This week, SMSU is busy preparing for its 56th commencement ceremony on Saturday, April 4th. To discuss the social media and content creation surrounding commencement and for the university as a whole, we invited Mitchell Riibe, the Digital Marketing Strategist, to go over what SMSU is doing regarding content creation.…

This Week is the SMSU Alumni and Foundation’s “M4L Day Of Giving”. On April 25th, M4L Day (Mustangs 4 Life Day) will bring alums, friends, students, parents, faculty, and staff for Southwest Minnesota State University's Day of Giving. This 24-hour online fundraising event offers opportunities to show your Mustang Pride. Your support will directly i…

This week the computer science student’s have been busy this year putting together an app that they call, Calbuddy, short for “Calendar Buddy”. It allows students to fill out what type of events they would like to be notified about, it can also work for class notifications through the work they did with the SMSU IT department.…

This week, Tayyaba Rahman is in the studio discussing her upcoming event, the Future Forward Speaker Series, presented by North Star Mutual School of Business. Tayyaba comes from Pakistan and is pursuing her Master of Business Administration at SMSU. The event occurs on Monday, April 15, from 3-5 pm in the SMSU Conference Center! RSVP for this free…

Next week, the SMSU Theatre Program presents “An Inspector Calls.” Director Nadine Schmidt chose this show because it's a classic detective story that fits this year's theme: Timeless and Timeliness. Senior Theatre Major Colton Jensen plays Eric Birling, a member of the family called on by Inspector Goole. Colton touches on how he prepared for the …

This Week, Dr. Ken Murphy joins us to discuss the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. In preparation for that, the planetarium at SMSU is putting on a show this weekend. Tickets are sold at the door for five dollars, and SMSU students get free admission. Dr. Murphy discusses the significance of this solar eclipse and provides “need to know” in…

This week, Dr. John Ginocchio is preparing for guest artist Tom Scott, who will perform with the SMSU Jazz Ensemble and area high schools. This activity is funded in part with a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council made possible by an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund. Tom will ho…

We’re back after Spring break with SMSU Student Body President Sam Lund. Sam goes over his journey at SMSU, recapping what led him to choose SMSU, how he dealt with online learning through the pandemic, and how important it is to be involved on campus. Sam also goes over what he’s been up to the past few weeks and the great opportunities that have …

This week we call up SMSU alumni Wokil Bam who earned a degree in environmental science and chemistry and a minor in biology from SMSU in 2012. Since then he’s been busy studying and researching earning his master's from LSU in 2015 and his Phd in 2021. Since June 2023, Wokil has worked with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) as a postdoct…

On this week’s episode, Vickie Abel gives us an in-depth look into what challenges SMSU students face and how Accessibility Services helps give them the best opportunity to succeed. Vickie is also the coordinator for the Mustang Market which helps provide basic living items ranging from food to hygiene products. If you would like to donate to the M…

This week we are joined by Karalyn Closs and Cameron Peterson, students enrolled in the culinology program at SMSU. The on-campus restaurant, “The Mustang Kitchen”, is preparing to open its doors every Tuesday this semester with their first night of service being February 20. Service will run 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm with the last order going in at 7:30 …

On this week’s episode, Dr. Rieppel lets us in on a “grand” update for the music department at SMSU. This past fall the department gained possession of a baby grand piano through funding from the SMSU Foundation. On February 12, The Southwest Minnesota State University Music Program presents “Pairs and Doublings” a dedication recital for the new ba…

SMSU will host the 12th annual Ag Bowl Scholarship Invitational this week. The event is spearheaded by the SMSU Ag Club, with Hannah Myers and Madison Douvier coordinating the day's events. On Friday over 1,300 high school FFA students will compete in a wide variety of FFA competitions, along with a chance to receive scholarships from SMSU. The eve…

With Tropical Night taking place Angela Lee, Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach, is on to talk about what is happening for the Alumni returning to campus. Angela also goes over what’s happening at the new “Elizabeth Lockwood Alumni Center” and the changes happening.By Southwest Minnesota State University

As the second half of the school year gets underway financial aid is something high school seniors should be aware of. There have been quite a few changes that have been made to the application process and Director of Financial Aid, Natasha Boe goes over what those changes are and some of the misconceptions that surround financial aid. If you have …

We kick off the new year by discussing the Mustang Pathway Program with Jeet Sausen, Associate Director of the program. She talked about how the program started and the success it has generated for SMSU. The Mustang Pathway is the only program of its kind in the state, across both public and private higher education. The program serves historically…

In today's episode, the VP for Government Relations, Communication & Marketing, Bill Mulso goes over his history at SMSU as he retires after working at the university for 35 years. Marcy talks with Bill about some of their best memories as students along with going over SMSU's most monumental changes throughout the years.…

On this today's episode, the Director of Choral Activities, Music Education, and Music Theory at SMSU, Stephen Kingsbury, goes over the upcoming trip to Prague and Vienna the SMSU Chorale will be taking over Christmas break. For more information on how to get involved with the SMSU Chorale and other vocal groups at SMSU contact Dr. Kingsbury throug…

On today's episode, Associate Professor of Biology Alyssa Anderson and Associate Professor of Exercise Science Mostafa Hehazy give an update on the 18th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference which took place on November 29th in the campus of SMSU. Anderson and Hezahy tell us a little bit more about their role as co-organizers of the events and t…

On today's episode, Communications and Marketing Office Graduate Assistants, Juliana Villa and Jennifer Aguilar give us an update on their responsibilities as content strategists for SMSU social media channels. Juliana, a native from Colombia, and Jenny a native from Minnesota, talk to us about their roles, challenges they faced, and how they come …

On this week’s episode, the Director of Bands at SMSU, John Ginocchio, gives us an update on the upcoming schedule of music events heading into winter break. Dr. Ginocchio tells us a little more about the different concerts and events taking place in the upcoming weeks. There are three concerts in November, on the 16th, the 20th, and the 30th. Comi…

Charlotte Wahle, director of admissions, was our guest for the KMHL Campus Update on these week's episode. Wahle, spoke to us about new programs that can help students with tuition costs for those who qualify. She also discussed the Southwest Guarantee, the North Star Promise Scholarship, and other SMSU scholarships available for current and new st…

On today's episode, SMSU Director of International Student Services and Global Studies, MayLee Moua-Vue, gives us an update on the upcoming International Education Week starting on Monday, November 13, 2023. Moua-Vue also talks about her role as director of the CIE, the current international student population, and the different opportunities SMSU …

Theatre Professor and director, Sheila Tabaka, and student actor for the role of Jo March, Bryn Mongeau, give us an overview of the play Little Women. They speak on the novel the play was based on and what they’ve enjoyed about bringing this beloved story of the March sisters to the SMSU main stage. Sheila covers the costuming challenges of a Civil…

On this week's episode, Southwest Minnesota Orchestra (SMO) music director, Dr. Daniel Rieppel, and Kris Gruhot, cellist and a member of the SMO board give us an update on their upcoming concert schedule and information. The opening concert for the Orchestra season is on Sunday, October 22, and will feature music by Composers who faced adversity. T…

As a senior Lilli Lewandowski took on headfirst the role of coordinator for the Student Activity Committee (SAC). In this episode she goes on to talk about the many events that SAC will be having during homecoming. As a student leader and member of the cheer team she speaks on challenges that may come from such a busy week. She encourages students …

On this week's episode, Head Coach of SMSU's Esports Team, Spencer Louwagie, gives us a rundown all things Esports at SMSU. Spencer talks about the new sparks that came from starting the team from the ground up. He goes over what Esports is all about, what competitions look like, the team itself and how his role as a coach has changed his approach.…

On this week's episode, Director of the Center for Civic and Community Engagement, Melissa Scholten, gives us an update on the upcoming annual Mustangs Give: Day of Service. This year's Day of Service is on October 11, 2023. Melissa talks more about how and when it started, the goal of the activity, and more about the volunteers she has seen during…

On this week’s episode, Scott Ewing, Assistant Director of Student Activities, gives us an update on SMSU’s upcoming Family Weekend. Starting on Friday the 22nd and finishing the 24th, Family Weekend at SMSU features a variety ofevents for families to enjoy, including soccer, volleyball, and football matches; Planetarium show; Chemistry Club liquid…

On today's episode, SMSU Foundation Director of Annual Giving, Meredith Swan, gives us an update on SMSU's upcoming 2023 University Gala, which will have the theme of "Starlight Gala." Meredith tells us some interesting things about the history of the Gala and the recent changes it has been through. She also gives us an inside of the food, the peop…

On this week's episode, Devin Gorter, SMSU Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs, gives us an update on SMSU Athletics and The Mustang Club. Devin also tells us about SMSU fall sports (football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, and E-sports) and their seasons. During away games, Mustang fans can follow our athletes with the NSIC networ…

On today's episode, Dr. Erin Kline, the new Assistant VP for Equity and Inclusion/Campus Diversity Officer, gives us an update on SMSU’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Dr. Kline explained the values, mission, purpose, and goals guiding our efforts to create a welcoming and fulfilling college experience. She said that fostering innova…

On this week's episode, Kelly Hanson, SMSU Director of Dining Services, gives us an update on the different campus refreshments in SMSU dining locations, focusing on making the spaces more comfortable for students and enhancing the social atmosphere in various places. Kelly also tells us about the rebranding of SMSU's coffee shop, now called "Gold …

On today’s episode, Charlotte Wahle, the new Director of Admissions at SMSU, gives us an update about her new role, what students can expect during this year’s Gold Rush Days, and other activities the admission department at SMSU has in place to help students acclimate to their new college lives. SMSU Gold Rush Days are from Thursday, August 17th, …

This week's episode featured guests Dr. Daniel Rieppel and Anna Sigríður Helgadóttir, Mezzo Soprano, from Reykjavik, Iceland. They talked about the upcoming Southwest Minnesota Orchestra Concert "The Idea of North" and the re-premiere of Ísland, originally written for Bill Holm by composer Christopher Kaufman. Also on the show was Pioneer PBS produ…

On today's episode, Dr. Stephen Kingsbury, SMSU Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities and Dr. Stephen Hamilton, a noted concert organist currently based out of the twin cities are here to give us an update about SMSU Chorale plans and upcoming performances. To know more about SMSU Chorale, contact Dr. Stephen Kingsbury by email Steph…

On today's episode, Meredith Swan, SMSU Foundation Director of Annual Giving, talked about the upcoming M4L (Mustangs for Life) Day of Giving on Thursday 27, 2023. M4L Day (Mustangs 4 Life Day) will bring together alumni, friends, students, parents, faculty, and staff for Southwest Minnesota State University's Second Annual Day of Giving. This is a…

WorldFest coordinating team members Dr. Eric Doise and Dr. Mary Ellen Daniloff-Merril give us a preview of what we can expect at the 2023 WorldFest and a little history and recap of previous WorldFest celebrations. "WorldFest is an educational and cultural event helping to build appreciation, respect, and a greater understanding of cultural differe…

SMSU Professor of Music John Ginocchio and Jazz music legend Tom "Bones" Malone give us an update on what we can expect in their combined concert with SMSU Jazz Ensemble. Tom "Bones" Malone gives us an inside look into his career as a musician working with The Blues Brothers, David Letterman Show, and Saturday Night Live. Tom has played thousands o…

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, Julie Walker, alongside SMSU Senior Morgan Hughes, recaps their experience attending one of SMSU's study abroad programs in San Salvador, Bahamas. SMSU students registered in SMSU Marine & Island Ecology in the Bahamas (GLBL 499/499L) with Drs. Alyssa Anderson and Shelby Flint. Students registered durin…

SMSU Forensics/Speech Team Member, Jenna Zeug, and Associate Professor of Communications, Benjamin Walker, gives us an update on SMSU's Forensics Team and its most recent trip to Mankato for the annual Minnesota State Speech and Debate championship. SMSU Forensics Team members won many accolades with Jenna Zeug being 4th in the After Dinner Speakin…

Regional Consumer Banking Director and Member of the Steering Committee for SMSU's Foundation Women's Leadership Conference, Cindy Verschaetse, gives us a preview on this year's Women's Leadership Conference. The conference theme is "Flourish, Grow, and Lead", with guest keynote speaker, Jennifer Fauz, an equipment and finance industry veteran. Jen…

Director of Bands and Professor of Music, John Ginocchio, gives us a preview on the SMSU Ensemble upcoming concert and tour. The SMSU Jazz Ensemble with guest artist, Tom "Bones" Malone with the Worthington High School Jazz Band will perform at the Memorial Auditorium in Worthington, MN at 7:00pm on March 27, 2023, and at 7:30pm at SMSU Fine Arts T…

Director of the TRIO Upward Bound Program, Amy Nemitz, gives us an update on SMSU's Upward Bound Program grant awards totaling nearly $3M from the Department of Education, and the program's ultimate goal: to get High school students into college, either a 2-year or 4-year school. The Mission of Southwest Minnesota State University's Upward Bound Pr…

SAAC Committee members Lexy Gilbert and Emily Van Roekel, alongside SMSU soccer coach Clayson Glasgow talked about SMSU's Student Athlete Advisory Committee and its initiatives: It's A Slam Dunk-Don't Drive Drunk, It's on Us-Sexual Assault Awareness, Make-A-Wish support, Mental Health Awareness, and the Green Bandana Project. The student-athlete ad…

Associate Professor of Agricultural Education Dr. Kristin Kovar previews the upcoming Ag Bowl Scholarship Invite. SMSU will host the 12th Annual Ag Bowl Scholarship Invitational, presented by Ralco Nutrition of Marshall, on Friday, February 3, 2023. SMSU will welcome close to 1,000 FFA students from across the state back to the campus of Southwest …

Dean of Students/Associate VP of Student Affairs Scott Crowell gives us an update as Tropical Night approaches. SMSU celebrates Winter Meltdown with a series of events Feb. 6-11, 2023. This year’s theme is “It’s Time to BeReal at SMSU.” Winter Meltdown is an annual SMSU tradition. A time for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to participate in fu…

20 sports | 1 team. Southwest Minnesota State University's Director of Athletics Jen Flowers provides an update as the winter seasons of Mustang Athletics continues, while the spring competition schedule is fast approaching. Flowers, who began her duties on July 1, recently completed her third season as the commissioner of the Western Collegiate Ho…

Minnesota State Chancellor Devinder Malhotra explains the $350 million funding request the system is proposing during the 2023 legislation session for the FY2024-2025 biennial budget. Chancellor Malhotra engaged with campus leaders, stakeholders and community members at 12 different listening sessions across the state to help understand and formula…

This week's guest is Kris Gruhot '92, a member of the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra (SMO). Kris joins us to talk about the SMO's upcoming performance "Holiday Cheer" at Holy Redeemer Church on Tuesday, December 6. SMO's mission is to provide the people of southwest Minnesota an opportunity to hear and enjoy a wide variety of live symphonic music. D…