Murray State University: College of Humanities and Fine Arts

09/04/2026

Power Pose!

Thanks so much to everyone who attended yesterday's first Humanities+ program, "Stage Ready," with Dr. Ashley Cu***ng, who shared tips and strategies for managing our nerves during stressful moments -- including striking a power pose before you walk into your big interview or performance!

We're just getting started for the semester. Check out the rest of our September events, beginning next Friday, Sept. 11:

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🌎 Passport to Discovery: Student Research Abroad
📅 Friday, Sept. 11, 2026
📍 Faculty Hall 208
🕑 2:00 p.m.

Where can your research take you? Join Dr. Kathy Callahan, Professor of History, for a Student Skill Share exploring the possibilities of conducting research abroad. Discover how international research can expand your academic experience, introduce you to new perspectives, and take your learning beyond the classroom.



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🎨 Pages & Possibilities: Art Journaling for Reflection
📅 Monday, Sept. 14, 2026
🕓 4:00–5:30 p.m.
📍 Waterfield Library Gallery
⚠️ Registration required (Link in our Instagram bio or QR Code in poster)

Make space to create, reflect, and disconnect with an art journaling session led by artist Ann Gosser of Art and Design! Bring pens, pencils, and a sketchbook if you have one. Supplies will be provided.



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💼 Career Ready Conference
📅 Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
🕣 8:45 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
📍 Faculty Hall 208
⚠️ Register for the free pizza lunch! (Link in our Instagram bio or QR Code in poster)

Ready to level up your career game? The Career-Ready Student Conference brings together a full day of practical workshops designed to help MSU students prepare for what comes next. Learn how to: 📄 Strengthen your résumé and job search ✍️ Craft compelling personal statements 💻 Build your personal brand 📸 Get professional headshots.

09/04/2026

Two weeks from tonight! S.G. Goodman returns to Murray State for a free concert. 7:00pm at Lovett Auditorium. Be there!

09/03/2026

Today’s the day! Join CHFA for the first Humanities+ Series of the year! “Stage Ready: A Guide to Mastering Presence in Interviews, Presentations, and High Stakes Moments” with Dr. Ashley Cu***ng from MSU Department of Music! 4:30pm in Faculty Hall 208. Free and open to all!

09/03/2026

Thanks to everyone who stopped by this morning for Donuts with the Deans! We loved hearing how your first weeks of the semester are going.

09/02/2026

In addition to tomorrow's "Stage Ready" event, Humanities+ has several other great opportunities this month!

Join Dr. Kathy Callahan of for the Humanities+ session “Passport to Discovery: Student Research Abroad”!

📅 Friday, September 11
🕑 2:00 p.m.
📍 Faculty Hall 208

Discover practical tips for finding research opportunities abroad, making the most of your experience, and turning your travels into meaningful academic discoveries.

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Humanities+ and University Libraries present Life Lab, a series of tech-free events encounters designed to help you (dis)connect, reflect, and build resilience while discovering practices that can optimize your MSU experience.

Join artist Ann Gosser from Art and Design for the first Life Lab event: Art Journaling.

📅 September 14, 2026
🕓 4:00–5:30 p.m.
📍 Waterfield Gallery

Bring pens and pencils, and a sketchbook if you have one. All other supplies will be provided! MSU students only. Registration is required. Use the QR code on the poster or find the link in our Instagram bio's LinkTree.

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Ready to take the next step toward your career? Join us for a full day of professional development designed to help you put your best foot forward—from your résumé to your personal brand!

The Humanities+ Career Ready Conference schedule includes:

8:45 a.m. — Welcome
9:00–10:30 a.m. — Resume Review & Job Search Skills with Tara Siress, Career Services
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Personal Statements Workshop with Danielle Nielsen
1:00–2:15 p.m. — Crafting a Personal Brand: Digital & Virtual Design Principles for Job Seekers with Jim Bryant
2:30–4:00 p.m. — Professional Headshots with Cintia Segovia Figueroa

Students can also register for a free pizza lunch. Use the QR code on the poster or the link in our LinkTree on Instagram.

.studyabroad

09/01/2026

Composer and bassist Alejandro Rutty will present his "Why Bass?" tour, a recital of newly-composed original music for electric bass, next Tuesday, September 8 at 7:30pm in Performing Arts Hall. Sponsored by the Department of Music, the event is free and open to all.

Alejandro Rutty is best-known for his distinctive mix of South American styles, lyrical melodies, meticulous rhythmic detail, and exotic textures. His recent output includes solos, duos, trios and quartets for extended-range electric bass, which he performs by himself or with other bassists. His compositions and arrangements have been performed by the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Argentina, National Symphony Orchestra of Brazil, Montevideo Philharmonic, Porto Alegre Symphony Orchestra and numerous chamber ensembles.



State University Murray State University Music Department
Murray State University Alumni and Friends

09/01/2026

📣Calling all Writers at Murray State!📣

The Department of History invites undergraduate and graduate students to participate in the “We Hold These Truths” Essay Contest!

✍️Essay Prompt: Have Americans fulfilled the ideals of the Declaration of Independence?
🏆Top Prize: $1,500
🎓Two Categories: Undergraduate & Graduate
🗓️ Deadline: October 15, 2026
➡️ See the QR code for the website with full contest guidelines.

For questions, contact Dr. Koulisis ([email protected]).

We can’t wait to read your essays! Murray State Phi Alpha Theta and History Club CHFA at Murray State Murray State University

08/31/2026

September is just hours away, which means the Humanities+ Series is nearing its start! This Thursday, September 3 at 4:30pm in Faculty Hall 208, join us for "Stage Ready: A Guide to Mastering Presence in Interviews, Presentations, and High-Stakes Moments" with Dr. Ashley Cu***ng from the Department of Music. Dr. Cu***ng will present practical tips and strategies for when managing your nerves in stressful situtations. Hear a little more about the presentation in her promo video on YouTube, and find more about this event and others this semester at our website .

Murray State University Murray State University Alumni and Friends Murray State University Music Department

https://youtu.be/Py5VlkA6k_8?si=C6pIxWddWhWrHc8

08/31/2026

Check out this week's newsletter for the last day of August and first week of September!

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

08/28/2026

Students groups began meeting this week, including MSU Psychology Club , who had such a great turnout that they had to move outside for their fun social activity and breakout sessions. Join them for their next meeting on Tuesday, Sept 1 at 5pm in Wells Hall room 111, when they’ll be talking all things conspiracy theory! You don’t have to be a Psych major to attend the club, either.

Murray State Theatre Arts also had a good turn out for its open house this week in the Johnson Theatre for majors and anyone interested in theatre. The first show is just around the corner: “Beanstalk! The Play!” on September 22-26.

Murray State Art & Design and Clara Eagle Gallery hosted printmaker Delita Martin this week for a fabulous public talk and installation experience for art students. The exhibit will run through October 22. Check it out! 6th floor of Doyle Price Fine Arts.

Have a great weekend!