The SMSU Podcast

This week, Josh and Marcy go through highlights from past year’s guests and some of the exciting things SMSU does throughout the year!

This week, we talk about the Graduate studies programs here at SMSU, and more specifically, the Education Learning Communities that provide a unique experience for educators looking to further their careers! The program is designed where students meet once a month for a weekend in a cohort, the program takes two years to complete and you learn in your area with educators from your area! For more i...

This week, we have Michael Van Keulen, Associate Director of Student Success, to talk about getting ahead through SMSU! Michael touches on how SMSU encourages the 15-credit-per-semester model so that undergraduate students graduate within the 4-year window while not feeling overworked with a heavy class schedule! The other way SMSU helps students get ahead or catch up is through our summer courses...

This week returning guest Dr. Daniel Rieppel joins us to highlight the Schubert Festival performance that runs from April 23rd-26th with Thursday’s performance taking place at the Campus Religious Center at 7:30 pm, Fridays performance also taking place at the CRC starting at 6:30 pm, Saturday’s performance is a round table discussion running from 2-4 pm at the CRC and Sunday the Festival wraps up...

This week, we have so many things going on that we have a double guest feature! Kim Gunther, Assistant Director of Development, joins to talk about M4L, which is on April 16th, 2026, starting at Midnight and running the full 24-hour period on Thursday! Make sure to donate at www. M4Lday.com Our second guest this week is Dr. Heather Moreland, Professor of Mathematics, talking about the 2nd annual S...

This week, we dive into the world of theatre with the Professor of Theatre and director of SMSU’s spring mainstage production, Tartuffe—joined by Peder, a lead actor in the show and an Entertainment and Theatre Arts major. Together, they share how Tartuffe was selected for the season, what it’s like bringing a classic comedy to life, and what students can expect from the Entertainment and Theatre...

Southwest Minnesota State University will welcome author and survivor advocate Danielle Leukam to campus on Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in Bellows Academic 102 for a public presentation titled “Take Back Your Power: My Experience, My Message.” Leukam is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and advocate whose work centers on healing, resilience, and empowerment for survivors of trauma. Drawing...

The Mustang Market Coordinator, Joyce Robinson, discusses how the Mustang Market came to be on campus and the purpose it serves. Mustang Market is SMSU’s permanent food and resource pantry, located in Bellows Academic 154. The market is open on Thursdays from noon to 7 pm. All food and supplies are free to our on- and off-campus community for those seeking the resources we offer.

Assistant Professor Jessica Hennen previews the creative writing’s Visiting Writers Series with Jennifer Eli Bowen and Michael Kleber-Diggs. Along with the Visiting Writers Series event, the Fine Arts Roundup and the Fine Arts Celebration will feature students majoring in English who will showcase their work.  Fine Arts Roundup- https://www.smsufoundation.org/finearts

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! Also don't miss out on the Fine Arts Roundup on March 27th, 2026 at 6pm sign up at the link below!  Fine Arts Roundup- https://www...

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...

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.   L...

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 Bemid...

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 Sa...

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 Screeni...

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, Ass...

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 fo...

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...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 2...