Inside Mside: Recent Episodes
Morningside University
Hear stories from students, alumni, faculty, and more about what makes the Morningside experience so special. Check out the Inside Mside playlist on YouTube at youtube.com/morningsideuniversity
In the season finale of the Inside Mside podcast, Morningside President Chad Benson '90 lays out his game plan for the 2026-27 academic year, focused on enhancing the student experience.
Alisanne Struck sits down with President Chad Benson ’90 to reflect on the 2025-26 academic year at Morningside University. Benson discusses stepping into the role of president, the acquisition of St. Luke’s College, strengthening ties between Morningside and Sioux City, and some of his favorite Mustang athletic moments from the past year.
Fresh off a national championship, Morningside competitive cheer head coach Maci Ohm and student-athlete Amber Hofmeister join Inside Mside to relive the Mustangs’ unforgettable run to the Small Intermediate Coed NAIA title at the NCA College Nationals. From team chemistry to pressure-packed moments, hear the inside story behind the historic accomplishment.
Join host Alisanne Struck along with guests Heath Weber and Brock Bourek for an inside look at a transformative collaboration for the local arts scene. LAMB Theatre and Morningside University have officially joined forces to inspire creativity, elevate learning, and strengthen community connections.
In this episode, we explore how LAMB Theatre is directing nearly a million dollars from past fundraising efforts to completely revamp the University’s Klinger-Neal Theatre. We break down the details behind the massive facility upgrades coming this summer, including brand-new patron seating, a massive video wall, state-of-the-art sound with wireless microphones, and top-tier lighting. These exciting renovations will soon make Klinger-Neal the best-equipped theatre in the region.
In this episode, Dr. Ryan Allen introduces Arts for Hearts, a free community event on April 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. celebrating mental health and wellness through music, yoga, sound baths, and activities hosted by campus and local partners.
In this episode, Assistant Professor Harley Waters and senior Cameron Spellman discuss Morningside's hands-on aviation program from flight training to accident investigation and airline careers.
Dr. Greg Seier, assistant professor of Natural & Mathematical Sciences, and junior Macanna Guritz join Zach James to discuss Morningside’s growing exercise science program and how it’s creating new opportunities for students both on campus and in the field.
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.
We’re back with the Inside Mside podcast! In this episode, Zach James sits down with Dr. Ryan Person, director of choral activities. They looked back on the Morningside Choir performing at Carnegie Hall, and the centennial celebration in April.
To watch the video version of this episode, visit this link: https://youtu.be/XJw5saAa_xs
Join Bailey Zubke as he talks with Kurt Spearing about the first mosasaur fossil to be found in Iowa.
Join Bailey Zubke as he talks with Women's Volleyball Head Coach Jessica Squier '11, senior defensive specialist Payton Shoquist, and junior outside hitter Sydney Marlow as they look back at last season and discuss milestones that the two of them reached.
Join Alex Watters '09 as he visits with former CEO of Wells Enterprises, and recent CEO in the Classroom, Mike Wells '81. The two are joined by Dr. Darrel Sandall, the dean of Morningside's school of business, who explains what the CEO in the Classroom program is and talks about is going on in the school of business.
Alumni Engagement Director Alex Watters '09 reunites Amy Denney '99 and Mikellie Grant '22 and invites them to retell the story of how the pair's paths crossed.
Join Alex Watters '09 as he talks with Dr. Amanda Haverhals '03 about her time at Morningside, first as a student and now as faculty, and Morningside's RN to BSN program.
Join Bailey Zubke as he interviews two-time GPAC Golfer of the Year and GPAC medalist Sofia Castelan and Morningside Golf head coach Nick Wanderscheid about this year's GPAC Championships, Sofia's career so far, and the upcoming trip to the NAIA Women's Golf National Championships.
Join Bailey Zubke as he interviews Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai, who was recently assigned to the Iowa Episcopal Area by the United Methodist Church. Bishop Bigham-Tsai will also serve on the Morningside University Board of Directors.
Join Bailey Zubke as he interviews Morningside's 13th President, Dr. Albert Mosley, ahead of his inauguration.
In this podcast we go back to National First Generation College Student Day when Bailey Zubke spoke with Morningside students and staff members that are all first generation college students.
Bailey Zubke hosts this episode of Inside Mside, discovering what is distinctive about Morningside's accounting program and some of the opportunities that its students receive.
Alex Watters '09 is back behind the mic for this episode with Dr. Brandon Boesch, discussing the on-campus May Term that he hosted last year. The duo talks through the experience that May Term provides, how it integrates with Morningside's mission, and that Boesch's students had learning about the history of whiskey.
Morningside president Dr. Albert Mosley and student Sage Sheppard guest host this episode of Inside Mside, in which they speak with Evelyn Freeman '47, who was the Sioux City Community School District's first Black teacher.
Morningside president Dr. Albert Mosley and student Sage Sheppard guest host this episode of Inside Mside, which highlights local leader and Morningside alumnus, George Boykin '71.
University Engagement intern and Morningside wrestler Caleb Watson hosts this episode of Inside Mside in which he discusses the winter trip that the Morningside men's wrestling team took this year as well as the team's participation in the National Wrestling Coaches Association Multi Division National Dual Meet Championships, held in Louisville, Ky. Watson is joined by guests head coach Jake Stevenson '08, Hunter DeJong, and Noah Styskal.
Bailey Zubke hosts this episode with the recipients of the 2022 Sharon Walker Faculty Excellence Awards, Dr. Kim Christopherson, Dr. Tom Paulsen, and Shelby Prindaville. The Walker Awards celebrate teaching excellence, effective advising, scholarship, and service to Morningside University.
Alex Watters '09 hosts this episode with Ivan Streit '69, Mark Paulsen '82, and Mike Cadwell '69 discussing the annual Snoot Jake Open golf event that started as a small group of Morningsiders reconnecting and has grown to be one of the longest running golf events at Emerald Hills Golf Course in Okoboji.
Bailey Zubke hosts this episode with Vernon Simmons '83, discussing his recent induction into the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and how his path from Morningside led him to be a successful high school basketball coach.
Alex Watters '09 hosts this episode with Chris '94 and Joy '95 Bogenrief. Join as talk about how experiential opportunities when they were at Morningside impacted their overall outcomes and how they continue to pay it forward.
Alex Watters '09 hosts this episode with Dr. Erik Mahon, Director of Jazz at Morningside University. Hear about the jazz program and what the band has been up to lately.
Alex Watters '09 hosts this episode with Ragen Cote '99 and Carly Howrey '21 from Downtown Partners, discussing their individual Morningside experiences, externships, and what Downtown Partners does.
Join Alex Watters '09, Dr. Albert Mosley, and a group of students as they taste test some of the local pizza that has become legend in and around Sioux City.
Alex Watters '09 hosts this episode discussing the intersection of Politics, Propaganda, and the Morningside experience. Learn about how the topic serves as a discussion point for critical thinking and civic engagement.
Alex Watters '09 hosts this episode with members of Morningside's Applied Ag and Food Studies program. Hear from students Tom Moss and Bethany Widman as well as faculty members Dee McKenna and Dan Witten as they discuss some of the things that make the program unique.
Alex Watters '09 returns to the microphone to reminisce with Dr. Mallory Sea '16 about her Morningside experience and learn about what she's done with her Morningside degree. She's joined by Drs. Aaron Bunker and Brian McFarland, who help fill in some of the details.
Join special guest host Dr. Albert Mosley as he talks with Dr. Cory Roberts '90. Roberts is the President, CEO, and Chair of the Board of ProPath and serves on Morningside's Board of Directors.
Alex Watters '09 brings you a special edition of Inside Mside, joined by Cindy (Barrett) Brewer '82 and Randy Hansen '72 to talk about this year's Homecoming celebration.
Alex Watters '09 kicks off the Inside Mside for the 2022-23 academic year as he talks with the head of Morningside's art department, Shelby Prindaville. Listen as they discuss her recent residency at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, her work, and some of the things going on in Morningside's Art Department.
Check out Shelby's work at shelbyprindaville.com.
Alex Watters '09 grabs the mic for the final installation of Inside Mside for the 2021-22 academic year. He talks with professor or religious studies, Dr. Elizabeth Coody about some of the many areas she's involved on campus, including Morningside's X Path for exploring students and the department of Religious Studies.
Alumni Engagement Director Alex Watters ’09 welcomes Dr. Valerie Hennings ’01 and students Sam Peterson, Hannah Capps, and Garrett Arbuckle to the podcast to discuss their experience being involved with the Morningside Poll and research that they have conducted and presented through the political science department. Check out this year’s Morningside Poll results at morningside.edu/campus-life-and-arts/civic-engagement/morningside-poll/
Students Garrett Arbuckle, Sarah Severes, and Caleb Watson join Alumni Engagement Director Alex Watters '09 to get to know Morningside's president-elect, Dr. Albert Mosley, in this episode of Inside Mside.
Podcasts clash as Inside Mside and Down the Mside Line combine for this special episode. Director of Alumni Engagement Alex Watters '09 is joined by Sports Information Director Mark Adkins as they welcome local historian and Morningside legend Dr. Sharon Ocker to the studio. Join Ocker as he reflects on a career in the education department that spanned decades and as he recalls athletes and coaches whose voices used to echo throughout Allee Gymnasium.
Episode host and Director of Alumni Engagement Alex Watters '09 speaks with Kenny Osten '21 about involvement on campus and his Morningside experience as he figured out which career path he wanted to follow.
Episode host and Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communication Carly Hanson '14 discusses student success and diversity with Andre McWell, Director of Persistence & Diversity, and students Sage Sheppard and Jemar Lee.
Alumni Engagement Director and episode host Alex Watters '09 speaks with Lorenzo Sandoval, playwright, former Dimmitt Fellow, and visiting lecturer, and Dr. Stacey Alex, assistant professor of Spanish, about Sandoval's recent work and how it benefits Alex's classes.
Episode host and VP for University Engagement Erin Edlund recalls some of the behind the scenes efforts of the 2021 NAIA Football National Championship with interns Garrett Arbuckle, Katherine Wurtz, and Collin Adank. Hear about their experience as they helped prepare for events in Durham, NC, as well as the watch parties in Sioux City.
Episode host Alex Watters '09 speaks with Garrett Arbuckle, Collin Adank, and Camrie Miranda about their trip to the American Association of Student Government conference in New Orleans and what they, along with fill-in advisor Brett Lyon '04, took away from the conference and the cultural experience.
Episode host and Vice President for University Engagement Erin Edlund discusses President John Reynders' tenure with John and long-time members of senior staff, Provost Emeritus Dr. Bill Deeds, VP for Business and Finance Ron Jorgensen '79, and VP for Student Life and Enrollment Terri Curry.
Episode host Nick Buth speaks with JJ Marlow ('03), Mark O'Connell ('85), and Trace Taylor from Morningside's Institutional Advancement office and Alumni Engagement Director Alex Watters ('09) about year six of Morningside Madness, Morningside University's 36-hour giving event. Listen as they talk about ways to get involved in Morningside Madness as well as ways to be involved on campus throughout the year.
Alumni Engagement Director and episode host Alex Watters speaks with Beth Kolbo ('03) and Braxton Hinders ('22) as representatives of John Reynders' first freshman and last graduating class. Listen as they discover shared experiences and share memories of each of their college careers.
Alumni Engagement Director and episode host Alex Watters speaks with Jim and Sharon Walker ('70) about their time at Morningside, their involvement with fundraising, and the part they have played in the transformation of Morningside's campus.
Alumni Engagement Director and episode host Alex Watters speaks with Brittany Calvillo (Alfredson) '12 and her counterpart Julia Tillo. Together they are Instagram sensation @everyday.obsessed. Hear some behind the scenes stories about what it's really like to be a social media influencer as well as what Brittany's Morningside experience was like as a student-athlete and education major in this episode of Inside Mside.
Alumni Engagement Director and episode host Alex Watters speaks with Bruce Forbes '70 about his time as a student and faculty member at Morningside and about his work as a Christmas author.