Inside Mside

In this special episode, Interim President Chad Benson ’90, Dr. Jackie Barber ’95, and Alex Watters ’09 sit down to talk about the exciting collaboration between Morningside University and St. Luke’s College. They dive into what this partnership means for students, the community, and the future of healthcare education, while honoring and preserving the proud legacy of St. Luke’s. It’s a forward-looking conversation rooted in tradition, vision, and opportunity.

We're getting you ready with a special Spring Sports Media Day podcast. Hear from coaches across baseball, softball, men’s and women’s golf, men's and women's tennis, and track and field as they preview the season ahead.

Alisanne Struck sits down with associate professor Brendan Todt, and Morningside Review students Elaine Clark and Paige Stockfeld to discuss what work goes into producing Volume V of the online undergraduate research journal published every two years by students for students. Professor Todt also reveals a surprise about the Kiosk!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Morningside! Peace and blessings to you all ❤️ VOICEOVER Dr. Susie Lubbers APPEARANCES Interim President Chad Benson Landry Reynoldson Alexis Christenson EXTERNAL CREW Alisanne Struck - Production Coordinator Meredith Maassen - Social Media Department Lead Zach James - Audio Recording & Support EDITOR Carter Gill GRAPHIC DESIGN Carter Gill

Winter is packed with Mustang action, and Inside Mside has you covered. Zach James runs through the latest from men’s and women’s swimming, bowling, wrestling, basketball, and men’s volleyball—highlights, trends, standout performances, and what’s next across Mside athletics.

Join host Alisanne Struck as she sits down with Dr. Ryan Person, Director of Choral Activities, for a special Christmas at Morningside episode of Inside Mside. One of Morningside’s most treasured traditions, Christmas at Morningside has brought music lovers together since 1995 and remains a beloved seasonal highlight across the Midwest. This year’s theme — “Heal Our World, Great Prince of Peace” — sets the tone for a powerful and uplifting celebration of hope, unity, and artistry from our talented performers. Buy tickets and learn more about what makes this event so meaningful for our campus and community here: https://www.morningside.edu/student-life-and-arts/arts-at-morningside/performing-arts/christmas-at-morningside

Dr. Chase Privett, Morningside assistant professor of political science, joins Zach James to talk student engagement, civic leadership, and the Morningside Civic Union’s impact on campus and beyond.

Former Mustang athletic director Tim Jager is back — this time as Director of Athletic Advancement. He shares what it means to return to Morningside, how he plans to elevate the student-athlete experience, and the vision for the next era of Mustang facilities and support.

Before the college basketball season begins, Craig Doty '10 joins us to reflect on his career, including his time as a student-athlete at Morningside. A three-time national champion and National Coach of the Year, Doty has built winners at every stop. Now in his second year leading Houston Christian University, Doty has elevated the Huskies on and off the court - from program growth and record attendance to academic excellence and community impact.

In this episode, Alisanne Struck discusses the children's book "Sharing My Family," with Morningside psychology professor, author and illustrator Dr. Jessica Pleuss. Told through the eyes of an 8-year-old named Zee, the story shows how becoming a foster family can turn life upside down — and how imagination and empathy can help kids adjust to big changes. Written in both English and Spanish, "Sharing My Family" is designed for children ages 4–10, especially those experiencing foster care in their own families or learning about it through friends. It’s also a valuable tool for parents, teachers, social workers, psychologists, and child care providers who support children connected to the foster system. This book marks the first release in Pleuss’s Family For Now: Books About Foster Care series, offering young readers and families an honest, empathetic resource to guide conversations about fostering.

Alex Watters '09 chats with Dr. Brian McFarland about the several grants Morningside has acquired, thanks to Brian and his staff! Find out where the $947,500 over four grants is going to enhance the students, staff and community experience!

Alisanne Struck chats with Stacie Hays and Katie Koithan about the Peer Mentors program at Morningside. Peer Mentors are all about helping new Mustangs find their footing. By building real connections and offering personalized support, they’re here to make sure every student feels at home— and has the tools and confidence to thrive at Morningside.

Alisanne Struck sits down with Steph Peters '99 and Steven Ricke for a behind-the-scenes look at the powerhouse Morningside University admissions team that just brought in record-breaking enrollment. Hear what’s working, what’s changing, and how Morningside continues to raise the bar.

Zach James is joined by Melissa Nelson and RC Hicks to share the successes of the Applied Agriculture and Food Studies Department, including the "She Grows" women's leadership event, the Mside Beef program, and more!

In Part 2 of his conversation with Alex Watters ’09, Morningside Interim President Chad Benson ’90 shares his goals, big-picture vision, and a heartfelt call for support from the Morningside community. Don’t miss this important discussion!

Join Alex Watters ’09 for a candid conversation with Interim President Chad Benson ’90. From his days as a Morningside student to his journey back on campus, Chad opens up about his personal story, career path, and what makes Morningside feel like home. Join us for Part 2 of this conversation coming July 23, 2025, on YouTube and all other podcast platforms.

Dr. Elizabeth Coody, Morningside associate professor of religious studies, was selected last month to attend the prestigious Teaching Interfaith Understanding seminar in Chicago, hosted by the Council of Independent Colleges. Only 25 professors nationwide receive this invitation, placing Coody in an exclusive group of educators. Before she left, she spoke with Zach James about how important this seminar was for her.

Alisanne Struck interviews Alex Struck '16 and Mikhil Raja about the men's tennis program and its successful 2024-25 season that ended at the NAIA men's national tournament. Also, find out which popular female singer's music Alex was obsessed with when he was younger! Visit our YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode!

In this episode, Dr. Jackie Barber, Dean of the Nylen School of Nursing, Kali Hill ’21, and Alisanne Struck dive into what makes nursing at Morningside so impactful — from real-world preparation to lifelong connections and everything in between. Whether you’re a future nurse or just curious about the field, this one’s worth a listen.

Mustangs seniors Rachel Spier, Maren Ewertz, and head coach Steve Gonshorowski join Zach James to reflect on the women's bowling season, which included an appearance in the NAIA Women's Bowling Championships.