The 2017-18 academic year officially began for faculty and staff at Central Methodist University in a gathering on Thursday, Aug. 17. President Roger Drake welcomed the group back to campus and gave an update on the state of the University.
Awards were handed out to faculty and staff, as selected by Omicron Delta Kappa National Honorary Leadership Organization (ODK) at CMU last spring. Faculty and staff who met milestones of service to Central also were recognized.
The ODK Harold Momberg Gold Chalk Awards were given to Dr. Ashley Lough and Dr. Travis Johnson, and the ODK Outstanding Staff Member Award went to Tisha Clark.
Dr. Ashley Lough has been with CMU since 2014 and is assistant professor of biology. She received her bachelor of science degree in biology with a minor in English from Truman State University and a Ph.D. in biological sciences and college teaching from the University of Missouri, Columbia. She lives in Fayette.
Dr. Travis Johnson joined the faculty of CMU in 2011 and is an assistant professor of English from Glasgow, Mo. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English degree, summa cum laude, from The College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, Minn. He went on to earn his master’s in English and his Ph.D. in English, both at the University of Iowa.
Tisha Clark was hired by Central in 2013 as an administrative assistant in mathematics. She lives in Fayette and brought with her a background in teaching. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s in education at Central Methodist University.
Thirty-nine faculty and staff were also honored for the number of years they have worked for CMU. They included:
45 years: Dr. Joseph Geist, registrar of The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art and emeritus professor of English; Kay Winegard, registrar of the University.
35 years: Larry Anderson, professor of education and former head of Admission; Herman Fortman, maintenance supervisor for Plant Operations.
30 years: Dr. Robert Wiegers, professor of history.
25 years: Benjie Conrow, grounds supervisor for Plant Operations; Debbie Conrow, accounts payable for Business Office; Wade Welton, director of Athletic Training Program and assistant professor.
20 years: Debbie Himmelberg, administrative assistant for the Provost’s Office.
15 years: Karen Boss, administrative assistant for the Provost’s Office; Ken Oliver, vice president for institutional growth and student engagement; Dr. Jerry Priddy, professor of math; Penny Pihana Shaw, senior data analyst for Admission; Carrie Strodtman, assistant professor and Information Services librarian; Sherry Wells, administrative assistant for Athletics and Student Development.
10 years: Stephanie Brink, assistant dean of Online Programs, College of Graduate and Extended Studies (CGES); Bri Hilgedick, assistant registrar; Steven Noble, education advisor, Park Hills, CGES; Denise Pihana, administrative assistant, CGES; Aimee Sage, director of Admission, CGES; Jennifer Shepard, assistant director of Admission; Lois Souders, housekeeping for Plant Operations; Tim Willard, site coordinator, Union, CGES.
9 years: Ryan McLouth, assistant professor of music and Music Ministry coordinator.
6 years: Pam Shackelford, assistant professor of accounting.
5 years: Dr. Jaqueline Anson, assistant professor of psychology; Jill Barringhaus, manager of campus bookstore and printing services; Keeley Boss, administrative assistant for Student Development; Dr. Carolynn Burbee, course review specialist for Online Programs; Terin Fuemmeler, head coach of spirit squad, cheerleading, and dance; Judy Gerken, housekeeping for Plant Operations; Paige Harrison, test coordinator and administrative assistant for Center for Teaching and Learning; Joe Jimerson, assistant professor of computer, science, and mathematics; Allison Jones-Olson, women’s volleyball coach; Dr. Dana Morris, associate professor of biology; Cassandra Nappier, coordinator of Civic Engagement and Student Programming; Mike Rambo, director of Greek life and student activities; Rick Tremain, housekeeping for Plant Operations; and Hilary Williams, administrative assistant, Park Hills, CGES.