The SMSU Podcast

Homecoming 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting celebrations yet at Southwest Minnesota State University! In this episode, Hannah Abel, Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach, joins us to preview the full slate of events happening on campus.
🏟️ Highlights include:
Saturday Morning Mustang Radio Show – Kick off the day with live updates from Mustang Athletics coaches and staff at Extra Innings & Varsity Pub.
SMSU Homecoming Parade – For the first time, the Homecoming Parade will take place on campus, starting at noon—the route winds through Mustang Territory, showcasing school spirit and SMSU pride.
Game Day Roundup Tailgate – Enjoy food, drinks, and community vibes with local businesses like The Hitching Post joining the festivities.
Southwest Celebration & Alumni Awards – On Friday evening, SMSU honors distinguished alumni and showcases campus projects during a formal dinner and mixer at the Conference Center.
Football Game at the Regional Event Center – Following Gameday Round-up, the Mustangs take on the Cougars at 5:00 pm.
Johnny Holm Concert - Immediately following the football game, Johnny Holm will be playing live on Mustang Trail 
For the full lineup for homecoming, go to: https://www.smsualumni.com/homecoming/homecoming-schedule.html
Whether you're a student, alum, or community member, this episode is your guide to making the most of Homecoming weekend. Join us as we celebrate tradition, pride, and the vibrant spirit of SMSU!

This week, SMSU highlights Cecelia Parmeter, a dedicated Culinology student, who shares her experience helping launch this semester's Mustang Kitchen on campus. The episode explores:
Cecelia’s journey through the Culinology program at SMSU.
The vision and purpose behind the Mustang Kitchen.
Insights into the hands-on learning opportunities the kitchen provides.
Make sure to reserve your spot! Click the link below to sign up for your favorite dish. https://www.smsu.edu/academics/programs/hospitality/restaurant/index.html
 

This week, we have Ashton Ayres, Assistant Director of the Student Center at Southwest Minnesota State University, join us to talk about Family Weekend and other exciting campus events. Ashton highlights the variety of activities planned for students and their families, including:
Athletic events like football, volleyball, and soccer games.
Student-led entertainment, such as improv performances by the Drama Club.
Interactive experiences, including a Planetarium show and the Chemistry Club’s liquid nitrogen ice cream.
Family Weekend Brunch offers an excellent opportunity for families to connect with the campus community.
The episode also touches on the broader role of the Student Center in organizing and supporting student engagement throughout the year. Ashton touches on how these events foster a sense of belonging and Mustang pride among students and their families.

This week we have Nadine Purvis Schmidt, SMSU Theatre Professor, to talk about her performance during her sabbatical this semester! The show is titled “Apples in Winter“, written by Jennifer Faucet, and is a single performer show, and Nadine goes over what all goes into preparing for a one performer show. The show is free admission with a free-will donation and will be performed on September 24th and 25th at 7:30 pm in the SMSU Black Box Theatre. Seating is minimal, so make sure to reserve your seat on theatremidwest.org
 
The SMSU Theatre Program has changed its name to the Entertainment & Theatre Arts Program, and Nadine goes over what went into that name change!

This week, we have Hannah Abel joining us to cover a few of the events happening on campus that the community should definitely be aware of!
First, we discuss the incredible opportunity presented by the Women’s Leadership Conference and its impressive lineup of speakers. The conference will be held on September 18, 2025, starting at 8:00 a.m. If any SMSU students are interested in attending, the sign-up fee is waived, and you’ll also get a free lunch and great networking opportunities!
Gold College also kicks off September 10, 2025, so make sure you take the opportunity to expand your knowledge by signing up for classes in a wide variety of disciplines! Also, don’t forget to come out and cheer on the Mustangs in their home opener during the 19th Annual Ag-bowl on September 6, 2025

This week, we introduce SMSU’s Interim President, Dr. David Jones, who brings 14 years of experience from Minnesota State University and looks to continue the success that SMSU has had over the past few years in enrollment. Dr. Jones reviews his journey that has led him to SMSU and what he and his family are excited about in Marshall, Minnesota.

This week, President Kumara Jayasuriya has served as Southwest Minnesota State University’s president for six years, starting in 2019. We discussed his successes at SMSU with him and what he will miss most. He will retire after the 2025 spring commencement. President Jayasuriya will be greatly missed here on campus as he helped grow SMSU during his tenure.

This week, we have Alyssa Miessner, Assistant Director of Development, on to talk about the Fourth Annual M4L Day of Giving. The event is to call upon the Mustang Family to support current Mustangs in a variety of different ways! There are timed challenges, matching goals, and so many other opportunities to support SMSU!

This week, the first STEM Symposium will be taking place on campus, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Trachette Jackson, Associate Vice President for Research, DEI Initiatives, and University Diversity and Social Transformation at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The topic of her keynote is “Mobilizing Mathematics”.

The Natural History Museum is located in the Science and Math building on SMSU's campus. The Museum recently underwent a facelift with the help of both Katie and Alyssa, who gathered funding and helped see the completion of the new Natural History Museum.
The Museum has many more interactive spaces and engaging displays that you won't be able to keep your eyes off—ranging from usable microscopes to a small lake with catchable paper fish and a mural featuring actual-sized prairie animals. Make sure to stop by and check out the excellent new space!