By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
The KWU Philharmonic Choir will celebrate Barbara Marshall Nickell, a longtime esteemed faculty member with a concert filled with selections from Disney films, religious spirituals, arias, solos and duets.
On Friday, the KWU Choir will end a successful year with a concert dedicated to Marshall Nickell, who will be retiring from her duties this year.
According to the institution, Marshall Nickell joined the staff back in the Fall Of 1987. She has been the Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Theater Arts, where she was involved with theater at KWU and in the community as an actor, director and customer.
Marshall Nickell excelled in the University's debate program, earning more than 65 national championships. From 2008-2024, she led the Fine Arts Division as a key faculty members and Department Chair.
Last year, she was awarded the Kansas Speech Communication Association Collegiate Educator (KSCACE). Marshall Nickell was then inducted into the KWU Music Hall of Fame as one of the first people to do so that same year.
Marshall Nickell expounded on the importance building relationships with students and the joy she took out of it.
"Students come first and building relationships is what it's all about. The most exciting for me is to see the students grow into maturity over the years," said Marshall Nickell.
She stated that she still intends to support KWU students in the future by attending their games, events, concerts and extracurricular activities.
Marshall Nickell commented that she will spend her time now by visiting her twin grandchildren and family.
The concert will feature pieces of religious standards/spirituals, selections from Disney films such as "Wicked" and arias from operas. Students will also perform solos and duets, along with performances by the KWU Choir.
Friday at 7:00 pm, the concert will begin inside Sams Chapel on the campus of KWU. A special reception will follow.
Admission is free.