Rice said the memories came rushing back the moment she stepped onto campus. Grabbing lunch in Stamper Commons and walking past familiar brick buildings felt timeless, even if her journey since graduating has taken her to film festivals and soundstages around the globe. 

The journalist and award-winning filmmaker returned to her alma mater to present “,” her short film about a surprise memorial for a left breast. The dark comedy focuses on the emotional journey of breast cancer treatment.����

Hosted during the college’s first-ever Stephens Cares Health Week, the event brought together students, faculty and local healthcare leaders for an afternoon of art and advocacy. 

Laughter as a Bridge to Healing 

For Rice, an accomplished writer and director whose honors include being an AFI Directing Workshop for Women+ finalist and a Sundance New Voices Lab finalist, storytelling has always been about connection. “Lay Lefty Down” uses humor and raw vulnerability to demystify an often-terrifying diagnosis. 

“What’s important for me to remember with this piece in particular is that this is about something bigger than me,” Rice said. “It was very rewarding to share it with my alma mater, to share the emotional side of going through breast cancer, to try to bring some levity and humor and to really share what the experience was like.” 

The screening created an open forum on campus, encouraging young women to talk frankly about health, vulnerability and mutual support. 

Pairing Storytelling with Medical Expertise 

To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of breast health, Rice partnered with Dr. Jennifer O’Neill, a breast surgeon at Boone Health. 

The collaboration allowed the audience to explore both the clinical realities and personal impact of treatment, from chemotherapy to mastectomies. 

“She was talking about her experience in a comedy format where she could say, ‘This is what we really go through,’ and try to make light of it while bringing awareness,” O’Neill said of Rice’s film. “To me, it was very impactful.” 

O’Neill praised the film for capturing the genuine shock of a diagnosis while using comedy to make difficult conversations accessible to college students. 

“When we asked about who has a connection to breast cancer, nearly everybody in the audience knew somebody,” O’Neill said. “It’s not uncommon, but it isn’t something we talk about enough.” 

O’Neill emphasized the importance of self-advocacy and baseline body awareness for young women. 

“One in eight women will develop breast cancer,” O’Neill said. “If you know what’s normal for you, you’ll be better able to detect a change if it were to happen. The more we talk about it, the more aware people are going to be.” 

The Stephens Foundation 

While Rice graduated with a theatre degree before Stephens established its current film program, she credits the college with teaching her how to navigate the demands of independent filmmaking. 

Her training at Stephens and summer stock experience at the Okoboji Summer Theatre taught her versatility and grit. 

“Our education here in the theatre program completely prepared me because we did everything,” Rice said. “We wore a lot of different hats. That gives you the confidence that you can do whatever you have to do to get stuff done.” 

Rice noted that theatre and film share vital creative roots—from writing and directing to design—making her return to a campus that now offers a dedicated filmmaking program even more meaningful. 

Empowering the Next Generation 

Both Rice and O’Neill applauded Stephens for prioritizing women’s health through dedicated campus events. For Rice, returning to connect with current students reinforced the enduring power of the Stephens community. 

“Women’s health still isn’t given quite enough attention,” Rice said. “I think Stephens is doing something really important. I’m just grateful that we can support each other, support women and listen to each other.” 

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The event served as the centerpiece of “Stephens Cares Health Week” (Oct. 5-9), an initiative organized with to promote everyday wellness, preventive care, and hands-on learning across campus. ��

Building a Week of Health Awareness

The week kicked off on Monday with a campus blood drive organized by the Tri Beta Biological Honors Society. &�Բ�����;

On Wednesday, leaders from across Columbia filled Kimball Ballroom to educate students on various health topics. From the importance of breast cancer screening to fitness classes and chiropractors, students spoke with industry leaders to learn more about their practices. 

Programming continues Thursday with a Nursing Preview Day at the Center for Nursing from 9 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a 12:45 screening of the breast cancer awareness short film “” in Windsor Auditorium featuring alumna director and guest speaker, Boone Health Breast Surgeon . ��

Health Week wrapped up on Friday with a “Pink Out” Volleyball game honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Silverthorne Arena.��

During the game, Stephens Athletic Director Betty Villalobos honored and Dr. O’Neill by dedicating the game-day ball to celebrate her accomplishments in the medical field and the partnership between Boone Health and �Թ���.����

Real-World Practice for Nursing Students 

Stephens students transformed classroom theory into community care during Wednesday’s health fair. &�Բ�����;

Students staffed educational tables focused on hypertension and diabetes management while running a free flu shot clinic for faculty and staff. 

“When you’re teaching your craft, you know your craft better,” said Dr. Karina Floyd, Director of the �Թ��� Nursing Program. “Plus, our students get a clinical check-off for administering intramuscular injections to the public.” 

Floyd emphasized that college is the ideal window for establishing healthy habits and illness awareness. 

“This is the prime age to really get the education done,” Floyd said. “Especially while they’re young women, some of them are going to develop these same conditions. It’s good to be self-aware for prevention-for themselves, their families and their friends.”  

Meeting Students Where They Are 

Community health leaders also attended to provide direct, barrier-free access to public health services. &�Բ�����;

Cody Jenkerson, HIV Health Coordinator, was joined by a team from the Columbia/Boone Public Health and Human Services to provide free 15-minute rapid HIV and syphilis testing alongside free naloxone (Narcan) and fentanyl test strips. 

“We are glad to be out here providing testing and educating students about what sort of public health assistance we provide,” said Jenkerson. “All of our rapid sexual health testing is free, so HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis C testing are completely free, and we just want to make sure that students know these options are available to them.”  

Jenkerson added that STI testing is also offered at a discount to students who bring in their ID. In addition, the department also has 24-hour access to naloxone, a drug used to help reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. &�Բ�����;

More information on the services the health department provides can be found . 

Empowering Early Advocacy  

Breast health awareness was another focal point of the event, reinforcing the mission of Thursday’s film screening, Lay Lefty Down. 

Dr. Jennifer O’Neill of Boone Health urged young women to start practicing regular self-exams and understand their personal baseline. 

“The biggest misconception is that people feel like, ‘My family didn’t have it, so I’m not going to develop it,’” O’Neill said. “One in eight women get breast cancer independent of risk factors. Knowing what’s normal for you in your 20s and 30’s is critical.” 

O’Neill reminded attendees that annual mammograms begin at the age of 40, but proactive self-advocacy begins much earlier. ��More information on breast exams and breast health awareness and the Boone Health Breast Care Unit can be found .��

Whole-Body Care and Campus Connection 

Holistic health and stress relief rounded out the afternoon. 

On their way in, guests were greeted by Teenie, a miniature therapy horse that was brought by Shelby Baxley ’15. Baxley, the stables operation manager and equestrian program coordinator, shared more about Teenie’s training program, helped Teenie welcome guests, and answered any questions students or staff had. &�Բ�����;

Megan Lantz, a current Stephens nursing student and assistant at , educated her peers on Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) and spinal alignment. 

“Subluxation, which is your misalignment, can cause scar tissue to form if it is not corrected within seven days,” said Lantz. “I love the holistic approach and helping people learn that there are other methods of care to treat a variety of different issues, and chiropractic care can be helpful for a variety of different ailments.”   

Active Life Chiropractic will be holding free exams and X-rays on October 22^nd. &�Բ�����;

Lantz added that she feels honored to represent Active Life Chiropractic at the fair.   

“I love the work we do at our office,” said Lantz. “I love the people I work with, and I love that Stephens held the event so groups like us can come out and share and help the community.”  

O’Neill shared Lantz’s sentiment, adding, “I think it’s great that Stephens is bringing awareness and promoting women’s health. It’s important to know what to look for in your 20s and 30s, so you know how things have changed, and you have the tools to advocate for yourself.” 

“It’s always good to be self-aware for prevention,” said Dr. Floyd. “It’s important for their own families and friends; friends share things as well, so it’s imperative at this age that they are learning what to look out for.”  

Organizers and participants expressed optimism that the well-attended fair will return as an annual Stephens tradition. &�Բ�����;

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The briefing, moderated by Dr. Emmanual Guillory of the , convened policymakers, students, and financial aid leaders to examine how proposed changes to federal aid programs would ripple through the lives of real students and families.

Gilbert brought the perspective of small, private colleges to the conversation, representing institutions where personalized financial aid counseling is often the difference between a student enrolling and walking away. 

Joining Gilbert on the panel were Julia Davis, a PhD student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the ; Brad Barnett, Associate Vice President for Access and Enrollment Management/Financial Aid Director at and past Chair; and Griffin Crouch, Student Body President at .

Together, the panel offered Congressional staff a 360-degree view of the student aid ecosystem, spanning the undergraduate experience, graduate research funding, and the institutional work that makes it all run. 

A Message From the Front Lines 

During her remarks, Gilbert reminded attendees that students don’t experience federal aid programs the way lawmakers see them on paper. 

“I’ve sat across from students and families trying to figure out how they’re going to make college work. They aren’t thinking about whether a dollar came from Pell, FSEOG, Work-Study, the state of Missouri, or �Թ���. They’re looking at the bottom line and asking, ‘Can I do this?'” 

“If there’s one thing I would ask you to remember when you’re looking at these programs as lines in an appropriations bill, it’s that students experience them together. A reduction in one program doesn’t make that student’s financial need disappear. It simply changes who has to fill the gap.” 

Her message landed at a pivotal moment, as Congress weighs appropriations decisions and continues implementation of the , which is reshaping entire aid programs and loan calculations. 

Stephens Leadership in the Room 

�Թ��� President Dr. Shannon B. Lundeen attended the briefing alongside Gilbert, underscoring the institution’s commitment to ensuring small colleges are represented in national conversations about higher education policy. 

“When the rules change, we want our people at the table contributing to the conversation, not just reacting to it, and that’s exactly where Keri has been,” said Lundeen. “To watch her speak directly to Congressional staff about the role federal financial aid plays in sustaining access to higher education for students at a small college in Missouri is advocacy of the most meaningful kind. Her voice helps ensure that institutions like ours, and the students we serve, are not an afterthought in decisions about federal financial aid policy and the future of higher education.”

A Continued National Presence 

Gilbert’s appearance at the Congressional briefing follows her recognition earlier this year as the , honoring sustained, creative, and integrity-driven leadership in financial aid. She has presented at every NASFAA National Conference since joining Stephens and has become a sought-after voice on the realities facing small-college financial aid offices during a period of unprecedented regulatory change. 

For the students and families she serves, and the many more represented by colleges like Stephens across the country, that seat at the table matters. 

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Marking the first production of the 2026-2027 season, the show sets a high-stakes, ambitious tone for the Conservatory. Based on Frank Wedekind’s groundbreaking 1891 German play–with music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater–the rock musical follows nineteenth-century adolescents navigating emerging adulthood, identity, and desire within an intensely repressive society. &�Բ�����;

“The show explores what happens when young people are denied truthful conversations about their own lives and the adults they are becoming,” said director Craig Carnelia, an acclaimed Broadway veteran and adjunct acting faculty member at Stephens. “The composer and lyricist created a thrilling, rambunctious and visceral score out of that frustration. Our students have completely immersed themselves in doing serious and beautiful work. &�Բ�����;

High-Energy Rehearsals with Safety at the Center 

Rehearsals across Macklanburg Playhouse are wrapping up after several weeks of rigorous training, planning and preparing. Over the past three weeks, the cast has moved from learning the script to fine-tuning transitions and choreography into full run-throughs and technical integration. Backstage, student crews built an astonishing set, while the costume designers completed fittings and alterations to bring a well-rounded, immersive show to the stage. &�Բ�����;

���𳦲��ܲ��� Spring Awakening tackles intense adult themes including domestic trauma, adolescent sexuality and the fatal consequences of miseducation, the production team has made physical, mental and emotional safety its top priority. ��

The Conservatory brought in professional Intimacy Director Jenise Cook from Kansas City to establish industry-standard intimacy and consent protocols directly with the cast. &�Բ�����;

“Intimacy direction isn’t about restricting actors; it’s about giving them the freedom to take bold artistic risks within clear, repeatable boundaries,” said Cook. “When students learn that physical touch on stage is choreographed with the same precision as a dance routine or a stage combat sequence, the fear disappears. They can pour their full emotional energy into the characters knowing their boundaries are protected.” 

Student Performers credit this structured environment with giving them the confidence to perform vulnerable material on stage. &�Բ�����;

“There has been such an intentional emphasis on safety- not just physical safety, but emotional and mental safety,” said Violeta Cuevas, a third-year musical theatre major who portrays Martha. “Working with Jenise and our directors taught us about ‘fences and gates.’ You learn how to make the staging technical and repeatable while openly vocalizing personal boundaries.”  

Isaac Bullis, a second-year musical theatre major playing the central role of Melchior Gabor, emphasized the importance of faculty support when rehearsing and performing mentally and physically demanding material night after night. &�Բ�����;

“We rehearse under standard Equity rules, including closed rehearsal rooms for sensitive scenes,” Bullis said. “When you’re dealing with heavy themes night after night, it takes a toll. But what’s great is that I’ve been able to ask Craig, our director, for a one-on-one talk to help me deal with something in my real life that parallels something in the show, and he helped me work through how to separate real life versus fake. Our accompanist, Travis McFarlane, even gave me some sheet music for the piano so that I had something to do to decompress after rehearsals, so the faculty, staff and crew have really gone out of their way to make sure we all feel supported.” 

Pre-Professional Training that Builds Real Skills for the Real World 

The production exemplifies the Conservatory’s rigorous three-year, two-summer intensive model, designed to prepare students for the fast pace of the professional entertainment industry. Rather than waiting years for upperclassman status, Stephens students are treated like working professionals and take on major production responsibilities from day one. &�Բ�����;

Syona Carlo, a second-year costume design major serving as assistant stage manager for Spring Awakening, noted that cross-disciplinary training creates well-rounded, empathetic theatre artists. &�Բ�����;

“At many schools, from what I’ve heard, you have to stay in the background until you’ve earned your time. At Stephens, from day one, you’re treated like a professional and a designer,” Carlo said. “Working across management, design and performance teaches you that every single person, both on stage and backstage, is working toward the same goal, to bring these stories to life.” 

Bullis added that this multifaceted foundation directly enhances employability after graduation: “If you know how to do scene shop work and backstage technical aspects alongside singing, dancing and acting, your employment opportunities–especially on national tours–skyrocket.” 

Performance Schedule and Ticket Information 

Content Advisory: This production contains mature themes including sexual content, abuse, teen pregnancy, suicide, self-harm, and strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.  Recommended for 16+ 

Spring Awakening runs Oct. 2–4 at the Macklanburg Playhouse on the �Թ��� campus. ��

Tickets are selling fast for this opening weekend run. To purchase tickets, visit the or buy them at the Macklanburg Playhouse box office before showtime.��

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From timeless classics to musicals that make it hard to stay seated, Stephens has brought live theatre to mid-Missouri for nearly 80 years. The 2026–2027 season marks an especially exciting milestone: Joseph Price’s inaugural year as Dean of the Conservatory. 

Bringing an electric mix of contemporary rock, Golden Age romance, reimagined Greek mythology, and mid-century American drama, Price is ready to welcome both longtime patrons and first-time guests to the historic Macklanburg Playhouse. 

“I couldn’t be more excited to begin my first season as Dean of the Conservatory at �Թ���,” Price said. “The 2026–2027 season reflects the breadth of experiences we want our students to have while offering audiences an engaging and diverse lineup of productions.” 

Leading by Listening 

Taking the helm of a program with more than 70 years of theatrical heritage, Price emphasized that his top priority for year one is fostering connection across the campus community. 

“My biggest goal this year is to listen, learn, and build relationships,” Price said. “The Conservatory already has a remarkable legacy of excellence, and I believe the best way to lead is by first learning how I can best support the talented people who make this program thrive.” 

For Price, that support means cheering on students from the rehearsal wings, championing faculty innovation, and ensuring Stephens graduates step into the professional industry fully prepared. 

“�Թ��� has so much to offer, and I want prospective students and their families to see it as a destination where talented artists can receive outstanding training, perform exceptional work, and become part of a vibrant, supportive community,” he added. 

Season 79: The Complete Lineup����

Here is what is taking the stage for Season 79:����

(Oct. 2–4, 2026)��

• Book & Lyrics by Steven Sater��
• Music by Duncan Sheik��
• Based on the play by Frank Wedekind��

This electrifying contemporary rock musical explores the tumultuous journey of teenage self-discovery, identity, and coming of age in late 19th-century Germany.��

Showtimes: 11 a.m. Oct. 2 | 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 & 3 | 2 p.m. Oct. 3 & 4��

Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)

*Content Advisory: Recommended for ages 16+ due to mature theme.��

(Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2026)��

• By Sarah Ruhl��

A dreamlike, poetic reimagining of the classic Orpheus myth, told from Eurydice’s perspective as she journeys into the Underworld.��

Showtimes: 11 a.m. Oct. 30 | 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 | 2 p.m. Oct. 31 & Nov. 1��

Warehouse Theatre (104 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)

(Dec. 11–13, 2026)��

• Book by Joe Masteroff��
• Music by Jerry Bock��
• Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick��

A warm, witty, romantic musical comedy set in a 1930s Budapest parfumerie, where two feuding shop clerks have unknowingly fallen in love as secret pen pals.��

Showtimes: 11 a.m. Dec. 11 | 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 & 12 | 2 p.m. Dec. 12 & 13��

Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)

(Feb. 12–14, 2027)��

• Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice��
• Music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa

Everyone’s favorite eccentric, creepy family takes the stage in an upbeat comedy about love, honesty, and embracing your quirks.��

Showtimes: 11 a.m. Feb. 12 | 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 & 13 | 2 p.m. Feb. 13 & 14��

Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)

(March 19–21, 2027)��

• By William Inge | Directed by Dean Joseph Price��

Inge’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama captures longing, romance, and hidden desire in small-town Kansas over Labor Day weekend. Inge taught drama and English at Stephens from 1938 to 1943 before his Broadway success.��

Showtimes: 11 a.m. March 19 | 7:30 p.m. March 19 & 20 | 2 p.m. March 20 & 21��

Warehouse Theatre (104 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)

(April 23–25, 2027)��

A high-energy showcase celebrating student versatility through music, scene, and dance.��

Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. April 23 & 24 | 2 p.m. April 25��

Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)

(May 9, 2027)��

A final spotlight celebrating the graduating class of BFA Performance majors before they launch into the professional industry. 

Showtime: 7:30 p.m. May 9��

*The Senior Showcase is free to attend.����

Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)

The Dean Takes the Director’s Chair 

Price is especially eager to direct Inge’s “Picnic,” connecting contemporary students with a masterwork penned by a former Stephens faculty member. 

“It’s a beautiful American classic with rich characters, complex relationships, and timeless themes that continue to resonate with audiences today,” Price said. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with our students as we bring this remarkable story to life.” 

Plan Your Visit & Ticket Details 

General admission tickets are $15 per patron, with special discount pricing available for high school and college students, as well as groups of 10 or more. 

• Box Office Location & Inquiries: Macklanburg Playhouse lobby, or . ��
• Box Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ��
• Concessions: A wide selection of snacks and beverages is available at every performance.��

“Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the Conservatory or attending your very first performance, I hope you’ll join us this season,” Price said. “Our students are doing exceptional work, and every production offers audiences the opportunity to experience compelling stories while supporting the next generation of theatre artists.” 

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Founded in 1833, Stephens has spent 193 years educating students in Columbia, but as Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leslie Willey ’83 noted in her opening remarks, convocation at Stephens is focused entirely on looking ahead.

“The word convocation has Latin roots meaning calling together,” Dr. Willey told the room. “At some institutions, it marks the end of a student’s journey, focused on graduation. But here at Stephens, it’s about the beginning. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and set our hopes for the coming year.”

Dr. Willey invited the crowd to celebrate the Stephens faculty, describing them as the heart and soul of the college and praising their dedication to helping every student thrive.

Finding Community and Filling Each Other’s Cups

Senior Faith Decker, past Student Government Association officer, brought humor and personal reflection to the stage, welcoming new and returning Stars alike.

“What I really see when I think about my years here is the community that I’ve built,” Decker said. “In my classroom where I student teach, we talk about making sure to fill each other’s cups. We support one another in order to be the best us we can be. I see that every day at Stephens, and I look forward to continuing seeing it with you all.”

Dr. Andrea Fifield, Associate Professor of Counseling, spoke on behalf of the faculty. Drawing on the words of psychologist Carl Rogers, she encouraged students to embrace self-acceptance as a springboard for growth.

“All of us here at Stephens, students, faculty, and staff, bring our own personal histories with us,” Fifield said. “Carl Rogers once said, ‘The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.’ Stay rooted in your history, but allow yourself to evolve. And don’t just trust the process. Enjoy it. Relish it.”

Keynote Speaker Cat Withrow ’05: “Plant a Mixed Garden”

Alumna and former faculty member Cat Withrow ’05 returned to campus this semester from Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala, to teach Global Ethics and delivered the keynote address. Withrow, an international development leader who has spent over 15 years working across Latin America with the United Nations, USAID, and nongovernmental organizations, shared how her time at Stephens prepared her for an unpredictable world.

She recounted returning from study abroad in Ecuador during her junior year to find that campus reorganization had eliminated both of her majors and minors. Instead of leaving, she partnered with professors who helped her build a custom, independent-study curriculum for her senior year.

“When the curriculum disappeared, the faculty did not,” Withrow said. “Together with the professors I had grown to know so well, we built a personalized curriculum. It was the richest education of my life. That is not luck. That is how this place works. And to the faculty and staff sitting here: that is what you are actually building. Not a syllabus, not a course. A relationship and a way of thinking that holds far beyond the classroom.”

Looking out at the audience, Withrow offered three pieces of advice for navigating life and career:

• Learn how to learn: “The content you acquire here may have a shelf life. Critical thinking does not.”
• Define your values before someone else defines them for you: Referencing the Ten Ideals of �Թ���, she reminded students of their “belief in our changing selves and in our right to change. You have institutional permission, in writing, to become someone other than who you planned to be.”
• Plant a mixed garden: Drawing a comparison between fragile monoculture farming and the diverse landscape around her home in Guatemala, Withrow urged students not to build a life around a single metric of success. “Stephens is not a monoculture. It never has been. It is actors and nurses and entrepreneurs and writers. That is what resilience actually looks like: continuity through change. You have been handed a rich, tangled hillside. Please do not tame it into clean rows.”

Honoring Leadership and Looking Ahead

President Shannon Lundeen closed the ceremony by reflecting on Withrow’s message and making a special announcement: Dr. Leslie Willey will retire next summer at the close of the academic year after decades of leadership.

“Leslie has devoted her leadership to the academic heart of Stephens: to our faculty, our programs, our standards, and above all, to the education of our students, from the preschoolers at the Children’s School to our graduate students,” President Lundeen said. “She has helped guide this College through change while remaining a steady advocate for the work that matters most.”

President Lundeen encouraged students to lean into curiosity, take intellectual risks, and remember that education is built through community and real-world partnership.

“Stephens exists to widen the frame of possibility for students and communities through education rooted in relationship, real-world experience, and partnership,” President Lundeen said. “Your potential matters. But potential is only the beginning. Purpose takes shape in what you choose to do with your abilities: in what you create, whom you care for, what you build, what you question, and how you act.”

The ceremony concluded with a musical performance of Stephen Sondheim’s “Our Time” by Stephens musical theatre students, followed by the singing of the Stephens Hymn, led by Violeta Cuevas ’27 and Savannah Grady ’27.

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Corey Wright  | Assistant Professor of Dance | Head of the Dance Department  

Corey Wright joins the Conservatory of the Performing Arts as a multidisciplinary director and choreographer with credits ranging from Disney to UCLA. For Corey, joining Stephens feels “inspiring, purposeful and right.” This year, he is launching a K-Pop class to explore the intersection of social dance and musical theatre, starting a Conservatory podcast, and seeking out the perfect local coffee shop. Beyond the studio, Corey is finishing his MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a pursuit that informs his goal of helping performers maintain their mental well-being. He lives for the “aha!” moments, when a student proves their own perceived limits wrong!  

Brian Guidry LeTraunik | Assistant Professor of Acting

With over forty years of experience across film, television, and theaters nationwide, Brian Guidry LeTraunik brings a master-level perspective to the Conservatory for Performing Arts. An actor, director, historian, and fight director, Brian is a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) and literally wrote the book on the subject—A History of Contemporary Stage Combat. Whether he is directing classics like Hamlet or contemporary premieres, Brian’s multidisciplinary background as a SAG-AFTRA member and Registered Yoga Teacher ensures our theatre students receive a holistic, professional-grade education rooted in both history and physical craft.

Sumee Chang  | Assistant Professor of Equestrian Studies 

Sumee Chang’s arrival at Stephens is a true homecoming; she rode her first horse at the Stephens Stables at just three years old. After a 25-year career as an executive at The Walt Disney Company and founding the American Mustang Project, she is “elated to return to Columbia. Sumee is dedicated to fostering a sense of discovery, helping students understand the boundless nature of the horse-human connection. She views teaching as a shared journey, noting that it “reinforces the journey to learn and continue to grow myself as much as the students.”  

Erika Goellner, BSN, RN  | Practicum Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Nursing  

Erika Goellner brings a wealth of clinical experience to the nursing program, including five years in the ICU and 18 years as a bridge builder in the Missouri Army National Guard. She started at Stephens in May 2026 and focuses on ensuring her students graduate with the stamina and confidence required for high-stakes patient interactions. Erika finds her greatest joy in seeing students connect clinical theory with real-world practice, watching their confidence bloom as they master essential nursing skills. &�Բ�����;

Dr. Emily Lorenz  | Assistant Professor of Business Administration  

Returning to Stephens feels like a “full circle moment” for Dr. Emily Lorenz, who previously served as an adjunct before earning her PhD. Her primary mission this year is to bring experiential learning to life through community partnerships and projects. “I hope my students learn the important course concepts by seeing them in action,” she said. When she isn’t in the classroom, you’ll likely find her enjoying the Katy Trail or cheering on her three kids at their soccer games. 

Dr. Abigail Kimball | Assistant Professor of Biology  

Dr. Abby Kimball, a specialist in molecular microbiology, describes finding Stephens as “kismet.” As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about the Women in STEM Research (WiSR) Program, and she is aiming to provide students with the same life-changing research opportunities she had. Her goals include developing new coursework in evolutionary biology and immunology while fostering a classroom where students feel safe taking risks. A lover of nature, Abby recently rescued and raised 20 tadpoles in a backyard pond-though she warns her students that her “parasite facts” might haunt them for life!  

Trisha Holt  | Associate Professor of Graphic Design  

Trisha Holt is an artist and designer who brings over 12 years of higher education experience to the Stephens Creative Hub. She is eager to dive into the college’s resources and share her love for printing and publications. Trisha thrives in deep classroom discussions, hearing the unique connections students make to art and design. Her adventurous spirit is best captured by a “fun fact” from a trip to Iceland, where she once found herself locked behind a private gate with a flight to catch. She said she unsuccessfully attempted to pick the lock with a rusted Swiss Army knife – before a local came and saved the day!  

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Dr. Taylor, who previously served as the Founding Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Studies, will now lead institution-wide efforts to integrate hands-on learning into the core Stephens experience. From internships and apprenticeships to the management of campus enterprises, Taylor’s mandate is to ensure that every student graduates with a resume as impressive as their transcript. 

A Strategy by Design��

The creation of this role comes at a pivotal moment for Stephens. According to President Shannon Lundeen, the college is moving away from the idea that career preparation is a secondary benefit of education. 

“We want every Stephens student to be able to connect what they are learning in the classroom with opportunities to apply that knowledge in professional settings,” Lundeen said. “Scott’s role gives us dedicated leadership for building those connections and ensuring that experiential learning is not something that happens by chance but is embedded in every Stephens student’s education by design.” 

For Taylor, the mission is clear: experiential learning is about more than just “doing.” It is about meaningful action followed by reflection. 

“The strongest experiential learning asks students to apply their knowledge, navigate real challenges, receive feedback, and understand how the experience has shaped their skills and goals,” Taylor said. “Workforce development and a Stephens education are complementary, not competing ideas. We aren’t just training students for one job; we are preparing them to shape the workforce of the future.” 

A Proven Track Record of Innovation��

Dr. Taylor brings a wealth of experience in workforce education and community engagement to this new position. Since joining Stephens in January 2024, he has been instrumental in expanding the college’s reach through the Workforce Development and Continuing Studies division. 

One of his most notable achievements is the establishment of the “Women in Trades” program. This tuition-free construction pre-apprenticeship program has become a model for collaborative success, bringing together government agencies, unions, and industry partners to create high-demand career pathways for women. 

Before joining Stephens full-time, Taylor spent more than14 years at Moberly Area Community College, where he served as lead business faculty and advised an award-winning Collegiate DECA chapter—an initiative he brought to Stephens with instant success on state, national and international levels. His academic credentials include a Doctor of Business Administration from California Southern University, where he researched the economic impact of entrepreneurial policy, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri, and a Bachelor of Science from Missouri State University. 

Living Laboratories for Success��

A unique component of Taylor’s new role is the oversight of Stephens’ campus enterprises. These businesses, including , , Screen Queens, SC Events, and the college’s Okoboji business operations – are being reimagined as “living laboratories.” 

Under Taylor’s leadership, these enterprises will serve as sustainable business ventures where students gain authentic experience in management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. By integrating academic programs directly into these operations, Stephens provides a safe yet rigorous environment for students to test their talents before entering the global market. 

A Network of Opportunity��

President Lundeen noted that Taylor’s established credibility allows the college to move quickly from high-level conversations to meaningful partnerships that directly benefit students in both the Women’s College and the Conservatory. Taylor is a fixture in the Missouri business community, serving on the boards of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI). 

“Those relationships provide Stephens with a direct connection to employers, policymakers, and emerging industry needs,” Taylor said. “The next step is to translate those connections into tangible opportunities—internships, guest speakers, grant partnerships, and customized training.” 

A Vision for the Future��

As he steps into the role, Taylor has set ambitious goals for his first year. His priorities include expanding the variety of internship and mentorship opportunities, establishing clear measures for tracking student outcomes, and increasing Stephens’ visibility among regional and national employers. 

Taylor’s connection to Stephens is both professional and personal. He and his wife, Kendra, are supporters of the �Թ��� Equestrian Program, having donated several horses from their ranch near Moberly. With his deep roots in the community and a clear vision for the future, Taylor is poised to lead Stephens into a new era of experiential excellence. 

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The Living Laboratory: Research in the Stables  

While many students come to Stephens for its renowned equestrian program, WiSR turns the stables into a ‘living laboratory’ for STEM students. 

The program grew from a collaboration between Dr. Brandon Moore, Associate Teaching Professor at MU, and Dr. Aaron Ericsson, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at MU. At the time, Moore was serving as a faculty member in the Stephens Biology program, while Ericsson had been assembling a global database of horse microbiomes but lacked a controlled environment for experimental work. The 20 to 30 horses maintained at Stephens provided the perfect solution. 

“The goal is to use these horses to do controlled experiments to test specific hypotheses about how different feeds, diets, behaviors, and management practices affect the microbiome,” said Dr. Michael Barger, Dean of the Women’s College. “We take largely observational data and provide an experimental basis for understanding the mechanisms involved.”  

Ericson and Moore laid the foundation for the partnership before Moore handed the reins over to Barger. Moore eventually transitioned to a role in MU’s CVM program, continuing his work with WiSR and VRSP students and teaching about biases in science. &�Բ�����;

Since then, Dr. Barger said he now works closely with Dr. Ericsson and Dr. Tamara Hancock, MU CVM Assistant Teaching Professor, to continue growing and building both WiSR and VRSP. &�Բ�����;

Students gain hands-on experience from day one, and it continues throughout their Stephens’ career. Freshmen execute structured projects, while sophomores refine protocols. By their junior year, students design their own experiments, and seniors take on leadership roles – mentoring younger cohorts through the complexities of data collection and animal care. &�Բ�����;

A Summer of Intensive Research at Mizzou  

While the research begins at Stephens, it expands significantly during the summer through the VRSP. The 10-week intensive internship at Mizzou CVM pairs Stephens’ “WiSR Scholars” with faculty mentors and graduate students in the Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. 

For many participants, this summer marked their first experience working within a large-scale research community. 

“The partnership gives students direct access to graduate students as they complete their degrees,” said Barger. “Students at small schools often lack that peer-mentoring aspect because those schools lack graduate programs in the sciences. This is one way to ameliorate that structural deficit.” 

The experience proved equally rewarding for mentors. “Faculty, grad students, and researchers gain mentoring experience—for some, this is their first time—and benefit from the curiosity of the student scholars’ eager minds,” said Hancock. &�Բ�����;

To support full-time commitment, the program has increased its financial support. Students can receive a $3,000 stipend for the summer or academic credit, ensuring these research opportunities are accessible regardless of financial background. 

From the Data Blitz to the National Stage 

A key pillar of the WiSR program is the “research lifecycle.” Science doesn’t end in the lab; it ends with communication. In October, students will have the opportunity to present their findings at the “Mizzou VRSP Data Blitz,” a fast-paced presentation event where they share their work with peers and faculty. &�Բ�����;

“Presenting their work facilitates confidence building and helps scholars take ownership of their project,” said Hancock. “We hope they consider it their own masterpiece.” 

For some, the journey goes even further. At the beginning of August, Stephens sent Jayla Parsons to the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium at North Carolina State University. Seeing a project through from conception to national presentation—and potentially into a peer-reviewed publication—is an invaluable asset for students applying to highly competitive graduate programs or vet schools. 

Building the Pipeline: Real-World Success 

The ultimate goal of the WiSR-VRSP partnership is to build a pipeline of future researchers and veterinarians, particularly in the equine field, which currently faces a national shortage. 

The vision is already becoming a reality. One recent success story involves a Stephens junior who participated in VRSP, returned as a scholar three more times, and is now a DVM graduate heading into a comparative medicine residency. Other participants have successfully transitioned into veterinary programs at Mizzou and Kansas State University. 

“Research consistently shows that having positive mentoring relationships in science helps foster a stronger science identity and a sense of belonging,” says Dr. Craig Franklin, Director of VRSP. 

A Community of Support 

This ambitious program is made possible through a robust network of supporters. Funding comes from a variety of sources, including grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, the American Society for Laboratory Animal Medicine, and an endowment from IDEXX BioAnalytics. Additional support is provided by the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) and individual donors. 

“None of this would be possible without the incredible support from our sponsors, the mentors, and the Colleges,” said Franklin. 

The Stephens Advantage 

By centering student development and leveraging the research expertise of a major university, �Թ��� is proving that a small women’s college can offer world-class research training. 

As Barger summarizes: “If we put good scientists out in the world, the science will take care of itself. Our job is to build good scientists.” 

Through WiSR and VRSP, Stephens is doing exactly that—one horse, one microbiome, and one student at a time. 

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The result was five original music videos shared on the big screens at one of Columbia’s most beloved independent cinemas, and the blossoming of a partnership that both Ragtag Film Society and �Թ��� Conservatory are already planning on bringing back next year. 

A Partnership Rooted in Community 

Campers participated in the week-long camp hosted at Ragtag Cinema in July. This was Ragtag’s second time hosting the camp, with the first taking place in 2023. This year, Ragtag partnered with �Թ���’s Conservatory program—a move that was, by most accounts, a natural one that fundamentally expanded what the camp could offer. 

“We had a great experience partnering with �Թ��� for True/False Film Festival 2026,” said Andrea Luque Káram, Executive Director of Ragtag Film Society. “Partnering with �Թ��� meant giving the students an elevated opportunity that included not just curated programming and spaces for critical thinking and understanding of film but also access to high-end filmmaking equipment that the students could learn how to use for their own storytelling.” 

Káram noted that Chase Thompson, Associate Professor of Film and Program Chair at �Թ���, has been an amazing advocate for their programs, “so collaborating for this felt like a natural step.” 

“I love partnering our filmmaking program with Ragtag any chance I get,” said Thompson. “We focused on the fun skills that come with filmmaking, like green screen, slow motion, and lip-syncing for music videos. We wanted them to think about story and visual interest on screen, and music videos are the perfect way for young filmmakers to think about those things.” 

In a move to support local artists, students created music videos for bands and musicians that Thompson has befriended over the years, including Penny Marvel, John Galbraith, Julie Neal, The Onions, and Tampsen—Thompson’s own group. 

About the Camp 

The campers’ days were split into two parts. Mornings began at Ragtag Cinema, where students watched curated films and participated in structured media literacy discussions—learning not just to watch, but to analyze, question, and articulate what they were seeing. 

Afternoons moved to the �Թ��� Conservatory, where access to professional-grade equipment opened the door to a full filmmaking curriculum. 

“The lessons and demos included script and story breakdowns, camera settings, camera movement with shoulder rigs and other tools, green screen edits, how to sync audio, and much more,” said Káram. “These lessons prepared them to plan, execute, edit, and exhibit the music videos that they created over the week.” 

The Screening: A Packed House and Priceless Reactions 

On the final day, students screened their completed music videos at Ragtag Cinema to a full house. Local band members who had lent their music to the project sat alongside parents, Ragtag staff, Stephens faculty, and community members to watch the finished films. 

“It was such a rewarding experience to see the students’ final projects come together on the big screen,” said Káram. “The families were so grateful for our efforts. We received many compliments and thanks from parents who were so proud of their students.” 

“Very rarely do filmmakers get that kind of audience for their first screening, and I could see how proud the students were of their hard work,” said Gabby Galarza, Education Programmer at Ragtag Film Society. 

A Full-Circle Moment for a Stephens Alum 

Co-directing the camp alongside Thompson was Galarza, a 2018 �Թ��� graduate with a BFA in Digital Filmmaking. 

“This camp was a massive full-circle experience for me and probably wouldn’t have happened had I not gone to Stephens,” said Galarza. “When I was a student, we had the Citizen Jane Film Festival that was student-run and operated, and an integral part in getting me prepared for the job I have now.” 

Thompson added that the inspiration for the structure came from their shared history.  

“When we started talking about running this camp, Gabby and I decided that we wanted to run it as we did back when �Թ��� offered the Citizen Jane filmmaking bootcamp,” he said. 

Galarza handled exhibition and media literacy programming while Thompson led filmmaking demos, with both floating between student groups throughout the production process. 

“Coming full circle with the camp and teaching side-by-side with a former student is deeply satisfying and shows the long-term impact our filmmaking program makes on our community,” said Thompson. 

“It really is such a blessing to be able to combine my love and knowledge of film with teaching future storytellers the basics of film and having them apply what they have learned,” said Galarza. 

More Camps to Come 

With the first camp coming to an end and the partnership widely being considered a success, both Ragtag and �Թ��� are already looking ahead. 

“Oh yeah. We will be back next year and hope to reconnect with campers and get some new ones in the mix,” said Thompson. “Potentially there could be multiple sessions, as long as we don’t lose the magic that we just created.” 

For Galarza, the work is personal. 

“Events like this camp are what make my job so special,” she said. “I cannot wait to see what we cook up in the future.” 

You can check out the music videos the campers created by clicking the links below.  

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More information on �Թ���’s Filmmaking Program can be found here.  

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