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Crowder Quill 45th anniversary awards magazine published

  • May 14, 2026

    For Immediate Release
    Office of Public Information
    Crowder College

    Crowder Quill 45th anniversary awards magazine published

    Neosho, MO – The winners of the 45th anniversary contest for the Crowder Quill literary-art magazine of Crowder College have been announced and published. 

    For the 2025-26 contest, 919 entries were received, and 130 entries were awarded and published from 97 individuals in the categories of writing, photography, and art. The Crowder Quill was mailed to winning entrants, and the magazine is available at Crowder College campuses and in the community.

    A digital copy of the Crowder Quill is available at www.CrowderQuill.com, as well as information about how to enter next year’s contest, which is already open. Updates are provided on Facebook and Instagram as digital media marketing students practice and provide digital and social media content.

    Begun in 1980, the Quill is published each spring; the contest deadline is Feb. 1 each year, and divisions are high school, Crowder, and the community within 100 miles of any Crowder campus. 

    The magazine was produced in the Digital Marketing Applied Graphics course by the following students: Anika Adame, Joplin; Caitlin Cook, Stella; Jessi Hilton, Goodman; Julie Hilton, Goodman; Maddi Idell, Pineville; Aubrey Knachtal, Purdy; Megan Lawson, Neosho; Heather Maassen, Seneca; Damien Pauley, Carthage; Keira Yenzer, Joplin; and Latonia Bailey, Neosho, Adviser.

    All published entrants receive a certificate for gold, silver, bronze or honorable mention, as listed below. $500 scholarships are awarded to the high school gold winners for each category in the Crowder Quill literary/art contest. The one-time scholarship is for the top high school winner in each category: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, photography, digital art, 2D art, and 3D art for the 2026 contest.

    The Crowder Quill is a free literary/art magazine published at Crowder College in order to encourage and showcase the creative abilities of local writers, artists, and photographers, as well as provide a cultural link between Crowder College and our surrounding communities.

    As the course that produces the Quill transitions into the Career and Creative Writing certificate at Crowder beginning fall 2026, 2D and 3D Art categories will be discontinued in order to align with curriculum, create more space for writing, and encourage digital visual art participation. Artists working in traditional 2D and 3D media are encouraged to participate in the Digital Art category by adapting their work and expanding their creative skillsets. For more details, see the article “Contest Opens with Altered Categories” on the CrowderQuill.com website.

    Beginning with the 2026-27 contest cycle, which is now open, the categories for the Quill are fiction, nonfiction, poetry, color photography, B&W photography, and digital art, which is computer-generated or digitally altered art as well as extensively altered photography for special effects.

    This transition ensures the continued publication of the Crowder Quill. Relocating the course to a new program has allowed the magazine to continue its 45-year tradition of encouraging and celebrating creativity within the college and surrounding community.

    For more information, contact the program coordinator/instructor: LatoniaBailey@Crowder.edu.

    ### 

    Photo attached is the cover art “Vovo’” by Eduardo Maria Pissarra da Costa Salema of Portugal, a student at Carl Junction High School who won gold in the 2D Art category. Additional art is available on the website.

    FirstLast nameCategoryCity/TownDivisionHigh SchoolAwardTitle 
    LidiaAlejo2D ArtAndersonHigh SchoolMcDonald CountyHonorable MentionLa Birria 
    LidiaAlejoNonfictionAndersonHigh SchoolMcDonald CountySilverI Believe Culture Is an Important Part in Our Life 
    GraceAllisonB&W PhotographyAndersonHigh SchoolMcDonald CountyBronzeGrand Teton National Park 
    TiffanyBlevins3D ArtAndersonCommunityHonorable MentionLike a Greek God 
    TiffanyBlevinsDigital ArtAndersonCommunityHonorable MentionSleeping in the City 
    JournieDanielsNonfictionAndersonHigh SchoolMcDonald CountyBronzeRapid Deluge: The Flash Flood 
    JournieDanielsDigital ArtAndersonHigh SchoolMcDonald CountySilverIridescent Bubble 
    SteveWilsonB&W PhotographyAndersonCommunityBronzeMine 
    SierraWilsonColor PhotographyAndersonCommunitySilverPier into the Ocean 
    RaegenPhelpsFictionAuroraHigh SchoolAuroraGoldAmbition’s End  
    MollyCameron2D ArtCarl JunctionHigh SchoolCarl JunctionBronzeOne Man’s Trash 
    MollyCameron3D ArtCarl JunctionHigh SchoolCarl JunctionHonorable MentionKalos’astra 
    LydiaChurchillFictionCarl JunctionHigh SchoolCarl JunctionSilverOnce and Forever, Peace 
    KadenEidem3D ArtCarl JunctionHigh SchoolCarl JunctionHonorable MentionFish out of Water 
    MaristelaLacour2D ArtCarl JunctionHigh SchoolCarl JunctionHonorable MentionShared Horizon 
    MaristelaLacourColor PhotographyCarl JunctionHigh SchoolCarl JunctionHonorable MentionBelle Vue 
    BrookePopeColor PhotographyCarl JunctionCrowderHonorable MentionBogeys and Birdies 
    DecemberWilley2D ArtCarl JunctionHigh SchoolCarl JunctionHonorable MentionPawp 
    AubreeAnderson3D ArtCarl JunctionHigh SchoolCarl JunctionHonorable MentionSweet Treat 
    EduardoSalema2D ArtCarl junctionHigh SchoolCarl JunctionGoldVovó 
    MelanieChutaColor PhotographyCarthageCrowderGoldEchoes of the Ozarks 
    ValeFloresDigital ArtCarthageCrowderBronze“Not My Name” 
    DamienPauleyDigital ArtCarthageStaffStaffFlight of Fortresses 
    JahneePresley2D ArtCarthageCrowderSilverCow Skull 
    QuinlanRobertsPoetryCassvilleCrowderGoldDead Man Band 
    GarretAkinPoetryCassvilleCommunityGoldThe Tale of Cillian O’Clery 
    AubreeChisamColor PhotographyCraneCommunityHonorable MentionBarber Shop Moments 
    AubreeChisamDigital ArtCraneCommunitySilverMatmos 
    CaliWooldridgeB&W PhotographyEl Dorado SpringsCrowderBronzeRing Ring 
    AngelaCarterColor PhotographyFairviewCrowderSilverA Northern Sky 
    HollyVogelpohlB&W PhotographyFairviewCrowderGoldSpecter of the Sea 
    BryceHallNonfictionGoodmanCrowderGoldThe Epic Showdown 
    PaulHilton3D ArtGoodmanCommunitySilverKnife Handle 
    JessiHilton2D ArtGoodmanStaffStaffOcean Oil Painting 
    JessiHilton3D ArtGoodmanStaffStaffNatural Object: Shell 
    JessiHiltonColor PhotographyGoodmanStaffStaffCrowder After Dark 
    JessiHiltonFictionGoodmanStaffStaffRunning Toward Tomorrow 
    JessiHiltonNonfictionGoodmanStaffStaffHow It Feels To Be Seen 
    JessiHiltonPoetryGoodmanStaffStaffWhen the Sun Hides 
    JulieHilton2D ArtGoodmanStaffStaffFall Reflections 
    JulieHiltonB&W PhotographyGoodmanStaffStaffExpecto Patronum 
    JulieHiltonColor PhotographyGoodmanStaffStaffCape May Winter 
    JulieHiltonDigital ArtGoodmanStaffStaffHarry Potter & The Cat, Owl, and Train 
    JulieHiltonNonfictionGoodmanStaffStaffThe Cousins 
    JulieHiltonPoetryGoodmanStaffStaffMisnamed Semester 
    BuckOwenPoetryGoodmanCommunityBronzeWildflowers Don’t Care Where They Grow 
    SaydeeWheelerFictionGoodmanCrowderGoldUbi Amor, Ibi Vita 
    DawnKimmel2D ArtGranbyCommunitySilverSunken Splendor 
    JolisaMoua2D ArtGranbyCrowderGoldBlind Faith 
    EllieAllgood2D ArtJaneHigh SchoolMcDonald CountyHonorable MentionReminiscence 
    AnikaAdame2D ArtJoplinStaffStaffMammoth 
    AnikaAdameB&W PhotographyJoplinStaffStaffThe Tree Changes Too 
    AnikaAdameDigital ArtJoplinStaffStaffCRT Dreams 
    SophiaAnderson2D ArtJoplinCrowderBronzeDozing of the Trees 
    SophiaAndersonNonfictionJoplinCrowderSilverIt’s In Here 
    DouglasBrownNonfictionJoplinCrowderBronzeRite of Passage 
    JulieCatlett2D ArtJoplinCommunityBronzeSepia Dreams 
    AmberDavidsonColor PhotographyJoplinCommunityHonorable MentionBurano 
    LolaFontanaDigital ArtJoplinCrowderSilverBe Gentle 
    BrooklynnMcGeheePoetryJoplinHigh SchoolCarl JunctionSilverI’m Sorry I’m Not Your Perfect Art Project 
    NellieMitchell3D ArtJoplinCommunityBronzeSandworm 
    MckenzieSarakinisNonfictionJoplinCommunityBronzeHow Our Environment Affects Our Culture and Vice Versa 
    BrinnSchnelle3D ArtJoplinCommunityHonorable MentionTea Time 
    Billie HolladaySkelleyPoetryJoplinCommunityHonorable MentionAvian Imposter 
    Billie HolladaySkelleyFictionJoplinCommunitySilverWinds of Change 
    Billie HolladaySkelleyNonfictionJoplinCommunitySilverAll Together Now: Murmurations 
    LoganWeaverColor PhotographyJoplinHigh SchoolCarl JunctionGoldMountain Lake Trail 
    KeiraYenzerNonfictionJoplinStaffStaffMemoir or Momoir 
    KeiraYenzerPoetryJoplinStaffStaffBanksy 
    KellyReddinFictionJoplinCommunityGoldThe Mirror 
    KellyReddinNonfictionJoplinCommunityHonorable MentionBeing Nana Claus 
    KeelyTaffner3D ArtLamarHigh SchoolLamarBronzeA Day at the Beach 
    RonaldSmithFictionLoma LindaCommunityBronzeGriffin Greenfeld’s Final Message 
    RitaJohnsonPoetryMarionville MissouriHigh SchoolMarionvilleGoldZombies 
    MagdalynLindsey3D ArtMonettCrowderGoldGirl’s Best Friend 
    MagdalynLindsey2D ArtMonettCrowderHonorable MentionGood Grief 
    AlyMassardoFictionMonettCommunityHonorable MentionCandlelight 
    MandieAdamsColor PhotographyMount VernonCommunityBronzeA Century Crowned 
    HaleyKreighbaumPoetryNeck CityHigh SchoolWebb CityHonorable MentionThe Comeback 
    MarcyAbercrombieB&W PhotographyNeoshoCommunityGoldSpider Waiting at Entrance of Its Funnel Web 
    LatoniaBaileyB&W PhotographyNeoshoStaffStaffBeach Love 
    LatoniaBaileyColor PhotographyNeoshoStaffStaffLower Antelope Canyon 
    LatoniaBaileyDigital ArtNeoshoStaffStaffFerris Sketch 
    SelahBridgesNonfictionNeoshoCrowderHonorable MentionDreams Do Come True 
    SamanthaCaffertyPoetryNeoshoCrowderBronzeConfetti Theory 
    SamanthaCaffertyFictionNeoshoCrowderHonorable MentionUnrescued 
    VenitaHenson3D ArtNeoshoCommunityGoldThe Winged Fox 
    VenitaHensonFictionNeoshoCrowderSilverHome Is Where My Heart Is 
    ReginaHightowerColor PhotographyNeoshoCrowderBronzeButterfly 
    CassandraJordanNonfictionNeoshoCommunitySpecial MeritDo You Dare 
    MeganLawsonFictionNeoshoStaffStaffFood Tastes Stronger When You’re Hungry 
    TerrinMcilvainePoetryNeoshoCommunitySilverLord of Cinders 
    Michael KMoore2D ArtNeoshoCommunityGoldRiver Crossing 
    MaisieWeston3D ArtNeoshoCrowderSilverRed Squiggle Tea Set 
    LoganBartonDigital ArtNoelHigh SchoolMcDonald CountyGoldAgua Cristalina 
    JamieBillingsDigital ArtNoelCommunityBronzeWhat’s the Tea? 
    JaxHarrisB&W PhotographynoelHigh SchoolMcDonald CountyHonorable MentionSwish 
    LeahStephens3D ArtNoelHigh SchoolMcDonald CountySilverSwirling Sky 
    MaggieMarionColor PhotographyPierce CityHigh SchoolEast Newton High SchoolBronzeTools of the Land 
    BrileyDavisFictionPinevilleHigh SchoolMcDonald CountyHonorable MentionThe Knocking in the Wall 
    PeytonHolidayFictionPinevilleHigh SchoolMcDonald CountyBronzeDragons Blight 
    MaddilynnIdell2D ArtPinevilleStaffStaffGeneral Chicken 
    MaddilynnIdell3D ArtPinevilleStaffStaffKita the Kitsune 
    MaddilynnIdellColor PhotographyPinevilleStaffStaffGolden Hour 
    DominickTrimbleNonfictionPinevilleHigh SchoolMcDonald CountyGoldJenny 
    DavidZachariasDigital ArtPittsburg, KSCommunityGoldDevil’s Tower Moon 
    DavidZachariasB&W PhotographyPittsburg, KSCommunityHonorable MentionMoab Bluff 1 
    JaydenMustainColor PhotographyPowellHigh SchoolMcDonald CountySilverThe Ones Who Watch Over 
    AubreyKnatcalDigital ArtPurdyStaffStaffFortune Plant 
    LeannaMoore3D ArtPurdyCrowderBronzeNature’s Inner Twines 
    HannahTownePoetryRich HillCrowderSilverNot Spoken 
    EdenRayPoetrySarcoxieHigh SchoolSarcoxieHonorable MentionSuffocation 
    LexiBurlingameFictionScammon, KSCrowderBronzeA Haunted Family 
    LuapMcKeever2D ArtSeligmanCommunityHonorable MentionFoggy Mountain 
    ChayceBowmanB&W PhotographySenecaHigh SchoolMcDonald CountyGoldClassic Muscle 
    HeatherMaassenNonfictionSenecaStaffStaffPain and Profit 
    M.E.RoweNonfictionSenecaCommunityGoldTwenty-six Letters 
    CaitlynBonass3D ArtShell KnobHigh SchoolCassville High SchoolGoldFrom the Ashes 
    JonathanMartinezB&W PhotographySouthwest CityHigh SchoolMcDonald CountySilverLazy Daisy 
    KadiceyWellsB&W PhotographyStark CityCrowderSilverGrace in Stillness 
    CaitlinCookB&W PhotographyStellaStaffStaffSilhouette 
    CaitlinCookColor PhotographyStellaStaffStaffStrings 
    StacyKernColor PhotographyStotts CityCommunityGoldDragonfly, Oklahoma 
    StacyKernB&W PhotographyStotts CityCommunityHonorable MentionBehind the Chutes 
    DanielGravesB&W PhotographyWebb CityCommunitySilverSpine Black Mountain 
    CheyenneHillDigital ArtWebb CityCrowderGoldPorcelain Doll 
    ElizabethRhuems2D ArtWebb CityHigh SchoolWebb CitySilverA Late Summer Bloom 
    HanaScerbejovaPoetryWebb CityHigh SchoolWebb CityBronzeUnfamiliar 
    HopeShinnPoetryWebb CityHigh SchoolWebb CityHonorable MentionThe Living Truth, The Present 
    DixiStrawPoetryWebb CityCrowderHonorable MentionNature in My Home! 

  • Crowder College has 476 students applying to graduate this spring 2026 semester.

    Commencement ceremonies will be held at Crowder College on the Neosho campus, 601 Laclede Ave, in Bob Sneller Gymnasium. There are three ceremonies as follows:

    • Friday, May 15, 7pm – Associate of Science, Nursing and Practical Nursing graduates from McDonald County and Nevada
    • Saturday, May 16, 10am – All Agriculture, Education, and General Studies graduates
    • Saturday, May 16, 1pm – All other degrees and certificates

    Fellow graduate, Maelyn Wright, will be the commencement speaker at both of the Saturday ceremonies. Wright is graduating with her Associate of Arts in Agriculture – Ag Education degree. The ceremonies will be livestreamed on the College’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/CrowderCollege

    The vision statement for the college: Changing lives and strengthening communities one student at a time, inspired a goal of 842 graduates for the Summer/Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. Summer and fall totaled 400 graduates. This puts the college well on its way to achieving the goal after Spring 2026 degrees have been conferred.

    Crowder College provides degrees that transfer to a 4-year college or university and certificates and degrees that allow graduates entry into the workforce. The College has locations in Neosho, Cassville, Joplin, McDonald County, Nevada, and Webb City, with online options as well serving southwest Missouri and the surrounding region.

  • May 8, 2026 

    For Immediate Release 
    Office of Public Information 
    Crowder College 

    RE: Crowder College Employees of the Year Announced 

    Neosho, MO – Crowder College held its annual end of year celebration today honoring employees.  

    Traditionally, the college takes nominations for three awards: Classified Staff, Professional Staff, and Teacher of the Year. This year’s recipients include: 

    Classified Staff – Megan Lawson, Senior Administrative Assistant – Academic Affairs. Lawson has been employed by the college for 5 years. 

    Professional Staff – Henri Whitehead, Academic Success & Testing Specialist. Whitehead has been employed by the college for 3 years. 

    Faculty of the Year – Greg Murdock, Business Instructor. Murdock has been employed by the college for 7 years. 

    In recent years, the addition of awards for ‘Exemplifying our Values’ have been implemented. This years Value Awards were presented to: 

    • We are passionate about making a difference – Shally Lundien, Director of Admissions 
    • We care about one another – Heather Flint, Transfer and Career Advisor 
    • We cultivate curiosity and innovation – Jenna Boatright, Admissions Programming Coordinator 
    • We learn from our mistakes – Colleen Holland, Bookstore Director 
    • We respect diverse perspectives – Elizabeth Armstrong, Executive Assistant to the President 

    In addition, employees were recognized for milestones achieved in years of service and those retiring. College staff from all locations were provided lunch and opportunities to win prizes via the Human Resources Office. 

    ### 

    Megan Lawson
    Henri Whitehead
    Greg Murdock

  • April 29, 2026

    For Immediate Release
    Office of Public Information
    Crowder College

    RE: Crowder and Ajinomoto sign apprenticeship agreement

    Joplin, MO – Crowder College and Ajinomoto Foods North America, a specialty frozen food manufacturer focused on well-being through everyday eating experiences, have partnered to offer an Advanced Manufacturing Industrial Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship program for employees at its Carthage location.

    “This apprenticeship reflects what we heard from both residents and employers as we are developing our next strategic plan: there’s a need for relevant, low-cost training tied to real jobs,” stated Dr. Chett Daniel, Crowder College President. “Through this partnership, Crowder is helping employers access the talent they need while opening doors to high-demand careers for area residents. At Crowder, we believe southwest Missouri is strengthened when we connect the needs of area workforce with the potential of area residents.”

    Crowder College provides several apprenticeship programs with area business in electrical, carpentry, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. These programs are designed for an employee to earn and learn at the same time. Missouri ranks in the top 10 states for apprenticeship programs according to Apprenticeship USA.

    “We are looking forward to this opportunity, both as an employer looking for top talent as well as the chance to help develop the future workforce,” said Dakota Botts, Ajinomoto General Manager. “We rely heavily on skilled technicians and this mutual partnership will be beneficial to us.”

    The signing of this apprenticeship during National Apprenticeship Week, April 26-May 2, 2026, provides exposure for all the programs. For more information on apprenticeships at Crowder College, visit https://www.crowder.edu/business-community/grants/apprenticeships/

    ###

    Photo (l-r): Dakota Botts, Ajinomoto Foods North America, General Manager; and Dr. Chett Daniel, President, Crowder College.

  • April 22, 2026

    For Immediate Release
    Office of Public Information
    Crowder College

    RE: May History Symposium to Feature Bluegrass Music

    Neosho, MO – Crowder College – To wrap up this academic year’s series of History
    Symposiums, May’s event will offer the return of award-winning Civil War era bluegrass
    music band, Spillwater Drive. The band was named 2022’s “Artist of the Year” by the
    Arkansas Country Music Association. You can hear a preview of their music at
    https://www.spillwaterdrive.com/our-music

    This program is held in partnership with the Missouri Humanities and with support from
    the Missouri Humanities Trust Fund.

    The performance will be held inside the Wright Conference Center on May 7th at 6pm.
    The Wright Conference Center is located on the second floor of the Arnold Farber
    building at Crowder College Neosho, 601 Laclede Ave., Neosho, MO 64850. This event is
    free and open to the public.

    For more information, please contact the Office of Public Information at 417.455.5540,
    or CindyBrown@Crowder.edu | KateScott@Crowder.edu

  • April 15, 2026

    For Immediate Release
    Office of Public Information
    Crowder College

    RE: Crowder College names Dr. Phillip Witt, Vice President of Academic Affairs

    Neosho, MO – Crowder College is excited to announce the hiring of Dr. Phillip Witt as the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Witt will begin his term on July 1, 2026. Dr. Witt is an experienced professional with over 20 years in education and more than a decade of administrative leadership in both secondary and post-secondary institutions.

    Dr. Witt expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Crowder, stating, “I’m honored to return to Crowder College and serve alongside such a dedicated faculty and staff. Crowder has a legacy of student success and community impact, and I look forward to building on that momentum by expanding opportunities that prepare students to thrive in our region and beyond.

    Dr. Witt earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Communications and Education at Texas Tech University and earned graduate degrees in Education Administration from William Woods.  He currently serves as the high school principal at Ozark High School. Dr. Witt previously served at Crowder College for six years as the Vice President of Career and Technical Education.

    During his previous tenure at Crowder, Dr. Witt worked with college faculty and regional K-12 school districts to align career pathways informed by employer and community needs. He also worked closely with area non-profits, like Neosho Habitat for Humanity, to develop partnership programs providing essential talent and resources to help build affordable homes in the region while providing area high school students with exposure to real-world, high-demand skills.

    Crowder College President Chett Daniel said, “The experience Dr. Witt brings to Crowder will be critical as we implement our next strategic plan. He will further Crowder’s commitment to our mission and vision ensuring we continue to adapt to serve the education and workforce needs of our region.  His connections to this area and experience as an innovative education leader will ensure Crowder College remains a leader in post-secondary education in the four-state area. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Witt back to Crowder.”

    Dr. Witt and his wife, Christy, are natives of southwest Missouri. They have four children and enjoy being actively involved in their school and community activities.

    ###

    Attached please find a photo of Dr. Phillip Witt.

    Please contact CindyBrown@Crowder.edu if you have additional questions.

  • April 8, 2026

    For Immediate Release
    Office of Public Information
    Crowder College

    RE: Upcoming Crowder College Student Art Exhibition

    Neosho, MO – Crowder College – Beginning on April 13, the varying art of over 50
    Crowder College art students will be displayed inside the Crowder College Longwell
    Museum. These students have worked on their unique pieces throughout the entire
    2025-2026 academic year. This exhibit will offer ceramics, metal, graphite, acrylic, ink
    and more as they’ve worked to fine-tune their craft.

    This exhibit is held each Spring semester to reflect the dedication, hours spent and the
    skills learned by these students during their time at Crowder. For many students, this will
    be their last exhibition at Crowder before they graduate, which is a crucial experience to
    have if they are transferring to a four-year school after graduation.

    “I am so pleased with the quality of work in this year’s exhibition,” stated Josh Novak,
    Crowder College Art Instructor and Director of the Longwell Museum. “Our students
    have really put in a ton of effort this year and hopefully will be proud of their results.”

    The exhibition is available for viewing until May 7 inside the Longwell Museum and will
    offer a reception from 5pm – 7pm on May 7. The Longwell Museum is open Monday
    through Friday from 9am – 4pm (closed on holidays) and is located inside the Elsie Plaster
    Community Center at Crowder College Neosho, located at 601 Laclede Ave., Neosho,
    MO. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

    For more information, please contact the Office of Public Information at 417.455.5540,
    or CindyBrown@Crowder.edu | KateScott@Crowder.edu

  • April 6, 2026

    For Immediate Release
    Office of Public Information
    Crowder College

    RE: Crowder College Foundation Presents: “Suspects & Sleuths: Murder, Mutiny, and Mayhem” to Benefit Crowder College Scholarships

    Neosho, MO – Get ready for an unforgettable evening of intrigue, delicious food, and suspense as Suspects & Sleuths, a thrilling dinner theatre murder mystery event, comes to life on April 17 at 6:00 PM. Sponsored by RE Smith Construction, this exciting event will raise funds for Crowder College scholarships while delivering an unforgettable night of entertainment.

    Hosted at the beautiful Hidden Grace Venue, the event will transport attendees to the Wayward Jewel, where scallywags and buccaneers cause mischief and mayhem. Guests will be immersed in the drama and mystery as they join a cast of suspects in solving a crime on the high seas, all while enjoying a swashbuckling dinner catered by Great Western Dining. The evenings production is in partnership with Crowder College Theatre department.

    Event Details:

    • Dates: April 17, 2026
    • Time: 6:00 PM
    • Location: Hidden Grace Venue, Neosho, MO
    • Dinner: Catered by Great Western Dining
    • Tickets: $60 individual or $350 per table of 6

    All proceeds from Suspects & Sleuths will directly benefit Crowder College scholarships, helping students continue their education and pursue their academic goals.

    Tickets for this exciting event are expected to sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot today! For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://onecau.se/suspects26 or call 417-455-5646.

    ###

    Please contact CindyBrown@Crowder.edu if you have additional questions.

    Invitation

  • April 6, 2026

    For Immediate Release
    Office of Public Information
    Crowder College

    RE: Crowder Ag Division Calf Fundraiser Auction

    Carthage, MO – Crowder College Agriculture Division held its 13th Annual Calf Fundraiser Auction on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Joplin Regional Stockyard with the registered Red Angus heifer bringing $18,000. This year’s calf is donated by Dr. Dale and Diane Kunkel, Kunkel Farms, in Neosho, MO.

    Each year, the Newton McDonald County Cattlemen’s Association has a local farmer who donates a beef calf for the benefit of Crowder Aggies. These funds provide opportunities for students in our agriculture programs to attend workshops, conferences and contests throughout the year.

    The fitted and halter broke heifer entered the ring and the audience bid multiple times for donations before she finally sold to Bo Johnson of Neosho.

    “This year’s heifer marks a considerable increase in funds raised compared to prior years,” stated Shawna Estep, Agriculture Division Chair. “The efforts to get the word out and the sponsorships really helped. I would like to thank all those who donated or sponsored this event. It allows us to help ease the burden of college expenses for students while providing opportunities to experience agriculture in travel seminars and competitions both locally and internationally.”

    Sponsors for this year’s calf auction included: Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (Newton & McDonald Counties), Joplin Regional Stockyards, FarmTalk, B&M Tire, Hunke Spray Services, S & H Farm Supply, Eubanks Equipment, SmartLic Suppliements, DD Farm & Feed, B&M Tire – Yokohama, Goswick Ag Lime & Fertilizer, Superior Steel Sales, Frye Farm Trailers, 4-State Moto Complex, The 808 Ranch, Red Angus Association, and Cornerstone Bank.

    Crowder College’s Agriculture Division offers transfer and workforce degrees in a variety of programs. For more information visit our website: https://www.crowder.edu/program/agriculture/

    ###

    If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact CindyBrown@Crowder.edu or Shawna Estep, Agriculture Division Chair/Instructor: 417.455.5590.

    Photos:

    • Heifer in the sale ring
    • Crowder College Ag students, staff, Newton & McDonald County Cattlemen’s members along with Dale and Diane Kunkel.

  • April 1, 2026

    For Immediate Release
    Office of Public Information
    Crowder College

    RE: Crowder Softball celebration: 40th Anniversary of Championship team and Sophomore Day

    Neosho, MO – Crowder College Roughrider Softball team will honor sophomores and the
    40th anniversary of NJCAA National Championship team from 1986 as well as the 1996,
    2006, and 2016 teams on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

    Events will start at 12:40pm with sophomores being honored prior to game 1 starting at
    1pm. Immediately following game 1, Crowder Softball alumni will be recognized on the
    field. Any and all softball alum will be honored. National Championship Coach Annie
    Westfall will provide remarks and toss the ceremonial first pitch prior to game 2 starting
    at 3pm.

    While all alumni will be celebrated, a special recognition of the 1986 NJCAA National
    Championship team will be held.

    ###

    For more information, please contact the Office of Public Information at 417.455.5540,
    or CindyBrown@Crowder.edu | KateScott@Crowder.edu. You may also contact Crowder
    College Athletic Director Brandi Arthur at BrandiArthur@Crowder.edu