Date: October 6, 2008
Contact: Thomas Lane
(417) 836-5886

SPRINGFIELD — Five former Missouri State University faculty and staff members will be honored during the university’s annual Wall of Fame ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Plaster Student Union, Ballroom West.

The 2008 Wall of Fame Class includes: Dr. Robert H. Bradley, Dr. Russell Keeling, John Province, Dr. Russell Rhodes and Lois Tooley. These honorees will be recognized for their combined 149 years of full-time service. The event is open to the public.

“Each time we add a plaque to the Wall of Fame, we have the privilege of learning more about the people who have contributed to the proud history of Missouri State University,” said President Michael T. Nietzel. “Our faculty and staff have had a profound effect on thousands of students and this community over the past 103 years. It is an honor to recognize these five individuals that make up the 2008 Wall of Fame Class for their many years of service to Missouri State.”

Those chosen for induction to the Wall of Fame by the selection committee were nominated by faculty, staff and students. Nominees must have worked for the university full time for at least 10 years. Additionally, five years must have passed since the individual was last employed full time at Missouri State. Those nominated must be known and respected by various segments of the campus community for their demonstrated character and integrity; their service must have resulted in meaningful change at Missouri State.

Information regarding each honoree is below.

Dr. Robert H. Bradley, former head of the university’s theatre and dance department, has provided audiences some of the most inventive, original and memorable productions of the last 30 years. Bradley served the university for 39 years, and his work has been witnessed by tens of thousands of theatre-goers. A strong advocate for the arts and the freedom of expression, Bradley spearheaded the effort to produce the controversial play “The Normal Heart” on campus in 1989. He has seen many of his students make it to Broadway and Hollywood and continues to follow their success by traveling to New York and California. His former students include actors Tess Harper, Kathleen Turner, John Goodman, Jack Laufer, Deirdre Goodwin and Kyle Dean Massey.

Dr. Russell Keeling wore many hats during his 34-year career at Missouri State University. Communication professor, associate dean, acting vice president, assistant to the president, acting president and chief executive officer are a few of his many titles. As acting president, Keeling guided the university through a transitional period with integrity and reliability. An innovative professor of communication, Keeling’s classes were the highlights of many students’ schedules. His influence continued after his retirement as he taught several courses each year. 

Known as a “go-to-guy,” John Province often worked late, through his lunch hour and on his own time to make sure the university’s computer systems were in proper working order. Province helped plan, organize and lead every mainframe system upgrade during his 23 years in computer services where he served as coordinator of technology and systems programming. One former colleague said that as an administrator, Province expected his staff to work hard, but he never shied away from helping his staff meet their personal needs: “John was a great counselor and he’d even help you fix the gear shift on your car.”

A true citizen-scientist, Dr. Russell Rhodes served the university for 26 years as biology department head, interim dean of the College of Health and Human Services and director of the Center for Scientific Research and Education. He was also a two-term member of the Springfield City Council and other civic organizations. Considered a “master advisor” by his peers, Rhodes advised numerous graduate students and more than 100 undergrads. Many of his peer-reviewed papers included his students as primary or secondary authors, allowing those students hands-on participation in the discovery and reporting functions of science. Many of his students have moved on to successful careers because of his investment in their lives.

Lois Tooley took every step possible to care for the students at Missouri State – and she always made time for her colleagues, too. A counselor by trade, Tooley served the university for 27 years, rounding out her career as assistant vice president for student academic support services. She was a proud member of the university community and advanced its public affairs mission daily by devoting herself to the advocacy of others. She has been described by her colleagues and friends as vibrant, wise, compassionate, and as a “life saver.”