Claim OwnershipThe SMSU Podcast
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The official podcast of Southwest Minnesota State University.
A curated catalog of academics, athletics and alumni.
A curated catalog of academics, athletics and alumni.
119 Episodes
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This week, Dr. John Ginocchio joins the SMSU campus update to go over upcoming performances during the fine arts celebration, along with other concerts being performed leading up to the month-long celebration! Below is the link to the full Fine Arts Celebration lineup!
https://www.smsu.edu/academics/departments/fineartsandcommunication/fine-arts-celebration.html
The 11th president of Southwest Minnesota State University is Dr. David Jones! Dr. Jones has devoted his career to education, including over three decades of experience in higher education both in the classroom and leadership roles.
He has a proven record of developing innovative enrollment management strategies leading to enrollment growth and strong retention numbers as well as a commitment to, and experience with, shared governance.
Sonya and Kala go through what the process was like going through getting the SMSU School of Education seven year accreditation. Make sure to check out the SMSU School of Education if you are interested in becoming a teacher!
Director of Natasha Boe discusses the importance of financial aid and where to start.
Natasha goes through the different opportunities for grants and scholarships that provide free aid you don’t have to pay back.
This week, we have Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs Devin Gorter to talk about the Gold Rush Raffle
The Mustang Gold Rush Raffle is the Mustang Club's largest annual fundraiser. The Raffle is THE event to be at on SMSU's campus. A limited number of tickets are sold for the reverse raffle and are $100 per person, which includes entry into the event and into the reverse raffle.
Live and silent auctions are also included in the event, along with casino games and a variety of other great games.
You can reserve a ticket with the link below! ⬇️
https://smsumustangs.com/sb_output.aspx?form=149
Southwest Minnesota State University welcomed acclaimed author and cultural preservationist Dr. Anton Treuer (pronounced troy-er) to campus on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, for programming on Native American heritage and dialogue on race and culture.
Dr. Anton Treuer is Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of many books. He is building an Ojibwe teacher training program at Bemidji State University, and his equity, education, and cultural work have put him on a path of service around the nation and the world.
Dr. Treuer, author of the widely praised book Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask, shared insights from his work and his lifelong commitment to preserving the Ojibwe language
This week, Kelly Loft joins the show to go over all of the fun activities that are happening on campus during Tropical Night weekend, including the Hall of Honor Inductees, going over the inductees and their allocations during their time at SMSU, and where they’re at now!
Kelly also goes over what is going on this weekend, which includes both the men’s and women’s basketball games on Friday and Saturday. The women’s swimming and diving, and wrestling on Friday! The SMSU Alumni Foundation will have a social right before the basketball games on Saturday in the RA Facility!
For a list of campus events linked here: https://www.smsu.edu/events/meltdown/index.html
This week, we cover all of the events and opportunities that The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at SMSU is hosting in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year’s theme is “Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way” and features educational and volunteer opportunities to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Events include the Vernon Jordan Documentary Screening (in-person) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 12:00-1:15pm in CH104. Free and open to all. No registration required.
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, a virtual screening of the Vernon Jordan Documentary will be available at 12:00-1:15pm via Zoom. Sign up required to participate in the Zoom. Register at: qrco.de/vernonjordan
The “I Have a Dream” Reflection room is in SC 235 and is available from January 12-23, Monday - Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Visitors are welcome to stop in and reflect as frequently as they like. Faculty are encouraged to bring their classes to the space.
There will be a Clothing and Food Drive from January 12-23. Items can be brought to the ODI Office (SC 231) from Monday, January 12 to Friday, January 23. Refer the Mustang Market’s website for donation ideas: www.smsu.edu/campuslife/mustangmarket
There are also Volunteer opportunities have been a traditional part of SMSU’s MLK Day programming. This year, individuals can sign up for a number of service projects and programs:
SMSU Mustang Market: Assist in shelf stocking and organizing food donations.
Lyon County Museum: Help with organization in the storage room.
UCAP Kitchen Table and Food Shelf- Marshall, Tracy, or Westbrook: Assist in shelf stocking, unloading truck deliveries, and packing food requests
UCAP Free Tax Clinic: Provide administrative support by helping clients schedule appointments.
Visit www.SMSU.edu/go/MLK for specific dates, days, and times of availability at each volunteer location. #MLKDAY2026
Our very own Julie Walker has been awarded the, McKnight Heart of Community Honor! The honor celebrates people who are the pulse of Minnesota’s caring and connected communities. It is named for Virginia McKnight Binger, the Foundation’s first board chair and the daughter of McKnight’s founders, William and Maude McKnight.
Julie Walker is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies program, Assistant Director of Forensics (Speech and Debate Team), Director of the LGBTQ+ Center and Women’s Center, and founder of the Online Asynchronous (Speech) Tournament Series, for which she was named the winner of the Larry Schnoor District IV Distinguished Service Award for contributions to the American Forensics Association in 2023.
Applying for college can be difficult for families. Charlotte Wahle breaks down what families and you, as a student, should be doing at this point in the year. Make sure to get ready for Winter Discover Day on January 17th! This is a great opportunity to meet your possible roommate and get to know the campus and what classes may look like at SMSU!
This episode highlights the 20th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference at SMSU. Professors Dr. Alyssa Anderson and Dr. Mostafa Hegazy and Keynote speaker Dr. Emily Deaver join the conversation to discuss:
The purpose and impact of the conference on student learning and professional development.
How undergraduate research fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
Opportunities for students to present their work and gain real-world experience.
The role faculty play in mentoring and guiding students through the research process.
It’s an inspiring look at how SMSU empowers students to showcase their ideas and contribute to academic scholarship.
Below is the schedule for the day on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd
8:30 a.m. Student Presentations Begin
8:30 a.m. Poster Presentations Begin - Lower CC
8:45 a.m. Virtual Presentations Begin - Online via Zoom
9:00 a.m. Oral Presentations Begin - Upper CC
11:00 a.m.: Welcome: Dr. David P. Jones, Interim President
11:05 a.m.: Keynote Address: Unlocking Opportunities for Learning and Growth by Dr. Emily Deaver, SMSU Professor Emerita of Environmental Science
12:30 p.m. Student Presentations Continue
4:00 p.m. Library Research Award
This episode celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week with guests Marsha Grimes-Rose, Assistant Professor in SMSU’s NorthStar School of Business, and the Associate Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They dive into:
What Global Entrepreneurship Week is all about and why it matters for students and the local community.
Opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurship and innovation through SMSU programs and events.
How the SBDC supports aspiring entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and guidance.
Practical advice for anyone interested in starting a business or developing entrepreneurial skills.
It’s an inspiring conversation about fostering creativity, leadership, and business growth in Southwest Minnesota.
In this episode, Jamie and Wesley review all the events happening on campus related to SMSU’s International Education Week celebration.
The week kicks off on Monday, November, 17th with an International Potluck starting at 4 PM and Tuesday through Thursday each night a student has put together a presentation representing their home country, Nepal: Tuesday, November 18 at 4:00 PM, Malawi: Wednesday, November 19 at 4:00 PM, Jamaica: Thursday, November 20 at 4:00 PM, Mali: Thursday, November 20 at 4:30 PM and the final night of the event will be the International Gala running from 6-11 PM and tickets are $20 or $150 for a whole table!
Wesley also discusses his experience studying abroad in Taiwan and how students can experience studying abroad through SMSU.
In this episode, Tony Nubile, SMSU’s Director of Facilities, drops by to chat about the recent floor repairs in the RA Facility. He shares what sparked the project, how the team approached it, and what goes into maintaining campus spaces as safe and functional as possible. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the kind of work most people don’t see—but definitely benefit from.
Tony also discusses how the Facilities crew works around student schedules to complete tasks with minimal disruption. It’s a great reminder of the care that goes into maintaining the spaces we all use every day.
This episode features Professor of Theatre and Costume Designer Sheila Tabaka and SMSU theatre student Caleb, who discuss the university’s upcoming production of Pride and Prejudice and Sleepy Hollow. The conversation explores:
The creative process behind adapting Jane Austen’s classic novel for the stage.
Insights into costume design, character development, and the collaborative nature of theatre at SMSU.
Caleb’s experience as a student actor and how participating in the production has shaped his academic and artistic journey.
The broader goals of the Entertainment & Theatre Arts Program include fostering student growth and community engagement.
Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and artistry that go into bringing this timeless story to life on campus.
Sleepy Hollow will be performed on October 31 and November 1, 2025
7:30 PM, 8:15 PM, and 9 PM
Pride and Prejudice's performance is on November 12, 13 & 14 at 7:30 PM
November 15 at 2 PM & 7:30 PM
November 16 at 3 PM**
with special music by harpist, Caroline Koska, on Nov. 12, 14, 15
SMSU Fine Arts Theatre
Tickets $10 at the door
Free for students with a valid SMSU ID
In this episode, Dr. Daniel Rieppel previews the upcoming Southwest Minnesota Orchestra concert, highlighting the musical selections and themes that will shape the performance. He discusses the significance of the featured composers, the emotional and historical context behind the music, and what audiences can expect from this season’s opening concert.
The episode also celebrates Dr. Rieppel’s 25th anniversary as the orchestra’s musical director and reflects on his recent Emmy Award recognition alongside a former SMSU student. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Southwest Minnesota’s most anticipated cultural events.
In this episode, Charlotte Wahle, Director of Admissions at SMSU, joins the show to ease the worries of going through the college admissions journey. Whether you're a high school student, parent, or educator, this conversation offers valuable insights into:
What students should know before applying to college
Key deadlines and tips for navigating the admissions timeline
How SMSU supports prospective students through personalized guidance
The importance of campus visits and how to make the most of them
Charolette shares her passion for helping students find the right fit and encourages listeners to explore all that SMSU has to offer.
The SMSU Creative Writing and English Program hosts prominent authors on campus as part of its ongoing Visiting Writers Series. This semester, SMSU is proud to welcome Heid E. Erdrich for a public reading on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 7:00 pm in Charter Hall 201. Erdrich is the author of nine books of poetry and prose as well as a teacher and curator.
Her reading is the first installment of the visiting writer series for the 2025-26 academic year. The series is coordinated by Jessie Hennen, Director of Creative Writing and Literature at SMSU. The reading is free and open to the public.
Homecoming 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting celebrations yet at Southwest Minnesota State University! In this episode, Hannah Abel, Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach, joins us to preview the full slate of events happening on campus.
🏟️ Highlights include:
Saturday Morning Mustang Radio Show – Kick off the day with live updates from Mustang Athletics coaches and staff at Extra Innings & Varsity Pub.
SMSU Homecoming Parade – For the first time, the Homecoming Parade will take place on campus, starting at noon—the route winds through Mustang Territory, showcasing school spirit and SMSU pride.
Game Day Roundup Tailgate – Enjoy food, drinks, and community vibes with local businesses like The Hitching Post joining the festivities.
Southwest Celebration & Alumni Awards – On Friday evening, SMSU honors distinguished alumni and showcases campus projects during a formal dinner and mixer at the Conference Center.
Football Game at the Regional Event Center – Following Gameday Round-up, the Mustangs take on the Cougars at 5:00 pm.
Johnny Holm Concert - Immediately following the football game, Johnny Holm will be playing live on Mustang Trail
For the full lineup for homecoming, go to: https://www.smsualumni.com/homecoming/homecoming-schedule.html
Whether you're a student, alum, or community member, this episode is your guide to making the most of Homecoming weekend. Join us as we celebrate tradition, pride, and the vibrant spirit of SMSU!
This week, SMSU highlights Cecelia Parmeter, a dedicated Culinology student, who shares her experience helping launch this semester's Mustang Kitchen on campus. The episode explores:
Cecelia’s journey through the Culinology program at SMSU.
The vision and purpose behind the Mustang Kitchen.
Insights into the hands-on learning opportunities the kitchen provides.
Make sure to reserve your spot! Click the link below to sign up for your favorite dish. https://www.smsu.edu/academics/programs/hospitality/restaurant/index.html
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