Standing Ovation Awards

The Standing Ovation Award recognizes an MSA faculty member or RA who exemplifies the highest ideals of the Missouri Scholars Academy.

Ben Batzer: 2023 Standing Ovation Award Recipient

An infectious positive attitude. A childlike enthusiasm for discovery. An intentional community builder. These were just a few of the phrases used to describe the recipient of the 2023 Standing Ovation Award. Nominators attested to his teaching prowess and ability to connect with others that far surpasses the four walls of any classroom. 

The Missouri Scholars Academy is overjoyed to present the Standing Ovation Award to faculty member Ben Batzer!

Ben’s involvement in MSA begins when he was a scholar in 2008, the year of light blue and dark blue, dubbed Facebook colors. He was in a major about marine biology and a minor focusing on global issues. When he returned as faculty almost a decade later, he decided to explore the world of literature. 

Since 2017, Ben has passionately taught the major O Critics, Where ART Thou? Finding Greatness in Paragraphs, Pages, and Plasma Screens and the minor Drugs, Politics, Religion and Smut! Radical Literature. In both reading-intensive classes, he pushes scholars to think well beyond the words on the page. According to faculty member Joe Milliano, Ben’s most admirable quality is asking the why behind these pieces of writing and that he does so “with tact, poise, and a great sense of humor.”

Joe also recognized Ben’s efforts to build a community wherever he went, going all the way back to when he was an RA in Joe’s dorm at Truman State University. 

“Through that role, Ben went above and beyond to make all of us nervous freshmen feel a part of the community,” Joe said, “When I joined the MSA faculty, I was not surprised to see Ben had a similar role here.” Ben is known for being a welcoming face at the Academy and an integral figure in building the communities that are so precious during those three weeks. 

Ben’s innate talent for fusing education with a sense of togetherness is best shown in his Cor:PSD classes. Community building is crucial to the Cor:PSD experience and Ben intentionally builds an environment where scholars can explore and grow, individually and together. Claire Broemmer, who was his RA co-facilitator this summer, was also in his minor and Cor:PSD as a scholar in 2019. When nominating Ben for the award, she spoke highly of her experience with him during both academies. 

“When I was in Ben’s class, he taught us how to listen, how to speak for ourselves, and how to create a community in which every person could do both of those things,” Claire said. She added that her experience in Ben’s class was “transformative.” 

Claire also spoke to Ben’s way of creating a welcoming space for sharing and bonding. 

“He provides a vast array of information with passion but also leaves room for students to form their own opinions,” she said, “We all knew that we could trust Ben with our words, and to speak his own truth every day as well.” 

When nominating Ben, faculty member Chris Holmes shared the impact that Ben has had on him during their years at MSA. 

“Though much younger than me, he is one of my mentors, a good man — the best of men — who quietly, humbly, and probably unknowingly teaches me how to be a better man myself,” Chris said. “I respect him. I cherish him.”

Ben is also known for hosting insightful afternoon activities throughout the Academy that offer new ways to look at literature. Last summer, Ben hosted a literary walk throughout downtown Columbia. Other programs that he brought to the Academy include How to Read the Bible Like an English Professor, Poetry in a #MeToo World and Beautiful Art in an Ugly World.

When he’s not wowing us with chicken calls at the Academy, Ben is an assistant professor of English Education at Truman State University, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Previously, he taught at Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves, Missouri. He recently received his PhD in English from the University of Iowa. 

We are so lucky to have Ben for one month out of the year! He is an integral part of the academy, not only as an educator but as a friend. This sentiment is reflected in many of the closing statements of his nominators: 

“I will always be grateful for the opportunity to know Ben.” – Lizzie Cremer

“His friendship and guidance are things I will cherish for the rest of my life.” – Claire Broemmer

“[This is] an honor well-deserving of a person who will someday — a few decades from now, hopefully — make people feel sad about his departure. I hope he stays that long.” – Chris Holmes

“My life is better for knowing Ben Batzer.” – Joe Milliano

The Academy is also better for knowing Ben Batzer. Congratulations, Ben!

Past recipients of these awards include:

  • Jenny Blank, Coordinator of Residential Life (Awarded 2022)
  • Adela Caratti, Dining Hall Staff (Awarded 2019)
  • Rachel Harper, Co-Director, ’18-’23 (Awarded 2019)
  • Dani Eschweiler, MSA ’11, RA ’18, Faculty ’19, ’22 (Awarded 2019)
  • Chris Holmes, Faculty ’13-’18, ’21-’23 (Awarded 2018)
  • Steve Keller, Director ’15-’23 (Awarded 2017)
  • Craig Buschkoette, RA ’14-’17 (Awarded 2017)
  • Jordan Henson, MSA ’10, RA ’13-’15, Faculty ’16-’23 (Awarded 2016)
  • McKenzi Pendergrass, MSA ’10, RA ’13-’16 (Awarded 2016)
  • KelLeigh Bryant, MSA ’12, Office Staff ’14-’19 (Awarded 2015)
  • Mike Lumetta, MSA ’09, RA ’12, ’15 (Awarded 2015)
  • Marjorie Perkins, MSA ’10, RA ’14-’17, Faculty ’18 (Awarded 2015)
  • Doug Valentine, Faculty ’12-’23, Co-Director ’22-’23, Coord. PSD ’23 (Awarded 2015)
  • Tina Casagrand, MSA ’06, RA ’12-’13, Coord. Comm. Service ’14, Faculty ’15-’18, ’22-’23 (Awarded 2014)
  • Kyna Iman, Lobbyist, 2000-2022 (Awarded 2014)
  • Abigail Keel, MSA ’09, RA ’12-’14, Faculty ’15 (Awarded 2014)
  • Kelsey Klostermeyer, MSA ’05, Med. Staff ’12-’14 (Awarded 2014)
  • David Knieter, Faculty ’12-’14, ’16 (Awarded 2014)
  • Stephen Riesenberg, MSA ’06, RA and Accompanist ’10- ’11, ’13-’14 (Awarded 2014)
  • Frankie Bruning Synovec, MSA ’05, RA ’11, ’13, Coord. Res Life ’14-’19, Res Life Liaison ’22 (Awarded 2013)
  • Brady Deaton, MU Chancellor, 2004-2013 (Awarded 2013)
  • Alex Dzurick, MSA ’06, Office Staff ’12 (Awarded 2013)
  • Kyle Lovercamp, MSA ’96, Faculty ’11-’16 (Awarded 2013)
  • Sam Rayburn, MSA ’05; RA ’11-’13; Prog. Coord. & DVD ’14-’16, Faculty ’23 (Awarded 2013)
  • Kurt Schaeffer, Missouri State Senator, 2002-2016 (Awarded 2013)
  • Steve Senger, MSA ’98, Faculty ’11-’14, ’19 (Awarded 2013)
  • Jesse Garwood, RA ’09, ’11-’12; Med Staff ’14-’15 (Awarded 2012)
  • Charles Hang, MSA ’07 (Awarded 2012)
  • Adithi Vellore, MSA ’07; RA ’10-’12 (Awarded 2012)
  • Angela AuBuchon, MSA ’98, Faculty ’09-’12, ’16-’17, Coord. Comm. Service ’11 (Awarded 2011)
  • Robert Bartman, DESE Commissioner of Education, 1987-2001 (Awarded 2011)
  • Ronnie Bass, MSA ’03; RA ’09-’11 (Awarded 2011)
  • Mike Kersulov, Faculty ’09-’23 (Awarded 2011)
  • Ryan Wylie, Faculty ’09-’13 (Awarded 2011)
  • Christina Andrade, MSA ’04; RA ’08-’10 (Awarded 2010)
  • Kayla Bronder, MSA ’03; RA ’07-’08; Coor. Community Service ’09; Faculty ’10 (Awarded 2010)
  • Kyle Buschkoetter, MSA ’09; RA ’13, ’15 (Awarded 2010)
  • Jennifer Richards Fisher, MSA ’04; RA ’08-’09; Senior RA ’10; Faculty and Coord. Comm. Service ’11; Staff Asst ’12; Asst. Coord. Res Life ’13; Faculty ’16-’19 (Awarded 2010)
  • Barry Still, RA ’08-’09; Senior RA ’10; Faculty ’11, ’14-’15 (Awarded 2010)
  • Vince Foley, Lead Technology Assistant, ’05-’06, ’08-’11 (Awarded 2009)
  • Greg Holliday, Psychologist ’03-’18; ’22-’23 (Awarded 2009)
  • Steve Ikpe, MSA ’99; Medical Staff ’07-’09 (Awarded 2009)
  • Nicholas Jain, MSA ’06; RA ’09, ’11-’12; Faculty ’15 (Awarded 2009)
  • Meredith Johnson, MSA ’05; Office Staff ’07-’11 (Awarded 2009)
  • Jennifer Sanders, RA ’08-’09; Coord. Res Life ’10-’14; MU Res Life Liaison ’13-’15 (Awarded 2009)
  • David Weber, MSA ’06; RA ’10-’11 (Awarded 2009)
  • Kate Blankmeyer Votaw, MSA ’03; RA ’07-’09; Faculty ’13 (Awarded 2008)
  • Jay Johnson, MSA ’03; Office Staff ’06; RA ’07-’08 (Awarded 2008)
  • R.J. Koscienlniak, RA ’06-’08 (Awarded 2008)
  • Kyndal Marshall Riffie, MSA ’03; Office Staff ’06-’10; Media Producer ’08-’10; Webmaster ’11- ’14 (Awarded 2008)
  • Justin Arft, MSA ’94; Faculty ’05-’13 (Awarded 2007)
  • Rose Briccetti, MSA ’01; RA ’05-’07 (Awarded 2007)
  • Sarah Jenkins, MSA ’00; RA ’05-’07; Coord. Comm. Service ’08 (Awarded 2007)
  • Bill Palmer, Faculty ’02, ’06-’10 (Awarded 2007)
  • Brian Stuhlman, MSA ’93; Teacher Apprentice ’00; Part Time Faculty ’01; Faculty ’02, ’07- ’23 (Awarded 2007)
  • Laura Baty Kauffman, MSA ’98; RA ’02; med staff, science, and Comm. Service ’04, ’06-’07; Faculty ’13 (Awarded 2006)
  • Marcia Chatelain, Faculty ’03-’07 (Awarded 2006)
  • Jeffrey Gall, Faculty ’94-’96; Coord PSD ’97 (Awarded 2006)
  • Dan Glover, Graphic Designer and Publications Consultant, ’00-’06 (Awarded 2006)
  • Mollie Hosmer-Dillard, MSA ’99; RA ’04-’05; Part Time Faculty and Coord. Comm. Service ’06
  • Patrick Jackson, MSA Disc Jockey, ’00-’06 (Awarded 2006)
  • Chris Joplin, RA ’98-’99; Med Staff and Science Assistant, ’00 (Awarded 2006)
  • Magda Mello, Dining Hall Staff ’99-’11 (Awarded 2006)
  • Michael Rozier, MSA ’97; RA ’01-’02; Senior RA ’03; Faculty ’08 (Awarded 2006)
  • Amy Smith, Dining Hall Staff ’97-’13 (Awarded 2006)
  • Ian Wille, MSA ’05 (Awarded 2006)
  • Silas Allard, MSA ’98; RA ’02-’03, ’05; Coor. Res Life ’06 (Awarded 2005)
  • Tom Bander, MSA ’96; RA ’99-’00; Development Staff ’04-’05 (Awarded 2005)
  • Adam Campbell, MSA ’93; RA ’03; Senior RA ’04-’05; Faculty ’07, ’09, ’11, ’18; Lead Volunteer ’14 (Awarded 2005)
  • Shannon Ferguson, MSA ’98; RA ’02-’04; Senior RA ’05; Coord. Res Life ’06-’09 (Awarded 2005)
  • Suzette Heiman, Faculty ’96-’09 (Awarded 2005)
  • Ericca Thornhill, MSA ’90; Faculty ’02-’04, ’07, ’12, ’22; Spec. Asst. ’06 (Awarded 2005)
  • Chris Young, MSA ’00; Tech Staff, Office Staff, & Photographer ’02-’08; Program and Media Coord. ’06-’09; Faculty ’09 (Awarded 2005)
  • David Buck, Faculty ’01-’05; Coord. PSD ’06- ’07 (Awarded 2004)
  • Ted Carnahan, MSA ’99 (Awarded 2004)
  • Margaret Hagenhoff, DESE Administrative Assistant ’01- ’10 (Awarded 2004)
  • Antwaun Smith, MSA ’91; Comm. Service Staff ’99; Faculty ’03-’04, ’07 (Awarded 2004)
  • Travis Thornhill, MSA ’90; Comp. Staff ’02-’04; Exec. Sec’y MSAAA ’04-’16 (Awarded 2004)
  • Kate Virostko, MSA ’92; RA ’00-’01; Co-Coord. Res Life ’02; Coord. Res Life ’04-’05 (Awarded 2003)
  • Lucy Chang, MSA ’03 (Awarded 2003)
  • Sara Copeland, MSA ’93, RA ’00-’01 (Awarded 2003)
  • Leslie Eager, MSA ’97; RA ’01-’02; Senior RA ’03- ’04; Fac ’05 (Awarded 2003)
  • Kenyon Railey, RA ’01-’02; Medical Staff ’03 (Awarded 2003)
  • David Welch, Co-Director ’93-’09 (Awarded 2003)
  • Ila Guthrie, Dining Hall Staff ’85-’02 (Awarded 2002)
  • Nicholas Kirschman, Faculty ’99-’06, ’09-’22 (Awarded 2002)
  • Ryan Moore, MSA ’91; RA ’95-’97; Asst. Faculty and Program Staff ’00-’01; Faculty ’02-’03 (Awarded 2002)
  • Eric Rogers, MSA ’90; RA ’94-’97 (Awarded 2002)
  • Kevin Wolf, RA ’86; Senior RA ’87-’89 (Awarded 2002)
  • Jerry Wright, Quick Copy Service ’95-’02 (Awarded 2002)
  • Alex Campbell, MSA ’93; Office Staff ’96; RA ’97, ’99; Medical and Science Assistant ’01 (Awarded 2001)
  • Nancy Fischer, Faculty ’99-’09 (Awarded 2001)
  • Steve Ornes, MSA ’90; RA ’95, ’97-’98; Faculty and Program Staff ’01; Faculty ’02- ’05 (Awarded 2001)
  • Tyler Perrachionne, MSA ’01 (Awarded 2001)
  • Jenelle Beavers, MSA ’95; RA ’98-’99; Senior RA ’00; Coord. Res Life ’01, Assoc. Director ’17 (Awarded 2000)
  • Hoa Ngo, RA ’97-’99; Senior RA ’00; Coord. Res Life ’01; Asst. Instructor ’03-’04 (Awarded 2000)
  • Mike Todd, MSA ’94; Office Staff ’98-’00; Faculty ’04 (Awarded 2000)
  • Rick Vogt, MSA ’88; RA ’92, ’94-’95; Coord. of Technology ’98-’01; Faculty ’03, ’05, ’08 (Awarded 2000)
  • Sarah York Moore, MSA ’90 (Awarded 2000)
  • Pat Garrett, RA ’95; Faculty ’96-’02 (Awarded 1999)
  • Frances Logan, Dining Hall Staff ’85-’99 (Awarded 1999)
  • Mike O’Brien, Faculty ’93-’00 (Awarded 1999)
  • Robin Wenneker, MSA ’85; Office Staff ’88 (Awarded 1999)
  • Jeannie Bealer Harding, MSA ’86 (Awarded 1998)
  • Jim Meyer, MSA ’90; RA ’94-96, ’98; Program Coord. ’97, ’99-’00; Exec. Sec’y MSAAA ’99-’01; Faculty ’01-’11, ’14- ’15; Coord. PSD ’08-’16 (Awarded 1998)
  • Joan Potthast, Faculty ’96-’11 (Awarded 1998)
  • Don Arni, Faculty ’87-’88, ’90-’09 (Awarded 1997)
  • Leasa Kowalski, MSA ’96 (Awarded 1997)
  • Karl Qualls, MSA ’87; RA ’91-’92; Program Coord. ’93-’94, ’96, ’98; Faculty ’99- ’00 (Awarded 1997)
  • Nancy Singer, Faculty and Yearbook ’90-’93; ’95- ’00 (Awarded 1997)
  • Frank Corley, Faculty ’92-’98, ’07-’23; Coord. PSD ’00-’05 (Awarded 1996)
  • Dan Massey, MSA ’89; Office Staff ’93; Computer Specialist ’94-’96; Chief Technology Specialist ’96 (Awarded 1996)
  • Kristin Moore, MSA ’88 (Awarded 1996)
  • Tom Byrnes, Faculty ’92-’95 (Awarded 1995)
  • Paulina Pranschke, MSA ’91 (Awarded 1995)
  • Chad Prewett, MSA ’89; RA ’93-’96; Faculty ’01- ’02; Exec. Sec’y MSAAA ’02-’03; Coord. Res Life ’03 (Awarded 1995)
  • Anna Rybolt, Quick Copy Service, ’85-’94; Deceased ’96 (Awarded 1995)
  • Manuel Tatayon, MSA Lead Security Officer ’85-’88 and ’90-’97 (Awarded 1995)
  • Jack Dykes, Res Life Custodial Services ’85- ’94; Deceased (Awarded 1994)
  • Jason Fletcher, MSA ’91; Office Staff ’94-’95 (Awarded 1994)
  • Stuart Shaw, RA ’89; Asst. Instructor ’90 (Awarded 1994)
  • Allena Volskay, MSA ’91 (Awarded 1994)
  • Kim Fischer Redinger, MSA ’87 (Awarded 1993)
  • Roger Richardson, Faculty ’90-’07; Deceased ’12 (Awarded 1993)
  • Andy White, MSA ’87; RA ’91; Senior RA ’92-’93; Faculty ’04-’05 (Awarded 1993)
  • Karen Davis, Faculty ’87-’90, ’92-’93 and ’95-’99 (Awarded 1992)
  • Toby Gilks, MSA ’85 (Awarded 1992)
  • Heather Kirkpatricks, MSA ’85; RA ’89-’97; Asst. Coord., Res Life & PSD ’98-’99 (Awarded 1992)
  • Tonya Lanes, MSA ’85; RA ’89-’92 (Awarded 1992)
  • Betty Prathers, Dining Hall Manager ’86-’94 (Awarded 1992)
  • Ake Takahashis, Faculty ’88-’22; Taiso Master forever (Awarded 1992)
  • Monica Cawveys, MSA ’87; Office Staff ’90-’91; RA ’92- ’94; Asst. Instructor ’97; Faculty ’98- ’00; Lead Development Officer ’06 (Awarded 1991)
  • Keith Elmore, Coord. PSD ’85, ’87, ’89-’96, ’98-’99 (Awarded 1991)
  • Bill Nelson, Faculty ’85-’86 (Awarded 1991)
  • Bill Northrip, Faculty ’86-’87, ’89-’91; Deceased ’99 (Awarded 1991)
  • Carla Schlink, Administrative Associate ’87-’09 (Awarded 1991)
  • Bryan Watson, MSA ’87; Office Staff ’90-’91; RA ’92- ’93; Senior RA ’94; Law Workshop ’96 (Awarded 1991)
  • Patty Wells, Sr. Secretary ’87-’94 (Awarded 1991)
  • Bill Young, Faculty ’88-’89 (Awarded 1991)
  • Tina Crayton, RA ’88-’89; Senior RA ’90-’96; ’98; Asst. Coord., Journalism ’99; Coord. Residential Life ’00 (Awarded 1990)
  • Vicki Crayton, Faculty ’88-’95, ’97-’98 (Awarded 1990)
  • Angela Wilson, MSA ’88 (Awarded 1990)
  • Julia Alsobrook, RA ’85; Hall Coord. ’86; Coord., Residential life ’87-’99; Asst. Journalism and Community Service ’00; Faculty ’04 (Awarded 1985)
  • Doug Anthony, RA ’85-’88, ’90; Asst. Instructor ’92; Program Coord. ’95 (Awarded 1985)
  • Mike Bancroft, Faculty ’85-’91 (Awarded 1985)
  • Ed Grooms, Faculty ’85-’86, ’88-’09 (Awarded 1985)
  • Bill Heyde, Faculty ’85-’99, ’01-’06 (Awarded 1985)
  • Lou Jobst, Faculty ’85-’15 (Awarded 1985)
  • Kim Moody, RA ’87; Program Coord. ’88-’92 (Awarded 1985)
  • Paul Rahmoeller, Faculty ’85-’15; Special Staff ’16-17; Coord. PSD ’18-’22 (Awarded 1985)
  • Bob Roach, Co-Director ’85-’92; Deceased ’11 (Awarded 1985)
  • Dexter Schraer, Faculty ’85; Program Staff ’86-’87; Coord. PSD ’88; Coord., Special and Alumni Events ’89-’99 (Awarded 1985)
  • Ted Tarkow, Co-Director ’85-’14 (Awarded 1985)