Inside Mside Episode 72: Mside Impact Grant builds leaders

On this episode of Inside Mside, host Alex Watters sits down with Dr. Jackie Barber and Dr. Brian McFarland to discuss two major federal investments in Morningside’s nursing programs. The conversation focuses on a four-year, $2.97 million HRSA grant—the largest grant in university history—that will support Project CONNECT CARE and expand the Nylen School of Nursing and Health Sciences’ simulation facilities. They also discuss a separate HRSA award that will continue providing loan relief for nurses preparing to become faculty members. To learn more, click here: https://www.morningside.edu/academics/research/office-of-sponsored-programs To submit a grant, click here: https://campusweb.morningside.edu/form/mf/view.php?id=282299

Inside Mside goes on location at the airport as Alisanne Struck talks with Jayden Beznoska, assistant professor of aviation Harley Waters, and students Brenden Wright and Miles Bulthuis about their summer trip to EAA AirVenture and the opportunities available through Morningside’s School of Aviation.

In this episode of Inside Mside, we learn about the new Mside Impact Grant, which recognizes students whose service, work, leadership, commitment and care for others have already made a positive impact—and helps them continue that journey at Morningside.

Inside Mside celebrates the 2026 M-Club Hall of Fame class and the accomplishments that made each honoree part of Morningside history. Hear conversations with wrestler Steve Newhard, volleyball standout Brenna (Larsen) Rueschhoff, national player of the year Ryan Kasdorf, swimming national champion Suzanna Gonzalez and Alumni Coach of the Year Ras Vanderloo. The episode also recognizes North Central Conference baseball MVP Keith McKenney and the late John Boll, an NCAA Division II first-team All-American in football. Click on the time stamps to listen to the inductees:  (0:41): McKenney and Boll (3:14): Newhard (11:13): Rueschoff (19:36): Kasdorf (25:42): Gonzalez (32:13): Vanderloo

In this episode of Inside Mside, we learn more about MAC and its new Traditions Challenge, which encourages students to participate in the events, activities and traditions that shape the Morningside experience.

The Mustangs are back! Get excited for the 2026 fall sports season with coaches and student-athletes from Morningside football, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s cross country. Hear what has each program fired up and ready to compete!

In the season finale of the Inside Mside podcast, Morningside President Chad Benson '90 lays out his game plan for the 2026-27 academic year, focused on enhancing the student experience.

Alisanne Struck sits down with President Chad Benson ’90 to reflect on the 2025-26 academic year at Morningside University. Benson discusses stepping into the role of president, the acquisition of St. Luke’s College, strengthening ties between Morningside and Sioux City, and some of his favorite Mustang athletic moments from the past year.      

Fresh off a national championship, Morningside competitive cheer head coach Maci Ohm and student-athlete Amber Hofmeister join Inside Mside to relive the Mustangs’ unforgettable run to the Small Intermediate Coed NAIA title at the NCA College Nationals. From team chemistry to pressure-packed moments, hear the inside story behind the historic accomplishment.

Join host Alisanne Struck along with guests Heath Weber and Brock Bourek for an inside look at a transformative collaboration for the local arts scene. LAMB Theatre and Morningside University have officially joined forces to inspire creativity, elevate learning, and strengthen community connections. In this episode, we explore how LAMB Theatre is directing nearly a million dollars from past fundraising efforts to completely revamp the University’s Klinger-Neal Theatre. We break down the details behind the massive facility upgrades coming this summer, including brand-new patron seating, a massive video wall, state-of-the-art sound with wireless microphones, and top-tier lighting. These exciting renovations will soon make Klinger-Neal the best-equipped theatre in the region.