As a tribute to the University’s long history of teacher education, the TruSpirit Program offers alumni educators the opportunity to showcase their Truman spirit at their school!

The dedicated work of teachers, counselors and administrators shapes the coming generations, and it is an honor for Truman to be associated with so many talented mentors. TruSpirit packets consist of Truman swag and information about the University to share with students in your classroom or office. If you are an educator and have not signed up yet for the TruSpirit program, visit advancement.truman.edu/register/truspirit.

Truman combines its normal school roots and modern technology to equip educators with strategies for talented learners.

GIFTED STUDENTS OFTEN NEED SUPPORT beyond what is typically targeted in day-to-day instruction. For educators seeking additional resources to help these students reach their full potential, Truman offers a completely online Master of Arts in gifted education.

Designed with working teachers in mind, the program is flexible and accessible. Coursework can be completed on an independent schedule, allowing teachers to fast-track their studies and earn their degree quickly or take one course at a time and directly apply new skills and strategies in their classroom for instant impact.

“Truman’s fully online gifted education offerings are designed to combine the academic rigor and the professional flexibility that today’s teachers require. Whether pursuing a full Master of Arts or focused certification, students move through the program at their own pace while learning from regional and national leaders who are actively shaping gifted policy and advocacy,” said Jocelyn Stevens, associate professor of music education and chair of education. “By exploring how creativity, culture and neurodiversity intersect, we provide a world-class education at a regional price point, equipping educators with the clinical insight and evidence-based strategies needed to lead high-impact programming in their own districts.”

The program is comprised of 30 total credit hours, which includes a three-credit-hour internship. Courses cover the identification of gifted students, advanced curriculum development, ways to socially and emotionally support gifted students, and the research and development of gifted education programs.

Admission to the Master of Arts in gifted education is made on a rolling basis, meaning teachers can apply in the fall, spring or summer – whatever time is right for them. Some prior graduate coursework may be eligible for transfer credit.

More information about the Master of Arts in gifted education program can be found online at gifted.truman.edu, and by calling (660) 785-4386 or emailing gifted@truman.edu.

IT HAS BECOME A RITE OF FALL as commonplace as the leaves changing colors. Near the beginning of the most recent academic year, Truman was again ranked as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest region by U.S. News & World Report, extending its streak at the top to 29 years in a row.

In addition to the No. 1 public ranking, the University came in tied at No. 7 overall for the Midwest region. Truman was the only public institution in the state to be listed in the top 50.

“Year after year, Truman is recognized for the enormous impact and value of our education,” said University President Sue Thomas. “Designed to meet the demands of today’s world, a Truman education provides our students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful now and in the future. Truman provides a great return on our students’ investment.”

Among the supplemental rankings that accompany the annual report, Truman again scored notable recognitions, coming in at No. 13 on the list of Best Value Schools in the Midwest region. Truman was the only Missouri school to make the top 15 on this list, and the only public college or university from the Show-Me State to be included in the top 35 spots. The Best Value rankings are determined by examining key indicators such as academic quality, the percentage of full-time students receiving need-based scholarships or grants, and the average discount from a school’s sticker price for full-time undergraduates receiving the average need-based grant.

Faculty members’ commitment to students helped the University earn a top five spot on another list. A fixture on the Undergraduate Teaching Programs list, Truman came in tied at No. 4 this year in the Midwest region. This subcategory, compiled from peer assessment, highlights schools that emphasize providing high-quality instruction to undergraduates. Schools are ranked in descending order based on the number of nominations they received. Of the 12 institutions to make this list, Truman was the highest rated of the three public schools to be included.

Truman also came in tied for No. 4 on the list of Most Innovative Schools in the Midwest region. Only eight institutions made this exclusive list, and Truman was the sole public school to earn this distinction. U.S. News & World Report asked top college officials to identify institutions in their Best Colleges ranking category that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.

The previous school year started off with more good news, as the Institutional Actions Council of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) affirmed Truman’s accreditation through 2034-35.

The report from the HLC visiting team was positive, noting all criteria for reaffirmation had been met and no interim monitoring was recommended. As part of HLC’s Open Pathway, Truman will complete a mid-point Assurance Review in 2029 and will complete a Quality Initiative between approximately 2032 and 2034.

Truman has been fully accredited since 1914 by the Higher Learning Commission.

This fall, Sal Costa will teach a publicly available course on the mafia.

TO THE CASUAL OBSERVER, it might not look like Sal Costa is retired. It’s common to bump into him on campus, usually in the Student Union Building chatting with former colleagues or current students. For several weeks most semesters he can be found in other familiar territory — the classroom.

Since 2024, Costa has developed abbreviated public versions of some of his most popular courses. It started with his most notable course, “Serial Killers and Psychopaths,” a class he taught for years in psychology and later as a JINS offering. The idea for the public offerings came after Costa presented on the topic at a few public forums and received overwhelming demand for more.

“After doing some open forums we had several people ask if they could take a course like that,” he said. “That was instrumental in starting these courses.”

The first public version of the class took place once a week in the evenings and was only offered as an in-person option. Due to popular demand, Costa taught the class the next year with an online option to allow alumni and friends the ability to partake. Those taking the class online could experience the content in real time or asynchronously, watching the lectures at their convenience. The online version of these courses can be taken from anywhere in the United States.

For some, these classes are an opportunity to sample a Truman course, while others take it because of their interest in the subject matter. Many participants simply want to take a stroll down memory lane.

“I believe I do get a lot of students taking it for nostalgic reasons,” Costa said. “Some others tell me they take it because they weren’t able to get into the class when they were students. It’s very exciting to have former students in there.”

Costa later developed an abbreviated public version of “The Psychology of Abnormal Behavior,” allowing participants to explore the complexities of the human mind and the science behind psychological disorders.

This fall, Costa will unveil a new publicly available course, “The History of the Mafia.” Technically, this is not an adapted version of one of Costa’s previous classes. He always intended to teach the course before his retirement, but the popularity of the serial killers class kept him from working it into his rotation. He is picking it back up now because, as an Italian American, the subject matter is personally meaningful.

“Being of Sicilian heritage, I’ve just been very fascinated by Italian history in general,” he said. “Participants will be able to gain a wealth of knowledge, including about Sicilian and Italian customs. These are things they might have a little familiarity with, but they can gain more.”

As with the previous offerings, “The History of the Mafia” will be available both in-person and online. The course is open to any non-degree seeking student for a cost of $65. Registration can be completed online at institute.truman.edu soon. Anyone who takes the class — which is offered as a pass/fail option — will receive one hour of college credit. The class will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning Aug. 18 and run through Oct. 6. Online lectures will be posted and available for viewing shortly after each session.

Anyone interested in taking Costa’s abbreviated version of the “Serial Killers” course should also keep an eye on the registration page. He plans to offer the public version of that class online and in-person again for Spring 2027.

Tim Walston

TIM WALSTON ASSUMED THE DUTIES of Truman’s Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost in May, officially stepping into the role after previously serving in the position on an interim basis.

A member of the Truman faculty since 2006, Walston brings almost two decades of experience in teaching, research and administration within the University. Before serving as interim provost, he was dean of the School of Science and Mathematics, where he led the launch of new academic programs and strengthened efforts in faculty development.

“It is an honor to be selected to serve as the next Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and to lead our outstanding faculty as they provide a truly amazing education to our students,” Walston said. “I feel strongly about this institution and its mission as the state of Missouri’s premier public liberal arts and sciences institution. I look forward to working with our campus to continue excelling at meeting that mission.”

Walston’s experience goes beyond the classroom, having authored and presented multiple scientific publications, professional presentations and grants. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Taylor University, as well as a master’s degree in cellular and molecular biology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a doctorate in genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

BEGINNING NEXT FALL, even more students will have access to the Northeast Missouri Scholarship at Truman.

The NEMO Scholarship has been expanded to include Clark, Lewis, Shelby and Marion counties, bringing the total number of eligible counties to 12. This expansion will be effective for fall 2026 incoming students.

Offered for the first time in the 2025-26 academic year, the scholarship provides $2,000 for students living on campus. Students from the area not living on campus can still receive $1,000.

“Including more counties for the NEMO Scholarship is a natural next step as we continue to celebrate the region we call home,” said Allison Schweizer, director of admission. “Truman is committed to empowering students from northeast Missouri and investing in their future success.”

Incoming students who reside in the counties above are eligible for the Northeast Missouri Scholarship

The full list of counties eligible for this scholarship includes Adair, Putnam, Schuyler, Scotland, Knox, Macon, Linn, Sullivan, Clark, Lewis, Shelby and Marion. All new admitted Truman students from these 12 northeast Missouri counties are automatically eligible for the scholarship, which is renewable each year the student attends. No additional application is required. Transfer students who meet certain criteria and hail from the applicable counties may also be eligible to receive the award.

More information about the Northeast Missouri Scholarship can be found at truman.edu/nemos.