In honor of North Central Missouri College’s centennial, NCMC will spotlight 100 inspiring stories. These narratives will showcase the voices and journeys of our alumni, students, faculty, staff, donors, and the communities that have shaped TJC/NCMC’s legacy. Each story is a tribute to the people throughout history who make NCMC extraordinary.
Scott Lehr
1974-1975
My first year of college was at Trenton Junior College during the Fall 74/Winter 75 school year. I consider my TJC experience my most influential college year as it greatly affected the years that followed.
All the faculty I encountered were highly qualified, but the two I remember most were Melody Conner, and Tom Brown. In both cases they recruited me into something I was not remotely considering. Mr. Brown taught American Government, Journalism and was the faculty advisor for The Ship’s Log, the school newspaper. I was on the staff the first semester and when second semester came around our student editor was leaving. Mr. Brown asked if I would be the editor for the second semester. My first thought…I wonder how many students on the staff were smart enough to turn him down before he came to me. But, I realized he wasn’t exactly asking me to take on The New York Times, so I accepted. Serving as editor was not terribly different from being a staff member except I had to write an editorial for each issue. I remember getting a letter from Lorene Meagher, the School of Nursing Coordinator, saying she enjoyed one of my editorials. Very nice and I appreciated the positive feedback, but also frightening that people were actually reading these things. It turned out to be a good experience and I’m thankful Mr. Brown offered the job to me, even if I was possibly his 5th choice.
I was in Melody Conner’s Speech Course and Intro to Theater Course. I found the Speech Course especially interesting with a lot of variety in types of speeches and exercises. As the drama instructor she also directed the school play. I did not initially try out for the play, but she asked if I would play a role she felt fit me. The play was “The Male Animal” by James Thurber and Elliott Nugent. She thought I could play an intellectual college student who is competing with a football player for the affections of a female student. Apparently, she felt me faking intellectual prowess would be more convincing than using an actual intellectually gifted male student. I mean, we were a college…she only needed to find one. There was also a scene where this character gets drunk with his college professor. Portraying intellectually drunk is an opportunity you should never turn down. I did not and I really enjoyed the experience playing this role.
From TJC I transferred to Northwest Missouri State and graduated with a BS in Speech Communication. Then got my Masters in Speech and Dramatic Art at the University of Missouri-Columbia while teaching the basic public speaking course as a graduate teaching assistant. I think the best instructors challenge your comfort level. Many thanks to all the instructors who did this for me, but especially these two at Trenton Junior College.
NCMC invites alumni, students, faculty, staff, and our communities to be part of the story. We would love to hear your story about Trenton Junior College/North Central Missouri College. Visit the Centennial Website to submit your own story, memory, or reflection. Whether you walked the halls decades ago or are just beginning your journey, your story is a vital thread in the college’s tapestry, and we want to hear it.
Visit the Centennial Website to explore Trenton Junior College/North Central Missouri College stories, rich history, and celebration recaps.
Photo: Scott Lehr