Making it to the Final 8 of "American Idol" is serious business—but not as serious as being selected as one of only eight undergraduate and graduate students nationwide chosen to compete for the two slots available on the United States National Debate Team, Japan Tour. Dylan Rothermel, a junior economics major at Truman Sate University, was the first Truman State University student to be a finalist of the coveted team amid hard-hitting competition. Most applicants were graduate students with stout debating and coaching experience.

Despite his age, Rothermel is no debate tyro; his team has been honored as one of the top 16 in parliamentary debate, and he has reached at least semifinals in three of the nation's most prestigious round-robin tournaments.

read on >

Rhonda Vincent, one of the most acclaimed and well-liked figures on today's bluegrass scene, recently posted a quiz on her web site that asked, "What class did Rhonda take at Truman State University?" The choices were: 1. swimming; 2. yoga; or, 3. photography.

If you answered 3—you're right. But you were also on the mark if you answered 2 and 3. In keeping with her try-everything, enhance-your-life spirit, Rhonda, an accounting major at Truman (surprisingly, not a music major), studied a variety of subjects at Truman, including music business, English, and business law.

read on >

Unless you consider watching "Sports Center" an educational experience, "sports" and "education" aren't words you often hear together. But at Truman, sports are an elemental part of its liberal arts education. In fact, according to Scott Wagner, director of Truman Intramurals, "the intramural program offers all students opportunities to help achieve the most of a liberal arts education."

Based on the idea that a liberal arts education calls for learning both inside and outside the classroom—and that the informal learning is as important as the rigorous, formal classroom method—Truman has developed a comprehensive co-curricular and intramural program. With over 50 events scheduled, there is a team for passionate competitors and happy-go-lucky athlete-lites alike. Last year, over 3000 students participated in intramurals each semester.

Aside from being a free program, here are a few other key reasons why you should check out the intramural program at Truman:

read on >

After one semester, Ben Clark, a communications major at Carleton College, and Shoshana Harl, an art history student at University of Missouri-Columbia, knew they made the wrong choice by not choosing Truman. After some ample soul searching, Ben and Shoshana made the transfer. Though it might seem an inconvenience to "start over," Ben and Shoshana agree that it was the best decision they ever made. Here's why:

Professors
She says: At Mizzou, I was just a number; at Truman my professors know my name (which is a great comfort to me). They also challenge and engage you. The professors want you to succeed, and it really shows. I get better classes and professors and pay less than I did at Mizzou.

read on >