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Northwest Missouri State University


Academic and Departmental Organizations

 

Accounting Society
President: Elizabeth Beers
Advisor(s): Steve Ludwig
Mission: To bring together accounting majors in an environment that is focused on building relationships and networking with fellow classmates and professionals in the accounting field.
Purpose: To promote Scholarship in the study of Accounting.
To provide interaction between, and a professional environment for students of accounting and other related fields outside the classroom.
To foster high ethical and moral standards for its members toward the community.
To provide opportunities for association among its members, professional organizations and practicing accountants.
To instill in its members a continuing desire for self improvement.

ACM (Association for Computing Machinery)
President: Cody Duncan
Advisor(s): Dr. Gary McDonald
Mission:

ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is an international scientific and educational organization dedicated to advancing the arts, sciences, and applications of information technology. With a worldwide membership ACM is a leading resource for computing professionals and students working in the various fields of information technology.
Purpose:

The Northwest Missouri State University Student Chapter of ACM is committed to providing computer science students with opportunities for out-of-class professional exposure and social interaction.  Specific objectives are:

A. To promote an increased knowledge of the scientific, design, development, construction, language, and applications of computers;

B. To promote a greater interest in computing and its applications; and

C. To provide a means of communication between persons having interest in computing.

The chapter uses a team-centric structure.  This utilizes intercommunication between teams to move the chapter forward in its professional growth.

The professional team's main goal is to provide an environment for the chapter's  members to develop professional skills for tomorrow's workplace.  This includes facilitating communication with industry, arranging field trips to local and regional corporations, and providing programs to keep the members abreast of new developments in the computing field.

The social team promotes camaraderie among all members and nurtures relations between faculty and student members.

ACM-W (Association for Computing Machinery - Women)
President: Jasmine Black
Advisor(s): Diana Linville
Mission:

ACM-W's mission is to celebrate, inform and support women in computing, and work with the ACM-W community of computer scientists, educators, employers and policy makers to improve working and learning environments for women.  This includes promoting activities that result in more equal representation of women in CS such as mentoring or role modeling; monitoring the status of women in industrial and academic computing through the gathering of statistics; providing historical information about women's accomplishments and roles in CS; and serving as a repository of information about programs, documents and policies of concern to women in CS.

Through international and local activities and chapters, educational outreach, recognition of leading women in CS, cooperation with other organizations, and the dissemination of information via newsletters, blogs, and reports, ACM-W promotes the growth and development of women seeking to attain careers in computing.  (Taken from the National ACM-W website http://women.acm.org/who_we_are/index.cfm).

Purpose: The purposes of the ACM-W Society are:
A. To encourage women to participate in computer-related studies and careers.
B. To build a network of contacts for women in computer-related fields.
C. To prepare women in computer-related studies to be marketable in the industry.
D. To promote a congenial atmosphere among women studying computer-related fields.

Agronomy Club at Northwest Missouri State University
President: Megan Jiskra
Advisor(s): Dr. Tom Zweifel
Mission: To stimulate the interest in the profession of the field Agronomy.
Purpose: The purpose of this organization shall be:
(a) To stimulate the interest in the profession of the field of Agronomy.
(b) The enhance a spirit of cooperation and helpfulness among students in this     agricultural science.
(c) To support the Agriculture Department of this institution.
(d) To promote the profession and continued study of Agriculture.

Alpha Kappa Psi
President: Donnie Merriman
Advisor(s): David Johnson
Mission: Providing resources for enhancing the educational experience of future business leaders.
Purpose:

The purpose of the organization shall be:
a) To promote interest in professional business development, brotherhood, knowledge, integrity, service, and unity
b) To provide fellowship among students and faculty.
c) To represent student needs and wants in regard to preparing students for the business world.
d) To provide a forum for the presentation of innovative ideas to benefit of the University community.

Alpha Tau Alpha/Collegiate FFA
President: Katie Eggers
Advisor(s): Rod Barr
Mission: The mission of this organization shall be to:
1) Promote the high ideals and standards of agriculture and FFA
2) Provide opportunities for scholarship, leadership advancement, professional development, and service.
3) Promote agriculture, agriculture literacy, and agricultural education
4)Promote social/recreational and networking activities
Purpose:

The purpose of this organization, as implied in the Preamble, is to promote the highest standards of agricultural education and a more intimate acquaintance and closer relationship with individuals who have chosen a major in agricultural education or extension education. By studying the life, preparation, and personality of great educators, by a better understanding of various aspects of the great vocations in agriculture, and life of the people engaged therein, we aspire to become such agricultural educators as shall wisely and sufficiently lead those who have chosen the vocation of agriculture, into fuller lives of success and happiness.

We seek to find and enjoy the fellowship of individuals of high scholarship, of true teaching ideals, and of sincere desire to serve in agricultural leadership.

American Choral Director's Association
President: Jon Logan
Advisor(s): Dr. Stephen Town
Mission: 1. To Foster and promote choral singing which will provide artistic and spirited experiences for the participants.
2. To foster and promote the finest types of choral music to make these experiences possible.
3. To foster and encourage rehearsal procedures conducive to attaining the highest level possible in musician ship and artistic performance.
4. To foster and promote the organization and development of choral groups of all types in schools, colleges, and churches.
5. To foster and promote the organization and development of choral societies in cities and communities.
6. To foster and promote the intelligent and understanding of choral music as an important medium of artistic expression.
7. To foster and promote significant research in the field of choral music.
8. To foster and promote composition of superior quality in both music and text for all choral combinations.
9. To cooperate with all organizations dedicated to the development of musical culture in America.
10. To disseminate professional news and information about choral music.
American Marketing Association
President: Alex Hitz
Advisor(s): Allison Hoffman; Brenda Jones
Mission: The mission of the collegiate division of the American Marketing Association is to further the professional development of the affiliated collegiate chapters and student members through leadership development, training and involvement in the field of marketing.
Purpose: 360° Inspiration. The AMA allows members to tap into perspectives that are specific to their area of marketing and get insight from those in other areas as well, helping build well-rounded skill sets and ultimately, a stronger, more diversified team.
Collegiate Farm Bureau
President: Kacie Wright
Advisor(s): Dr. Arley Larson
Mission: Communicate with state and national Farm Bureau organizations, other Collegiate Farm Bureau organizations, and other interested groups with the goal of uniting in common interests and promoting the industry of Agriculture in America.
Purpose: Serve as a bridge between current Agricultural production and business interests and Northwest Missouri State University students, faculty, and administration. Interact with legislators in Jefferson City and Washington, DC as an active voice for Agriculture interests.
Financial Management Association
President: Mallory Brown
Advisor(s): Dr. Jason White
Mission: Its goal is to help students meet business people, increase their financial knowledge, and find job opportunities.
Purpose: The purpose of FMA is to help students broaden their knowledge in the financial field and know about all of the opportunities available in the financial industry.
Gamma Theta Upsilon
President: Cody Ford
Advisor(s): Dr. Matt Engel ; Dr. Yi Hwa (Eva) Wu
Mission: Gamma Theta Upsilon membership is earned through superior scholarship; it is an honor, and a professional distinction.
Purpose: To further professional interest in Geography by affording a common organization for those interested in the field.
 
To strengthen student and professional training through academic experiences in addition to those of the classroom and laboratory.
 
To advance the status of Geography as a cultural and practical discipline for study and investigation.
 
To encourage student research of high quality, and to promote an outlet for publication.
 
To create and administer funds for furthering graduate study and/or research in the field of Geography.
Geo Club
President: Kellie Tinkham
Advisor(s): Renee Rohs, Yanfen Le
Purpose: The purpose of the Geo Club is to provide academic and social activities in the fields of Earth Science, Geology, and Geography for active members of the club.
History Club
President: Trevor Tutt
Advisor(s): Matt Johnson, Dawn Gilley
Mission: The History club provides an informal setting for discussing all things connected to history.
Purpose: To further student engagement with history and historic preservation as well as to foster a deeper engagement with the past.
National Association for Music Education
President: Jon Logan
Advisor(s): Dr. Christopher Gibson, Dr. Vincent Bates
Mission: To advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all.
Purpose:

Through its many programs, activities, publications, and conferences, MENC addresses all aspects of music education and works to ensure that every student shall have access and exposure to a balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction. By promoting the best possible music education for all children and advancing music education as a profession, MENC's objectives are to:

  • Provide information, resources, and services for music education professionals.
  • Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas through publications and meetings.
  • Promote music as an essential area of study.
  • Foster the use of the most effective techniques and resources in music education.
  • Investigate curricular needs and develop resources for effective music education.
  • Develop criteria, guidelines, and evaluation procedures for music education.
  • Encourage excellence in music education by recognizing individual achievements and contributions to the profession.
•Maintain an effective liaison with national and international organizations that have allied interests in arts and music education.
Lambda Pi Eta
President: Calee D. Scott
Advisor(s): Dr. Nathan Wilson
Mission: The mission of Lambda Pi Eta is to educate and honor students in the field of communication, while giving them a forum within which they can voice opinions and be active in promoting understanding of the field through service on campus and in the community.
Purpose: The purposes of Lambda Pi Eta shall be: (a) to recognize, foster and reward outstanding scholastic achievement in communication studies; (b) to stimulate interest in the field of communication; (c) to promote and encourage professional development among communication majors; (d) to provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas in the field of communication.
 Northwest Student Dietetic Organization
President: Sarah Rice
Advisor(s): Karen From
Mission: Northwest Student Dietetic Association strives to provide professional development and cultural enrichment for future dietitians.
Purpose: This organization's purpose is to prepare students for the dietetic internship process and future careers.
 NWMSU Student Chapter of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
Advisor(s): Dr. Brian Haile and Dr. Mary Shepherd
Mission: We see to promote the interest and study of mathematics through promotion, lectures, and social events.
Purpose: The chapter is organized and will be operated exclusively for educational and scientific purposes and, in furtherance thereof, specific objectives are:
1. To promote an increased knowledge of mathematics;
2. To promote a greater interest in mathematics and its applications; and
3. To provide a means of communication among persons having an interest in mathematics.
Phi Beta Lambda
President: Benjamin Throm
Advisor(s): Dr. Deb Toomey
Mission: Phi Beta Lambda is a non-profit educational association for students preparing for careers in business, entrepreneurial or business-related fields. The association prepares students for employment by promoting competent, aggressive business leadership, increasing understanding of American free enterprise, establishing career goals, encouraging scholarship, promoting efficient money management, and developing character and self-confidence. Co-curricular activities encourage career development, civic service, economic education, community involvement and business advocacy. Partnerships are formed with Chambers of Commerce, local businesses, industries, and government. An extensive skills competition program is offered to challenge members in their academic pursuits.
Purpose:

The purpose of PBL is to provide opportunities for postsecondary students to develop
vocational competencies for business and office occupations and business teacher education.  PBL is
an integral part of the instructional program and in addition promotes a sense of civic and personal
responsibility.
The specific goals of PBL are to:

  • Develop competent, aggressive business leadership.
  • Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work.
  • Create more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise.
  • Encourage members in the development of individual projects, which contribute to the improvement of home, business and community.
  • Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship and foster patriotism.
  • Encourage and practice efficient money management.
  • Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty.
  • Assist students in the awareness of occupational goals.
     • Facilitate the transition from school to work.  
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
President: John Carr
Advisor(s): Dr. William S. Richardson and Dr. Charles Badami
Mission:

The mission statement of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, known as the Object, reads as follows:
The Object of this Fraternity shall be for the development of the best and truest fraternal spirit; the mutual welfare and brotherhood of musical students; the advancement of music in America and a loyalty to the Alma Mater.
Purpose: Brotherhood through music.
Phi Sigma Tau
President: Shannon L. Griffin
Advisor(s): Dr. Richard Field
Mission:  Its essential purpose is to promote ties among philosophy departments in accredited institutions and students in philosophy nationally. In addition to providing a means of awarding distinction to students having high scholarship and interest in philosophy, Phi Sigma Tau also promotes interest in philosophy among the general collegiate public.
Purpose: The objects of the Society shall be: (1) to serve as a means of awarding distinction to students having high scholarship and personal interest in philosophy; (2) to promote student interest in research and advanced study in this field; (3) to provide opportunities for the publication of student research papers of merit; (4) to encourage a professional spirit and friendship among those who have displayed marked ability in this field; and (5) to popularize interest in philosophy among the general collegiate public.
Political Science Club
President: Jacqueline Long
Advisor(s): Dr. Richard Fulton
Mission: To allow students to better understand Poltical Science
Purpose: To meet and learn about Political Science
Pre-Health Organizations Club
President: Justin Wright
Advisor(s): Dr. Gretchen Thornsberry
Mission: To help students in the pre- health fields network, as we give back to the community and strive for an overall concept of the medical professons in which we pursue!
Purpose: To give science majors in the pre-health field the confidence to openly network and help by forming study groups, to achieve the ultimate goal of getting into pre- health graduate programs.
Psychology Sociology Society
President: Hannah Corwin
Advisor(s): Dr. Roger Neustadter
Mission: Our mission as the Psychology-Sociology Society is to show students the various applications of psychology and sociology through various group activities.
Purpose: The purpose of the Psychology-Sociology Society is to inform students about psychology and sociology while simultaneously providing activities that are engaging and fun. 
Public Relations Student Society of America
President: Keira Kessler
Advisor(s): Dr. David A. Shadinger
Mission: Organized in 1980, the Northwest Missouri State University chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) serves all students interested in improving their knowledge and skills in the public relations and other communications fields
Purpose: The declared purpose of PRSSA is to cultivate a favorable and mutually advantageous relationship between students and professional public relations practitioners.
Sigma Alpha Iota
President: Audra Bunch
Advisor(s): Dr. Rebecca Dunnell
Mission: To encourage, nurture and support the art of music.
Purpose: To further and support music throughout and campus and the community.
Social Sciences Research Group (SSRG)
President: Kofi Duah (Co-president); Alexander Williams
Advisor(s): Carla Edwards & Ryan Wessell
Mission: The Social Sciences Research Group was formed to promote student understanding of research processes. Students have the opportunity to be actively involved in creating, planning, and carrying out independent research projects under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Student projects may culminate in a presentation at an appropriate conference.
Purpose: To allow students to gain experience with experimental design and oral presentation skills while working collaboratively with other students and closely with other faculty.  This will help students build their resumes and earn quality letters of reference and, thus, prepare them for the workforce and graduate school.
Society of President's Scholars
President: Cody Petersen
Advisor(s): Dr. Jenny Rytting
Mission: To show appreciation to the university for our scholarships by giving back to the academics of Northwest.
Purpose: Our purpose is to present two academic events each year.  The fist is the Last Lecture series which gives a professor a chance to give a lecture to an audience on anything they would like.  The other is an academic symposium to celebrate the works of Northwest students.
SSS Student Leadership Council
President: Eric Jones
Advisor(s): Brenda Johnson
Mission:

The Student Advisory Council (SAC) exists to provide a student led, decision-making body for participants of Northwest's Student Support Services TRiO program. SAC provides opportunities for members to participate in cultural, social, and leadership activities, as well as volunteering for community service projects and promoting academic excellence.

The Student Support Services program is a student-oriented learning assistance program, which provides financial, career, personal and academic advisement, and peer mentoring.  The program is open to Northwest Missouri State University students who are first-generation college students, come from a lower socioeconomic background, or have a disability.

Purpose: It shall be the purpose of this organization to provide a student-centered, support network which features an environment of friendship, confidentiality and openness; a multicultural and gender fair environment where diversity is valued and each person is treated with dignity and respect; and opportunities for personal, cultural and academic growth.
Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (SAACS)
President: Andrea Potter
Advisor(s): Dr. Michael Hull
Mission: The professional development of young chemists and to educate the public about chemical issues
Student Member Section of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
President: Sarah Pfeifer
Advisor(s): Charlotte Stiens
Mission: (We operate from the purpose and the activities of the organization are consistent with the objectives of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.)
Purpose: The purpose of the Northwest Missouri State University Student Member Section of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences is to provide professional development, community service, social interaction, and recognition of members for Family and Consumer Sciences majors
Student Missouri State Teachers Association (SMSTA)
President: Tara Rechkemmer
Advisor(s): Dr. Virgil Freeman
Purpose: The Student Missouri State Teachers Association is a pre-professional organization dedicated to preparing education majors for tomorrow's classrooms. SMSTA is open to all education majors interested in keeping up-to-date with current trends in the field.
Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE)
President: Jason Orme
Advisor(s): Dr. Jason White
Mission: Increase the success skills and entrepreneurial knowledge of others beyond our campus and surrounding community.
Purpose: Give Northwest students an opportunity to educate others with the knowledge they have learned in college.  We also take at least on trip each year which gives students the opportunity to compete against other University's SIFE teams, network with multinational  organizations, and gain recognition for Northwest at a national level.
The Association for Computing Machinery
President: Cody Duncan
Advisor(s): Dr. Gary McDonald
Mission: ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is an international scientific and educational organization dedicated to advancing the arts, sciences, and applications of information technology. With a worldwide membership ACM is a leading resource for computing professionals and students working in the various fields of information technology.
Purpose:

The Northwest Missouri State University Student Chapter of ACM is committed to providing computer science students with opportunities for out-of-class professional exposure and social interaction.  Specific objectives are:

A. To promote an increased knowledge of the scientific, design, development, construction, language, and applications of computers;
B. To promote a greater interest in computing and its applications; and
C. To provide a means of communication between persons having interest in computing.

The chapter uses a team-centric structure.  This utilizes intercommunication between teams to move the chapter forward in its professional growth.

The professional team's main goal is to provide an environment for the chapter's  members to develop professional skills for tomorrow's workplace.  This includes facilitating communication with industry, arranging field trips to local and regional corporations, and providing programs to keep the members abreast of new developments in the computing field.

The social team promotes camaraderie among all members and nurtures relations between faculty and student members.
The Northwest Missourian
President: Trey Williams
Advisor(s): Laura Widmer
Mission: To provide the Northwest and Maryville community with news and information that matters most to them while building and maintaining a professional student learning environment.
Purpose: To educate the student journalists through real-life experiences and situations relevant to their career path. Also to ensure they are equip with the skills necessary to succeed post graduation.
Tower Yearbook
President: Erin Funk
Advisor(s): Laura Widmer
Mission: The purpose of a yearbook is to tell the unique story of the students at the university during the given year. This means the year's story told in any yearbook ought to be like no other story in any other yearbook. We are historians. This means that we do not impose our ideas or views on any group or person, but rather record a story on how it actually happened. Yearbooks function as history books, memory books, public relation tools and as business ventures.
Purpose: The purpose of a yearbook is to tell the unique story of the students at the university during the given year.