Opportunities to grow as a musician are numerous at MSU

Music faculty members at MSU have extensive experience in almost every medium of the performing arts with many of the world’s leading professionals and have attended the world's leading universities and conservatories. Whether you choose to specialize in playing rhythms and melodies or teaching those essential musical elements to others, opportunities to grow in your specialty can be found through any of MSU’s music programs.

Gloria Yehilevsky, a senior music performance major from San Diego, California, said music faculty at MSU are known best for tailoring work to meet the individual needs and interests of students.

“I feel fortunate to be able to work with incredible teachers and mentors who hold me accountable and continually push me to be the best musician I can be,” Yehilevsky said.

Faculty members also work to connect students with private study, performance, outreach and research opportunities. Yehilevsky recently completed an Undergraduate Research Fellowship where she examined ways in which improvisational music and classical repertoire complement one another. Typically viewed as opposites in the music world, Yehilvesky found both methods offer significant insight into new compositional and performance techniques in today’s modern music.

“It’s a subject I care deeply about. I intend to continue my work in the following year and hope to publish and present at several prestigious conferences,” Yehilevsky said. “This type of experience has also made me more confident. I plan on continuing my education in graduate school and I feel MSU has prepared me to begin this competitive process.”

Morehead State offers undergraduate degrees in general music, music education and music performance. Graduates of our programs pursue a wide range of careers including:

• Music education (private and public school teachers, college and university professors and private studio instructors)
• Performance (soloists in small and large ensembles)
• Music industry specialists (retail, publishing, technology and management)
• Director of music (band, choir, orchestral, church, military)

To learn more visit, www.moreheadstate.edu/study/music.

MSU offers equestrian camps for all skill levels

Once again this summer, Morehead State will offer several half-day and full-day horseback-riding camps for riders ages 3-18 of all skill levels. Camps will teach horse care, as well as hunt and western-style riding skills. All camps will be held at the Derrickson Agricultural Complex.

New this summer is the toddler mini-camp designed for children ages 3-6. It will be held June 20-24 and is ideal for those not ready to ride by themselves and those who have not spent much time around horses. While the camp is a drop-off camp, parents are to visit on Friday, May 24, for a fun horse show. The cost of the camp is $100.

Half-day camps for Level I and Level II beginners will be held June 20-24 and July 18-22. A rider is considered a Level I when he or she has little to no experience riding horses, and Level I camps will focus on grooming skills, leading skills, walking under saddle and starting to sit the trot. Level II riders are those who have already completed Level I camp and exhibit knowledge of grooming, leading, and should feel comfortable in the saddle at a walk or trot. Level II camps will focus on improving rider skills, including trot, guiding at the trot, upward and downward transitions, introduction to post and two point positions and basic figures at the walk. The cost of the half-day camps is $200.

Full-day camps will be for Level II/intermediate riders June 27 to July 1, and for advanced/intermediate riders July 11-15. Full-day campers will learn to feed horses and clean stalls, learn advanced riding and jumping skills, receive demonstrations of veterinary and farrier services, and will participate in a end-of-week show. In addition, campers will take a field trip to Masterson Station in Lexington, a public equestrian park where riders will have the chance to test their skills in a new setting. The cost of the full-day camps is $300.

To register for a camp or to reserve your spot, contact MSU Equestrian Coach Erin LeCompt at 606-776-5129 or email e.siegel@moreheadstate.edu. 

Theatre programs integrate hands-on opportunities into student learning experiences

For MSU theatre students, learning isn’t just confined to performing on stage. The theatre programs provide formal training in all aspects of performance and production, allowing students to gain hands-on experience as early as their freshman year.

As senior theatre major, Katie Dennis from Morehead reflected on her last three years at MSU. She said sharing her work while showing others the continued significance theatre has in modern times is what brings her the greatest sense of pride.

“Theatre artists have the ability to energize our imagination, inspire empathy in the coldest of hearts and give hope where there is little to be found,” Dennis said. “I believe that theatre and the arts resonate with all people.”

Dennis said one of the program’s biggest strengths is found in the hands-on opportunities integrated into each student’s learning experience. As a costume shop work-study and wardrobe crew/supervisor, she spends a lot of time designing and building costumes for on-campus productions. These types of experiences helped her find work at three professional theatre companies during summer breaks, adding an additional 50 show credits to her resume.

She also has worked hard to complete an Undergraduate Research Fellowship. As part of her research, Dennis documented a vast collection of photographic slides of theatrical and historical significance.

“I have broadened my understanding of the processes of research and documentation, as well as improved my knowledge of theatre and costume history in general,” she said. “Most importantly, I learned how my work is connected to other disciplines and how what I do can be used to help students in and outside of theatre.”

Dennis said it is important for students to continually challenge themselves and explore opportunities outside of their comfort zone.

“I would recommend anyone to pursue an Undergraduate Research Fellowship opportunity. It is an incredible asset that will improve your resume and create a point of interest to discuss with potential employers and graduate school officials,” she said. “My communication skills have improved so much. Be it in an academic setting or professional setting, having that type of experience gives you a more polished vernacular than a student who has not been challenged in those ways.

MSU offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and also a minor – which complements a wide range of degrees in the humanities. MSU is also the only public university in Kentucky to provide a theatre program with teaching certification. 

To learn more, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/study/theatre.

Education programs provide nurturing experiences critical to classroom success

A successful career in education requires tremendous dedication to the profession and a desire for continuous improvement. For aspiring educators, programs in MSU’s College of Education provide high-quality preparation and strong support in an environment that facilitates and fosters student learning.

Growing up, senior elementary and special education major Maria Kallas from Springboro, Ohio, always knew she wanted to become a teacher. Her experiences at MSU were challenging, rewarding and have ultimately prepared her to take her dream classroom and mold it into reality.

“Everything I do is motivated by those 28 faces I imagine in my future classroom,” Kallas said. “It has always been my desire to develop as much as I could professionally so that I could serve students to the best of my ability.”

Her participation in two different Undergraduate Research Fellowships while at MSU has been invaluable. During one fellowship, Kallas focused on the effects of technology integration and learned best practices for introducing technology into the classroom. Another experience allowed her to continue research for a behavior change project initiated in one of her applied behavior special education classes. Kallas believes the skills she has learned through researching and practicing her applied behavior analysis will continue to guide her classroom management practices throughout her teaching career.

“As a student teacher and first-year teacher, I will be entering the workforce with knowledge of best practices in technology integration and classroom management – two of the hardest components of teaching,” Kallas said. “I have a passion for teaching unruly students now. I want students who will challenge me and push my buttons. I have also learned how to search and apply for grants to bring technology into my classroom.”

Through extensive field experiences, challenging research fellowships and supportive faculty who have constantly encouraged her in and out of the classroom, Kallas couldn’t be more excited to continue her education journey beyond MSU.

“I haven’t graduated yet and I’ve already been interviewed for upcoming teaching positions. I have been recommended for hiring before even beginning my student teaching. That’s crazy to me!” she said. “I am beyond thankful for all of my experiences at Morehead State.”

MSU offers programs in early childhood, elementary, middle grades and secondary education, and special education. For more information, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/education.

International studies major provides incredible study abroad opportunities

MSU's international studies program serves students who want to achieve a deeper understanding of other nations and cultures, languages and how historical and cultural backgrounds shape current events. The program includes tracks of study specializing in the Eurasian region, Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Danielle Weik is a recent graduate from Independence, Kentucky. Weik believes the program delivers the perfect combination of classroom learning with practical applications of international concepts.

"I have had the privilege of experiencing different world views and perspectives. I feel there is no greater real-world experience than to experience the world itself," says Weik. “Learning to think of other’s points of views and understanding how to appreciate cultural differences is crucial and has prepared me to enter the workforce.”

Weik has completed study abroad experiences in Spain and Costa Rica, in addition to an internship in the Canadian Parliament. She plans on returning to Spain this year to serve as a cultural ambassador and teach English with the Auxiliares Extranjeros program.

Other professions relying on a background in international studies include those in:

• Business
• Communication
• Education
• Journalism
• Law
• Public services
• Social work 

To learn more about international studies at MSU, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/study/international/.

Bryson earns UK graduate fellowship

Brian Bryson

A recent Morehead State graduate has earned a prestigious fellowship at the University of Kentucky

to continue his education.

Brian Bryson of Cincinnati, Ohio, who graduates May 14 with a degree in animal science, was awarded the Lyman Johnson Fellowship at UK, which will allow him to pursue a graduate degree in animal sciences. 

“Brian has arguably been one of the best and brightest that we have had since I have been at MSU,” said Dr. Phil Prater, Department of Agricultural Sciences interim chair. “He also has a humble, friendly nature and he has been a great joy to teach and mentor.”

“I am excited to expand my horizons and attend the University of Kentucky’s graduate school. It’s a much different atmosphere than Morehead State, but I am ready to start a new chapter of my life,” Bryson said, adding there’s a lot he will miss about MSU.

“I will miss my professors who have helped me along the way, especially Dr. Prater,” he said. “I will also miss the ‘small town’ environment and the close friendships I’ve made within my four years here. Without God and my family’s support, none of this would be possible, and I would like to give them thanks.”

Bryson said he first learned he had been awarded the Johnson Fellowship from Dr. Sunday Adekokun at UK, who will be Bryson’s fellowship professor. The two will conduct research on swine and poultry nutrition.

Ag students sell fruits of their labors at plant sale

Morehead State’s Department of Agricultural Sciences is continuing its annual flower and vegetable plant sale May 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the MSU Farm Greenhouse.

A wide selection of Kentucky Proud annual and perennial flowers, as well as herbs and vegetable plants, will be available.

• Annuals: petunias, geraniums, begonias, impatiens, dahlias, zinnias, cosmos, snapdragons, coleus and more
• Perennials: Lavender and purple coneflower
• Vegetable plants: Several varieties of heirloom and hybrid tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, zucchini and okra
• Herbs: several varieties of basil, cilantro, parsley, thyme, oregano, chives and sage

Potted annuals are $1, potted vegetable plants are $1.50 and herb plants are $2. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the University Farm. Accepted forms of payment are cash and check only.

The farm is located on KY 377 (Cranston Road). For more information, contact Amy Lentz at a.lentz@moreheadstate.edu or call 783-8750.