The shells of Brood XIX cicadas, which hatch every 13 years in Missouri, are attached to a sugar maple tree in Franklin County, Mo. May 12, 2024. (Photo by Will Sites)
Brood XIX cicadas have waited 13 years to get noisy. They’re here.
By Clarion News
JEFFERSON CITY – Summers are meant to be noisy. But not this noisy. That buzzing you hear in the trees is thanks to Brood XIX cicadas, which come out of the ground every 13 years to mate, lay eggs, and…you guessed it, wait another 13 years to complete the cycle. This is a special year in the bug world.
Two separate cicada broods – one on a 13-year cycle and the other on a 17-year cycle – will emerge together in the Midwest for the first time since 1803. The same year Thomas Jefferson was president, Ohio became a state, and Beethoven was performing in Vienna. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) says the two broods won’t emerge together for another 221 years. The two broods will mix together in northeast Missouri and a large portion of Illinois.
The MDC says the spring rain and warm soil tells the cicadas to emerge from the soil and start their six weeks of life in the trees. When the soil gets to about 64 degrees, the nymphs will emerge to shed their skins and climb into the trees. The males will crank-up their noisy mating calls and the females will lay eggs in the tree branches. The females don’t make noise. Eventually, the eggs will hatch into nymphs, which fall to the ground and burrow into the soil. In 13 years they emerge to begin the process anew.
A Brood XIX cicada after waiting 13 years to emerge. Franklin County, Mo., May 12, 2024. (Photo by Will Sites)
Experts say some areas can have 1.5 million cicadas per acre. But not to worry, many animals gorge on the crunchy insects, which are completely harmless. Throughout history, humans have enjoyed the protein-rich bugs – including Native Americans. Some say they taste like asparagus.
Cicadas are incorrectly called locusts. According to some cicada buffs, the mistake was made by American colonists in the 1700s. It seems they needed an explanation for the periodic invasion, using the biblical horde of locusts as an explanation. The brood numbers – this year in Missouri is Brood XIX – comes from the first time scientists began counting specific brood hatches. That was Brood I. So, in Missouri, this is the 19th time the 13-year cicada has emerged.
The shell of a Brood XIX cicada, which hatch every 13 years in Missouri, is attached to a sugar maple tree in Franklin County, Mo. May 12, 2024. (Photo by Will Sites)The shells of Brood XIX cicadas, which hatch every 13 years in Missouri, are attached to a sugar maple tree in Franklin County, Mo. May 12, 2024. (Photo by Will Sites)
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – The hard work and dedication by LU students finally came to fruition during the spring 2024 commencement ceremony held in Mitchell Auditorium on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Three ceremonies were held throughout the day, with agriculture, humanities and communication, STEM, social sciences, and liberal studies students graduating at the 9 a.m. commencement.
The School of Business, education, and nursing held their commencement in the afternoon.
Dr. Stevie Lawrence II, LU’s provost and vice-president for Academic Affairs, presided over the commencement. President John Moseley greeted the large crowd and Dr. Shaun Harper gave the commencement address.
Harper, a professor at USC, provided a positive message centered on imagination. He challenged the graduates to imagine a world where they can be anything and everything. College graduates can achieve great things in life, but they have to imagine that they can actually do it – because they can, he said. Harper noted that his background might be similar to some of the graduates. You can do anything, but you have to imagine that you can, he said.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
(Photo above) Congratulations to the journalism graduates! From left to right: Donyae Porter, Tyra Tillman, Jordan Parker, JoVon Ray (kneeling), Aderias Ealy, Nathan Valencia, Associate Professor Will Sites, Miriam Bazylewicz, and Shanthamoi Brown. May 11, 2024. (Photo by Rebecca Rademan)
Austin Shoemaker (stock photo by Miriam Bazylewicz/Clarion News)
By Dan Carr/Assistant AD for Media Relations
PONTE VEDRA, Fla. – Austin Shoemaker was crowned the Division II individual champion of the PGA WORKS Championship, played at TPC Sawgrass from Monday through Wednesday (May 6-8). The Lincoln men’s golf team finished as the runner-up with a three-round total of 932, finishing just one stroke behind Chaminade, the winners of the tournament with a total of 931.
Shoemaker fired a 68 to open the tournament before carding a 77 in the second round and a 75 in the third. Shoemaker, who won the tourney by two strokes, becomes the first Blue Tiger to earn individual medalist honors at the PGA WORKS Championship since 2015, when Blake Lammers took home the crown after winning a playoff.
Henry Mwanza tied for 10th, tallying scores of 74, 82 and 77 for a three-day total of 233. Remon Rabie claimed 12th, posting 18-hole scores of 76, 81 and 77 to finish one shot back of Mwanza with a 234.
Blake Meredith rounded out the top-20 with a final score of 246. Meredith shot an 84 in both the first and third rounds as well as a 78 in the second round. Nico Tovar Cardona, meanwhile, shot scores of 83, 88 and 84 for a final total of 255, placing him 25th overall.
A plumbing problem caused flooding in bathrooms and basement on Thursday
MLK Hall was closed Thursday due to a sewer issue. April 25, 2024. (Photo by Clarion News)
Clarion News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – MLK Hall is now open and dry after plumbing and flooding issues caused the four-story building to close last Thursday. According to workers on the scene, something was causing the men’s bathroom on the first floor to flood and later the basement.
The building was evacuated Thursday afternoon and remained closed until reopening today.
MLK Hall was closed Thursday and will remain closed through Friday (April 26, 2024) due to a sewer issue. April 25, 2024. (Photo by Clarion News)
By Clarion News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – A backed-up sewer caused flooding issues in MLK Hall early Thursday morning, forcing the closure of the building through Friday. Maintenance workers said they weren’t sure what caused the flooding, but the problem was serious enough to close the bathroom and later the entire building.
MLK Hall doors are locked.
MLK Hall was closed Thursday and will remain closed through Friday (April 26, 2024) due to a sewer issue. April 25, 2024. (Photo by Clarion News)
Lincoln University Provost Dr. Stevie L. Lawrence II speaks at University College ribbon cutting on April 15, 2024. (Photo by Tyra Tillman)
By Fatima Black
Photos By Tyra Tillman
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – The new University College academic center officially opened during a ribbon cutting held Monday morning, April 11, in Page Library. University College offers an array of academic resources and support services to aid incoming freshmen, sophomores, and transfers to become more successful throughout their university experience.
The University College, located on the ground floor of the library, assists students in identifying their educational and career aspirations from the outset and empowers them to make the most of their academic undergraduate experience. All students are welcome to use the services, including advising, degree plans, tutoring, and more.
The departments under University College include the Academic Success Center, Undergrad Research, Student Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Study Abroad. The University College is currently hiring a dean to supervise the program. Lincoln’s purpose for implementing the new University College is to supply a proven tool to increase retention.
Lincoln University Executive Director of Civic Engagement Dr. Darius Watson speaks at the University College ribbon cutting on April 15, 2024. (Photo by Tyra Tillman)
The new center is located on the lower level of Page Library and is open during regular university hours. For more information, contact greerq@lincolnu.edu
Divya Gunasegar (photo by Miriam Bazylewicz/Clarion News)
By Dan Carr/Assistant AD for Media Relations
Photos by Miriam Bazylewicz/Clarion News
HOLTS SUMMIT, Mo. – The LU women’s golf team shot a two-day total of 597 to win the Lincoln/William Woods Invitational, played at Railwood Golf Club on Monday and Tuesday (April 8-9).
Kaathi Gunasegar shot a 76 in the opening round and a 69 in the second to card a total of 145, making her the tournament’s individual champion by five strokes. Kaathi Gunasegar also won the NCAA Division II individual title at last week’s National Women’s Collegiate Championship and led LU to the team title there as well, giving both her and the Blue Tigers two tournament championships within the span of six days.
As a team, the Blue Tigers shot a 300 on Monday and a 297 on Tuesday. Lincoln’s total of 597 was an impressive 65 shots better than the runner-up team, William Woods, which posted a team score of 662.
Kaathi Gunasegar (photo by Miriam Bazylewicz/Clarion News)
Marsya Nazri won a three-player playoff to take second overall with a sum of 150. Nazri carded a 77 in the opening round and a 73 in the second. Divya Gunasegar, meanwhile, shot scores of 75 and 77 to tie with Nyah Singh for sixth place, as both players totaled a 152. Singh opened the tourney with a 74 and shot a 78 on Tuesday.
Elliott Hull closed out Lincoln with a final sum of 155, tying her for eighth place overall. Hull fired a 75 on Monday and an 80 on Tuesday. Maria Villamil, meanwhile, played as an individual and put together rounds of 78 and 73 to finish in fifth place with a sum of 151.
Lincoln will next play in the MIAA Women’s Golf Championship, which will be held at Silo Ridge Country Club in Bolivar, Mo. on April 22-24.
Austin Shoemaker (photo by Miriam Bazylewicz/Clarion News)
By Dan Carr/Assistant AD for Media Relations
Photos by Miriam Bazylewicz/Clarion News
HOLTS SUMMIT, Mo. – Austin Shoemaker broke a course record and the Lincoln men’s golf team finished second with a total of 597 at the Lincoln/William Woods Invitational, held at Railwood Golf Club on Monday and Tuesday (April 8-9).
Shoemaker, who played as an individual, finished as the individual runner-up after shooting a two-round score of 142. Shoemaker shot a 66 on Tuesday, the lowest score ever shot by anybody at Railwood. He opened the tourney with a 76 on Monday and ended just one stroke behind the individual champion.
Nico Tovar Cardona placed third overall and led LU’s team performance by shooting a two-day total of 143. Cardona fired a 71 in the first round and a 72 in the second. Henry Mwanza, meanwhile, tied for fourth after carding scores of 75 and 69 for a final sum of 144.
Nico Tovar Cardona (photo by Miriam Bazylewicz/Clarion News)
Remon Rabie tied for 11th with a final score of 153, shooting totals of 80 and 73 in the process. Blake Meredith finished in a tie for 16th, as he tallied rounds of 78 and 79 for a final score of 157. Logen Prock, meanwhile, closed out Lincoln’s performance by shooting 161 with 18-hole scores of 81 and 80.
Up next for Lincoln is the MIAA Men’s Golf Championship, which will be played at Shoal Creek Golf Club in Kansas City, Mo. on April 15-17.
Author and LU alum Michelle Brooks discusses her book, The Jefferson City Civil Pilots, in Page Library. Feb. 29, 2024.
Article and photos by Fatima Black
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY- Author and LU alumni Michelle Brooks recently visited Lincoln University. Brooks discussed her recent book, The Jefferson City Civil Pilots, a historical account of Lincoln University’s World War II black pilots. In this book, she highlighted the history of the Tuskegee Airmen out of Lincoln University.
Lincoln was the only college west of the Mississippi River to offer a Civilian Pilot Training program for black pilots. There were 50 trained pilots out of LU’s CPT program before World War II began. Tuskegee was the first airfield for African Americans, and they had to build the program up from scratch.
“Discrimination kept most from going further than watching the skies. In 1939, only four African-American pilots held commercial licenses, 23 held private licenses, and 82 were students,” said Brooks.
Richard Pullum and Wendell Pruitt are two notable pilots who successfully graduated from the CPT program. The two pilots were the first out of Lincoln to earn their wings from the Tuskegee Army Airfield. More than a dozen Lincoln students and professors were in the program.
“Many of these Lincoln airmen broke racial barriers in military and civilian worlds,” Brooks said. Others impacted their communities and the nation with their skills, knowledge, and compassion, and their lives by success and character helped gradually overcome racial mythology in their workplaces, communities, and the nation.”
Author and LU alum Michelle Brooks discusses her book, The Jefferson City Civil Pilots, in Page Library. Feb. 29, 2024.
LU golfer Marsya Nazri in action at Tanglewood in Fulton, Mo. March 25, 2024. (Photo by Miriam Bazylewicz)
By Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
BOLIVAR, Mo. – Marsya Nazri tied for 38th to help the Lincoln women’s golf team place 10th out of 15 teams at the Midwest Intercollegiate, hosted by Drury University at Silo Ridge Country Club on Monday and Tuesday (March 18-19).
Nazri carded an 84 in each of the tournament’s two rounds to finish with a final score of 168. Kaathi Gunasegar ended the tourney just two strokes back of Nazri with a 170 after turning in scores of 87 and 83. Divya Gunasegar, meanwhile, shot an 84 on Tuesday after carding an 89 on Monday to end the tournament with a total of 173.
Nyah Singh rebounded from a 90 on Monday to fire an 84 on Tuesday and closed the tournament with a sum of 174. Maria Villamil was one shot behind Singh with a 175 after posting totals of 90 and 85. Elliott Hull, meanwhile, played as an individual and shot rounds of 94 and 86 for a final total of 180.
Up next for the Blue Tigers is the WWU Spring Invitational, which will be hosted by William Woods University at Tanglewood Golf Course in Fulton, Mo. next Monday and Tuesday (March 25-26).
LU President John Moseley speaks during an investiture ceremony held Sept. 9, 2022 in Mitchell Auditorium. (Clarion Photo)
By Clarion News staff
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – The LU Board of Curators today released the official report concerning the role President John Moseley played in the employment termination and subsequent suicide of Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey. Moseley took a voluntary leave of absence pending the outcome of the investigation.
According to the report, the university hired an outside law firm, Lewis Rice LLC, to investigate issues surrounding the Jan. 5, 2024 off-campus suicide of Bailey, the vice president of Student Affairs. According to reports, Bailey was hired in May of 2023 and later began to suffer from anxiety and depression. Bailey was seeking medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act when she was terminated from her job.
According to the investigation, “the university did not fail to accommodate under the Americans with Disabilities Act, that Dr. Candia-Bailey was not eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) due to her being employed for less than one year, but that the university responded appropriately to requests for accommodation by, among other things, allowing remote work and the use of accrued leave.
The report also found that “some workplace stress existed, leading to strained relationships among and between university employees, including those in senior leadership positions. Those concerns have been largely addressed and the Board will be working with President Moseley on improvements to staff operations and increased staff training and resources.”
The report “no evidence was found that Dr. Moseley bullied Dr. Candia-Bailey. University leaders – and President Moseley himself – all confirmed that his communication style can be described as direct. But none of the witnesses interpreted his style of communication as bullying – and all stated that they had never personally felt bullied by President Moseley.”
The investigation did find some issues of workplace stress existed on campus, “leading to strained relationships among and between University employees, including those in senior leadership positions. Those concerns have largely been addressed and the Board will be working with President Moseley on improvements to staff operations and increased staff training and resources.”
Bailey’s suicide caused campus protests and calls for the firing of Moseley and other administrators.
Protesters gather outside Richardson Fine Arts Center after walking out of the annual Lincoln University Founder’s Day event. Feb. 8, 2024. (Tyra Tillman/Clarion News photo)
A student protester displays a sign during the annual Lincoln University Founder’s Day event held Feb. 8, 2024 in Mitchell Auditorium. (Photo by Tyra Tillman/Clarion News)
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – Meet Fred Holmes. As a new addition to Lincoln University’s athletic staff, he will be the compliance officer, which oversees NCAA student-athlete rights and responsibilities. Holmes grew up in Kenner, Louisiana, which is near New Orleans.
As a kid, Holmes played a variety of neighborhood sports, where he was challenged to be the best. He started with basketball. His mom would buy videotapes of drills and then he would implement them in practice. Holemes grew a passion for athletics and his mom invested in it. That’s what made him who he is today.
He attended John Curtis High Christian School, where he found a deeper faith in football. While he was there, his team went to the Louisiana state championship every year. Following his final season, he began receiving letters from colleges and attending official visits to different schools. Through his recruiting journey, his mom said that she couldn’t pay for college.
“Having that option to pick a school was important to me,” said Holmes. Most importantly, he wanted to make his mom proud. He played football at UCLA, and then some arena football, but injuries forced him out of sports.
In 2016 he started his career in athletic administration as the Coordinator of Student-Athlete Services at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Holmes mentioned that it was a struggle getting to where he is now in his career. Holmes found an avenue in helping student-athletes into life after athletics. From personal experience, he knows how difficult it is to move on from sports. Holmes makes his job easy by keeping a smile and high energy.
“Network with people and put yourself out there outside of the athletic community,” Holmes said. “Because that’s very important.”
Holmes worked in athletics compliance at Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colo. before coming to LU.
JEFFERSON CITY, MO- According to an LU news release, Dr. Kevin M. Wilson has resigned from his position as the vice president for Advancement and Athletics. The vice president deals with fundraising for the university athletic programs and oversees cheerleading, marching band, and choir. He also helped add baseball and women’s and men’s soccer, which will begin competition in 2024-2025.
According to his bio on the LU athletics website, he secured funding to renovate the golf center and softball fields during his first two years at Lincoln University.
In a news release sent to students and faculty on March 18, 2024, Wilson will remain in higher education and accept a tenure track at a sister HBCU in another state.
Acting President Dr. Stevie Lawrence spoke on Wilson’s departure in the news release.
“While it is hard to see a member of our University family move on, we are excited for Dr. Wilson and his family for their new opportunity.” Lawrence has stated that any projects Wilson worked on will be finalized before his departure from the university.
JEFFERSON CITY- Lincoln University’s international students are being recognized with the addition of 33 new flags surrounding Page Library.
“The intent is to make our international students feel more at home and recognize the diverse student body, and the benefit of having our students from other countries see their home flag here,” said Jeff Barlow, VP of Administration and Finance. “This is their home while they’re here and we want to make them feel welcomed.”
Lincoln’s enrollment includes 154 international students from 33 different countries.
“Out of all HBCU’s, Lincoln is recognized as one of the most diverse in the nation,” said Jeannie Culberson, director of International Services. International Students can be found participating in a wide array of athletics and campus organizations.
According to Barlow, President John Moseley set aside roughly $40,000 to help international students feel more at home. He said the purpose of the flags is to make our international students feel like they are part of the university and to celebrate the diversity they bring to campus.
Lincoln plans on presenting a dedication in the near future.
Stripes with LU head football coach Moses Harper announcing the new conference. Feb.6, 2024. (Photo by Rahman Jeremiah Watson)
By Tyra Tillman
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY- A new year comes with new changes for the Lincoln University football team. The team is entering the NCAA Div. II Great Lakes Valley Conference, allowing Lincoln to compete against another HBCU for the first time since 2017. Along with a new conference, LU will go into the fall 2024 season with a new head coach.
A press conference was held on Feb. 6, 2024 at the Capital Bluffs Event Center to introduce the new coach, Moses Harper, to Blue Tigers supporters on campus and beyond. At the conference, Harper had the opportunity to discuss his hopes for the season and his new coaching style.
“When you say DAT, that is who we are, D is for discipline, A is for accountability, and T is for toughness,” Harper said. “I’m very excited to what it’s brought to the players now and how they’re getting down with it.”
(From left to right) VP of Advancement, Athletics and Campus Recreation Dr. Kevin Wilson, Stripes, new LU head football coach Moses Harper, and LU Acting President Stevie L. Lawrence II, at the press conference. Feb. 6, 2024. (Photo by Tyra Tillman/Clarion News)
Harper previously served as the passing game coordinator and receivers coach in the University of Nebraska-Kearney football program. He was formerly the tight ends coach and Director of Football Operations at Missouri Western (2022). He also has coached at Division II member William Jewell (Mo.) College and two junior colleges in Fort Scott, Kansas and Coahoma, Mississippi.
The press conference helped the community get to know Harper and get everyone excited for what this football season is supposed to bring from the players, himself, and the community.
“Come out and support us,” Harper said. “You’ll be proud of the team that touched the field.”
LU head football coach Moses Harper at the press conference. Feb. 6, 2024. (Photo by Fatima Black/Clarion News)
JEFFERSON CITY – A former Lincoln University student from Kansas City has been placed on probation after pleading guilty to one of six felony charges in connection to a Nov. 4, 2020 shooting near the LINC on Lafayette Street. The incident injured several students.
De’Angelo Hawley, 23, was facing four felony counts of first-degree assault, one felony count of armed criminal action, and one felony count of unlawful use of a weapon. He recently pleaded guilty to the unlawful use of a weapon charge and was placed on five years supervised probation. The remaining felony charges were dismissed by the Cole County prosecuting attorney’s office.
According to police reports, during the afternoon of Nov. 4, 2020 Hawley was allegedly involved in a dispute near a Lincoln University residence hall. A short time later, police say Hawley shot at a group of people located near the LINC, which is across the street from Jefferson City High School.
Jefferson City and Lincoln University police responded to the scene, finding several people injured, including one female who was transported to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
LU Mallory Rodgers in action at home against William Jewell. Feb.13, 2024. (Photo by Tyra Tillman)
By Dan Carr/Assistant AD for Media Relations
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Lincoln softball team had a combined 12 hits in its first games of 2024, but the Blue Tigers lost both games of a home double-header to William Jewell on Tuesday (Feb. 13). The Cardinals won the first game, 8-4, and took the second, 4-1.
William Jewell (4-2) scored in the top of the first inning of game one, but Lincoln answered in the bottom of the second as Mackenzie Graham hit a leadoff double before coming home on a base hit by Torri Hinnah. The 1-1 tie would hold until the fifth inning, as the Cardinals scored three runs on three hits in that frame to retake the lead.
Jamilyn Bagby was issued a walk and later stole second base before reaching the plate on a single by Leslie Callahan in the bottom of the fifth. That cut the WJC lead in half, but a pair of errors helped the Cardinals pad their lead at 6-2 in the top of the sixth. The Cardinals ended up committing three errors in the bottom half of the sixth, allowing the Blue Tigers to load the bases, but a fielder’s choice and ground out kept LU off the board.
The fourth error of the contest by William Jewell helped Lincoln tack on two more runs in the bottom of the seventh, but the Blue Tigers were unable to complete the comeback. Gabby Newman and Abbi Conrad scored in that final frame and Callahan ended the day with three hits while Conrad and Maris Ollison had one apiece. Bagby and Hinnah tied for the team-lead with five putouts apiece and Conrad was next with four. Ollison turned four assists and Newman totaled three. Paige Rademann and Kasey Kilburn each struck out two Cardinal batters.
LU Gabby Newman bats against against William Jewell during the first home game of the season. Feb.13, 2024. (Photo by Tyra Tillman)
In the second game, Mallorey Rogers turned in a strong performance inside the circle, fanning six batters while allowing just two earned runs. One of those scores, however, was a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth that gave William Jewell a 2-0 lead. WJC, which had previously scored on a fielder’s choice in the first inning, later had two more players reach the plate on a Lincoln error in the sixth.
Lincoln out-hit William Jewell, 5-4, in the night cap, with Lindsey Brandt and Mackenzie Graham each hitting doubles. Brandt turned hers into a run thanks to an infield single by Newman in the bottom of the sixth, but that ended up being the only time LU got on the board in the second contest. Callahan and Hinnah also had hits for LU.
Emily Thompson led the LU defense with six putouts, Brandt and Vanessa Cardenas each had four and Ollison provided three, as well as two assists. Newman finished with four assists while Rogers, Thompson and Conrad each had one apiece.
Althea Gibson after winning the U.S. Championships in 1957.
By Will Sites for the Clarion News
She is one of the least known legends of sports, accomplishing many firsts and opening doors previously closed to Black athletes. Before rising to fame, she was a teacher and coach at Lincoln University of Missouri.
Althea Gibson’s accomplishments and life seem almost mythical, a thing of fiction.
In the world of sports – and specifically tennis and golf – she was a trailblazer as a woman and most importantly, an African American.
She is credited with integrating pro tennis and golf, breaking down many of the color barriers that paved the way for tennis greats Arthur Ashe and Venus and Serena Williams.
She rose from being a poor Black kid from the streets of Harlem, New York, to being the first Black tennis player to win a Grand Slam event. (now known as the U.S. Open, the French Open, The Australian Open, and Wimbledon).
Gibson, born in 1927, was raised in the rough streets of Harlem, New York City. She was sometimes beaten as a child, which led to numerous problems throughout her life.
Her path to tennis glory began when she was discovered as a seriously gifted neighborhood athlete, beating nearly everyone at crude games of street tennis. A local Black doctor with connections convinced white tennis groups to let young Althea play on their courts. And play she did. But winning against wealthy white girls had consequences.
When a young Gibson was told she could play at tournaments, but she couldn’t use the facilities, eat in the clubhouses, or even stay at the same hotel with other players, she began to vocalize her feelings and beliefs.
To the elite, white tennis world, Althea Gibson was a monster unleashed. She was good, maybe great. But she was Black. White resistance to Black tennis players was very vocal, very loud. The media joined in, noting each time Gibson made a negative gesture or move towards her opponents, who were always white.
On more than one occasion, Gibson refused to shake hands after losing a match to a white opponent. That became the story. That became the headline.
Gibson continued to be the burr under the saddle to the tennis world. She became the first Black to play at the famous U.S. Open at Forest Hills. Many Blacks were upset she accepted because the club was only accepting “one Black at a time.” Blacks wanted more, but Gibson believed one was better than none. She lost her match.
Eventually, the former high school drop-out realized education was a ticket to life beyond tennis. She needed a high school diploma – there was no GED at the time. She began 10th grade at the age of 19 and was sitting in her senior year at the age of 21. Tall and three years older than the other students, she was an oddity.
After high school, she was accepted to Florida A&M on a basketball scholarship. She graduated FAMU in 1953.
After FAMU, she took a job teaching and coaching men’s tennis at Lincoln University of Missouri. It didn’t take long for controversy to find the Harlem Cinderella.
Althea Gibson in the 1954 Lincoln University yearbook. (LU Page Library archives)
Having been raised in New York, she wasn’t ready for Jefferson City’s Southern influence and the small town’s reluctance to change its segregated ways. She was vocal about being turned away at a Jefferson City bowling alley. She didn’t like the vibe of Missouri’s capital city. She made that known to anyone who would listen.
But she liked one thing – she fell hard for the head of the university’s ROTC. He wanted her to leave the world of tennis and join the Women’s Air Corps. She agreed, and she thought she would look good in uniform. After all, tennis wasn’t going to happen – she’s the wrong color and getting too old.
We don’t know what happened between Gibson and her ROTC captain, who was 15 years her senior, but it appears that the relationship died about as fast as she could pack her blue Oldsmobile and leave the college campus for good.
Back in New York, she was talked out of joining the military to give tennis another shot. Soon after, the U.S. State Department asked Gibson to go on their Goodwill Tour of Asia, playing exhibition matches with three white players. Some historians believe the government wanted to show the world that the U.S. relationship with Blacks was good. At this time, the Emmett Till lynching, Rosa Parks arrest, and many civil rights protests were occurring in the South and getting media attention.
She spent six weeks on the tour and an additional six months abroad playing tennis. She loved how the foreigners treated with respect and admiration. Color didn’t matter, but winning did. During the tour, Gibson earned a shot at professional tennis by beating some of the best at the game.
Months later, she was the first Black to win a Grand Slam when in 1957 she won the French Open. Europe was discrimination-light. Color was not a barrier. The same year she went to London and won Wimbledon. It was the first (and only) time the queen gave the award to the winner.
In New York, she received a ticker-tape parade in NYC – only the second Black to get the honor (Jesse Owens in 1936 after winning four gold medals at Hitler’s Olympics)
Althea Gibson enjoys a ticker-tape parade in New York City after winning the Wimbledon singles championship in 1957.
She went on to win the U.S. Open. The next year she won the same two again. It would be 43 years before Venus Williams accomplished the same feat.
Her success in tennis came late in her life – almost 30 years old.
Gibson won five singles Grand Slams and seven doubles Grand Slams.
Her win at Wimbledon paid her $0. Venus Williams won $650,000. Gibson often complained about this, blaming anyone and everyone she could think of. Tennis labeled her a monster, fearing that Gibson’s incessant griping about unfairness was hurting the desegregation of the sport. The media blasted her as a bitter old athlete.
At the age of 33, she was the first Black to join the LPGA. She never won a tournament, but did OK. Being a Black in women’s golf was more than just taboo – it was intentionally discouraged. She knew she was too old to start a pro career, but she never backed down from an athletic or social challenge. She was the first Black woman on the cover of Sports Illustrated, made a movie with John Wayne, and cut an album. Her life was often chaotic and tough.
She played at country clubs where she couldn’t use the facilities because she was Black. When she complained, she was labeled a troublemaker. But she made her point and gained a lot of respect for her efforts. She didn’t like fame, but believed her pain would make it easier for future Black athletes. She was right.
Later in life, she took a friend to have lunch at the U.S. Open – the largest tennis event in the U.S. and one of the four Grand Slams. Nobody there recognized the former champion, the trailblazer who beat a lot of white champions to open the courts for Blacks – like Arthur Ashe, Zina Garrison, and Venus and Serena Williams – all who credit Gibson for their respective success on the court.
Gibson walked away from that lunch at the U.S. Open, embarrassed by the snub, but also vowing never to return. She never did.
At her small home in New York, she didn’t allow visitors, rarely talked to anyone, and basically remained bitter to the end. She hated the media. In turn, they forgot about her. Just about everyone did. There’s not one thing on the LU campus noting her time on campus as a teacher and coach.
She died in 2003.
The U.S. Mint will honor Althea Gibson in 2025 with her likeness on a quarter, as part of their American Women coin program.
(Assistant Professor Will Sites teaches journalism at Lincoln University)
The new LU softball field. Drone photo by Clarion News photographer Jordan Parker. April 25, 2023.
By Dan Carr/Assistant AD for Media Relations
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – The Lincoln softball team opens its 2024 campaign at home this week by hosting a pair of non-MIAA double-headers. The new-look Blue Tigers, led by head coach Jason Ollison and featuring 26 new players, takes the field for the first time this year on Tuesday (Feb. 13), as Lincoln hosts William Jewell in a double-header.
The first game is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. while the second will begin at approximately 2:30 p.m. These first games in Lincoln’s final season as a member of the MIAA will be played against a team from the GLVC, the conference to which the Blue Tigers are moving in 2024-25.
The Blue Tigers will remain at home on Friday (Feb. 16) to host a twin bill against Stephens. The first game of that double-header is set to start at 12 p.m, with the second beginning approximately at 2 p.m. Both opponents this week have already played games in 2024, with William Jewell playing four games in the Alvy Early Classic last weekend (Feb. 9-10).
The Cardinals fell to Southeastern Oklahoma State, 5-4, and to Newman, 3-1. WJC shut out East Central, 3-0, for its first win of the year, but dropped a 9-5 contest against Emporia State. Stephens, meanwhile, dropped each of its first three games of the season. The Stars lost a hard-fought game against Central Christian, 6-4, and fell in back-to-back games against Texas A&M-Texarkana by scores of 9-2 and 4-0.
Protesters gather outside Richardson Fine Arts Center after walking out of the annual Lincoln University Founder’s Day event. Feb. 8, 2024. (Tyra Tillman/Clarion News photo)
By Tyra Tillman/Clarion News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – The annual LU Founder’s Day event was disrupted Thursday morning when student protesters marched out of Mitchell Auditorium chanting their desire to see action concerning the recent suicide of a university administrator.
Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, who was appointed vice president of Student Affairs last May, was allegedly terminated from her position on Jan.3, 2024 by LU President Dr. John Moseley. Candia-Bailey, according to recent media reports, noted via correspondence that she was suffering from anxiety and depression and was seeking medical leave from her position at LU. On Jan. 8, 2024, she committed suicide in Illinois.
Since then, Moseley has taken a voluntary paid leave of absence while an investigation into the matter is completed. A student group, #Justice4Bonnie, has been protesting the manner concerning Candia-Bailey’s mental health and employment issues. The student group has been vocal about making changes with the university’s administration, including human resources, the president, and members of the Board of Curators.
During Thursday’s Founder’s Day event, about two dozen students sat in the auditorium audience with a variety of handmade signs, including #Justice4Bonnie and several questioning the firing of Candia-Bailey. Until the guest speaker was announced, the students were peaceful. But when the speaker, Dr. Ivory Toldson, was introduced, the protesters began marching and chanting “Justice for Bonnie” towards the main exit. Although noisy, the protesters were peaceful as they exited the auditorium and formed a group near the front of Richardson Fine Arts Center.
“Administration needs to hold themselves accountable and stop sweeping things under the rug,” said Falon Ensley, a former Lincoln University SGA president, while leading the protest outside. “It’s time for change, and it’s time to move forward.”
Protesters display a sign as faculty enter Mitchell Auditorium during the annual Founder’s Day event. Feb. 8, 2024. (Tyra Tillman/Clarion News)
Protesters gather outside Richardson Fine Arts Center after walking out of the annual Lincoln University Founder’s Day event. Feb. 8, 2024. (Tyra Tillman/Clarion News)
Protesters gather outside Richardson Fine Arts Center after walking out of the annual Lincoln University Founder’s Day event. Feb. 8, 2024. (Tyra Tillman/Clarion News)
Student protesters march towards the Founder’s Day event at Richardson Fine Arts Center on the campus of Lincoln University. Feb. 8, 2024. (Tyra Tillman/Clarion News)
A student protester displays a sign during the annual Lincoln University Founder’s Day event held Feb. 8, 2024 in Mitchell Auditorium. (Photo by Tyra Tillman/Clarion News)
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – Students seeking action and answers following the recent suicide of former VP of Student Affairs Bonnie Candia-Bailey made their voice known during Thursday’s annual Founder’s Day event.
The students left their seats and began chanting as guest speaker Dr. Ivory Toldson was being introduced. LU police escorted the group out of the building, where the protesters assembled to continue voicing their opposition to the manner in which Candia-Bailey’s mental health issues were allegedly addressed and/or ignored before she was terminated from her position.
Students protest as the leave Mitchell Auditorium during the annual LU Founder’s Day event. Feb. 8, 2024. (Clarion News video)
Her discrimination lawsuit against Mizzou led to LU’s journalism program – the first for HBCU’s
By Clarion News/LU Archives
JEFFERSON CITY – Lincoln University became the first HBCU in the U.S. with a journalism program, following the 1941 Missouri Supreme Court decision in Bluford v. Canada.
Lucile Bluford, an African-American woman from Kansas City, wanted to attend journalism graduate school at the University of Missouri in Columbia, but Mizzou did not accept Black students. Although she wasn’t successful at getting into Mizzou, but her legal fight opened the doors to journalism education for many Black students in the 1940s and beyond. For more than seven decades, Bluford used journalism as a means to fight against racial discrimination and for many social justice causes.
According to LU archives, after graduating at the top of her 1928 class at Lincoln High in K.C., Bluford searched for a college where she could study journalism. The University of Kansas accepted her, where she graduated in 1932. She worked at newspapers in Georgia and Kansas City.
She later applied to grad school at Mizzou. They accepted her, but without seeing her. When she showed up and they saw she was Black, the school refused to accept her. She sued Mizzou and in 1941 Missouri’s high court said she should attend Lincoln University. But LU had no journalism program. Mizzou shut down the grad school instead of enrolling her, falsely citing the war was the issue.
Lincoln University went ahead and built a journalism program and building, opening in 1942. The famous Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University of Chicago helped launch the journalism program at LU. Bluford never attended grad school and died in 2003 at the age of 91 after 70 years running the Kansas City Call newspaper.
Other Notable LU Historical Facts *In 1940, with a world war looming, LU began a pilot-training program. Ten students enrolled, nine received their pilot’s license, and two distinguished themselves in World War Two. *Scruggs Student Center is named for a past president of the school, Dr. Sherman Scruggs (1938-1956). He oversaw the addition of the new journalism school and a law school (no longer at LU). *In the 1930s, new students were forced to wear “freshman garb” for a few days. Their clothing consisted of shabby clothes for men and mismatched shoes for women. This was jokingly to note their “lowly” existence of freshmen. *The library is named for Inman E. Page, president of LU from 1879-1898. Page, a former slave born in 1853 in Virginia, rose from a horse caretaker to a graduate of prestigious Brown University in 1877, where he was considered an excellent speaker and orator. Page would decline an offer to teach in the South, mainly due to a yellow fever epidemic, and ultimately decided to accept an offer to teach at the new Lincoln Institute – later Lincoln University. He returned to LU in 1922-23.
*In the 1880s, Lincoln became one of the first black schools to incorporate baseball and football and in the early 1920s was known for its track team. It still is today.
*1967 – Aretha Franklin and Tommy Dorsey Band appeared in Richardson Auditorium.
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY- The campus is buzzing about the Chiefs and Sunday’s Super Bowl game. We want to know: Who do you want to win?
“I want the Baltimore Ravens to win the Super Bowl because Odell deserves it. He’s recovering from this big injury, and I feel that this is his moment to come back and shine.” -Erinae Smith, a sophomore business administration student from Indianapolis.
“The Chiefs, of course, because I’m from KC. We won last year and we’re going to win again!” – Ajanee Bradley, a senior kinesiology major from Kansas City.
“I wanted the Ravens to win, but I’m going to give it to the 49ers because they have a rookie quarterback.” – Terell Adetunji, a senior business administration student from Indianapolis.
“I believe the 49ers will win the Super Bowl because they have the best rushing attack in the NFL, and they also have one of the top defenses in the NFL.” – Moses Harper, new LU head football coach.
“The Chiefs should win because Mahomes showed everybody how he’s the best quarterback in the league when they beat the Ravens.” – Ericson Kagame, a senior agriculture major from Arizona.
(Photo: LU grad Aderias Ealy (second from right) at the 2024 Dream Bowl)
By Clarion News staff
DALLAS – A 2023 Lincoln University graduate had an outstanding performance during the recent Dream Bowl. The annual event is held during the MLK holiday weekend to showcase some of the best collegiate football players from around the country. Aderias Ealy, a former stand-out Blue Tiger wide receiver, was named offensive MVP of the game.
At Lincoln, Ealy recorded 99 receptions, 1,900 yards receiving, and 22 touchdowns. He was third all-time in receiving yards, fourth all-time in receiving touchdowns, which made him a one-time All-MIAA receiver.
In the Dream Bowl, he recorded two catches for 49 yards and a touchdown, earning him the offensive MVP.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A brand new era of Lincoln football kicks off in 2024, and Blue Tiger fans will have six opportunities to see LU play at home this fall. A Homecoming date with Lincoln (Calif.) and a November tilt against Lane are among the highlights of LU’s home slate as the Blue Tigers play their first season as a full member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference under new head coach Moses Harper.
“August can’t come fast enough,” said Dr. Kevin Wilson, Vice President for Advancement and Athletics. “We have a stellar combination of HBCU and GLVC opponents coming to Jefferson City next season. I encourage everyone to get their season tickets now, because every Saturday in Dwight T. Reed will be special.”
Season tickets and individual tickets are available now at www.lubluetigers.com/tickets. Season ticket plans cost $75 and include parking for all six of Lincoln’s home football games this fall. Single tickets, meanwhile, cost $15 for Homecoming and $10 for each of the other five contests, and do not include parking.
“I am excited about the 2024 football season, and even more excited about the team being led by our new head coach, Moses Harper,” said Dr. Stevie L. Lawrence II, Acting President of Lincoln University. “He will bring the added leadership necessary to push the team in the right direction. I am equally excited for the opportunity to compete against Lane College. This will provide us our first opportunity to enhance our home schedule with an HBCU rivalry since 2017, which our fans, students and players will certainly enjoy.”
Lincoln’s first game in the GLVC will be on the road, as the Blue Tigers play Quincy in Illinois on Sept. 7. LU’s home opener is on Sept. 14 against McKendree, and Lincoln will play again in Dwight T. Reed Stadium on Sept. 21 against William Jewell. LU closes the month of September on the road by heading to Bolivar, Mo. to play Southwest Baptist.
Homecoming is on Saturday, Oct. 5, and Lincoln (MO) plays Lincoln (CA) for the first time ever. LU returns to conference play to host fellow GLVC newcomer Upper Iowa in Jefferson City on Oct. 19.
The Blue Tigers take to the road for their next two games, playing Missouri S&T in Rolla, Mo. on Oct. 26 and Truman State in Kirksville, Mo. on Nov. 2. LU’s final two games will be at home, as Lincoln hosts Lane on Nov. 9 and Indianapolis on Nov. 16.
“I’m excited to lead this program into its new journey,” Harper said. “We’re looking forward to building a solid foundation for the upcoming season. Come out and support!”
All six home games will be played at Dwight T. Reed Stadium in Jefferson City. Dates are subject to change.
Acting president Dr. Stevie L. Lawrence II announces new personnel changes
LU President John Moseley speaks during an investiture ceremony held Sept. 9, 2022 in Mitchell Auditorium. (Clarion Photo)
By Clarion News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – President John Moseley on Friday volunteered to take a paid leave of absence while a third-party reviews personnel issues following the reported suicide of the university’s vice president of student affairs.
According to an official LU news release, Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey died by suicide Monday, Jan. 5, 2024. NBC News reported that Candia-Bailey, 49, took her own life in Illinois, just two days after being terminated by Moseley. She began serving as the V.P. of student affairs in May of 2023. NBC also posted that her family claims the relationship between Candia-Bailey and Moseley had been deteriorating and that Candia-Bailey was suffering from depression and anxiety. The LU Board of Curators on Jan. 12, 2024 issued the following news release.
Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey (via Lincoln University)
The Jan. 12, 2024 LU Board of Curators press release:
Lincoln University’s Board of Curators plans to engage a third-party expert to fully review potential personnel issues and concerns recently raised regarding compliance with the University’s established policies and procedures. As part of that process, Dr. John B. Moseley has volunteered to be placed on paid, administrative leave while that review is conducted. Dr. Stevie Lawrence II, currently Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Lincoln University, will serve as Acting President during the review process. Dr. Lawrence brings a wide range of higher education experience to this role and will ensure continuity in University operations.
“As a Board, we are committed to make certain the mental health of Lincoln University employees is a priority and that every employee is always treated with dignity and respect,” said Board of Curators President Victor Pasley. “The Board has confidence in the leadership team we have at Lincoln, but as we all work together to serve students and the Lincoln University community, this review will fully examine important questions, concerns and gather facts. Dr. Moseley agrees those issues should be examined and has volunteered to go on leave during the review so that it can move forward in a fully independent way.”
While the Board and University leaders cannot comment publicly on confidential employee personnel information, the recent loss of Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey is tragic. This review will be an important part of the Board’s commitment to listening and addressing important issues. The third-party review will be conducted at the direction of the Board over the coming weeks.
Acting president Dr. Stevie L. Lawrence II today issued a news release outlining personnel changes. The release states:
To ensure the continuity of our mission, we must make a few adjustments in our academic and student affairs leadership. The following interim changes within the Divisions of Academic and Student Affairs are effective immediately:
Dr. DeNeia Thomas, current Dean of Professional Studies, will serve as Acting Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
Dr. Jennifer McCord, current Department Head for the School of Nursing, will serve as Acting Dean of the College of Professional Studies
Professor Megan Titus will serve as the Acting Department Head for the School of Nursing. Professor Titus will retain her role as Program Coordinator for Nursing at Ft. Leonard Wood.
The Republican congressman earned a political science degree in 1974 from Lincoln University
By Clarion News staff
Missouri Republican U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer is retiring after a long tenure in public service. According to an official release, the Lincoln University graduate says he wants to spend more time with his family and is looking forward to more days on the St. Elizabeth farm that has been in the family for six generations.
Luetkemeyer, 71, was a state representative before being elected to Congress in 2008. He graduated with honors from Lincoln University with a degree in political science and received an honorary doctorate during the university’s 2015 spring commencement. The official retirement release is below:
Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) released the following statement today regarding his decision to retire at the conclusion of 2024.
“It has been an honor to serve the great people of the Third Congressional District and State of Missouri these past several years. However, after a lot of thoughtful discussion with my family, I have decided to not file for re-election and retire at the end of my term in December. Over the coming months, as I finish up my last term, I look forward to continuing to work with all my constituents on their myriad of issues as well as work on the many difficult and serious problems confronting our great country. There is still a lot to do,”Congressman Luetkemeyer said. “As we tackle the many challenges we face, I hope we remember what someone once said, that ‘the greatness of our country is not found in the halls of Congress but in the hearts and homes of our people.’ That assessment is still true today. As we look to the future, I believe that if we work hard, stay together, and believe in ourselves our best days are indeed still ahead.”
Background: Congressman Luetkemeyer has represented the 3rd Congressional District of Missouri in the United States House of Representatives since 2009. In the 118th Congress, he serves on the House Financial Services Committee as chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and on the House Small Business Committee.
Throughout his time in Congress, Rep. Luetkemeyer passed dozens of bills into law, including a landmark housing reform law in coordination with fellow Missouri representative Emmanuel Cleaver, a law to combat fraud related to COVID relief programs, and several pieces of legislation honoring fallen servicemembers from the Third District.
Prior to the 118th Congress, Rep. Luetkemeyer served as the vice-chairman of the House Small Business Committee, chairman of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, chairman of the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee, ranking member of the Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions.
Rep. Luetkemeyer will finish out his final term, ending in December 2024, and looks forward to spending more time with his wife, three children, and seven grandchildren back home in Missouri.
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – Jermaine Gales resigned Monday after leading the Blue Tigers for two years as head football coach. According to an article by Dan Carr, assistant AD for Media Relations, Joe Carter will lead the team as the interim head coach. The team will be entering a new conference next season.
“Our priority is to identify the absolute best individual to lead our football program in a timely and thorough manner,” said Dr. Kevin Wilson, Vice President for Advancement and Athletics,” in Carr’s article. “With our transition to the GLVC, our future is bright. We are uniquely positioned as the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the conference with a long-standing, student-centered faculty and over $60 million dollars in on-campus improvements on the horizon.”
The last time the Blue Tigers chalked a win was on Oct. 19, 2019 when they handed a 27-9 loss to Northeastern State.
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – The end of the fall semester arrives this week with final exams and a holiday break ahead. Finals run from today (Dec. 11) through Thursday. Many students will soon head home, while others will stay in the community for work, school, and athletic obligations.
“I will be on campus because of basketball,” said senior basketball player Miriam Bazylewicz. a senior forward from Madrid, Spain. The Lady Blue Tigers will play three games at home before the New Year (Dec. 16, 18, and 30th_schedule here). Some students will remain in Jefferson City because of work obligations.
Nathan Valencia completes his undergrad degree this week, but traveling home to California will have to wait. “This is my last semester of undergrad,” said Valencia from an MLK Hall classroom. “I’m done, but I can’t go home yet because of work.” Bur for the majority of out-of-town students, finals week means an end to the fall semester and the beginning of a long break at home.
“I’m looking forward to going home to St. Louis to see friends and family,” said Jordan Parker, a senior journalism student. Parker says the end of fall means he’s one step closer to graduation. “I’m looking forward to spring – my final semester at Lincoln.”
Article and Photos by Dan Carr/Assistant AD for Media Relations
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Lincoln women’s indoor track & field team opened its 2023-24 campaign on Saturday (Dec. 2), winning four events at the Bob Timmons Challenge, hosted by the University of Kansas.
Five of the top-10 finishers in the 200m were Blue Tigers, with Shantae George winning the race in 24.88. Denita Jackson (25.76) came in fourth, Jovanna Gustave (26.09) claimed fifth and Monae Carey (26.15) placed sixth while Abigail Brooks (26.42) closed out the top-10. George was also the victor of the 60m dash, clocking in at 7.55. Gustave (7.77) and Carey (7.86) respectively finished in fifth and sixth.
Annalisa Barclay won the triple jump with a mark of 12.05m and came in ninth in the long jump at 5.07m. Other notable finishes in the field events included Nehlia Mills (1.58m) and Ellis Cohen (1.53m) respectively taking eighth and 10th in the high jump.
LU’s other victory of the day came in the 400m, as Odeshia Nanton posted the winning time of 57.00. Jackson (58.69) placed third in the 400m while Brooks (59.83) finished in fifth and Nattesha Palmer (1:00.27) came in sixth. In the 600-yard run, Shaneal Clarke Giddings (1:27.55) took fifth and Shevanae Thomas (1:27.92) checked in at sixth.
Doreen Onchangu was the runner-up in the 1,000m, timing in at 3:17.40 and Shanette Allison clocked in at 8.93 to take eighth in the 60m hurdles. In the 4x400m relay, the team of Jackson, Palmer, Onchangu and Brooks posted a time of 3:58.10 to finish in fourth place.
The Lincoln men’s indoor track & field team also began its 2023-24 campaign in winning fashion, securing four victories at the Bob Timmons Challenge on Saturday.
Reuben Nichols was the champion of both the 200m (22.22) and 400m (48.96), with four other Blue Tigers finishing in the top-six of the latter race. Shanthamoi Brown was the runner-up, timing in at 49.68, and Leondre Francis claimed third (49.69) while Emmanuel Rwotomiya (49.99) and Sharim Hamilton (50.47) respectively placed fifth and sixth. In the 200m, Dimitri Beckford clocked in at 22.47 to take third while Antwaan Walker checked in at 23.00 to finish in ninth.
Kewani Campbell won the 600-yard run in 1:12.30 and Donovan Bruce came in third (1:12.96) while DauJaughn Murray claimed sixth (1:14.32). LU’s other victory came in the triple jump, where Malik Drummond posted the winning distance of 13.68m. Melon Lowenfield had a distance of 13.10m to take third and Jamir Hunt placed fourth with a mark of 12.93m. Wesley Tyndall was the runner-up in the long jump with a leap of 7.00m while Lowenfield placed third (6.91m), Dimetri Browne came in seventh (6.66m) and Drummond took 10th (6.45m).
Dejone Raymond placed fifth in the high jump (2.01m) and the 4x400m relay squad of Nichols, Francis, Campbell and Brown placed second with a time of 3:17.98. The foursome of Hamilton, Bruce, Browne and Murray placed fourth in the 4x400m relay after timing in at 3:20.82. Meanwhile, in the 60m dash, Beckford finished in seventh (6.92) and Waker closed out the top-10 (6.98).
Up next for the Blue Tigers is the Crimson & Gold Invitational, hosted in Pittsburg, Kan. by Pittsburg State University next Friday and Saturday (Dec. 8-9).
The HBCU failed to report information as required by DESE, may lose accreditation
By Clarion News staff
ST. LOUIS – According to media reports from KMOV-TV and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St.Louis-based Harris-Stowe State University may lose its accreditation for teacher-training programs due to noncompliance with the state.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recently notified the historically black college and university (HBCU) that the school failed to report required information concerning the number of education majors and graduates. A letter dated Nov. 6, 2023 was sent from the state to Harris-Stowe, notifying the school of the deficiency.
Harris-Stowe’s education program was designed to help fill vacancies across the St. Louis metro region. However, reports indicate that the university awarded only 24 education degrees in 2022 – far fewer than needed.
The school, which dates back to the 1850s, has suffered several setbacks over the years, including issues with financial auditing/payroll, lack of strategies to improve graduation/retention, and problems with compliance with Missouri’s Sunshine Law.
The Missouri State Board of Education will revisit the accreditation issue at a meeting in February of 2024.
About Harris-Stowe State University (from hssu.edu)
“Harris-Stowe State University traces its origin back to 1857 when it was founded by the St. Louis Public Schools as a normal school and thus became the first public teacher education institution west of the Mississippi River and the 12th such institution in the United States. The earliest predecessor of Harris-Stowe State University was a normal school established for white students only by the Public School System of the city of St. Louis. This school was later named Harris Teachers College in honor of William Torrey Harris who had been a Superintendent of Instruction in the St. Louis Public Schools and also a United States Commissioner of Education.
The College began offering in-service education for St. Louis white teachers as early as 1906. In 1920, Harris Teachers College became a four-year undergraduate institution authorized to grant a Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree.
A second predecessor institution was Stowe Teachers College, which began in 1890 as a normal school for future black teachers of elementary schools in the city of St. Louis. This normal school was also founded by the St. Louis Public School System and was an extension of Sumner High School. In 1924, the Sumner Normal School became a four-year institution with authority to grant the baccalaureate degree. In 1929, its name was changed to Stowe Teachers College, in honor of the abolitionist and novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe. These two teacher education institutions were merged by the Board of Education of the St. Louis Public Schools in 1954 as the first of several steps to integrate the public schools of St. Louis. The merged institution retained the name Harris Teachers College.
Later, in response to the many requests from alumni of Stowe Teachers College and members of the greater St. Louis community, the Board of Education agreed to restore to the College’s name the word “Stowe” and to drop the word “Teachers.” In 1979, the General Assembly of the State of Missouri enacted Senate Bill 703 under which Harris-Stowe College became the newest member of the State system of public higher education. The institution’s name was again changed by the addition of the word “State” and became officially known as Harris-Stowe State College. In addition to the name change, the College’s baccalaureate degree was changed to Bachelor of Science in Education. In compliance with the new state standards and teacher certification requirements, the College’s Teacher Education curriculum was modified and three separate Teacher Education majors were approved: Early Childhood Education, Elementary School Education and Middle School/High School Education.
In 1981, the College received state approval for a new degree program — the Bachelor of Science in Urban Education. This program is the only one of its kind at the undergraduate level in the United States and is designed to prepare non-teaching urban education specialists who will be effective in solving the many urban-related problems facing today’s urban schools. In 1993, the State Governor signed into law Senate Bill 153, which authorized the College to expand its mission in order to address unmet needs of metropolitan St. Louis in various applied professional disciplines. In response to that authority, Harris-Stowe developed two new baccalaureate degree programs:
Business Administration, with professional options in Accounting, Management Information Systems, General Business and Marketing; Secondary Teacher Education, with subject-matter options in Biology, English, Mathematics and Social Studies. Finally, on August 25, 2005, by mandate of the State of Missouri, Harris-Stowe State College obtained university status. Today the University hosts collaborative graduate degree programs with Maryville University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Webster University. The University continues to expand, adding new campuses and buildings as part of its 21st-century initiative to offer opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students seeking a variety of degrees.
Thus, from its beginnings as two normal schools in the mid and late 19th century to its present status as a state institution of public higher education, Harris-Stowe State University and its predecessor institutions have always been in the forefront of teacher education. Now, with its mission expanded to include other professional disciplines, the University will provide greatly needed additional opportunities to metropolitan St. Louisians in other important fields of endeavor. The University will continue its quest for excellence in all of its offerings and strive even more to meet the complex and demanding challenge of preparing students for effective roles in this region’s various professions.”
WICHITA, Kan. – Jamar Madge, Jr. scored 22 points and dished three assists to lead the Lincoln men’s basketball team to an 83-71 victory over Newman in the MIAA opener for both teams on Thursday night (Nov. 30).
Four other Blue Tigers scored in double figures, including Elijah Farr, who posted his third double-double of the season with 10 points and a team-high 12 rebounds. Farr additionally had two assists, two steals and a block while Franck Yenta provided 10 points and seven boards. Sam Rautins dropped two dimes to go with 11 points and a steal, and Peyton Williams came close to doubling up himself, finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds and two steals.
Lincoln (5-0, 1-0 MIAA) once again enjoyed a hot shooting night, as the Blue Tigers were .516 from the floor and .423 from three-point range. LU also held a 42-31 advantage in rebounding, forced nine turnovers and held Newman (3-3, 0-1 MIAA) to .397 shooting for the contest. Lincoln also limited Newman to just six successful three-pointers in 18 attempts.
The Blue Tigers led for most of the night, taking a 40-34 lead into halftime before going up by as many as 11 early in the second half after Rautins made three-straight free throws and DJ Richardson drained a jumper. Richardson, who had eight points and four boards on the evening, later sank a three to give LU a 65-49 advantage with 10 minutes to go in the game. The Jets came no closer than within seven after that point, as Madge scored nine points in the final 3:17 to salt away the Lincoln victory.
Jose Roberto Tanchyn scored six points, pulled down five rebounds and blocked a shot. Tyson Williams, meanwhile, added five points and two assists.
Lincoln will stay on the road to play one of the best teams in the country, as the Blue Tigers head to Edmond, Okla. to take on Central Oklahoma, the No. 3 team in this week’s National Association of Basketball Coaches’ Division II poll. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m.
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOV) – St. Louis’ only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) is playing a key role in the future of policing.
“The possibilities are limitless at this point,” said Harris Stowe Urban Policing Director, Dr. Nikki- Qui Brown. “Law enforcement is at a point where they need additional, qualified, professional men and women to join the force, and we want to share in assisting in that realm.”
Harris Stowe-State University has received half a million dollars from the state for a new law enforcement program that will academically and physically train current police officers and students. The funds were dispersed through Senator Brian Williams. The post-certification will certify officers on a national level.
“It gives a skill level that the citizens of St. Louis can be confident that you have a qualified person out on the street,” said St. Louis Sheriff Vernon Betts. Sheriff Betts has had 70 deputies go through the process and hopes to have 170 more complete it.
“I had no way to get my folks trained without shipping them somewhere,” Betts said. “It’s intensive. It took 10 months, and it wore me out.” The program was started in collaboration with Lincoln University, which opened the nation’s first HBCU law enforcement training academy in 2021.
Harris-Stowe students will be able to sign up to become future police officers starting next fall.
“That’s a great thing that Harris Stowe is doing as they can build interest on that student level that’s going to give us a greater crop to pick from,” Betts said. The $500,000 will also go towards a youth program in the summer to introduce children to the career.
“The benefit that the future is going to reap is what we’re doing now here at Harris Stowe,” Betts said.
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY- Intrepid Clarion News reporters roamed campus prior to the holiday break to ask: “What are you most thankful for and what are your plans for Thanksgiving?” Here’s what we heard.
“Going to see family and have fun.” Albert Kemeh, a freshman computer science major from Ghana,
“Going home and seeing my family.” Diamond Crenshaw, a freshman psychology major from St Louis.
“Eating food and seeing family.”Ali Wells, a sophomore nursing major from St. Louis.
“Returning home and spending time with family and friends – it has been a long time.” Erianna Coleman, a freshman animal science major from St. Louis.
“Stay and hang-out on campus.” Pedro, a freshman business major from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Four members of the Lincoln women’s basketball team scored in double figures as the Blue Tigers won their home opener, 101-59, over Bible Baptist on Friday (Nov. 17).
Ashlyn Alloway led LU with 25 points and pulled down six rebounds while shooting 11-for-14 from the floor. Steph Torres and Imani Jones each blocked two shots, and Torres additionally provided 13 points, three boards, three steals and three assists. Tatiana Beaumont sank five three-pointers to finish with 15 points, two rebounds and an assist while Kiara Cabrera came off the bench in the second half to contribute 11 points and an assist.
Lincoln (2-1) shot .559 from the floor, .414 from long range and .765 at the line while scoring at least 22 points in each of the four quarters. The Blue Tigers held a 48-21 lead at halftime, then scored 53 second half points on 20-for-38 shooting. The Blue Tigers out-gained the Patriots on the glass, securing 44 rebounds compared to 31 for BB, and LU forced 14 turnovers. Bible Baptist (5-3) shot .500 from the floor in the third quarter, ending that period with 20 points, but LU held the Patriots to just .344 shooting for the contest.
Hanne Nybo led LU with seven rebounds and dished five assists to go with a block and a steal. Heaven Shockley added five points, five rebounds and an assist to the winning effort while Alyssa McCarty chipped in seven points and secured two rebounds. Emma Wolken mad a late three-pointer and Biance Stocks finished the evening with five points, three boards and a steal.
Saniya Simmons provided a team-high six assists while scoring six points and notching a steal. Jones also scored six points and pulled down five rebounds.
Lincoln travels to Springfield, Mo. next week to play two games as part of the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center Thanksgiving Classic. The Blue Tigers play Truman State on Tuesday (Nov. 21) at 1 p.m. and take on Drury, the host school, on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
JEFFERSON CITY – Lincoln golfer Henry Mwanza is one of 21 players from HBCU’s across the country selected to play in the Southwest Airlines Showcase at Cedar Crest, held Monday through Wednesday (Nov. 13-15).
The inaugural Southwest Airlines Showcase at Cedar Crest is a televised amateur invitational spotlighting the talents of top college-aged golfers from diverse backgrounds. The 54-hole stroke play event will feature concurrent championships for exceptional fields of 21 men and 21 women.
The tournament will debut with three days of live coverage from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST on The GOLF Channel each day from Nov. 13-15.
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – Returning for her fourth year coaching the Lady Blue Tigers basketball team is Drea Mize, who has twice been named Missouri’s Best head women’s basketball coach by Missouri’s Best Magazine. The team begins the season Friday (Nov. 10) at Arkansas-Monticello and the first home contest will take place at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 17 in Jason Gym against Baptist Bible College. The Clarion asked Coach Mize about her career and the 2023-24 season.
Clarion: How long have you been coaching women’s basketball?
Mize: Overall, I am entering my 12th season, nine in college and sixth as a head coach.
Clarion: Where did you start your coaching career?
Mize: I started as an AAU coach for a travel team while I still was playing at Indiana.
Clarion: What made you want to start coaching?
Mize: I had been told before that I had a different eye for the game. My college coach, Curt Miller, pulled me aside one day and thought I should give it a try. The rest, as they say, is history.
Clarion: How do you feel about the upcoming season?
Mize: Super excited for this upcoming season! We have a great group of young women that want to compete at the highest level.
Clarion: How has the team improved?
Mize: The team has done a pretty great job of handling adversity, while also learning their new teammates in a short period of time.
Clarion: What’s the difference between the team this year and the teams in the past?
Mize: This team competes day in and day out. They have a different relationship with each other, both on and off the court.
Clarion: Have you ever coached in a championship game? If so, how did it feel?
Mize: Yes, I have. It was super nerve-racking, but it was one of the highlights of my coaching career so far. To see the student-athletes accomplish their goals is why we do what we do.
(Photos courtesy LU Athletics. The full Lady Blue Tigers schedule can be found here)
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY- Lincoln University athletics held its annual Blue Tiger Twilight on Nov. 1 in Jason Gym to introduce the 2023-24 men’s and women’s basketball teams. The fan-friendly event allowed an up-close look at the upcoming season, which begins Nov. 8 at Saint Louis University (exhibition) for the men’s team and Nov. 10 at Arkansas-Monticello for the Lady Blue Tigers. The Twilight event introduced the teams, showcased athletic skills, and provided a sneak peak at the exciting games to come. Let’s go Blue Tigers!
JEFFERSON CITY – A federal program aimed at reducing prison recidivism is entering its second year at Lincoln University and Jefferson City Correctional Center (JCCC). Known as the Second Chance Pell Initiative, LU professors are bringing the classroom to select cohorts of prisoners studying for a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. A short film explains how it works.
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – This fall Lincoln University welcomed a new dean of Professional Studies. The Clarion recently interviewed Dr. DeNeia Thomas, who is a graduate of Kentucky State University and the University of Kentucky. A few things you should know about the new dean.
Clarion: Where are you from?
Thomas: I attended Kentucky State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. I attended the University of Kentucky to pursue my graduate degrees with a master’s in educational psychology, an educational specialist in school psychology, and my doctoral degree in educational psychology.
Clarion: What was your occupation before coming to Lincoln?
Thomas: Texas Southern University, as the former vice president for enrollment and students success. My role was to oversee and guide the student development to make sure that they’re successful. One of things I believe is that if you come into the University, it’s our goal to get our students to earn a degree and get you into a career.
Clarion: Is that similar to the role you’re in now?
Thomas: As a dean of College Professional Studies, I do see similarities in ensuring that students are successful because the core of why students are here is to earn those college credits so they are successful. Also, understanding the career in which you want to do, so there is a classroom component. It is “teaching for learning” to make sure you’re taught what you learn and how you apply it to your career so that it makes sense.
Clarion: How will increase the relationship between students and faculty?
Thomas: To establish rapport with the students by going where the students are. This generation is more active and engaged. There is a book that says you can’t tell me how much you know until you show me how much you care. (It’s about) being visible, taking time out to meet with and go to student events.
Clarion: What is your favorite part about being in your new position at Lincoln?
Thomas: The students, of course, having time to talk, knowing the students beyond the classroom, and helping students with opportunities and internships. Establishing these authentic relationships with our students and sending them into their careers and endeavors after college. I would like to see more student engagement, more noise, and the beauty of the school to be vibrant. It reminds me of my Kentucky state undergraduate experience, because of the hills in Missouri. The history and tradition of the university is very rich, so I think it is very possible.
LU quarterback Xzavier Vaughn gets the ball to Omar Allen during a Thursday night game against Eastern New Mexico. Oct. 26, 2023. (Photo by Caroline Sands)
By Dan Carr/assistant AD for Media Relations
Photos by Caroline Sands/Clarion News
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Xzavier Vaughn threw touchdown passes of 54 and 20 yards, but the Lincoln football team dropped a 62-17 decision to Eastern New Mexico on Thursday night (Oct. 26).
Vaughn threw for 125 yards overall, including connecting with Nathan Valencia on a 54-yard pass for LU’s first score of the day in the opening quarter. Lincoln (0-9) tacked on seven more points in the second quarter after TY Maxwell hauled in a 20-yard pass from Vaughn. Maxwell, who had 47 total yards on the night, had a 22-yard run earlier in the drive to set the Blue Tigers up for the score.
Mo Alwaely kicked a 40-yard field goal in the fourth quarter for Lincoln’s final points of the night and averaged 65.0 yards on kickoffs with four touchbacks. Clayton Winkler pinned Eastern New Mexico (4-5) inside its 20 on two of his punts, and Dawan Lomax had a 33-yard kickoff return en route to ending the evening with 58 return yards.
Valencia led the receiving corps with 77 yards on two receptions, and Omar Allen, who had a pair of 22-yard kick returns, gained a team-high 42 yards on the ground. Blayden Brown and Tobias Williams each caught two passes and LaMarco Yates rushed for 18 yards.
Elijah Juarez (15 tackles) and Cory Macon (12 tackles) had big nights to lead the LU defense while Jamahreon Smith was next with seven takedowns. Donte Moore, who finished with five tackles, had a tackle for loss and a hurry. Ke’Ron Blankumsee broke up a pass and Woodens PierreLouis and Jesse Brown combined on a sack while Bryant Coley, Vez Carter and Ethan Garnett each had five tackles. Michael Harrison also recorded a tackle for loss.
Lincoln will head to Kearney, Neb. on Saturday, Nov. 4 to play Nebraska Kearney in a noon contest.
LU’s Omar Allen runs against Eastern New Mexico during a Thursday night game at Dwight T. Reed stadium. Oct. 26, 2023. (Photo by Caroline Sands)
LU’s defensive line against Eastern New Mexico during a Thursday night game at Dwight T. Reed stadium. Oct. 26, 2023. (Photo by Caroline Sands)
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – This year the Clarion News is spotlighting students new to campus and community. This week, we decided to speak with a new transfer student-athlete.
CLARION – What is your name?
Onchangu – Doreen Kwamboka Onchangu
CLARION – Where are you from?
Onchangu – I am from Kisii County, which is in Kenya.
CLARION – What is your classification?
Onchangu – I am a freshman.
CLARION – What high school are you coming from?
Onchangu – Mother of Mercy Girls Secondary School.
CLARION – What are you majoring in?
Onchangu – Journalism.
CLARION – Do you like Journalism? Do you find it fun?
Onchangu – Yes, it is interesting, and I love it.
CLARION – Why did you choose Lincoln University?
Onchangu – Lincoln University gave me a chance to study, and it has a higher education compared to back home, so that is the reason why I chose Lincoln University.
CLARION – How are classes so far? And how many classes are you taking?
Onchangu – Classes are good so far; I love it and I am currently taking six classes.
CLARION – What is your favorite class right now?
Onchangu – Psychology is my favorite right now.
CLARION – Do you take part in any sports here?
Onchangu – Yes, I participate in track and field and cross country.
CLARION – What events do you take part in?
Onchangu – For cross country, I do 6k and 5k, as for track and field I do 800m, 1500m and 3000m.
CLARION – Do you have any preferences in events?
ONCHNGU – Yes, I prefer 800m more.
CLARION – What are your plans for the rest of the semester?
Onchangu – Mostly, I want to consider my own studies and running, because that is what keeps my scholarship here and maybe getting a job soon.
The LU Blue Tigers take to the field during the first home game at Dwight T. Reed Stadium. Sept. 9, 2023. (Photo by Caroline Sands)
By Dan Carr/Assistant AD for Media Relations
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – The Lincoln football team begins a two-game home-stand on Saturday (Oct. 21) when the Blue Tigers host Missouri Southern at 2 p.m. It will be the first of two games in six days for LU, as Lincoln hosts Eastern New Mexico in a night game on Thursday (Oct. 26).
Both teams enter this weekend’s game trying to end losing streaks. Lincoln scored its most points yet last Saturday (Oct. 14), but fell on the road to Central Oklahoma, 59-17. The Blue Tigers will be playing for their first win of 2023 on Saturday. Missouri Southern, meanwhile, began the season 3-1, but has since lost three-straight games, most recently falling to Pittsburg State last Saturday.
This game is Lincoln’s annual Think Pink contest. Fans are encouraged to join Lincoln coaches and players in wearing pink to the game to help bring awareness to breast cancer.
JEFFERSON CITY – The Lincoln football team had the lead on two occasions, but Northeastern State rallied to beat the Blue Tigers, 28-13, in LU’s Homecoming game on Saturday (Oct. 7).
Adrian Hopper forced the RiverHawks to fumble and Cory Macon recovered to put the Blue Tigers in business at the NSU 40 early in the first quarter. On the next play, Xzavier Vaughn connected with Aderias Ealy on a 38-yard pass to set LU up at the two-yard line. Vaughn later ran the ball in to put the Blue Tigers ahead 7-0.
Lincoln (0-6) tried to keep the momentum going with an onside kick, but Northeastern State (1-5) recovered to start its next drive inside LU territory. That drive ended with a six-yard touchdown run to tie the game, and the score remained deadlocked heading into the second quarter.
LaMarco Yates gained 26 yards on three-straight runs midway through the second period to move the ball into Northeastern State’s side of the field, and a 19-yard reception by Amari Fluelen gave the Blue Tigers a first down at the NSU 16. Vaughn then connected with Ealy again, this time for a 16-yard touchdown to swing the lead back to the Blue Tigers. After a penalty, the RiverHawks blocked the point after attempt, keeping the LU lead at 13-7.
An eight-yard pass late in the half gave Northeastern State a 14-7 advantage entering the break, and the RiverHawks scored a touchdown in each of the final two quarters to seal the win. Vaughn completed 15 passes for 134 yards and led Lincoln with 35 rushing yards. Omar Allen gained 22 yards on the ground while Ealy caught seven passes for 89 yards. Nathan Valencia had three receptions while Charles Johnson caught two passes.
Bryant Coley intercepted a pass late in the first half and returned it 32 yards, made seven tackles, and had 0.5 tackles for loss. Coley additionally broke up two passes. Jordan Batts recorded two tackles for loss to go with eight tackles, and Ian Hackney made 12 takedowns, including one for a loss. Hopper ended the day with 11 tackles, a break-up and a hurry.
CJ Dogulas, who finished with three tackles, also had 0.5 tackles for loss to go with a pair of hurries, and TJ Jasper broke up two passes to go with seven tackles. Wes Hollie also made seven takedowns, Michael Harrison had four to go with a broken-up pass, and Vez Carter finished with three tackles.
Clayton Winkler had a 71-yard punt and pinned NSU inside its 20 on three occasions, including once at the one-yard line. For the game, Winkler averaged 37.1 yards punting while Mo Alwaely averaged averaged 52.0 yards on kickoffs.
The Blue Tigers will be on the road next Saturday (Oct. 14) to play Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla. at 2 p.m.
(Photo: LU’s Ali Wells runs the ball against the Riverhawks during the Homecoming game at Dwight T. Reed Stadium. Oct. 7, 2023. Photo by Caroline Sands/Clarion News)
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – Women’s soccer is coming to Blue Tiger Nation for the first time in school history, with play beginning in fall of 2024. The new head coach is Leah Stringer, who comes to LU from Missouri Western. A former goalkeeper in college, Stringer is excited to begin a new chapter in Lincoln’s athletic history. The Clarion recently interviewed the new coach.
The Clarion: Where are you from?
Stringer: I am originally from Dallas, Texas.
The Clarion: Where were you coaching prior to Lincoln University?
Stringer: I was coaching at Missouri Western State University from July 2020 to December 2022 and at Northeast Texas Community College from June 2016 to June 2020.
The Clarion: How does it feel to be the first coach to lead an LU women’s soccer team?
Stringer: It honestly still hasn’t hit me yet that I’m the “first” coach for the women’s program at Lincoln. I’m honored to have been chosen to be the person to start this program and excited to get things going.
The Clarion: What is some advice you would give students-athletes who plan to join the team?
Stringer: For student athletes looking to be a part of what we are trying to build, I would tell them to be ready to put a lot of work in.
The Clarion: When will tryouts begin?
Stringer: I currently do not have set dates for tryouts at this time.
The Clarion: How do you envision the first season?
Stringer: I think the new season, just like any other season, will have its ups and downs, good and bad moments. It’s just a matter of what we as a team and staff learn from it and continue to grow and move forward in the right direction.
The Clarion: What’s the key to being successful in soccer?
Stringer: I don’t think there’s a specific key to being successful in soccer. You have to be willing to put the work in to be successful in anything you do. Being a brand-new program, I think how we measure “success” is going to look different compared to a program that has been established for years. We will celebrate the little victories and strive every day to accomplish the goals we set as a program.
Thank you coach and welcome to Blue Tiger Nation!
(See Dan Carr’s article about LU’s new sports additions here)
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY- In a recent interview with The Clarion News, Grant Reynolds, the new head baseball coach, answered a few questions and discussed his plans for student-athletes and his future at LU.
The Clarion: Where are you from?
Reynolds: I am originally from Sydney, Australia, but most recently, my family and I moved to Jefferson City from Albany, Georgia.
The Clarion: Why did you choose to coach at Lincoln University?
Reynolds: Many of the institution’s core values align with the values that I try to instill in my programs. Knowing the importance of baseball in the area and the excitement around the city of baseball coming back to Lincoln was also a significant factor in accepting the role.
The Clarion: Where did you coach before Lincoln University?
Reynolds: I most recently coached at Albany State University in southwest Georgia. I spent five years there as the recruiting coordinator and pitching coach, and we enjoyed great success there.
The Clarion: What are your plans for the new team?
Reynolds: We are looking to bring in a good group of athletes who can come in immediately and be competitive in a tough GLVC baseball league. We are looking to find student-athletes who can be successful both on the field and in the classroom. Education is extremely important to us, and we want our athletes to finish their careers with us with a degree in their chosen fields. We also want to prepare our student-athletes to be good stewards of this institution and the community.
The Clarion: What do you think about the upcoming season?
Reynolds: I am excited to get student-athletes on campus here at Lincoln. As I mentioned, we want to be competitive right out of the gate, and we know that we will be working hard to prepare them for success both on and off the field.
The Clarion: What was your biggest achievement as a baseball coach?
Reynolds: As a coach, it was probably the two regular season titles at my time at Albany State. Last season, we set a new school record in wins with 38, which was an outstanding achievement. We also had a lot of success with both the pitching staff and hitting lineups being nationally ranked over the past few years.
The Clarion: What are you most excited about with your coaching position?
Reynolds: I am excited to bring baseball back to Lincoln. I have met numerous people in the community, and everyone is excited about having college baseball back in Jefferson City. Putting our stamp on the program and building the program from the ground up is a big challenge we are excited to undertake. You don’t often get to build the foundation of a program, but that is something we are excited about doing here at Lincoln.
(Go here to find rosters and schedules for LU baseball)
The Writing Center’s Jaida Gray speaks with students in MLK 106. Sept.12, 2023. (Photo by Caroline Sands)
By Emmette Page
The Clarion News recently spoke with LU alum Jaida Gray about her new role as the project specialist in the new Writing Center located in MLK Hall. The office is designed to assist students who are having difficulty – or want to improve – language and writing skills.
Clarion News: What exactly does the writing center do?
Gray: Anything that involves writing and reading. If they don’t understand an assignment, they can come in and receive help, have it explained to them, and get them started on an essay. We can point out places of improvement, help with editing, grammar skills, sentence structure, paragraphing and a lot of citation work.
Clarion News: What’s it like going from being a student to an alum helping students?
Gray: I had to work on gaining respect. I’ve noticed that there is a difference in the way that professors talk to me now that I’m their colleague. They treat me with more respect and give me more information, which can lead to getting more job opportunities.
Clarion News: What do you specialize in?
Gray: I specialize in managing the peer educators and helping them achieve their certifications while helping students become better writers and readers.
Clarion News: How does being a project specialist help you achieve your future goals?
Gray: Dr. Hopkins gives me a lot of opportunities to add to my resume. I am in charge of the peer educators and help them get certified.
Clarion News: What do you hope to accomplish while working at the Writing Center?
Gray: Get a journal published about the Writing Center, about tutoring and all the problems we see and all the areas that need to be fixed.
Jaida Gray (standing) talks about the Writing Center to business faculty. (Photo by Emmette Page)
Kamryn Johnson and Mylah McCanton help the NAACP register students to vote Tuesday in Scruggs. Sept. 17, 2023. (Photo by Tyree Stovall)
By Tyree Stovall Jr
JEFFERSON CITY – The NAACP and Queens United set-up a voter registration table this week in the Scruggs University Center. The goal was to register as many students as possible, especially as the election draws near.
Various organizations at Lincoln have hosted voter registration events in an effort to get their fellow peers aware of the importance of voting and giving each student an opportunity to make change.
The partnership between the two organizations brings awareness and involvement in the voting processes and gets the new young adults (and already registered voters) to support the registration process.
“The importance of voting gets people involved and active in their communities and advocates for a change in politics that overall will affect them as citizens in their state”, said student Mylah McCanton. She said they were able to register about 20 new voters and hope to find other locations to reach more unregistered students.
“An idea we have for the future would be bringing voter registration to the Scruggs University Ballroom”, said student Kamryn Johnson. “The SUC Ballroom is a more formal space for people to come and more officially get registered.”
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