Staff

Kevin Minch

The Director of the Truman Institute is Dr. Kevin Minch, Professor of Communication. He also serves as Dean of the Joseph Baldwin Academy and the Summer Talent Academy for Professions in Health. Dr. Minch has been associated with the Joseph Baldwin Academy for six years while at Truman and previously served as Director of Truman's Show Me Forensics Institute. He was appointed Director of the Institute in spring 2009. From 1999-2009 he served as Director of Forensics (the speech and debate team). He has worked with several summer programs for secondary school students, including ones housed at the University of Kansas and Yale and serves as a consultant in fine arts programming for the National Federation of State High School Associations. He is also Chair of the National Communication Association's Committee on International Discussion and Debate and a trainer for the International Debate Education Association's parliamentary debate education programs in the People's Republic of China. He holds a BA in Political Science, and an MA in Communication from Wayne State University, and his PhD in Communication, with emphases in Rhetoric and Political Communication, from the University of Kansas.

Jana Morton

Jana Morton is a year-round staff member involved in myriad activities that extend into virtually all areas of the Truman Institute including publications, finance, strategic planning, and web site management. Throughout the year she works with the Director, serves as the Institute’s liaison with many Truman State offices, and works directly with school counselors, faculty, and parents on the Baldwin Academy (JBA) and the Summer Talent Academy for Professions in Health (STAPH). During the JBA and STAPH sessions she assists the staff in performing their duties. This will be Ms. Morton’s 12th year associated with the University.

Chelsea Redding

Chelsea began working at the Truman Institute in July 2011. In addition to working full time at the Institute, she is also taking classes in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Environmental Science. Some of her responsibilities in the office include admitting, registering, and issuing login instructions to students of Truman Institute's courses; managing the Competency-Based Mathematics, Dual Credit, Professional Development, and Online Graduate Certificate Programs as well as Undergraduate and Graduate Professional Development Non-Degree Seeking student admission and registration and TruLifeSaver registrations; entering and updating course information in Truman's computer system for the May Interim, Summer Session, and August Inteirm; acquisition of approval for Truman's Online courses to be offered to residents of other states; maintenance of the Truman Institute's websites and social media accounts; and other various tasks.

Student Interns

Sara

Sara began her graduate assistant program for the office Fall 2012. Her primary responsibilities include working with conferences and events in every capacity, from the initial conversation to follow up after the event. She also is planning to help market what Truman has to offer as a venue. While working in The Truman Institute, Sara is also taking classes to receive a Master of Arts in Leadership, with an emphasis in event planning. Sara graduated from Truman in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Minor in Business Administration. Picture coming soon!

Student Staff

Alan

This is Alan's first Year with the Truman Institute. He is a sophomore Pre med Chemistry major and Bio minor. He is a member of AMSA as well as Pi Kappa Phi. He also competes in Lincoln Dougless on the Truman debate team. In his free time he enjoys playing Tennis, running, and catching up on sleep. Picture coming soon!

Alex

Info and picture coming soon!

Danielle

This is Danielle's first year with the Truman Institute. She is a sophomore business administration major with a concentration in marketing. She is also working on a minor in painting. In her free time, Danielle enjoys reading, painting, and experiencing Kirksville.

Emma

Info and picture coming soon!

Jacob

This is Jacob's first year with the Truman Institute. Jacob is a sophomore Spanish major with a minor in Italian Studies. He is a language tutor for the elementary level foreign language students. In his free time, Jacob enjoys riding bicycles, taking nature hikes, and cooking. Picture coming soon!

Jessica

This is Jessica’s second year with the Truman Institute. She is a junior Communication major and Political Science minor. Jessica is a member of Truman’s speech and debate program and is the Public Relations coordinator for Campus PALS. She is also a member of the Pershing Society and Lambda Pi Eta and Pi Kappa Delta, two honor fraternities. In her free time, Jessica enjoys scrap booking, walking her dog, and enjoying her favorite city- Kirksville MO.

Jodi

This is Jodi's first year with the Truman Institute. She is a sophomore Accounting major and Business Administration major with a concentration in Finance. She is also a member of Truman's Club Volleyball team and the Accounting Honors Fraternity Beta Alpha Psi. In her free time she enjoys traveling and watching sports. Picture coming soon!

Sarah

This is Sarah's first year with the Truman Institute. Sarah is a junior Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing. She plays trumpet in the Truman Statesmen marching band and is webmaster for Campus PALS. In her free time, Sarah enjoys relaxing and rollerblading.