Culture and Belonging

The Myths of Gifted: What We Get Wrong About Our Brightest Students - Culture and Belonging - March 2025

Were you a "gifted" kid, growing up? It's a label applied to students who show a higher aptitude in one or more areas. But, as our guest Dr. Shirley Farrell tells us, being gifted is not a golden ticket to success, and many misconceptions exist about what gifted students need for success in the classroom and later in life.
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Culture and Belonging: Expectations and Takeaways from a Global Scholar

In this episode, we talk to Troy University student Kelsey Rumler about her trip to Puerto Rico and Peru and her involvement with the Global Scholars Program. We spoke to Kelsey before and after her trip to gauge how her experiences might change her perspective.
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Culture and Belonging: The Spark of Rosa Parks

December of 2025 will mark 70 years since Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery city bus. On this episode, we're talking to Donna Beisel, Director of Museum Operations at the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery. We'll talk about what has changed in the 70 years since the Montgomery bus boycott and the obstacles that still remain.
 
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Culture and Belonging: Telling Your Story

In this episode Kyle Gassiott, Director of Radio at Troy Public Radio, shares what he’s learned in his 15 years as a radio, print, and television journalist about crafting a story that connects with listeners. We also talk about how our experiences and the stories we tell contribute to culture.

Culture and Belonging: Welcoming International Students Enriches Us All

Maria Frigge, Dean of International Student Services at Troy University, tells us how faculty, staff, and students can better accommodate the needs of international students. She also shares her own experiences coming to the U.S. as an international student from Sweden.

Culture and Belonging: Shared History Informs Community Culture and Belonging

Historian and archivist Dr. Marty Olliff is the Director of the Wiregrass Archives at Troy University’s Dothan Campus. Like other archivists, he seeks to identify, preserve, and make available the records of the local community. Those records inform community formation and preserve the corporate or institutional memory that typically walks out the door when an archivist is missing. We learn a great deal about how to proceed in the present and future based on our past experiences. We are tied to our communities because we share a worldview, but perhaps the healthiest communities have permeable boundaries that allow membership to change as needed.
 
 
 
 
 

Culture and Belonging: Putting the “Study” in Study Abroad

Political Science major Jud Keel, who participated in a study abroad trip to Puerto Rico this past summer, joined us to talk about how he engaged in research while on his trip. From the preparation before the trip to what he learned during the project, and what he is still learning while working to complete it, he shares his thoughts with us about this experience. Discussions with a professor during an undergraduate class for his major sparked Jud’s interest in studying Puerto Rico’s politics, but as he explains, learning is certainly not limited to the classroom. Jud’s experience allowed him to interview several locals during his visit, make observations about Puerto Rican perspectives, and sample authentic food, music, art, and people's perspectives on local politics. One thing that is clear, maintaining the status quo does not lead to happiness for everyone.

Culture and Belonging: On Organizational Change

The really successful college or university is organic and willing to evolve and change. Embracing change is vital to progress, so cultivating the ability to change is essential. Drs. Hal Fulmer and Christina Martin have survived their fair share of organizational change. Each has filled multiple roles in various departments just at Troy University, not to mention their individual experiences at previous institutions. They speak candidly about navigating the inevitable evolution of systems and technology while emphasizing the importance of building and maintaining relationships with others. If our differences are what lead to greater learning and understanding, then finding a productive pathway through conflict is invaluable. Constructive conflict leads us forward.

Culture and Belonging: Student Perspectives on Cultivating Belonging

"Educate the mind to think, the heart to feel, and the body to act.” Troy University’s motto has stood the test of time because it gets to the core of what it means to be human. We are complex beings, and we all have stories and experiences worth sharing. Tropolitan student newspaper editorial staff members Emily Mosier (editor-in-chief) and Kris Harrell (Trojan living editor) shared their opinions with us on recent state legislation concerning funding for diversity initiatives in higher education and other state agencies. Resources that help students feel safe and seen are valuable and accessible across college and university campuses even when they are not housed in a one-stop-shop. We can all do our part to help others belong.

Culture and Belonging: A Peacock Farmer’s Work Is Never Done

TROY Art and Design professor Ed Noriega talks about how it felt to move into south Alabama as an “outsider” from southern California via NYC. Belonging for him has been a lifelong struggle, as he has navigated various professional settings with different cultural mixes and strived to set a high bar for himself and his students. A truly eclectic and inspirational creative with big plans for retirement on and around his peafowl farm, Ed advocates play as he reflects candidly on lessons he has learned and challenges he has overcome.