Put the face with the name

There are a few people in Kirksville considered "necessary-to-know." The following individuals should not be forgotten by anyone intending to spend a significant amount of time at Truman State.

Troy Paino

"T-Pain," as he affectionately is called by students, was named the University's 16th president during Spring 2010, following his service as provost. Paino's popularity among students and faculty is magnified by his hands-on attitude toward the job and willingness to "friend" students on social media sites.

Lou Ann Gilchrist

This Idaho native has been a member of the Truman community for more than 25 years, serving as director of University Counseling Services prior to being appointed to her current position, dean of Student Affairs. In regular communication with student organizations like Student Senate and the Student Activities Board, Gilchrist is one of the driving forces behind an active and well-functioning college campus.

Brother Jed [Smock]

Periodically preaching from his usual perch near the fountain in front of the Student Union Building, Brother Jed and his merry band of followers never fail to remind Truman students of their debauched behavior, ignorance of God-given blessings and everyone's Constitutionally protected right to free speech. While students come and go, Brother Jed is sure to remain a fixture long after the last of us have graduated.

Richard Detweiler

The honorable mayor of Kirksville was elected to his current position in April 2011, following three years of service to the community as a member of the City Council. At the forefront of the project to build a new dental school in Kirksville, Detweiler is encouraging the city's progress as he tries to lure more businesses to the area in the near future.

Todd Kuhns

Detweiler's predecessor, Kuhns oversaw the addition of Cape Air as the region's official airline provider as well as improvements to the city's storm water management capabilities. Kuhns owns and operates Pickler's Famous, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, restaurant and one-screen movie theater that re-opened in March 2011. He also is Web Services Manager for Truman's Information Technology Services.

"George"

Welcoming hungry students from his post at the entrance to the Centennial Dining Hall, George Walker has been a dedicated and trusted member of the Truman community for almost 30 years. With a passion for art, animals and online video games, George's interests make him that much more accessible to and beloved by the student body.