Democracy Studies Fellowship Program</h1> <article> <h1>Democracy Studies Fellowship Program</h1> <p>Tue, 21 Jan 2020 13:52:14 -0600</p> <p>The Charles and Kathleen Manatt Fellowship Program at the <a href="mailto:https://www.ifes.org/?subject=">International Foundation for Electoral Systems</a> (IFES) brings outstanding graduate students to the Washington, D.C., area each year to conduct research in democracy development, election administration, legal frameworks and civic participation in the political process. Previous fellows have found the Manatt Fellowship to be an excellent boost to their careers in international development or research. Manatt fellows have direct access to IFES experts and benefit from Washington, D.C.’s wide network of democracy professionals, institutions and resources.</p> <p>Once at IFES, Manatt fellows are supported by the <a href="mailto:https://www.ifes.org/work-us/center-applied-research-and-learning?subject=">Center for Applied Research and Learning</a> and carry out research under the mentorship of IFES staff during a fellowship term of six to eight weeks. Manatt fellows receive a stipend of $5,000 and must complete and present a research paper that furthers the understanding of a technical topic aligned with IFES’ work.</p> <h4>Eligibility</h4> <p>The Manatt Fellowship is open to Ph.D., master’s and law students who are working toward a degree or concentration in international relations, political science, public administration, public interest law, data science or a related area at a university in one of the following states: <strong>Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota or Wisconsin.</strong> Successful applicants will demonstrate how their research can directly benefit from IFES’ institutional expertise, as well as how their research could contribute to IFES’ technical leadership in the democracy and election assistance field.</p> <p><a href="/link/54e7c7b395e843888b385305902fa668.aspx">Download PDF for more information.</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Faculty Spotlight</h1> <p>Mon, 08 Feb 2021 16:38:53 -0600</p> <p><em>Our traditional annual faculty updates have moved online. For this publication, here is a portion of what Dr. Fred Slocum has to say: </em></p> <p>Over the past several years, I have been busy - what else is new? In fall semester 2016, I completed the City of Mankato Citizens’ Academy, where I learned a great deal about the procedures and operations of the City of Mankato’s Department of Public Safety (Police Division and Fire Division). Over winter break 2016-17, I completed my first European study tour – a Criminal Justice study tour to London, England, Belfast, Northern Ireland</p> <p>and Dublin, Ireland (co-led by Law Enforcement faculty Dr. Pat Nelson and Dr. Tami Wilkins). In spring semester 2017 I co-chaired the statewide task force that developed the Transfer Pathways curriculum for Political Science students transitioning from two-year to four-year schools in the Minnesota State system. In spring 2018 I completed my second study tour - the Germany-Austria study tour, visiting Vienna, Austria and Nuremberg and Berlin, Germany, co-led by Dr. Kevin Parsneau. Over summer 2018, I ventured on a second trip to Europe, during which I completed the Prague Summer Schools course on Development, Sustainability and Globalization, in Prague, the Czech Republic (this was my second course; I previously had completed PSS’s Crime, Law and Psychology course in 2014). Over spring semester 2019, I served as a consultant for Capstone Press (North Mankato, MN) as it published a four-part children’s book series on actors in American national politics (president, U.S. representative, U.S. senator and Supreme Court justice). Also in spring 2019, I performed Program Review for the Political Science program at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN. In June 2019, I completed another course - an intensive Japan Studies Institute, held at San Diego State University, San Diego, CA.</p> <p>All the while, I taught my usual panoply of courses, including Racial and Ethnic Politics, Political Psychology, Campaigns and Elections, Political Parties, The Executive Process, American Legal Philosophy, Political Psychology and Southern Politics. I consulted with high school faculty teaching U.S. Government Concurrent Enrollment courses in high schools in St. Peter and Belle Plaine, MN, and have completed several related workshops. I have continued serving on the Government Relations Committee, the primary liaison group between the Minnesota State system’s faculty and the Minnesota Legislature.</p> <p>Fred Slocum</p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Understanding the issues at home and abroad</h1> <p>Mon, 08 Feb 2021 16:40:43 -0600</p> <p><em>Dr. Tomasz Inglot has been a member of the Political Science and International Relations faculty since 1995. With the election and its aftermath still fresh in our minds, Dr. Inglot offered the following perspective on voting and voter participation:</em></p> <p>Voter participation in some countries including the US has been on the rise while traditional political parties have been in decline in European Union countries. In the US, we have seen a radicalization of the two leading parties and an electorate that is rigidly polarized, motivated by inflexible ideological positions and an unwillingness to compromise”</p> <p>In conjunction, either led by or leading the eligible voters, traditional parties and political leaders have drifted away from their moderate positions to capture the slipping electorate. Exploitation of highly divisive cultural and emotional issues (immigration, abortion, human rights) has driven the middle-ground and younger voters to support newer fringe parties or opt out altogether.</p> <p>Increased participation and extreme polarization do not make for better democracies. Frequently the voters do not know the candidates well and are susceptible to believing in misleading and highly partisan information. Further fragmentation and alienation of the electorate has allowed anti-vaxxers, anarchists and conspiracy theorists to thrive in a volatile political environment.</p> <p>I construct my classes to encourage my students to open up to the world using media sources with a high level of integrity and with sufficient coverage of the world outside of the US. As native of Poland, I tell them stories of my travel and living overseas, in Europe and the Far East. I welcome the podcast initiative as an important resource to include in my classes.</p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Urban Management and Planning in the Real World</h1> <p>Mon, 08 Feb 2021 16:56:17 -0600</p> <p>In February 2020, Urban and Regional Studies’ Dr. Miriam Porter traveled to Nepal to look at their post-Earthquake recovery through the lens of disaster management. Joining Dr. Porter in Nepal was Situ Chitrakar (’18), architect and urban planner, who served as co-researcher and translator. Working with international nongovernmental organizations (NGO) based in Nepal as well as local organizations, Porter and Chitraker mapped out what type of disaster was prevalent in different areas of Nepal and sought to identify best practices to address risk and mitigate disaster.</p> <p>“Our goal was to explore the institutional level of disaster preparedness, management and recovery efforts after the 2015 earthquakes,” Porter said. “We were looking for specific areas of risk or areas of struggle.” Porter and Chitraker’s research identified seven areas of best practice: education, construction method creating awareness of the need for disaster preparation, streamlining response, preparation, accountability of governmental and non-governmental activities and the recognition that Nepalese culture includes service and generosity to others.</p> <p>“We have done similar research in Ghana and chose Nepal to focus on because of the severity of the earthquake in 2015,” Porter said. “In addition, Nepal offers a variety of climates, cultural practices and population densities, making it ideal as a case study.”</p> <p>Nepal is a nation of almost 30 million people living in a landlocked country between China and India. Covering an area of 147,181 square kilometers, Nepal has a diverse climate from the snow capped Himalayans, to valleys and green hills to flat plains. The hills and valleys have the largest concentration of people. In two earthquakes in 2015, almost 9,000 people were killed, 22,303 injured and 198 people are still missing. More than six hundred thousand households were fully damaged and around three hundred thousand were partially damaged. Millions of people were left homeless.</p> <p>“We wanted to show that to identify and mitigate the effects of disaster, you must first understand thenature and impact of the disaster,” Porter said. “Successful urban planning for the next disaster rests on the foundation of that understanding.”</p> <p><em>Read more about Porter and Chitrakar’s study entitled “<a href="https://icma.org/articles/pm-magazine/local-disaster-impacts-post-earthquake-onsite-research-nepal">International Perspective on Disasters; Post-Earthquake in Nepal,”</a> which was published in the November issue of ICMA’s Public Management magazine. </em></p> <p></p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Let's Talk Government</h1> <p>Wed, 10 Feb 2021 12:52:16 -0600</p> <p></p> <p>The pandemic upended the way we were learning and the way we were teaching; a lot of change for us all. On the bright side, this situation provided the opportunity and technology to expand our ability to connect and discuss current issues. One practice we put into place were podcasts which offered a viable path for enhancing our curriculum. Spearheaded by Department Chair Pat Nelson, the “Let’s Talk Government” podcasts are designed to generate conversations about the changes in criminal justice, law enforcement and city and local governments, as well as the broader impacts of politics and how we connect with evolving social issues. For example, if you want to think about the importance ofdyour participation in democracy, listen to “Why Does Voting Matter” or “Media, Tweeting and Fake News”. Interested in current events? This summer raised highlighted real differences in issues that will be shaping public policy. Listen to “Defund the Police, Abolish the Police and Policing today” or “Protests, Riots and Outlaw Citizenship” to know more. Spring 2021 topics include: authoritarianism, violent anti-government protests, and differing law enforcement responses to protests. Visit the Let’s Talk Government Podcast page for a complete episode list.</p> <p><strong>New Perspective:</strong> If you have 30 minutes listen to a podcast about “Dark Tourism and Memorials” to learn how local government copes with tragedies that attract tourists.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Scholarships</h1> <p>Wed, 10 Feb 2021 13:16:04 -0600</p> <p>Scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year are open for application until February 28! Listed below are the scholarships awarded to Criminal Justice, International Relations, Law Enforcement, Political Science and Urban & Regional Studies majors. Available scholarships are named below with estimated award size. Search for these by name or by Department of Government on Scholarship Finder.</p> <table class="table styled-table table-striped" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="3"> <h5><strong>Law Enforcement</strong></h5> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Dr. Colleen Clarke International Study Abroad </td> <td>one award </td> <td>$1,500</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Frank A and Marolin P Korth </td> <td>one award </td> <td>$1,200</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Leibenstein Memorial </td> <td>one award </td> <td>$1,300</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Carol & Mark Sletner</td> <td>one award </td> <td>$1,500</td> </tr> <tr> <td>P Resch/S Johnston Memorial </td> <td>one Award </td> <td>$1,500<strong style="color: #480059; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;"> </strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3"> <h5><strong>Political Science</strong></h5> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ochsner Endowment </td> <td>one award</td> <td>$1,200</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Roderick Olson Political Science</td> <td>two awards</td> <td>$5,000ea</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Truman & Reta Wood </td> <td>three awards </td> <td>$ 5,000 a.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Winston Benson Graduate Student </td> <td>two awards </td> <td>$1,500</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3"> <h5><strong>Urban & Regional Studies</strong></h5> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Barrett Endowed Scholarship </td> <td>one award</td> <td>$3500</td> </tr> <tr> <td>URSI Leadership/HR Smith – Graduate </td> <td>one award </td> <td>$6,000</td> </tr> <tr> <td>URSI Leadership/HR Smith – Undergraduate </td> <td>one award </td> <td>$2,000</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p> </p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Welcome from Chair</h1> <p>Thu, 18 Feb 2021 15:34:04 -0600</p> <p><em></em></p> <p><em>Greetings and welcome to the first edition of Government in the Real World! This newsletter will be published three times per year and will focus on current teachings and best practices in the Criminal Justice, International Relations, Law Enforcement, Political Science and Urban & Regional Studies fields. This edition introduces our new podcast series “Let’s Talk Government” and presents an international perspective on voting and voter participation. Research into best practices for disaster management and a spotlight on Dr. Fred Slocum’s activities in teaching and travel round out the news. For more detailed information on individual program requirements and faculty stories, visit </em><a href="/link/59df5321bef745759c46f2770278c63b.aspx"><strong><em>sbs.mnsu.edu/government</em></strong><em>.</em></a></p> <p><em> </em><em>Have a wonderful and safe spring semester! </em>Dr. Pat Nelson</p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Teaching with Technology</h1> <p>Thu, 18 Feb 2021 15:34:14 -0600</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Teaching with Technology: </strong>Want to explore the communities around Angkor Wat? See the influence indigenous African designs have on modern architecture? Travel the planned cities of Japan? Sign up for the online section of <strong>URBS 110: The City</strong>. Zoom around the globe with this unique, online class and pick the path of an adventure! <em>Offered both Fall and Spring semesters.</em></p> </article> <article> <h1>Minnesota State Mankato Names Christopher Brown Founding Dean of College of Humanities and Social Sciences as of July 1</h1> <p>Wed, 08 Jun 2022 12:44:12 -0500</p> <p><strong>Mankato, Minn. – </strong>Minnesota State University, Mankato President Edward Inch announced today that Christopher Brown will serve as the founding dean of the University’s newly formed College of Humanities & Social Sciences, effective July 1.<br /><br />After a yearlong planning process, the colleges of Arts & Humanities and Behavioral & Social Sciences will officially combine July 1 as the College of Humanities & Social Sciences to provide students with more interdisciplinary programs and experiential learning opportunities. Inch said all the academic programs and employees in the colleges of Arts and Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences will transition to be part of the new college.</p> <p>According to Inch, the opportunities and community and regional impact emerging from the new college will benefit students and faculty in ways the two colleges could not accomplish separately.</p> <p>“The College of Humanities & Social Sciences positions the University to better meet the needs of our students now and into the future.” said Inch. “Dr. Chris Brown will be pivotal in aligning the college’s mission with the demands of our students and the workforce, which includes the desire from both students and local businesses to have strong interdisciplinary experiences and skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking and leadership – areas in which this new college thrives.”</p> <p>Brown was chosen from a competitive pool of applicants from across the nation to lead the new college and its 18 departments.<br /><br />Brown served as acting dean of Minnesota State Mankato’s College of Arts and Humanities from January 2020 through June 2021, and he has served as interim dean of the college since July 2021. During his time as acting and interim dean, Brown played a leading role in creating the new flexible performance and lecture space that will open this fall in the Earley Center for Performing Arts building.<br /><br />Among many other accomplishments while serving as interim dean, Brown started a Teacher-Scholar Diversity Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, and he worked with two faculty colleagues on an inclusive higher education initiative that allows students with intellectual disabilities to have an inclusive experience of learning in classrooms and the university community.<br /><br />Brown joined Minnesota State Mankato in 2011 as a fixed-term instructor in the Department of Communication Studies. He was promoted to assistant professor in 2012, associate professor in 2016 and professor in 2020. He served the department as director of graduate studies from 2013-2017 and department faculty chair from 2018-2020.<br /><br />Brown earned a doctorate in intercultural communication from the University of New Mexico and was a postdoctoral fellow at The Ohio State University. He earned a master’s degree in multicultural communication from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and communication from Aurora University, located in Aurora, Illinois.<br /><br />Currently, Minnesota State Mankato’s other four undergraduate colleges include the colleges of Allied Health and Nursing; Business; Education; and Science, Engineering and Technology.<br /><br />Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 14,546 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 30 colleges and seven universities.</p> </article> <article> <h1>The Humanity of Science</h1> <p>Wed, 20 Jul 2022 11:23:55 -0500</p> </article> <article> <h1>RESOLUTE: MN Stories of 9/11 & The War</h1> <p>Mon, 08 Aug 2022 15:41:37 -0500</p> <p></p> <p></p> <h2>About</h2> <p>Minnesotans were in the towers, planes and Pentagon on that fateful morning and on the frontlines of the war that followed. The traveling exhibit - packed with testimonials, archives and artifacts - traces the experiences of fellow Minnesotans and places their service into the wider context of America's long war. Staff and volunteers of the <a title="Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum" href="https://www.mnmilitarymuseum.org/">Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum</a> serve as docents. <strong>The exhibit is free and open to the public.</strong></p> <p class="lead"><em>This exhibit is made possible, in part, by a grant from the MN Dept of Veteran Affairs.</em></p> <h3>Location:</h3> <p><strong>Centennial Student Union Ballroom</strong><br />Minnesota State University, Mankato<br />620 West, S Rd<br />Mankato, MN 56001</p> <h3>Public Exhibit Times:</h3> <ul> <li>Sept. 8: 12-3pm</li> <li>Sept. 9: 12-7pm</li> <li>Sept. 10: 9am-3pm</li> <li>Sept. 11: 12pm-3pm</li> </ul> <hr /> <h2>Related Events</h2> <h3>9/11 Museum Teacher Professional Development:</h3> <p><strong>August 25,</strong> 9-10:50am <strong>or</strong> 1:30-3:20pm</p> <p></p> <h4>September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World</h4> <p>Discover classroom-ready strategies and resources that help students understand 9/11 and its ongoing impact. In addition to building foundational knowledge, this session will focus on concrete strategies and entry points into a variety of challenging content areas, including teaching 9/11 through first-person testimony, the shifting balance between national security and civil liberties, and the rise of Islamophobia. Help students make connections to self as we explore how our experiences navigating the pandemic can inform teaching and learning today. <em>This is a free event, but space is limited to 30 seats per sessions. Registration is required.</em></p> <div><a class="arrow-link" title="9/11 Museum Teacher Professional Development" href="/link/25a489c0bf5c40238f9d77a490a2235d.aspx">More information</a></div> <hr /> <h3>The Legacy of 9/11: Four Perspectives</h3> <p><a title="Sponsored by the Minnesota Humanities Center" href="https://www.mnhum.org/"><em>Sponsored by the Minnesota Humanities Center</em></a></p> <p><strong>Sept. 8, 4-5:30pm<br />Ostrander Auditorium</strong></p> <p>The September 11 attacks of 2001 remain among the most significant events in U.S. history, with lasting impacts on people from all walks of life. For many who experienced that day, the events of 9/11 are a flashbulb memory: we can remember exactly where we were, what we were doing, and how we felt.</p> <p>The <a title="Minnesota Humanities Center" href="https://www.mnhum.org/">Minnesota Humanities Center</a>, in conjunction with the 9/11 Exhibit from the <a title="MN Military and Veterans Museum" href="https://www.mnmilitarymuseum.org/">MN Military and Veterans Museum</a>, welcomes the public to this moderated discussion which will examine several perspectives on 9/11, exploring reflections, memories, and personal stories of how the event has influenced each speaker’s life. We welcome community to gather to reflect on these memories, stories, and artifacts, as we grapple not only with the legacies of 9/11 but with the effects of war and conflicts affecting the world today.</p> <p><em>This event is free and open to the public. Registration appreciated.</em></p> <p><a class="arrow-link" title="Mankato – The Legacy of 9/11: Four Perspectives" href="/link/101fa7ead3e240628dcbc78a791d26d5.aspx">More information</a></p> <hr /> <h3><em>"The Outpost"</em> Film Viewing & Discussion</h3> <p><strong>Ostrander Auditorium<br />Sept. 8, 7-9:30pm</strong></p> <p>Join us for a viewing of "<em><a title="The Outpos" href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3833480/">The Outpos</a>,</em>" a film, starring Orlando Bloom, Scott Eastwood and Caleb Landy Jones, about the 2009 Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan. A Minnesota native, Andrew Bundermann, was in command of the outpost and is depicted in the film. Some of his materials, including his Distinguished Service Cross, are part of the RESOLUTE: MN Stories of 9/11 & The War Traveling Exhibit. MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke and Museum Director Randal Dietrich will provide further context prior to the screening.</p> <p><em>This event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.</em></p> <hr /> <h3>Anniversary in the Theaters: Film Screening of the New 9/11 Documentary</h3> <p><strong>Sept. 9, 10:30am</strong><br /><strong>AMC Classic Mankato</strong></p> <p>On Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, the College of Education and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Minnesota State University, Mankato will host a free, private film viewing as part of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s <em>Anniversary in the Theaters</em> program.</p> <p>In partnership with AMC Theaters, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will be screening their new, 35-minute film featuring first-person accounts of the unity, resilience, and hope that defined September 11 and remain more relevant today than ever. Mankato is one of just a handful of sites across the country to be taking part of the <em>Anniversary in the Theaters</em> program.</p> <p>The public is invited to attend. Movie starts promptly at 10:30am so please plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start time. No registration required. This event is free and open to the public.</p> <p><a class="arrow-link" title="Anniversary in the Theaters: Film Screening of the New 9/11 Documentary" href="/link/8d52ac62d2534230b0a588d44250fbcd.aspx">More information</a></p> <hr /> <p class="meta">A member of the Minnesota State System and an affirmative action/equal opportunity university. Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the Department of History at 507-389-1618 (v), 800-627-3529 or 711 (mrs/tty) at least 5 days prior to the event. This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the above numbers.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Dr. Chip Panahon Named Interim Associate Dean</h1> <p>Wed, 24 Aug 2022 08:33:44 -0500</p> <ul> <li>Following an internal search, with an excellent pool of nominees and applicants, we are pleased to announce the appointment of <a title="Dr. Chip Panahon" href="/link/45c5cd8cea684ea6ae7afcd03ae7be02.aspx">Dr. Chip Panahon</a> as Interim Associate Dean of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences.</li> </ul> <p>Dr. Chip Panahon is a professor in the Department of Psychology. Dr. Panahon joined the faculty in 2009 and has served as the department chairperson and program director of the School Psychology Doctoral Program. While he was serving as director, the School Psychology Doctoral Program earned accreditation by the National Association of School Psychologists and was awarded full approval for seven years. He teaches doctoral-level courses on consultation and prevention, supporting diverse students and families, and behavioral interventions. Dr. Panahon’s research interests have focused on behavioral interventions for children with emotional and behavioral disorders, interventions focusing on writing, and school consultation. He has published his scholarly work in the Journal of Applied Behavioral Analysis, Journal of Behavioral Education, Journal of Applied School Psychology, and Education and Treatment of Children. He has served on the Executive Board of the Minnesota School Psychology Association and the Editorial Board for the Journal of Behavioral Education. Dr. Panahon earned his Ph.D. in School Psychology from Syracuse University.</p> <p>Please join us in congratulating Dr. Panahon in his new role as Interim Associate Dean of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Congratulations Dr. Panahon!</p> </article> <article> <h1>Anniversary in the Theaters</h1> <p>Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:36:38 -0500</p> <p></p> <p>On Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, the College of Education and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Minnesota State University, Mankato will host a free, film viewing as part of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s <em>Anniversary in the Theaters</em> program at the <a title="AMC Theatres in Mankato" href="https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/mankato-mn/amc-classic-mankato-6">AMC Theatres in Mankato</a>.</p> <p>In partnership with AMC Theaters, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will be screening their new, 35-minute film featuring first-person accounts of the unity, resilience, and hope that defined September 11 and remain more relevant today than ever. Mankato is one of just a handful of sites across the country to be taking part of the <em>Anniversary in the Theaters</em> program.</p> <p>The public is invited to attend. Movie starts promptly at 10:30 a.m. so please plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start time. No registration required. This event is free and open to the public.</p> <p>After the screening, stop by campus to view the traveling exhibit, “Resolute: MN Stories of 9/11 & The War” at Centennial Student Union Ballroom on campus. The traveling exhibit - packed with testimonials, archives and artifacts - traces the experiences of fellow Minnesotans and places their service into the wider context of America's long war.</p> <p>For more information on the<em> Anniversary in the Theaters </em>program and other opportunities, <a title="visit the 9/11 Museum website" href="https://www.911memorial.org/amc-registration">visit the 9/11 Museum website</a>.</p> <p>The traveling exhibit is free and available to the general public Sept. 8 –11. Visit our website for <a title="more information including public exhibit times" href="/link/6148e46d4a6f48099d8f660b1ed4cb8b.aspx">more information including public exhibit times</a>.</p> </article> <article> <h1>GEER Grant Offers Fall Workshop Opportunities</h1> <p>Mon, 12 Sep 2022 16:30:08 -0500</p> <h2>Finding Your Joy in Teaching</h2> <p><strong>September 21, 2022, 6-8pm | Online</strong></p> <p><strong>Presenter: Greg Kata</strong></p> <p></p> <p>Back to school can be overwhelming, and we all can use a re-energizing session. Come join educator and TikTok sensation Greg Kata for this interactive session, sharing comical stories and strategies on how to keep your joy strong throughout the academic year. You will learn more strategies for how to maintain strong relationships with your students and how to humanize yourself when engaging students.</p> <hr /> <h2>Critical Indigenous Literacy in the Minnesota Classroom</h2> <p><strong>October 27, 2022 from 6-8pm | Online</strong></p> <p><strong>Presenter: Debbie Reese</strong></p> <p></p> <p>Providing accurate and inclusive instruction in your classrooms means understanding that Native Americans are more than peoples with unique cultures. It means being able to critique misrepresentations of them across content areas. In this session, Debbie Reese will provide information that can help you identify problems and what to look for when developing and using materials in your classroom.</p> <hr /> <h2>Recruiting and Retaining BIPOC Educators</h2> <p><strong>November 16, 2022, 6-8pm | Online</strong></p> <p><strong>Presenters: Kelsey Johnson</strong> (top left), <strong>Marvis Kilgore</strong> (top right), <strong>Maria-Renee Grigsby</strong> (bottom left)<strong>, Sarah Toland</strong> (bottom right), <strong>Dr. Tyrone Brookins</strong> (not pictured), <strong>Stacie Stanley</strong> (not pictured)</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>This session will highlight efforts at Normandale Community College and Minnesota State University, Mankato. Participants will learn how to actively support initiatives that recruit, retain and support BIPOC students who study education.</p> <hr /> <h2>Teaching Uncomfortable Truths</h2> <p><strong>December 7, 2022, 6-8pm | Online</strong></p> <p><strong>Presenters: Jen Westmoreland</strong> (top left), <strong>Dr. Steven Unowsky</strong> (top middle), <strong>Superintendent – Dr. Osei Astein</strong> (top right), <strong>Superintendent – Dr. Kimberly Colbert</strong> (bottom left), <strong>Superintendent – Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri</strong> (bottom right)</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Schools are the cornerstone of American society. They remain the most effective space to learn and affect change. Learning the history and current events that happen around us or to us can be difficult. Yet, if we are to do better as a society, our students must understand why and how oppression exists so that they are better prepared to end it. The panelists will help empower current and aspiring educators to teach uncomfortable truths despite possible resistance.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Minnesota State Mankato Professor Among 9 Lead Scientists from 5 Universities Awarded $2.8 Million NSF Grant</h1> <p>Thu, 15 Sep 2022 09:59:28 -0500</p> </article> <article> <h1>Dr. Sarah Henderson Lee Selected by U.S. Department of State for Prestigious English Language Specialist Project</h1> <p>Thu, 22 Sep 2022 16:33:01 -0500</p> <p></p> <p>On August 8, 2022, the U.S. Department of State announced the selection of Dr. Sarah Henderson Lee of Minnesota State University, Mankato for an 11-week English Language Specialist project focusing on current trends in English academic and research writing in Russia. Dr. Henderson Lee is part of a select group, as her project is one of approximately 240 that the English Language Specialist Program supports each year.</p> <p><a title="Dr. Henderson Lee" href="/link/f752727276384a88abc52f42fe19ec43.aspx">Dr. Henderson Lee</a> is a Professor of English at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she directs the multilingual writing program and teaches in the graduate Rhetoric & Composition and TESOL programs. She recently served as a Fulbright Scholar in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where she researched the relationship between English teachers’ writing practices and pedagogies. Her research focuses on second language (L2) writing teacher education, literacy practices of immigrant and resident multilingual adolescents and adults, and world Englishes and composition. For this Specialist assignment, Henderson Lee will conduct virtual writing workshops withfaculty at ITMO University in Saint Petersburg, Russia.</p> <p>The English Language Specialist Program is the premier opportunity for leaders in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) to enact meaningful and sustainable changes in the way that English is taught abroad. Through projects developed by U.S. Embassies in more than 80 countries, English Language Specialists work directly with local teacher trainers, educational leaders, and ministry of education officials to exchange knowledge, build capacity, and establish partnerships benefiting participants, institutions, and communities in the United States and overseas.</p> <p>Since 1991, the English Language Specialist Program has supported in-country, virtual, and mixed projects in which hundreds of TESOL scholars and educators promote English language learning, enhance English teaching capacity, and foster mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries through cultural exchange. During their projects, English Language Specialists may conduct intensive teacher training, advise ministries of education or participate in high-level educational consultations, and offer plenary presentations at regional, national or international TESOL conferences. These projects are challenging and those selected represent the best of the U.S. TESOL community. In return, the program provides professional development opportunities to help participants experience different cultures and build skills that can greatly enhance their TESOL careers at home.</p> <p>English Language Specialists are counted among the more than 50,000 individuals participating in U.S. Department of State exchange programs each year. The Specialist Program is administered by the Center for Intercultural Education and Development at Georgetown University.</p> <p>For further information about the English Language Specialist Program or the U.S. Department of State, visit <a title="elprograms specialist" href="http://elprograms.org/specialist">elprograms.org/specialist</a>, contact them by telephone at <a title="202-632-6452" href="tel:2026326452">202-632-6452</a>, or e-mail <a title="ECA-Press@state.gov" href="mailto:ECA-Press@state.gov">ECA-Press@state.gov</a>.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Dr. Phillip Larson's KMSU Every Day Is Earth Day Interview</h1> <p>Tue, 27 Sep 2022 12:04:27 -0500</p> <p>On September 22, 2022, Dr. Phillip Larson, co-director of the University’s <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhss.mnsu.edu%2Forganizations%2Fearth-systems-research-laboratory%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cdaniel.benson%40mnsu.edu%7C1cc6eccb742f4b88d63008da8c65465a%7C5011c7c60ab446ab9ef4fae74a921a7f%7C0%7C0%7C637976663838628725%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gDAZ43Vg2xn6uwhruXrnq%2BlilN9cCWLHIPYKUN%2FZnw8%3D&reserved=0">EARTH Systems Laboratory</a> and director of its <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhss.mnsu.edu%2Facademic-programs%2Fearth-science%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cdaniel.benson%40mnsu.edu%7C1cc6eccb742f4b88d63008da8c65465a%7C5011c7c60ab446ab9ef4fae74a921a7f%7C0%7C0%7C637976663838785004%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=kd3t3FtbZG%2BL7yfG8MIy61ybR9yYkCrJRg4y%2B6bvda0%3D&reserved=0">Earth Science Programs</a>, appeared on KMSU's <em>Every Day is Earth Day</em> podcast to discuss the recent National Science Foundation award.</p> <p>Professor Larson and his team, along with five other universities, will study the structure of Earth’s crust and mantle, the behavior of outlet glaciers from ice sheets, glacial meltwater routing, river erosion, and lake-level change in the Lake Superior region.</p> <p>Listen to the podcast episode <a href="https://share.transistor.fm/s/e019bffd">here</a>. <em>Every Day is Earth Day</em> is a podcast series with experts on saving the Earth, hosted by KMSU's Karen Wright. </p> <p>Read more information about the NSF award <a href="/link/eea3637fe7534535acb63a90ac14ce61.aspx">here</a>.</p> </article> <article> <h1>U.S. Dept. of Education Awards $1.2 Million to Project PASS-IT</h1> <p>Fri, 30 Sep 2022 16:25:48 -0500</p> <p></p> <p>Project PASS-IT (<strong>P</strong>romoting <strong>A</strong>cademic <strong>S</strong>uccess of <strong>S</strong>tudents with high-intensity needs through Interdisciplinary Training) is a 5-year, $1.2 million grant funded by the US Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The Project is led by Principal Investigator, <a title="Dr. Dana Wagner" href="/link/6a122bfc6fd340e9970a96b156e56c0e.aspx">Dr. Dana Wagner</a> (Special Education) along with Co-Principal Investigators <a title="Dr. Shawna Petersen-Brown" href="/link/fce3275ba1464273a96c3ffce0b79b21.aspx">Dr. Shawna Petersen-Brown</a> (Psychology) and <a title="Dr. Alexandra Hilt-Panahon" href="/link/1e902e4823594f5ca9f506ba124e0fb5.aspx">Dr. Alexandra Hilt-Panahon</a> (Special Education).</p> <p>Project PASS-IT will provide interdisciplinary training to future special education teachers and school psychologists. Specifically, they will be prepared to lead collaborative efforts to utilize current evidence-based practices that maximize the academic achievement of students who have high-intensity needs, including students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). Collaboration between these professions has been shown in the research to improve outcomes for students with high-intensity needs. The grant will provide students in both the special education master’s and school psychology doctoral programs the opportunity to work together in coursework and field-based experiences, an opportunity that would not otherwise be available for students. During the 5-year grant period, Project PASS-IT will provide funding for 36 graduate students enrolled in special education and school psychology programs.</p> <p>The first cohort of Project PASS-IT scholars will begin in the Spring 2022 semester. Please attend our information session on October 12 from 5-6 p.m. to learn more! Applications will be received through November 1. To apply or attend the information session, please visit <a title="project pass it" href="/link/3e7b66ba0f1d4005892c5e8228e14ae1.aspx">ed.mnsu.edu/project-pass-it</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Senior Applied Leadership Student Jenny Ardnt Accepted Into the Juvenile Justice and Special Education Workgroup</h1> <p>Mon, 03 Oct 2022 09:37:49 -0500</p> <p></p> <p>Jenny Arndt, a senior Applied Leadership student at Minnesota State University, Mankato, has been accepted into the <a title="Juvenile Justice and Special Education Workgroup" href="https://mn.gov/olmstead/mn-olmstead-plan-work-groups/juvenile-justice-special-education-mn/">Juvenile Justice and Special Education Workgroup</a> for the <a title="Olmstead Implementation Office" href="https://mn.gov/olmstead/about-mn-olmstead-implementation-office/index/">Olmstead Implementation Office</a>. The Olmstead Implementation Office is a team of people who track the state's progress on the <a title="Minnesota Olmstead Plan" href="https://mn.gov/olmstead/assets/2022-04-olmstead-plan_tcm1143-526399.pdf">Minnesota Olmstead Plan</a> goals and report to the <a title="Olmstead Subcabinet" href="https://mn.gov/olmstead/mn-olmstead-plan/subcabinet-agencies/">Olmstead Subcabinet</a>.</p> <p>Jenny's workgroup will provide influential recommendations to the subcabinet on positive change in reforming current plan goals and shaping policy on future goals for individuals with disabilities to live, learn, work, and enjoy life alongside everyone else in the community.</p> <p>Jenny Arndt has been incredibly active in working with our youth and is a great model for going out and making a difference in her community. Through her new journey with the Olmstead Implementation Office, she looks forward to continuing to influence positive and equitable change across Minnesota for individuals with disabilities.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Minnesota State Mankato's Geomorphology Class Explores the North Shore</h1> <p>Tue, 11 Oct 2022 10:18:27 -0500</p> <p></p> <p>This past weekend, the Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Geomorphology course (Geog 315) traveled to the North Shore of Lake Superior for a high-impact learning, research, and exploration field trip. This trip was recently created in the Geomorphology course and was conducted for the first time as part of the recent <a title="National Science Foundation Frontier Research in Earth Sciences (NSF FRES) project" href="/link/eea3637fe7534535acb63a90ac14ce61.aspx">National Science Foundation Frontier Research in Earth Sciences (NSF FRES) project</a> on Lake Superior.</p> <p>Maverick students from Anthropology, Geology, Geography, Earth Science, Aviation, and History were all involved in this field trip, but they were also joined by University of Minnesota’s version of this course and their professor, Dr. Andrew Wickert. The two schools camped together at Gooseberry Falls State Park, and took part in the same learning and community building activities.</p> <p><br /><span class="meta"><strong>University of Minnesota's Dr. Wickert teaching students from both schools</strong></span></p> <p>Minnesota State University, Mankato and the University of Minnesota are regular collaborators, not only on the NSF FRES project, but also <a title="Minnesotans Mulling over Rivers, Particles, & Hillslopes (MNiMORPH)" href="https://mnimorph.science/">through Minnesotans Mulling over Rivers, Particles, & Hillslopes (MNiMORPH)</a>—a collaboration to support and engage a regional network of scientists and scholars studying the surface environment and how – and why – it changes. MNiMORPH approaches the science of Earth’s surface as the essential link between climate, land use, geodynamic processes, Earth history, and the environment in which we live.</p> <p>Field trips like this one will be a regular occurrence for both schools as part of the NSF FRES project and the MNiMORPH collaboration.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p class="meta">Photos are courtesy of Dr. Phillip Larson, Director of Earth Science Programs</p> </article> <article> <h1>The Blessings and Burdens of Final Journeys</h1> <p>Wed, 04 Jan 2023 08:18:24 -0600</p> </article> <article> <h1>Dedicated to Dance: Florence Cobb's Legacy Celebrated</h1> <p>Wed, 04 Jan 2023 08:18:28 -0600</p> </article> <article> <h1>MSU Students Discuss Link Between Food Insecurity, Transportation</h1> <p>Wed, 04 Jan 2023 08:18:39 -0600</p> </article> <article> <h1>MSU Professor Brings Awareness to Iranian Feminist Revolution</h1> <p>Wed, 04 Jan 2023 08:18:43 -0600</p> </article> <article> <h1>Making a Difference: MSU prof impacts lives by educating incarcerated men, women</h1> <p>Wed, 04 Jan 2023 08:57:52 -0600</p> </article> </main></body></html>