MSSU Chart Alumni

01/20/2026

Note the Celebration of Life to be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 9 at the Frisco Event Center in Pittsburg per PJ’s request.

A blog featuring obituaries for Joplin and the surrounding area in Southwest Missouri.

01/16/2026

We have lost another member of The Chart family with the passing of P.J. Graham earlier this week. We will miss this dear, sweet soul who never despaired during her long bout with stomach cancer.

Peej served as campus editor, associate editor, managing editor, and editorial page editor of The Chart from 1991-95. She was an English major.

"P.J. has been a vital cog in the paper’s machinery in each of our four years here," said a Chart editorial on May 4, 1995. "She has written news, features, columns, sports, in-depth, and investigative pieces, taken photographs, and produced an issue of Intermission."

P.J. joined the Pittsburg Public Library in early 2019 as a reference librarian. "Her warm smile was a familiar and welcome sight at the top of the stairs for staff and patrons alike," read a Facebook post.

"P.J. had a deep love for people, animals, and books, and her compassion and kindness were evident in every interaction. Even while facing cancer, she continued working as long as she was able, demonstrating remarkable strength, grace, and dedication.

"Our thoughts are with Allen and P.J.’s family as they navigate this profound loss. As a small way to honor P.J.’s memory, the Pittsburg Public Library will add books to our collection that reflect the stories and authors she loved."

11/13/2025

Our hearts go out to Kaylea Miller-Hutson, who lost her beloved husband, "The Lawman," on Monday. Frank shared this memory on his page three years ago when they celebrated their seventh anniversary:

Pastor: I now pronounce you husband and wife … you may kiss the bride!
Kaylea: But first! A selfie!!!
Frank: God, I love this woman!

View Frank Harshman Miller, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/13/2025

Nick Parker, president and publisher of Link 2 Lee's Summit, was the guest speaker (via Zoom) in the Community Journalism class at the University of Missouri today. Nick told the students he has an audience of 25,000 and pointed out: "Locally, I'm it, which is kind of fun." (The Lee's Summit Journal and the Lee's Summit Tribune no longer exist.) Nick has also produced 900 episodes of his News Nirvana podcast.

08/22/2025

John Ford would have been 60 years old today. He's one of the most beloved members of The Chart family.

07/05/2025

According to ChatGPT, these are the 10 most distinguished editors and influential figures in the history of The Chart, Missouri Southern State University’s student newspaper:
1. Kenneth McCaleb. First editor & founder (1939) — launched The Chart to “measure” the school’s success. Later established the McCaleb Initiative for Peace to promote global awareness via student journalism.
2. Cleetis Headlee. Adviser from 1948–1967; under her guidance, the paper earned its first statewide journalism awards.
3. Jack Brannan. Inducted into The Chart Hall of Fame in 2012; went on to a career at UPI and NYSE.
4. Richard “Dick” Massa. Adviser 1972–1984, revitalized The Chart and led to multiple awards; also spearheaded the creation of the Communications Department in 1980.
5. Chad Stebbins. Former editor-in-chief (Class of 1982), then adviser 1984–1999; under his leadership, The Chart won national honors and he was named National Newspaper Adviser of the Year in 1999.
6. Marion A. Ellis. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017 — a testament to her [sic] significant editorial impact.
7. Rich Hood. Also honored in the 2017 Hall of Fame, recognized for contributions to the paper’s excellence.
8. Pam Johnson. Hall of Fame inductee 2017; notable alumna who went on to executive editor roles and shared a Pulitzer.
9. Liz Johnson. Honored in 2017 as Hall of Fame editor, recognized for her editorial leadership.
10. Stephen (Steve) Smith. Served as editor-in-chief in the 1970s and later returned as News Bureau Manager; MSSU’s First Year Experience highlights his role.
Honorable Mention: Jerry Manter (editor‑in‑chief, ~2003–04) led the paper to a Regional SPJ Mark of Excellence Award.
Honorable Mention: Brennan Stebbins (editor‑in‑chief, ~2011) won first place for breaking-news reporting from SPJ.

04/13/2025

Rick Rogers just turned 50, but he is already being recognized by Editor & Publisher's “15 Over 50," which is now called “Masters of Media.”

E&P’s “15 Over 50” is now called “Masters of Media.” The 11 news media professionals you’ll meet were nominated for their strong leadership skills, transformational mindsets, commitment to journalistic and publishing excellence and ability to lead during challenging times. They are hopef...

12/12/2024

Mr. Massa's house is for sale!

4 Bedroom House has been listed for sale at 25399 Demott Drive in Joplin for $399,900. Chat with a local expert, book a tour.

11/29/2024

If anyone needs a vegetarian meal for the Dec. 7 Chart reunion, please email Chad Stebbins at [email protected] by Monday, Dec. 2. That's also the deadline to RSVP.

Send a message to learn more

11/25/2024

We have had several more RSVPs come in for The Chart reunion on Saturday, Dec. 7:

Shaun LePage
Nick and Stephanie Parker
Jake, Cathy, and Piper Griffin
Rebecca and Chris Haines
Stephanie and David Goad
Ginny Andrews
Jacob Brower
John Hacker
Tiffany and Robert Goar
Rebecca Cragun and Jonathan Rousseau
Vince Sweeney
Bobbie and John Pottorff
Noppadol Paothong

Send a message to learn more

11/23/2024

Here's who has RSVP'd for The Chart reunion on Saturday, Dec. 7:

Rick Rogers family
Barbara Fullerton
Chris Roberts
Andre Smith
Mark Mulik
Ryan Bronson
Mike and Debra Gullett
Nancy Prater
Jeff Billington
Stephen Moore
Chris Clark
Bob Foos
Debbie and Charlie Madison
Joe and Lisa Angeles
Kevin Hooks
Dale and Tyler Benfield
Daphne Massa Ewing
Chad and Laurel Stebbins
Grant Stebbins
Brian Palmer
Janice Stebbins and Bob Morrison
Aileen Gronewold
TJ and Rebecca Gerlach
Kren Stebbins Harmon
Rob Smith
Brenda Michael-Haggard
Brennan Stebbins, Annie Mense, and Vera Stebbins
Jeff Cindrich
Patricia Payne
Celeste Tarrant
Debra Schow-Kwolek and Aaron Kwolek

Send a message to learn more

10/26/2024

The Chart Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Dr. Chad Stebbins Farewell Celebration

Join us as we celebrate excellence in journalism and bid farewell to Dr. Chad Stebbins and his incredible 40-year journey at Missouri Southern State University. Dr. Stebbins' dedication to journalism education and The Chart has left an indelible mark on countless students' lives.

Event Details
🗓️ Saturday, December 7, 2024
🕠 5:30 p.m.
📍 MSSU Connor Ballroom

Registration
While the event is free to attend, we welcome donations to help offset the dinner costs.

Register at www.mssu.edu/chartreunion no later than Monday, Dec. 2.

2024 Hall of Fame Inductees

Joe Angeles
Director, Photographic Services
Washington University in St. Louis

Mark Mulik
IT Project Manager at Elwyn
Wilmington, Delaware

John Hacker
The Joplin Globe

Rick Rogers
Chief Operating Officer at BLOX Digital
Owner of Star Local Media

Jake Griffin
Daily Herald Assistant Managing Editor
Suburban Chicago

1996-97 Chart Staff
Special recognition for being the only staff to win a National Pacemaker

Don't miss this historic gathering of Chart alumni as we honor these outstanding journalists and celebrate Dr. Stebbins' remarkable career.