CANTON, Mo. — 91ֱ�� was well represented at the 88th annual Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA) In-Service Workshop and Conference, held Jan. 28–31 at Lake of the Ozarks (Mo.). C-SC students’ participation in the event was highlighted by a prestigious performance honor for Faith Myers (Clarksville, Mo.), a junior music education major.

Myers was selected to perform in the percussion section of the Missouri All-Collegiate Orchestra, an ensemble composed of top collegiate musicians from across the state. Myers arrived at the conference early to rehearse with the orchestra, and she was part of the orchestra’s Jan. 28 concert performance.

In total, 12 Culver-Stockton music students attended the annual conference, which drew nearly 3,000 current and future music educators. The MMEA is a federated state association of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), representing nearly 80,000 educators nationwide committed to advancing comprehensive, high-quality music instruction.

According to Dr. Alex Kirby, C-SC’s associate director of bands and director of athletic bands, the conference served as important professional gateway for Culver-Stockton students.

“For music education majors, conferences like MMEA are transformational,” Kirby explained. “Students participate in performances, clinics, and reading sessions that sharpen their instructional skills while introducing them to the latest conversations in the field. Just as importantly, they begin forming professional networks that will support them throughout their careers.”

The experience provided valuable networking opportunities, allowing students to build relationships with veteran educators, explore graduate programs, and engage with current ideas shaping music education today.

For more information about Culver-Stockton’s major in music education, as well as about other areas of study in music, visit /majors/.

Before the simulation, students in the CAST program prepare from various disciplines to work with children affected by traumatic events, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. The curricula in these courses are aligned with the Zero Abuse Project, and C-SC faculty collaborate with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network on the case where vignettes are used.

“This mock house simulation is one of the highlights of the students’ experiences,” Dr. Angel Knoverek said.” Knoverek serves the College as the CAST Coordinator and Director of Counselor Education. She continued, “It’s interesting to watch them balance the excitement related to learning with the intense heaviness of the topic and details related to the child abuse case. The simulation also helps them understand the need for self-care when working with individuals who have experienced trauma.” The mock house simulation is a one-day event at 91ֱ��.

For more information regarding the CAST program at C-SC, contact Dr. Angel Knoverek at aknoverek@culver.edu or (573)288-6000 ext. 6452.

C-SC President Douglas B. Palmer is excited about the additional opportunities that the new learning environment will provide, in addition to the current curriculum at 91ֱ��. “The ability to provide our students with real-world experiences before they enter the workforce is what has led to our #1 job placement rating,” Palmer said. “The Johnson-Turner IDEA Center creates a distinct home for collaborative learning, expert interaction, and problem-solving that will be pivotal to a student’s experiences as they prepare for their career.”

“At a time where solutions to our world’s biggest challenges are being solved by diverse teams with rich perspectives, it is significant that two entrepreneurial-minded businessmen joined together to promote a Center for interdisciplinary problem-solving, real-world collaborative learning and impact.” shares Leslie Payne, Vice President for Advancement at 91ֱ��.

Johnson currently serves as the CEO of Basic Brands, Inc., and is known as one of the early pioneers in the health and wellness supplement arena, an innovator in his field and the founder of Basic Brands. Turner served as  President & CEO to Heatron and since retirement has been the owner and Chairman of Peachtree Lighting, where both positions have earned him distinguished recognitions in his field. Both Johnson and Turner have achieved great success in their business and entrepreneurial enterprises. They have served C-SC as distinguished members of the Board of Trustees and the College is proud to have the innovative center bear their names.

In addition to the naming of the Johnson – Turner IDEA Center, 91ֱ�� is proud to announce that the Center will also include interior namings.  With the help of United State Bank and alumnus Carolyn Peter, class of ‘66 and her husband, Ross, the breakout rooms will provide productive space for small group collaboration and problem-solving. A generous gift from alumnus Larry Thompson, class of ‘67, provided an executive conference room that includes high-tech global communications, allowing our students and faculty to develop worldwide relationships and engage with leaders on project ideas.