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Jimmy Myers - Education Reporter

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Man found his ‘way to speak through music’
by Jimmy Myers
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

There was a time in Brett Baltezor’s life when he would have been described as shy. But that was long before he could be found on stage with his band “The Revolution,” playing blazing guitar solos on his Fender Stratocaster — behind his back.

Experts to discuss Darwin at Western
by Jimmy Myers
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009

This year marks the 200th anniversary of naturalist Charles Darwin’s birth. Appropriately, this year’s Galileo’s Legacy Conference at Missouri Western State University focuses on Darwin’s contributions to science.

Local students shine at math and science contest
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009

Math and science students from Central High School and Missouri Western State University have once again achieved success at an international science symposium. The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGem) competition held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has tripled in size since Western students first competed in 2006. They competed against 110 other schools, including graduate students from Ivy League universities, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. The team, which included Central High School student Eric Sawyer, Western students Bryce Szczepanik, Clifton Davis, Siya Sun, Ashley Schnoor and William Vernon, received a gold medal in information processing.

Higher ed faces bleak budget outlook
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Three legislators agreed Tuesday at a higher education forum that funding will again top the list of Missouri legislative concerns in 2010.

Wildberger appointed county recorder of deeds
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009

Ed Wildberger’s fascination with state and local history will be well-suited in his new environment.

Education chief stresses teacher preparation
by Jimmy Myers
Monday, Nov. 2, 2009

The nation’s education secretary recently likened education colleges to the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield. “Historically, education schools were the institution that got no respect,” said Dr. Arne Duncan in a speech at Columbia University last week. But Dr. Duncan is also charging these institutions with mediocrity and is calling for a “revolutionary change, not evolutionary tinkering” to the way university education departments train future teachers in this information age. His remarks are included in a speech where he cites a 30 percent high school dropout rate and criticism from teachers who say they didn’t receive enough hands-on training in college.

After 10 months in office, Obama legacy uncertain
by Jimmy Myers
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009

Eric Williams and Dywanne Doyle were in high school when Barack Obama was elected president. They were too young to vote for him, but it didn’t dampen their enthusiasm for the man they still support.
Now freshmen at Missouri Western State University, the men echo the sentiments of several of their fellow co-eds, who in response to criticism of the president, say “give him more time” to follow through on campaign promises.
“If he’s messing up after four years,” said Mr. Williams, “then, yeah, we’re going to be saying something.”
Gallup Poll data shows the president’s approval rating taking a slide from 69 percent in his first month in office to 51 percent last week. From the onset of “Obamania,” many questioned how long the honeymoon would last. For some on the left, the end was signaled in a “Saturday Night Live” skit in early October, in a spoof with an impersonator going through a checklist of unfulfilled promises.

Inauguration ceremony honors Northwest’s 10th president
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Dr. John Jasinski drove his Chevy Nova to the campus of Northwest Missouri State University in the summer of 1986, fresh out of graduate school and intent on staying for a year or two.
The Michigan native and wife, Denise, weren’t very familiar with Missouri, let alone the campus. They made the journey down, sans air conditioning, not knowing what to expect.
“We were young,” said the former broadcasting instructor Friday after his inauguration as the 10th president of the 104-year-old university. “My wife had been here once. ‘I guess we’ll go to Missouri for a year or two, see how the faculty experience goes, and go back to Michigan.’”

Missouri schools buck trend of rising tuition
by Jimmy Myers
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009

Tuition jumped by 6.5 percent nationally over last year’s prices, but local four-year colleges didn’t budge. The scenario could be different next year.
The College Board, a not-for-profit membership association composed of more than 5,400 schools, colleges and universities, released its “Trends in College Pricing” report this week. At just over $7,000, the average price of a year of classes jumped about $429, according to the report.

High-tech mannequin almost like the real thing
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009

ATCHISON, Kan. — Like pilots who spend hours in flight simulators, nurses have a similar method that allows training in a safe environment.

Seniors fight to make ends meet
by Jimmy Myers
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009

The federal government’s announcement last week that Social Security recipients’ checks would reflect no increase next year for the cost of living didn’t illicit much of a new reaction from Jerry Schwichtenberg. Mr. Schwichtenberg, director of the retired and senior volunteer program for InterServ, said previous years’ increases were eaten up by Medicare deductibles. “The deductibles have changed every year,” he said. “They’ve never gone down.”

Wall Street comes to Missouri Western
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009

An idea brought back by students from a business conference has manifested itself on the campus of Missouri Western State University.

Fewer employers take part in area college career fairs
by Jimmy Myers
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009

Employer participation at area college career fairs is down and fewer have full-time positions to fill. But students seeking internships are coming to the right place.

'Art Beat' program to hit small screen
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009

Stacey Park has more than a passing interest in the arts.

Western’s Homecoming 2009 this week
by Jimmy Myers
Monday, Oct. 12, 2009

Missouri Western State University is celebrating Homecoming 2009 this week. The theme is “Back in Time to ’69,” honoring the 40th anniversary of Western’s designation as a four-year institution.

Enrollment increases strain community colleges
by Jimmy Myers
Monday, Oct. 12, 2009

Enrollment growth is good. But it can pose challenges to colleges, particularly when funding goes the opposite direction. Community colleges across the nation are reporting record growth, but state budgets aren’t keeping up. A recent study released by the Education Policy Center at the University of Alabama mapped out the challenges community colleges across the country face, and what they’re up against in the leaner fiscal year ahead. Highland Community College, from where a majority of the students transfer to a four-year university, has yet to make major boosts in its tuition despite taking a 5 percent cut in state funds since January. Another four percent cut could occur in January.

Enrollment up at area colleges
by Jimmy Myers
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009

Enrollment numbers at area colleges are at record levels across the board.
Two four-year universities, two community colleges and one private college all gave preliminary numbers in August that hinted to record enrollments. Schools typically wait until later in the semester, after dual credit hours for high schools and new co-eds get through their first few weeks and make shifts in their enrollment, before they come out with a final tally.
As expected, and as seen across the nation, community college numbers are seeing the most drastic increases. North Central Missouri College is reporting a 16 percent increase to 1,759 students. Highland Community College saw a nearly 17 percent increase over last year, growing to 3,307 students.

Cold will be a factor in weekend events
by Jimmy Myers
Friday, Oct. 9, 2009

Freezing temperatures are coming a week early to the St. Joseph area, as snow threatens to dust neighbors to the north.
Meteorologist Justin Gesling said it will be a “touch breezy and cold” for the Pony Express PumpkinFest, which begins tonight at Patee Park and the Pony Express National Museum. But participants should stay dry, as there is no serious threat of rain for St. Joseph. However, the cold front brings a chance of sleet late Sunday.

Grant funds Western elections program
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009

Missouri Western State University is one of 13 institutions to receive funding to boost the number of students working at area polls on election days.
The $74,800 grant, one of the largest awards granted by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, will also allow Missouri Western to develop a curriculum on election law and how to run an election. The university will have the responsibility of sharing the curriculum with other schools in Missouri.

Western police institute secures $450K gran
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009

No stranger to large federal grants for law enforcement training, Bryan Courtney has secured another one — this time for nearly a half-million dollars. Mr. Courtney, director of the Regional Community Policing Institute (RCPI), which is housed at Missouri Western State University, was pleased to see a $450,000 grant from the Department of Justice announcement Tuesday. He said the grant is a result of the office’s previous accomplishments. The RCPI trains law enforcement agencies across the country on issues from gang violence to mortgage fraud. Mr. Courtney has traveled from Southern California and everywhere in between while compiling panels of experts to offer training in each field. Meanwhile, Missouri Western students get applied learning experience and internship opportunities.

Report calls for more gambling regulation on college campuses
by Jimmy Myers
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009

A national gambling task force report released last week calls for more gambling policies on U.S. college campuses.

H1N1 fervor taking hold
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009

The fervor over the H1N1 virus that began in April hasn’t died down. Emergency rooms are seeing an influx of patients concerned that they have the virus.
Parents who most likely would have stayed home with their sick children last year are bringing them in for treatment, said Pam Joggerst, Heartland Health’s team leader for infection, prevention and control. Many of the cases turn out to be allergies, asthma or the common cold.

Taking carbon out of the equation
by Jimmy Myers
Friday, Oct. 2, 2009

Environmentalist Robert Kennedy Jr. has a lot to say, and he won’t waste a second of his allotted speaking time.
Save for a quick drink of water, the son of the late senator and attorney general didn’t leave time for dramatic pauses or even the customary joke at the beginning of his speech about the environment Thursday at the 16th Convocation of Critical Issues at Missouri Western State University.

Bleak outlook for school funding
by Jimmy Myers
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Not even photos of cuddly koalas could brighten the gloom in Paul Wagner’s PowerPoint presentation.

Speaker brings back memories
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009

When Dr. Janet Gorman McCarthy introduces Robert Kennedy Jr. at Missouri Western State University’s convocation dinner Wednesday, it will be their first time meeting. But Dr. McCarthy’s history with the Kennedy family dates back to the 1960s.
Dr. McCarthy, who was president at Western for 17 years (then known as Dr. Janet Gorman Murphy), was raised on the East Coast where she currently lives. She worked for the Massachusetts State College system in the 1960s and would often take calls from Sen. Ted Kennedy’s office regarding education issues. When Teddy’s older brother Robert ran for president, he asked Dr. McCarthy to work on his brother’s campaign.

Western's president optimistic for future
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009

Missouri Western State University’s president says that despite financial hurdles that loom over the next fiscal year, the college is poised to overcome obstacles.
Dr. Bob Vartabedian gave a “state of the university” address Friday morning at St. Joe Rising, a quarterly event held by the government relations committee of the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce. He updated a crowd of about 60 local elected officials, city and county leaders, and business community members.

Preliminary report indicates natural causes in Northwest student's death
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009

Preliminary reports show that a Northwest Missouri State University student died Monday of natural causes.

Training to be offered for windmill technicians
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009

Standing sentinel over farmland scattered throughout rural Northwest Missouri are 79 massive windmills, seemingly unattended.
But someone has to climb to the top of and maintain these behemoth energy producers, by some accounts, one technician for every five or six windmills. North Central Missouri College will soon offer training to fill these positions.

Area universities say bond debt is not a problem
by Jimmy Myers
Monday, Sept. 21, 2009

Despite a failing economy, area universities say they are not struggling with bond debt.

Student loan defaults rise
by Jimmy Myers
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009

More students are having difficulty paying back their student loans and more are predicted to default in light of the recession, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Speaker warns of grim future for science
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009

When Dr. Bill Carroll lobbied for the president’s seat at the American Chemical Society, many in the industry were questioning whether there was a future for chemistry in the U.S. In his presentation and advice session to about two dozen science students at Missouri Western State University on Tuesday, he started with some grim facts that would suggest the naysayers were on target — 40 percent to 50 percent of chemistry, physics and math teachers in American high schools will retire or will be eligible to retire in the next five years. More sobering was Dr. Carroll’s assertion that about 50 percent of the current high school chemistry teachers have less than a minor in chemistry as their qualification. “The most critical thing to point out is that if we’re going to build our future on technology,” he said, “we need a better foundation and we need to feed that foundation by encouraging people into teaching.”

Chillicothe hosts Stage 6 start
by Jimmy Myers
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009

A week of cooperative weather held steady on Saturday for the start of the sixth stage in the third annual Tour of Missouri.
Thousands crowded the town square in Chillicothe to get a glimpse of the bicyclists preparing the 100-mile-plus ride into St. Joseph.
Piggybacking on the Chautauqua in the Park event in its 25th year, at least one organizer thought the town could hit numbers of 50,000 with the professional race in town. About 10,000 usually show for the Chautauqua.

To the victor go the spoils
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009

A St. Joseph man who is deeply involved in the world of horses and real-life cowboys has left his mark in the world of skinny men with bulbous leg muscles wearing tight shorts.
The worlds intertwined last year when saddle maker Russ Mooney was asked to build a replica Pony Express mochila as a prize to the winner of the first stage of the Tour of Missouri professional cycling race.

Northwest dedicates center
by Jimmy Myers
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Years of patient waiting came to a ceremonial close Wednesday, as Northwest Missouri State University celebrated the opening of a new science building.

Bigger crowds expected for ’09 Tour of Missouri
by Jimmy Myers
Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009

It was on a cold and dreary September Monday last year when 120 of the world’s best competitive bicyclists began a leisurely ride through the Parkway System and out of town, destined for Kansas City.
Organizers of the Tour of Missouri, especially local organizers, were expecting a larger crowd. School, work and weather took the brunt of the blame for the lack of fans.
But this year, instead of a leisurely weekday cruise, fans will likely get a weekend sprint finish as the riders (two of whom are the top sprinters in the world) pedal from Chillicothe to the finish line behind City Hall on Francis Street.

Libraries presented with grant money
by Jimmy Myers
Friday, Sept. 4, 2009

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan was in St. Joseph Thursday, handing over a ceremonial check for $38,000 for new computers at three St. Joseph library branches. She also took some questions about her bid for a seat in the U.S. Senate.
Missouri is one of 11 states that split $1 million in library grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Carnegie, Washington Park and East Hills libraries will use the money to purchase 40 new computers, software, printers and training for staff and patrons.

Western prez has big plans for empty lot
by Jimmy Myers
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009

In the early morning hours of Dec. 31, 1981, Missouri Western State University lost its first and only presidential residence.

Papal ambassador speaks at Benedictine
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009

Robert Finn, bishop of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese, asked Pope Benedict after his election in 2005 to consider visiting Benedictine College. “We got the next best thing,” the Rev. Finn said Tuesday to a crowd of about 800, referring to Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Pope’s ambassador to the U.S., who spoke at Benedictine’s convocation Tuesday. The Rev. Sambi, whose official title is the apostolic nuncio to the U.S., was joined on the dais by bishops and archbishops from Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas and Maryland.

Northwest expects record enrollment
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009

Northwest Missouri State University opened the school year Monday following a growth trend other area schools are experiencing. University officials are expecting a record enrollment of about 7,200. In the third year of a five-year growth plan, Northwest is on track to reach its target of 7,650 students. But keeping enrollment at that number could be difficult as the last of the baby boomers’ children graduate high school. According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), the number of high school graduates in Missouri will drop 5 percent by the year 2020. Missouri’s high school graduation numbers increased steadily since 1992. According to the commission, 46,556 students graduated in 1992, compared to 57,841 in 2005. Nationally, about 3.3 million graduated in 2008, which is expected to be the largest class before numbers begin to drop.

Scholarships remain steady in spite of economic crisis
by Jimmy Myers
Monday, Aug. 31, 2009

College enrollment tends to increase during times of economic downturn. So does the need for scholarships.
Two area universities are throwing millions of dollars to deserving students, many of whom, especially as of late, need more and more support to earn a degree.
Despite the economic downturn, scholarship award totals have remained consistent. Northwest Missouri State University held steady with last year’s total — $14.7 million. But with state revenues down, officials at Northwest and Missouri Western State University are keeping fingers crossed that universities won’t take the brunt of the punch, which would affect scholarships.

Northwest reports swine flu
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009

Northwest Missouri State University appears to have its first two cases of H1N1 flu on campus.

Western campus bursting at the seams
by Jimmy Myers
Friday, Aug. 28, 2009

Missouri Western State University officials say they could hit an all-time high enrollment this semester of 6,000 after five years of growth.
Numbers won’t be official for another four weeks, but Western is seeing a 5 percent increase in student enrollment over this time last year. The current projection is just over 5,800, but Dr. Bob Vartabedian, president, said during a board meeting Thursday that this could be the year (with the help of yet-to-be-reported dual enrollment numbers from area high schools) that the head count hits the milestone.
“If we get to 6,000, we’ll make a splashy announcement,” he said.

Keeping college kids on track
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — John Gardner managed a 0.65 grade-point average in his first semester of college. He’s now considered one of the foremost experts in laying the groundwork for freshman success.

Western sees jump in international students
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009

Sprinkled among the nearly 6,000 students who began class Monday on the campus of Missouri Western State University was a small but growing population of international students. The percentage over last year’s numbers is big, but the numbers are still tiny — 23 students from 11 countries — France, Australia, South Korea, China, Bangladesh, Germany, Afghanistan, Philippines, Kenya, Israel and Turkey attend Western on student visas. Western President Dr. Bob Vartabedian came to campus in 2008 with a goal of raising international attendance by 10 students per year until they reach their maximum allowed student visas of around 100.

Archbishop to visit Benedictine College
by Jimmy Myers
Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009

Benedictine College will be receiving another high-ranking member of the Catholic Church in September.
The college played host to Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Vatican’s representative at the United Nations, in February. Now Benedictine welcomes Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S. (the Vatican’s ambassador), who will celebrate mass at St. Benedict’s Abbey Church and deliver a keynote address on campus, talking about diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the U.S.

Area demo company cited by DNR
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009

Patrick Fee has come to realize that when times are tough, the competition gets wicked.

‘Hire a Griffon’ program boosts students’ visibility
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009

If Matthew Gregg had it his way, he’d have a 3-by-3-foot sticker reading “A Griffon Works Here” displayed prominently at every business employing a Missouri Western State University student or graduate. But he’s settling for a 3-by-3-inch sticker instead.

Educators prepare for possible flu problems
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009

The hype surrounding the H1N1 virus might have died down, but the interest on college campuses has become a priority as educators prepare for the beginning of the school year and a flood of students, most of whom are in the age range that is hit hardest by the virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus’s target audience is the 25 and under age group. Influenza, according to the CDC, goes dormant during the summer months, but the H1N1 virus has remained active — 43,000 cases have been reported in the U.S. since April, and 302 people have died.
Classes at Northwest Missouri State University and Missouri Western State University begin next Monday. Students will be strongly encouraged to take hygiene into consideration. They were at the end of their semester and taking finals when the virus (first known as the swine flu) made headlines in the spring.

Western team’s work gets international attention
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009

Dr. Jeff Poet is a self-described “chalk and chalkboard” type of math teacher. But lately he’s been hunched over petri dishes alongside students to solve mathematics puzzles.
Accompanied by Dr. Todd Eckdahl, a biology professor at Missouri Western State University, the professors and their students are reveling in the recent success of a scientific paper they published, covering a complex experiment.

Professor conquers flu to compete in senior swimming contest
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009

Dr. David Easterla’s mother was expecting nothing less than gold when her son went off to the Senior National Summer Games in California earlier this month.