Local student helps restructure courses, completes research at SEMO

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Brianna Dewitt of Dexter recently served as a teaching assistant at Southeast Missouri State University with Dr. Wayne Bowen in a modern European civilization class he taught at the Cape Girardeau campus. She also is working with Bowen on a course redesign project. DeWitt is a Dexter High School graduate furthering her studies at SEMO. She is perhaps best remembered locally for her exceptional contributions in the field of art while a student under DHS Art Instructor Clint Twaddell.

During her teaching assistantship, the Department of History tested various online applications to serve as supplemental material for students in the class. She assisted her group of students with hands-on learning activities, such as debates, during their classes on Thursdays. The students all completed the same online program, and she answered their questions while monitoring their use of the program.

"The department was trying to find the best possible program to adopt over all," Brianna said.

After completing her teaching assistantship, Brianna is now helping Dr. Erika Hosselkus and Bowen on a course redesign project.

"I will be looking at information for the last few years on attrition rates and what the department has offered. Together we are developing a series of surveys to discover motivation to taking certain sections and formats to better provide for future students," Brianna said.

Brianna is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in social studies. When she graduates, Brianna says she would like to attend graduate school and pursue a history degree.

"History classes lend themselves to discussion and focus heavily on it," Brianna said. "I love the conversations and heated debates that arise out of these classes. They help not only develop personal perspective but help to expose you to other views in ways that are non-threatening and enlightening."

Many of Brianna's friends are art majors, so when she isn't studying, she likes to attend First Fridays when downtown art galleries exhibit their work and shop at local antique stores. She enjoys traveling and has gone to Los Angeles twice to visit her brother with one of her friends.

Brianna is very busy in organizations on campus. She has worked at the Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum at the River Campus.

"Working alongside other students also has helped me to make friends outside of my regular classes and department," Brianna said.

She joined the All University Judicial Board, and will begin her duties this coming fall. She also has been active in the Social Studies Educators Association since its founding at Southeast, and has served as its historian for a term. She is also the convocation chair and one of three fund-raising chairs for Kappa Delta Pi.

"Be involved and be involved early," Brianna advises Southeast students. "I think that students are timid at first to try things out and sometimes the only group you hear about is the Greek system. I would encourage them to ask their professors in their department about various organizations and to look into Student Government as well. Service organizations are another wonderful place to look."