FBLA students bring home national awards

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From June 6 to June 8, members of Pittsburg State’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter traveled to Las Vegas to participate in the National Leadership Conference. These members qualified for the national competition by placing at the state level, and earned three national placements against more than 1,300 of the nation’s top business students. 

Katelyn Burke, a senior accounting major, placed second in Computer Applications and ninth in Business Law. Spring 2026 graduate with a marketing and management major, Canyon Hendrikson, placed second in the Future Business Executive. 

Taking on over 200 different schools, the competition is plentiful. “The level of competition at the FBLA National Leadership Conference is extremely rigorous,” FBLA advisor Melissa Weed explained. “Students first qualify through state competition before earning the opportunity to compete nationally against many of the best business students in the country. Events require students to demonstrate technical expertise, critical thinking, problem-solving, professionalism, and the ability to perform under pressure.” 

She added, “Simply qualifying for nationals is a significant accomplishment, and placing at the national level is a testament to a student’s preparation, dedication, and ability to perform at an exceptionally high level.” 

Because of this, students spend much of their time preparing and studying for their events. Burke explained, “The events I competed in were Computer Applications and Business Law. To prepare for Computer Applications, I practiced my skills and learned shortcuts in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Having utilized these applications in my schoolwork made it a whole lot easier. For Business Law, I prepared by studying a variety of business law concepts.” 

Burke, who also placed third in last year’s competition, described the excitement she felt when the awards were announced. 

“Finding out I placed at nationals was such an exciting moment! I actually had to miss the awards ceremony because I was at my internship, so I spent the whole day wondering how I did. That night, I stayed up until 11p.m. to watch the awards livestream, and hearing my name announced was so rewarding. It made all of the studying and preparation worth it, and I was so proud to see my hard work pay off on the national stage.” 

Through FBLA, students are able to  truly prepare for their futures in business. 

“FBLA is more than just a student organization – it’s an opportunity for students to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world business situations,” Weed said. “Through competitions, leadership opportunities, networking, conferences, and community service, students build technical knowledge alongside the soft skills employers consistently say they value most. Students leave FBLA with stronger communication, leadership, teamwork, professionalism, and confidence, while also building relationships with peers, faculty, employers, and business professionals from across the country.” 

Burke described the knowledge and skills she has gained through the organization. 

“Through FBLA, I have built confidence in networking and public speaking, while also developing strong technical, communication, and professional skills. In addition, I have formed valuable friendships and connections with peers and professionals that will continue to benefit me in my career.” 

While reflecting well on the students themselves, the achievements of the members also speak to the quality of Pitt State’s business program as a whole. 

“These competitions are incredibly valuable because they showcase the quality of our students and the education they receive at the Kelce College of Business,” Weed said. “Student success on the national stage reflects positively on our faculty, our programs, and the university while helping attract prospective students and strengthen relationships with employers and alumni. Just as importantly, these experiences help develop career-ready graduates who represent Pittsburg State University well long after they leave campus.” 

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Gorilla Spotlight: The view from both sides of the classroom

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At Pitt State, Assistant Professor of Communication Kristen Livingston’s journey came full circle as she returned to the campus that first shaped her as a student. In return, she is now helping shape the campus as an educator herself. 

Raised in Neodesha, Kansas, Livingston began her college career at Independence Community College on a dance team scholarship. Like many students, she didn’t begin with a specific career in mind. Instead, she explored a variety of fields like biology, English, and theatre, searching for something that felt right rather than rushing toward certainty. 

“General education exposed me to fields I wouldn’t have known about otherwise,” she said. “It eventually pointed me toward Pitt State.” 

Pitt State was already familiar long before she enrolled. With both parents and a brother being alumni, the university is part of her family identity. Choosing it felt less like selecting a school and more like continuing a story that’s already in motion. 

“I wanted to expand the legacy that helped my family get to where they are today,” she said. 

When she arrived on campus, she didn’t know what career she would pursue. What she did know, however, was that connection would define her experience. For Livingston, the most lasting parts of her student years weren’t just specific classes or achievements; they were “without a doubt, the lifelong friendships [she] made in the classroom,” she said. “Many of those classmates are people I still stay in close touch with today.” 

At the time, she never imagined she would return to those same classrooms as a faculty member.  

“When I first arrived on campus as a student, I never thought I would be a teacher, instructor, or professor.” 

That change came later, shaped by mentorship and opportunity. She credits Dr. Troy Comeau with encouraging her toward teaching after completing her Master of Arts in Communication. Early teaching roles at Labette Community College and Missouri Southern State University gave her first experience in front of a classroom, introducing her to both excitement and uncertainty. 

“I definitely dealt with strong imposter syndrome back then, and to be honest, I still struggle with it sometimes,” she said. “But I’ve found that with experience comes comfort, and we are forever students ourselves.” 

That philosophy now anchors her work in the Department of Communication, where she shows growth, curiosity, and the importance of making students feel seen and capable. 

Returning to Pitt State as a professor was a defining moment, and she was driven by the opportunity to contribute rather than by nostalgia alone. 

“It was an incredible, full-circle moment,” she said. “I want nothing but the absolute best for our students, and that standard continues to shape me every day.” 

Beyond the classroom, Livingston describes the university as a “Gorilla network,” a community built on lasting relationships and shared support that extends far beyond graduation. 

“It’s the powerful network of Gorillas,” she said. “Seeing how naturally current and former students connect is such a treat to witness.” 

Her personal and professional lives are also closely tied to campus in unexpected ways. She met her husband in 2004 during a Pittsburg Community Theatre production of “Babes in Toyland,” though they didn’t begin dating until years later after reconnecting through mutual friends. Today, they both teach at the university, a partnership she describes as steady and supportive. 

“It is truly the best of both worlds,” she said. “He brings out the absolute best in me.” 

When asked what she hopes students carry with them after leaving her classroom, her answer returns to a simple but lasting idea. 

“I hope they remember that they mattered, and that they still do,” she said. “And that learning is a lifelong endeavor.” 

Recently named Communication Department Teacher of the Year, Livingston remains focused not on the recognition, but on the students behind the votes.  

“I am incredibly humbled by our students,” she said. “They are the entire reason why I love teaching.” 

For her, Pitt State has always been more than a campus. Her story isn’t about a single transformation, but about coming back to a community and a purpose that continues to grow with each new class she teaches. 

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Academic Affairs moves Student Publication leadership

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On April 29, Christopher Childers, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, emailed the Collegio regarding multiple changes. The Director of Student Publications position will no longer exist. Student Publications, which includes both the Collegio and Kanza, will be moved to the Communication academic program. With this change, Dr. Ken Ward, associate professor in communication, will be the faculty advisor for Student Publications. 

Childers stated in the email that this change will not affect the students’ voice in publication. 

“The university remains firmly committed to protecting and valuing the student voice,” Childers said. “Editorial decisions will continue to be made by student journalists, and the Collegio will remain a platform for student perspectives, inquiry, and expression. Faculty will serve as advisors, providing support, coaching, and industry expertise. Students retain ownership of content.” 

In a meeting with Childers on May 6, the Collegio was told that this was an administrative decision made through the division of Academic Affairs in the President’s Office. 

The Joint University Student Publications Board was not informed about this decision until May 1, after the decision had been made. The board consists of faculty from multiple departments and students from the Student Government Association. 

According to part of the committee description, the board is supposed to “approve major policy decisions relative to operating procedures and journalistic standards in the day-to-day operation of each publication, as well as other matters such as, but not limited to, changes in format and frequency of issues.” 

In meetings, the Collegio was told that SGA had been consulted. However, after speaking with multiple people in SGA and an SGA advisor, the Collegio was told that Student Publications had only been discussed in relation to student fees. 

Prior to this information, the editorial board had started making changes to improve the Collegio and Kanza. The board has spent the last semester working on the future of The Collegio. They have discussed structure, finances, printing, digital growth, the website, newsletters, alumni outreach, and ways to make the publication stronger and more sustainable. 

Instead of printing every week, The Collegio will now print once a month. Printing dates will coincide with important campus events such as Homecoming, Family Day, and Apple Day. In lieu of consistent printing, we will continue to post articles weekly via our website at psucollegio.com. Just like our printed edition, all online content will remain free to read.  

Starting next semester, The Collegio will put together an email newsletter every other week to send out a digestible update of timely campus news. If interested in being on the newsletter list, email collegio.news@gmail.com 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact The Collegio. We are located at 210 Whitesitt Hall.

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Pittsburg loses last movie theater following AMC closure

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A longtime entertainment staple in Pittsburg has gone dark, leaving the community without a local movie theater for the first time in more than 100 years and closing a chapter of shared memories for many residents. 

According to reporting from KOAM News Now, Four States Homepage, and The Morning Sun, AMC Classic Pittsburg 8 permanently closed on Sunday, May 31, ending its nearly decade-long residence and presence at Meadowbrook Mall. The closure means residents now must travel to nearby cities for a movie-going experience that was once just down the road. 

AMC spokesperson Cassie Kennard confirmed the closure, saying the decision was part of the company’s routine evaluation of its theaters. 

“AMC routinely reviews all theaters in its circuit and makes decisions based on what will strengthen the company moving forward,” Kennard said in a statement to KOAM News Now. 

For many residents, the closure came as a surprise. Katie Budde, a longtime moviegoer who said she had been attending films at the theater since high school, described learning the news unexpectedly while outside the building. 

“They were changing the billboards, and I asked them what’s coming, and they said, ‘Well, we’re closing,’” Budde said. “So, it was a total shock.” 

Budde also said the theater still appeared to be drawing customers in its final days. 

“When I’d walk by, I’d see people,” she said. “It wasn’t like nobody came. So, I don’t know if it was just a sign of the times and everything closing.” 

The theater was also removed from AMC’s website shortly after its final day of operation, further confirming the permanent closure. 

The loss has left a noticeable gap in the community. For families who relied on the theater for outings and small traditions, the closest options are now in surrounding cities such as Joplin, MO or Parsons, KS.  

Some residents said the change has been difficult to adjust to. Tylease DePriest, who recently moved to Pittsburg from Joplin, said the closure takes away something that helped make the city feel more connected and convenient. 

“When you deal with bigger companies, it is unfortunate because they don’t see the value that it added to the community that they suddenly took away,” DePriest said. 

Others had already begun to accept the closure before it happened. Marlon Dewey said he made a final visit with his son and chose to cancel his AMC membership afterward. 

“It’s not going to benefit me to have an AMC membership if it’s 20, 30, 40 miles away,” Dewey said. “So, I went in and canceled the membership.” 

The Morning Sun reported that AMC did not give any specific reasons for closing the Pittsburg location, but the company has previously announced plans to close underperforming theaters nationwide. The publication also noted recent closures in other Kansas communities, including Salina and Hays. 

Questions remain about what will become of the Meadowbrook Mall theater space. According to The Morning Sun, mall management declined to comment on potential lease negotiations or future plans for the location. 

Community members have taken to Facebook, with some speculations being that the owner of Chanute and Parsons’ theaters, RT Entertainment Inc., will buy the theater space, and restore it back to an entertainment staple in the community. However, there has been no official confirmation from RT Entertainment Inc.  

For Pittsburg, the closure marks more than the loss of a business. It is the end of a familiar place where families gathered, friends met up, and small moments became lasting memories. 

Now, as the community adjusts to life without any local cinema, residents are left holding onto those memories while looking toward what may come next. 

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Online MBA program earns distinguished honor

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On Friday May 8, Pittsburg State announced the recognition of the Online MBA International Business program on OnlineMasters.com. The program was featured on the website’s 2026 rankings. 

OnlineMasters.com sources data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other national sources to consolidate information for students looking to pursue their master’s. 

The Online MBA in International Business program is designed to help students develop broadened perspectives within a global business setting. 

According to Dean of the Kelce College of Business Paul Grimes, this distinction speaks to the quality of the business program. 

“The recent OnlineMasters.com ranking of our MBA emphasis in International Business is reflective of the high-quality academic programs that the Kelce College of Business is known to provide.” 

He added, “This reputation is based on the hard work that our Kelce faculty put into every graduate course to ensure that our students are receiving the best education possible to prepare them for work in today’s global economy.” 

This is not the only distinction that this program has received, as it is regularly recognized in the Wichita Business Journal. 

Grimes explained, “In addition to the OnlineMasters.com ranking, last month the Wichita Business Journal ranked the Kelce MBA program as the second largest in the state, right behind the University of Kansas.  We’ve received this distinction for several years in row after being ranked #1 during the COVID period.” 

In addition to being one of the largest programs in the state, the program is also set apart within the Pitt State campus. 

“The MBA is by far the largest graduate program at Pitt State.  We have more than 300 in the online program and more than 50 studying in person on campus.” 

Several students choose Pittsburg State’s program out of a vast number of options.  

“Students have an extraordinary number of choices when picking an MBA program,” Grimes noted. “Given that we attract more than 300 students each year speaks to the quality and value of the Kelce MBA.” 

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The Center for Reading kicks off Secret Codes Camp for kids

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On June 1, Pitt State’s Center for Reading held their first Secret Codes Camp session. This camp aims to prevent reading difficulties in kids and aids them in developing their literary skills. The program is designed to use science-based approaches, as well as address the challenges of the English writing system. 

Michaela Ozier, the director of the Center for Reading, further explains this, saying, “We have a bit of a reading crisis in the United States; around 40% of kids nationwide are reading below basic level, so it’s very important to address the literacy deficits happening.”  

The camp is designed to target all types of kids, keeping in mind those who may have more trouble than others. 

“It’s a curriculum for all readers designed to prevent reading failure, so it’s going to cover those who may have disabilities related to reading or language like dyslexia,” Ozier mentioned.

She also noted that it’s crucial to start kids with these programs while they’re younger, as the long-term impacts are “far more reaching than just being able to read versus not read.”  

“There are studies where it shows that it can affect physical health in the long term,” she said. “There’s also vast negative impacts in regards to mental health. We see lots of self-esteem drop; depression, anxiety, somatization,” Ozier explains. 

The camp is an eight-week intensive program, running until July 23, with 50-minute sessions a day, Monday through Thursday. 

“We incorporate tasks or skills to work on that are also important to foundational skills of reading,” Ozier said. 

The Center for Reading is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, being started by executive director Dr. Hurford in 1996. Ozier explained that their team is important to the outcome of the camp, and that they have a lot of experienced interventionists who have made this year’s transitions a lot smoother.  

“They’re fabulous instructors, so the camp this year feels a lot more lively and everyone’s ready to go.” 

The center hires college students for the interventionist positions, and Pitt State psychology students specifically are eligible to become paraprofessional tutors. 

Ozier noted that the center does services year-round: “If you or someone you know are concerned about reading difficulties and or attention difficulties, reach out,” she said. 

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Graphic Communications hosts 11th annual Crimson Creative Awards

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On Saturday, April 25, at the 11th annual Crimson Creatives Awards ceremony was hosted by Pittsburg State’s graphic honors society, Gamma Epsilon Tau (GET). At the event, many students were recognized for their extraordinary work within the arts and graphic design.  

The CCAs are hosted in honor of Brittney Feuerborn, the former GET president who originally created the CCAs. Feuerborn’s family attends the event annually and funds the $2000 Crimson Creative Award scholarship, which is awarded to one student every year. 

This year’s recipient, sophomore Communications major Prince Miller, swept the event with many awards and accolades. Miller expressed amazement at his win and words of praise towards his fellow creatives. 

“I feel amazing about winning best in show at the CCAs,” Miller said. “After not winning last year, it was a breathtaking and surreal moment, hearing my name, seeing the feedback, watching my video, and seeing my name on the plaque all in one moment. It was also great to see my friends and other creatives win awards for the amazing things they created this year.”  

Alongside Miller’s win, many other young Pittsburg creatives also won many awards, with a wide range of diverse entries. Sophomore Graphic Communications major Marin Tersinar was the recipient of one of these awards for her entry, “Punk Rockers Superman music video.” Tersinar expresses immense gratitude for her win, as well as explaining the background behind her entry, saying,  

“I’m a big fan of James Gunn, love his movies, and when I found out he was the CEO of DC, and I got to see him speak in person at Adobe Max 2025, it was truly inspiring. I also loved the 2025 Superman movie, having a great message of humanity and kindness, and how that can be a superpower in of itself.” 

Junior Graphic Communications major Isaiah Samora received multiple awards for his entries. He explains his mindset behind them as well as their spontaneity, saying, “I won three silvers for my entries: ‘The Crying Plant,’ ‘Retro Sunset,’ and ‘The Mind at Work.’” 

He added, “For ‘The Crying Plant,’ I should have probably used a macro lens, but I luckily got something super cool with just a regular lens. The ‘Retro Sunset’ I did because I saw a cool sunset, and I wanted to recreate it, and ‘The Mind at Work,’ we were working on black and white compositions, and I just changed my angle suddenly, and it turned out really cool.”  

It wasn’t just Pittsburg State students who won awards at this event, but high school students as well. Among many of the recipients, Senior Brody Baker stood out for his entry, “The Shortcut to Happiness,” a short film that he describes as being a personal art piece about the path to happiness and our struggles to achieve it, stating,  “My video was over the shortcut to happiness; I read an article online that talked about how 40% of high schoolers struggle with depression and finding happiness. So, I started researching and came across the philosopher Carl Jung; his studies on happiness really stood out to me.” 

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The SEK Humane Society partners with Class LTD to host a pet supply donation event

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On Friday, April 24, our local SEK Humane Society partnered with Class LTD to host a donation event for the shelter. This event was raised to help provide the shelter with the resources it needs to continue to operate, as well as take care of the housed animals.   

Vice President of External Relations for Class LTD, Bob Burk, explained that they have partnered with many shelters in Kansas to support, supply, and contribute to their success in the field of animal hospitality and care, stating, “Class LTD has partnered with many shelters across Kansas, just like we did today with the SEK Humane Society. Our goal is to combat the rising difficulties many of the shelters have been experiencing by helping to provide food and other supplies for the animals.”  

When asked, Burk explained that the best thing that Pitt State can do as a community is to continue to supply, donate, and contribute to the SEK Humane Society, saying, “Any contribution helps, food, leashes, carriers, anything that you no longer need or use, could find value here at the humane society.”  

President of the SEK Humane Society, Jasmine Kyle, expresses gratitude for the help from Class LTD and elaborates on the event’s cause, explaining the goals of the event, as well as what we can do to continue to support shelters across Kansas, stating, “Class LTD did this wonderful fundraiser, gathering materials all throughout March, not just helping us, but also other shelters throughout Kansas. They were able to donate over 100 items, from wet food, toys, cleaning supplies, towels, and blankets. Every single thing donated today is going to be used not just by us, but also by families in need of these pet supplies and assistance.”  

Kyle further disclosed how the SEK Humane Society is battling ongoing struggles to stay in operation, the difficulties of their situation, and how important help like this truly is. 

“Help like this is huge. We don’t have something like this happen very often. Unfortunately, a lot of people are hurting in this hard time right now, so for them to step up, especially a non-profit helping another non-profit, that’s huge for us. For this group to go above and beyond to be a voice for the voiceless is truly a blessing.”  

She added, “However, we are still financially struggling. There have been many shelters in Kansas over the past few weeks who have had to close their doors because they’re facing the same struggles as we are. Our deadline is still for the end of June, but we are working hard month by month to extend that. Every single day we fight and will continue to fight for these animals, because we have to.” 

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Gorillas once again outshine competition 

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It was another week, another successful venture for the Pitt State track and field team as they traveled to Fayetteville, Arkansas, for the annual John McDonnell Invitational. The Gorillas were quick to show out with an impressive outing, a common theme for both the men’s and women’s track and field teams. 

Junior Caden Williams highlighted the men’s performances in the meet by clocking the No. 1 ranked time in NCAA Division II this season in the 400 meters. His time of 45.89 seconds moved him to No. 3 on Pitt State’s all-time leader board in the discipline. Graduate student Woyn Chatman also posted the sixth-fastest time in D2 in the 400m (46.21), while sophomore Amar Williams also was clocked in a personal-best time of 46.93. 

Redshirt sophomore Drake Stapleton also logged a season-best mark of 59 feet, 6.75 inches in the shot put. He climbed to No. 7 on the D2 leader board for 2026. The 4x100m relay also recorded an NCAA qualifying time of 39.80 seconds, good for No. 5 in D2 this season. 

Other notable efforts included fellow redshirt sophomore Eli Gilmore posting a 1:49.83 time in the 800 meters; redshirt junior Dylan Sprecker recording a 3:41.16 time in the 1,500 meters; and junior Ilias Garcia clocking a time of 10.22 in the 100 meters. 

In the women’s action, sophomore Kayvon Nubine posted a season best time of 13.51 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles. She bumped up to No. 6 on the D2 national list. The 4x100m relay secured an NCAA qualifying time of 45.38 seconds, climbing to No. 12 in the nation. Sophomore Mikah Edwards also clocked a personal best time of 24.27 in the 200 meters. 

This event was a last-minute tune up for the Gorillas, as they now transition towards the coming MIAA championship. Pittsburg State will be hosting the MIAA Championship this year, held at their newly built outdoor track just by the Crossland Technology Center.  

The MIAA Championship will be held May 1 thru May 3.  

Despite the MIAA Championship being held next, it will not in fact be the last meet before regionals are held. The Gorillas will travel back to Fayetteville on May 8th for the Arkansas Twilight, before Pitt State hosts the PSU “Almost Last Chance” Invitational on May 9, which is followed immediately by the PSU “Last Chance” Invitational on May 10.  

Once all of these events are finished, then the Gorillas will look to prepare for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships. The Gorillas are favorites to not just make the National Championship, but to repeat as winners. 

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Baseball Sweeps ranked opponent

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Gorilla baseball is finding itself on a heater, as they swept Rogers State this past weekend, stretching their winning streak to nine games. The Gorillas now sit at 37-8 on the season, as they enter the home stretch of the regular season. 

Beginning on Friday, Pitt State pulled out a last minute 3-2 win over the Hillcats. Things remained deadlocked in the game early on, until Rogers State found a pair of runs in the fifth inning to take the first lead. Pitt State would find the board with a single run in the sixth, but would remain behind until the eighth inning, when they found the tying run. Things looked poised to go into extra innings, but Pitt State scored the game winning run in the bottom of the ninth to take the win.  

The Gorillas got run-scoring singles from senior Cooper Wesslund in the sixth inning and senior Grant Nottlemann in the eighth frame. Junior Eric Bacon opened the eighth inning with a double and came around on Nottlemann’s hit. Junior Brayden McClure limited Rogers State to a pair of runs and seven hits over 7.0 innings pitched. He walked three and registered six strikeouts. 

Following the exciting win, Pitt State would find their offensive groove, outscoring the Hillcats 13 to 1 and forcing a seven-inning run rule victory. The Gorillas would get on the board first, scoring a pair of runs in the first inning, and then tacking on three in the third. Rogers State would finally answer in the top of the fifth with their lone run of the game, but Pitt State put the Hellcats to bed with a five-run bottom inning.  

Junior Jadyn McNealy, redshirt senior Isaac Webb, Nottlemann and redshirt junior Kam Koester each collected two hits in the game. McNealy, Webb, and Wesslund tallied two RBI each. McNealy swiped a pair of bases to set the Pitt State single season record with 40 stolen bases. Graduate student starter Zach Voss pitched into the seventh inning to pick up his ninth win of the season. 

The final game of the series was another tightly contested Gorilla win, as Pitt State 10-9. It looked like it would be all Rogers State early on, as the Hillcats scored six runs in the third inning, but Pitt State was able to chip away at the lead, scoring eight runs across three innings to take a 9-7 lead. The Hillcats would score a single run in the seventh and ninth to tie it up, but Pitt State would once again find an answer in the bottom of the ninth to take the win. 

Senior Dagen Brewer had a two-run single in the fifth inning that staked the Gorillas to an 8-7 lead. Webb, Nottlemann and Wesslund also had two RBI each in the game. Bacon scored three times, while McNealy and Branson added two runs apiece. Bacon delivered a walk off double to score senior Andrew Branson with the game-winning run 

The Gorillas will return to the field for the last batch of regular season games on Tuesday, when they travel to play the Newman Jets, before hitting the road again for a three-game series on the weekend against the Washburn Ichabods.  

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