missouri caucuses will be held this Saturday, St. Patrick’s Day.

Education expert talks about school transfer case

Education expert talks about school transfer case

Over the last week, a landmark case has been underway in St. Louis County regarding students’ rights to an accredited education. At issue is the Missouri’s school transfer law, which states that children in unaccredited school systems may transfer to better schools in the same or adjacent county at no cost. The home district is to cover tuition and transportation costs.

Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band to perform at Touhill

Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band to perform at Touhill

A performance later this month by the University Wind Ensemble and the University Symphonic Band will feature performances of works by two St. Louis composers: Barbara Harbach, professor of music at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Kim Portnoy of Webster University in Webster Groves, Mo.

Trailblazers honored for contributions to women

Trailblazers honored for contributions to women

The five women honored at this year’s Trailblazers Award ceremony March 7 fulfilled the requirement: Women whose extraordinary lives have contributed to the advancement of women. The annual event at the University of Missouri–St. Louis is one of the highlights of Women’s History Month.

Art students represent UMSL at exhibition

Art students represent UMSL at exhibition

Two University of Missouri–St. Louis art students have the thrill of their work being on display at Art St. Louis through the end of March. Matt Wahlman and Katharine Stucker, both seniors in studio art were on hand for last Friday’s opening reception for the exhibit, which runs through March 29.

Early childhood expert talks child care

Early childhood expert talks child care

Finding quality child care is a challenge every parent encounters. And finding that early childhood care at an affordable price is even more difficult.

Lisa Ling highlights Women’s History Month

Lisa Ling highlights Women’s History Month

Noted journalist and TV host Lisa Ling has traveled the world for the last decade reporting on violence in all its forms and the devastating effects it has on humanity. She often focuses on women and children – bride burning in India, gang rape in the Congo, child trafficking in Ghana. She is also well known for her role from 1999 to 2002 as co-host of the daytime television talk show “The View.”

Biologist elected to Galapagos Islands protection foundation

Biologist elected to Galapagos Islands protection foundation

For nearly 15 years, biologist Patricia Parker has traveled to the Galapagos Islands to conduct research on birds, specifically examining the disease of the birds of the islands. Recently, she was elected a governing member of the Charles Darwin Foundation, whose mission is to conserve the environment and biodiversity in the Galapagos.

Arkansas group helps shatter UMSL Day record

Arkansas group helps shatter UMSL Day record

When the buses arrived Saturday with nearly 100 high school students in them, Alan Byrd broke out in a smile. Byrd, dean of enrollment management at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, had been working with the group’s organizers to attend UMSL Day, the university’s information session for prospective students and their parents.

Eye on UMSL: Greetings

Eye on UMSL: Greetings

Birgit Noll, associate teaching professor in the Pierre Laclede Honors College at UMSL, leads an information session about the honors college during UMSL Day on March 3. The event brought crowds of prospective students and their families to campus to gather information about the university. The picture, taken by campus photographer August Jennewein, is the latest to be featured at Eye on UMSL.

Economist guests on ‘The Pulse of St. Louis’

Economist guests on ‘The Pulse of St. Louis’

As the region welcomes Joe Reagan, the new president and chief executive officer of the Regional Chamber and Growth Association, a University of Missouri–St. Louis economist had the opportunity to participate in a discussion with Reagan about the region, growth and upcoming developments.

New discussion series to focus on public administration, policy

New discussion series to focus on public administration, policy

A new discussion series at the University of Missouri–St. Louis will feature local government, nonprofit and academic leaders focusing on issues that are current in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. “Focus on Public Administration & Policy” will include panel discussions on March 8 and April 19 at UMSL.

Panel to focus on youth, summer programs

Panel to focus on art as revitalization tool

Todd Swanstrom knows the value of communities working together. He is, after all, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Community Collaboration and Public Policy Administration at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Swanstrom put that title to work recently when he met with leaders at more than 30 St. Louis Community Development Corporations to help facilitate collaboration.

Jazz Combos to perform at Touhill

Jazz Combos to perform at Touhill

It’s going to be a night of unforgettable jazz. The University of Missouri–St. Louis Jazz Combos will perform at 7:30 p.m. on March 8 in the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. It’s free and open to the public.

St. Louis Jazz Orchestra pays tribute to Stan Kenton

St. Louis Jazz Orchestra pays tribute to Stan Kenton

Innovative, sometimes controversial and unquestionably influential, Stan Kenton made an inimitable mark on big band jazz. As The New York Times noted, “Mr. Kenton was the last major jazz band leader to emerge from the Big Band Era of 1934-45, and his was one of only a handful of bands that survived when that era came to an end.”

Legendary dancer’s technique to come alive at UMSL

Legendary dancer’s technique to come alive at UMSL

Legendary dancer Katherine Dunham was an innovator in combining individualistic dance movements of Caribbean and African cultures with European-style ballet. Her intense research of primitive rhythms of various cultures explored the foundation of movement, its form and function. Dance instructor Theo Jamison will bring her dance method to the University of Missouri–St. Louis with the Katherine Dunham Dance course.

Students win big at St. Louis ADDYs

Students win big at St. Louis ADDYs

The University of Missouri–St. Louis continued its hot streak at this year’s St. Louis ADDY awards, the local round in the world’s largest and toughest advertising competition.

Scholar’s film earns international recognition

Scholar’s film earns international recognition

A film set, shot and first screened in St. Louis is now earning international recognition. “Pennies for the Boatman,” by University of Missouri–St. Louis scholar Niyi Coker, has been nominated for four awards at the Madrid International Film Festival in Spain.

Students to share research with legislators

Students to share research with legislators

If indeed you are what you eat, are you healthier for eating food bought at Whole Foods Market? University of Missouri–St. Louis anthropology graduate Katherine Ross wrote her senior thesis on the anthropological implications on St. Louisans’ Whole Foods shopping experiences. Her project is called “The Allure of Healthy Living: Customer Motivations for Shopping at Whole Foods Market.”

Arianna String Quartet to premiere new work at Touhill

Arianna String Quartet to premiere new work at Touhill

The centerpiece for the third Arianna String Quartet concert this season will be the world premiere of David Stock’s Quartet No. 9. Stock wrote the work for the Arianna, the resident quartet at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. The composition will be performed during the concert “Arianna String Quartet: World Premiere” at 8 p.m. March 2 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL.