The faculty and staff at Central Methodist University began the academic year with a meeting on August 17, during which many individuals were recognized with awards and for their milestone years of service.
After an address from Dr. Roger Drake, university president, the senior staff gave Appreciation Awards to Charles Straatmann and Chuck Thompson in recognition of their “untiring efforts and outstanding service” to the Central Museum of History. Along with Dr. Bob Wiegers, the two have worked many hours over the past eight years to make the museum one of the campus’s most prized attractions.
Winners of the Omicron Delta Kappa awards were also recognized at the meeting, after being voted on by students before the end of the previous academic year. This year’s Outstanding Staff Awards went to Brad Dixon, vice president for student life; Breilly Roy, academic and athletic liaison advisor; and Lynette Beeler, fine arts administrative assistant. The Momberg Gold Chalk Award for outstanding faculty was awarded to Dr. Leola Bailey, professor of accounting; Sally Hackman, director of professional education; and Dr. Terese Zidon, professor of biology.
The senior staff also took time to recognize the faculty and staff members who have reached milestone years of service to the university, including:
30 years
Linda Harfst, administrative assistant (Union); Bobby Rackley, development research and records associate; and Dr. James “Tiger” Gordon, professor of chemistry
25 years
Dr. Laura Lewis, professor of education
20 years
Dr. Daryl Jefferies, professor of religion; Debbie Lackland, administrative assistant for health professions; and Dr. Brent Myer, professor of sociology
15 years
Nate Breland, head baseball coach; Don Brucks, plant operations; Duane Casady, instructional technology specialist; Dr. Kristin Cherry, professor of communication; Dr. Beth Gold, professor of psychology; Pam Gordy, professor of mathematics; Karen Lovette, site coordinator (Poplar Bluff); Peggy Robb, education administrative assistant; Dan Schmidlin, head women’s soccer coach; Dr. Dori Waggoner, fine arts division chair; and Sandra Wald, associate dean of faculty development
10 years
Dr. Debra Brothers, professor of nursing; Rachelle Chiarottino, professor of nursing; Dr. Kendal Clark, professor of physics; Tisha Clark, science and mathematics administrative assistant; Dr. Roger Drake, president; and Carlena Klusmeyer, academic online advisor