2025 Lectures
More Than the Score lectures occur on home football game days. They are held at 10:30 a.m. in the MLC Cafeteria (elevator available). All lectures are free and open to the public. Please complete the registration form to attend.
September 13: “Tuned Out – How Scarcity Affects Mental Bandwidth” Dean Ben Clemons
Tuned Out – How Scarcity Affects Mental Bandwidth by Dean Ben Clemons
Each of us has a finite mental capacity. When most of our mental capacity is engaged in a specific task, we lose the ability to focus on other issues. Whether we are facing common constraints on time due to commitment overload or more serious issues such as food insecurity, housing instability, or limited access to needed resources, these stressors can consume a significant portion of our mental bandwidth, lowering our capacity to focus on other things. This presentation considers how to recognize situations that tax our mental bandwidth and manage situations for improved focus.
About the Lecturer
Ben Clemons is the Academic Dean of Education and the Professor of Urban Education at Martin Luther College, where he teaches Classroom Management, Urban Education, and Responsive Teaching courses. He began his career as a middle school teacher and a principal in Milwaukee, WI. He also taught English at Hangzhou Normal University in China. Ben is a graduate of Martin Luther College (’03), majoring in Elementary and Secondary Science Education. He earned his Master’s degree in Science Education at Wisconsin Lutheran College (’14) and completed his Doctorate of Education, specializing in Urban Leadership, from Johns Hopkins University (’21). He can be reached at clemonbp@mlc-wels.edu.
October 18: “Building Gospel Partnerships Around the World” Dean James Danell
Building Gospel Partnerships Around the World byDean James Danell
November 1: “Literature and the Arts: A Match (Literally) Made in Heaven” Dr. Susan Decker
Literature and the Arts: A Match (Literally) Made in Heaven by Dr. Susan Decker
In Psalm 19, David wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” God’s creation is a testament to His wisdom and appreciation for aesthetic beauty. This interactive lecture will explore what current research says about five key intersection points of fine arts and literature, and how we can develop a better appreciation for both!
About the Lecturer
Susan Decker (D.A., Murray State University) is a Professor of English at Martin Luther College (New Ulm MN) and Certified Wellness Coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Her research specialties include fine arts integration, Shakespeare studies, English pedagogy & English teacher education, teaching literature, literary theory & analysis, and teacher wellness. She can be reached at deckerse@mlc-wels.edu.
November 15: “A Lutheran Look at Mormonism” Prof. David Scharf
