Vision Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Kelli Anthony, Instructor II in the Department of Communication, Media & Theatre, as well as a communication specialist and graphic designer for the College of Arts & Sciences. She is one of many people on campus leading the charge to get online content ADA compliant. We wanted to have Kelli on the tell us why online accessibility has become a university priority, how the university is responding to new requirements, and what this transition means for faculty and students moving forward.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Shannon Harmon, the Instructional Support Specialist at the Center for Innovation in Teaching Excellence (CITE) at Mississippi State University. Shannon has created a number of AI initiatives to support teachers, including several successful AI workshops. We wanted to have her on to talk about AI on campus and the resources available from CITE to help all of us navigate this emerging technology.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Keith Moser, professor in the Department of Classical & Modern Languages and Literatures. Dr. Moser researches all types of cool stuff; including 20th and 21st century French and Francophone literature, social and ecological justice, globalization, ecocriticism, and environmental philosophy, among many other important topics. As part of his research, Dr. Moser has become an expert in monster studies. This episode highlights his recent article “Capitalism’s Haunted Screens: The Hyperreal Spectacle in Dawn of the Dead and Thanksgiving” as well as the summer’s recent horror movie releases.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Bonnie O’Neill, Professor in the Department of English. Dr. O’Neill is an expert in early American literature. As July 4th is just around the corner, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we have Dr. O'Neill on to talk about just that. Most Americans know the highlights—"We hold these truths to be self-evident...life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"—but fewer know that those famous words were revised, debated, and edited by committee before they ever reached the page. Join us as we examine the Declaratio...

Vision Podcast is celebrating with this special 100th episode! What better way to celebrate than with faculty who are special to so many of us? With us today are three Robert Wolverton, Sr. Legacy Award recipients who are well-known and loved on campus. We discuss their time at MSU, the legacies they have built, as well as all the other exceptional teachers they've worked with along the way.

In this episode, we’re joined by a team that has taken on the important challenge of expanding the university’s child advocacy certificate into a much more robust and interdisciplinary minor. The team consists of Dr. Laura Boltz, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology, who is the principal investigator on a Child Advocacy Studies Expansion grant, as well as Dr. Arazais Oliveros, associate professor in the Department of Psychology, and Kristina Schoenthaler, Ph.D. student in the Department of Psychology.

In this episode, I'm joined by Hannah Coleman, Admissions Coordinator for the College of Arts & Sciences, and Mar Kyles, Academic Coordinator in the Department of Sociology. They are finishing up with the Staff Mentoring Program as a mentor and mentee pair, so I have them on to share the experiences, growth, and insights from both of their perspectives.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Dana Dillard, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and director of the bachelor’s of social work program at MSU. Dana and the Department of Sociology are celebrating Social Work Month with a student-focused event this week, Wednesday, March 18th, from 9:30 to 11:30 am in Bowen Hall 260. The event is open to social work students, faculty, alumni and anyone interested in learning more about the profession. In honor of National Social Work Month, I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight social work, which is often misunderstood and overlooked. 

In this episode, we are joined by a group of College of Arts & Sciences faculty members who are putting on a political ideology debate for MSU students and the community as a whole. We have Dr. Manuel Rodeiro, Dr. John Bickle, and Dr. Giorgi Lebanidze, all from the Department of Philosophy and Religion as well as Dr. Brian Shoup, The Department Head of Political Science and Public Administration. Their two departments are working together to put on the event, so we have them on to discuss this awesome idea.

In this episode, we’re joined by Marty Lang, MFA, assistant professor in the Department of Communication, Media & Theatre as well as Dr. Samyak Shertok, assistant professor in the Department of English. Both are recent book authors who will be highlighted at the College’s upcoming Book Tasting event on Thursday, February 19 at 4 p.m. in the Grisham Room of the Mitchell Memorial Library. We  have them on to highlight the event and peak inside the world of book authoring.  

event info: https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2026/02/college-arts-and-sciences-pairs-books-msu-cheese-book-tasting-event

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jesse Goliath, assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures. He recently won the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Community Connections Mosaic Award,   a national honor recognizing those who advance advocacy and positive change in the forensic sciences. We discuss his award, the Mississippi Repository for Missing and Unidentified Persons, and his work with statewide law enforcement agencies like field recovery and analysis of cases.  

The Mississippi Repository for Missing and Unidentified Persons: https://www.missinginms.msstate.edu/

In this episode, I'm joined by Kristina Schoenthaler, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Psychology who studies college burnout. We talk about resilience and burnout as they relate to a college campus, especially this time of year in the midst of finals. To end, we discuss what we can do to best help ourselves and each other.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ted Atkinson, Professor in the Department of English. He recently published a new book titled “Monumental Designs: Infrastructure and the Culture of the Tennessee Valley Authority.” We have him on to learn about his research and the new publication.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Morgan Robinson, Director of the Institute for the Humanities. The Institute is gearing up for all the events and programs it hosts on campus, and we discuss the the first event, “The Great Balancing Act: Student-Athletes at Mississippi State,” happening this month on September 24 at 6 P.M. in the new Duff Center Auditorium (room 1150).

In this episode, we are joined by a group of College of Arts & Sciences faculty members who are putting on a political ideology debate for MSU students and the community as a whole. Mississippi State University faculty members will gather for a debate, using contemporary political issues to demonstrate for attendees how to engage in respectful, civil discussion. The Political Ideology Debate will highlight a range of political perspectives and the value of constructive discourse on campus. Location: Old Main 3320 September 17, 5:30 pm

On this episode we are joined by Dr. Melanie Loehwing, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the College of Arts & Sciences as well as Kate Sawaya, Academic Coordinator. We discuss the new and inventive curriculum opportunities available to our students, like the 3 + 3 advanced law degree, thrive in five, different interdisciplinary study programs, as well as CAS Pass.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. John Bickle, a professor of philosophy, Dr. Jarrod Moss, a professor and interim department head for the Department of Psychology, and Dr. Michael Pratte, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology. We discuss Mississippi State’s new applied neuroscience minor and their hard work behind the scenes to make it happen.  

For more info on the minor: https://www.psychology.msstate.edu/undergraduate-programs/minors 

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most pressing and complex topics in higher education: the role of artificial intelligence in the classroom. We’re joined by two fantastic guests—Dr. Deborah Lee, Director of Research Impact and AI Strategy, and Dr. Brett Hanley, an Instructor in the Department of English. We’re so glad to have them with us today to explore the promises, challenges, and questions AI raises for students and educators alike.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most pressing and complex topics in higher education: the role of artificial intelligence in the classroom. We’re joined by two fantastic guests—Dr. Deborah Lee, Director of Research Impact and AI Strategy, and Dr. Brett Hanley, an instructor in the Department of English. Through our conversation, we explore the promises, challenges, and questions AI raises for students and educators alike.

In this episode, we are joined by Max Wamsley, a Mississippi State chemistry doctoral graduate and MBA student. Last month, Max’s company CLARUS Labs was awarded $10,000 by the Mississippi State University Startup Summit in the Mississippi Made category. Max and his business develop inexpensive and dependable testing systems for pet food manufacturers. We have him on the show to talk about his business, journey, and experience as a Mississippi entrepreneur.

In this episode. we are joined by Dr. Mary Dozier, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, as well as Jarrod Williams, a PhD student on her research team. They work with people in the area, specializing in helping older adults who struggle with hoarding disorder. In honor of May being mental health awareness month, we have them on and talk about their work as well as just how best take care of ourselves and each other.

Dr. Dozier is recruiting undergraduate participants for the early intervention for hoarding disorder project mentioned in this podcast. If you...

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Ben Crider, an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the director of the Physics Summer Camp for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as Kathryn McTaggart, the associate director of the camp and the Department’s business manager. We have them on to highlight this awesome project during April, which is World Autism Acceptance Month, and also at the end, we talk about some of the new issues they are facing.  

To donate to their foundation fund, click on the link below and...

In this episode we host Dr. Candace Lukasik, an assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion. In March 2025, she published her book titled “Martyrs and Migrants: Coptic Christians and the Persecution Politics of US Empire.” We discuss her book as well as her research as a whole.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Sol Pelaez, an associate professor here in the Department of Classical & Modern Languages and Literatures. Dr. Pelaez was recently named as the university’s 2025 Mississippi Humanities Council Teacher of the Year, and she joins us to talk about the award and her research. 

https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2025/02/celebrating-excellence-msus-sol-pelaez-earns-statewide-humanities

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Joseph Thompson, an assistant professor in the Department of History. His book titled “Cold War Country: How Nashville's Music Row and the Pentagon Created the Sound of American Patriotism” was recently featured in Rolling Stone's list of best music books of 2024.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-music-books-2024-1235200820/cold-war-country-joseph-m-thompson-1235200990/

In this episode, we host a long-time friend to the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Bill Hulett. He and his wife, Dr. Karen D. Hulett, have spent many years on the college's advisory board. Hear Dr. Hulett reflect on his time serving the college, his thoughts on higher education, and his own recent journey to earning a degree from Mississippi State, making him an official Bulldog. 

Bill's article from 2002: https://issuu.com/msstate/docs/alumnus-78-01/24

In this episode, we are joined by Ty Clardy, an undergraduate biological sciences student, to hear about his time at MSU, his experience with the College of Arts & Sciences Ambassadors program, and how the Dr. A. Randle And Marilyn W. White Health Professions Resource Center has prepared him for his career as a doctor. 

https://www.prehealth.msstate.edu/

https://www.cas.msstate.edu/about/ambassadors

In this special Halloween episode, we are joined by Dr. Keith Moser, professor in the Department of Classical & Modern Languages and Literatures. Dr. Moser researches 20th and 21st century French and Francophone literature, social and ecological justice, globalization, ecocriticism, and environmental philosophy, among many other important topics. As part of his research, Dr. Moser has become an expert in monster studies, and has designed a new general education class for students who may be interested in learning more. The class is titled “The American Horror Show: Understanding American Culture through Monsters." This episode highlights the new class as well as th...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Angela Benton, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, Dr. James Hardin, head and professor in the Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures, And Dr. Manuel Roderio, assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion. These faculty members have all designed new general education classes for their discipline. These classes are true general education classes that anyone can take to learn about the subject, and they each focus on specific topics and are designed to engage students in new and interesting ways. The College of Arts & Sciences has...

In this episode, we are joined by two MSU students, Josh Phillips, a senior political science major, and Alex Swan, a senior geosciences major, who tell us about their study abroad experiences.  

MSSTATE Office of Study Abroad: https://www.international.msstate.edu/offices/study-abroad

MSSTATE Office of Prestigious External Scholarships: https://www.honors.msstate.edu/prestigious-external-scholarships/

In this episode, we are joined by faculty members from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics including Robert Banik, Amber Robinson, Jacob Tschume and Kim Walters—all recipients of the Grisham Master Teacher Award, Mississippi State University’s highest teaching honor—to discuss their insights, teaching philosophies and best practices.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Mary Celeste Reese, Director of the Dr. A. Randle and Marilyn W. White Health Professions Resource Center (HPRC), to discuss how the HPRC can provide guidance to undergraduates, graduate students, and MSU alumni who aspire to gain entry into a health professional school.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Brian Shoup, professor and department head in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, to talk about the 2024 election season.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Johna Rudzin Schwing, an assistant professor in the Department of Geosciences with a joint appointment in the Northern Gulf Institute, to discuss her research and what to expect for the upcoming hurricane season.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kelly Moser, associate professor in the Department of Classical & Modern Languages and Literatures and Assistant Dean Intern for Academic Affairs in the College of Arts & Sciences, to discuss what exactly is teaching effectiveness as well as Dr. Moser's plans to improve it at MSU through her collaborative project called TEAMS.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Lara Dodds, professor at MSU and the next Head of the Department of English, to talk about what she hopes to accomplish as Department Head as well as an overview of the department and what an English degree can do for students. 

MLA report: https://www.maps.mla.org/content/download/191583/file/ADE-Ad-Hoc-Career-Report.pdf

English major alumni profiles: https://www.english.msstate.edu/msu-english-alumni-stories

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Amy Dapper, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, to talk about the Dapper Lab, the importance of studying evolutionary biology, and how students can get involved with research at Mississippi State University.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Julia Osman and Dr. Morgan Robinson; Dr. Osman has served as director for MSU’s Institute for the Humanities since 2017 and is now handing over the reins to Dr. Robinson. During our conversation we speak to the past, present, and future of the Institute for the Humanities.

In this episode, we host Dr. Lia Merivaki to discuss her project with the Democracy Renewal Project. Along the way we discuss the importance of trust in elections, the need for information to make knowledgeable decisions, and the need for democratic listening to get as many voters as possible involved in elections.

Theatre MSU will mark its 60th anniversary with the production of Pippin April 25-28 on the McComas Hall main stage. Jesse Wade, assistant clinical professor from the Department of Communication, joins us to discuss the significance of this musical and all the work that is being put in to make it one of Theatre MSU's biggest productions yet.