The faculty and staff at Central Methodist University began the new academic year with a meeting on August 15, during which many individuals were recognized with awards and for their milestone years of service.
Following an address from university president Roger Drake, in which he took time to “brag” about some of the accomplishments from the past year, a number of faculty and staff members were awarded with this year’s Omicron Delta Kappa awards.
Voted on by Central students at the end of the spring semester, the 2024 Outstanding Staff Awards were presented to Wally Eaton, maintenance; Tisha Clark, administrative assistant for science and mathematics; and Patrick Gittemeier, resident hall director. This year’s Momberg Gold Chalk Awards were presented to Dr. Shayna Burchett, associate professor of chemistry; Prof. Greg Thurmon, professor of biology; and Dr. Ashley Lough, associate professor of biology. The Exemplary Teacher Award was presented to Dr. Kavita Hatwalkar, professor of English.
The 2024 Carolyn and Tad Perry Fellow Award was also announced in front of all the staff and faculty, honoring a faculty member who has demonstrated a genuine commitment to student experiences, growth, and achievement.
This year’s Perry Fellow is Dr. Grant Swicegood, associate professor of mathematics. In addition to teaching all levels of undergraduate mathematics, along with graduate math courses for the online program, Swicegood is also a faculty sponsor of the Kappa Mu Epsilon mathematics honor society and of the Game Geeks student gaming group. He also advises pre-engineering students and serves as a faculty liaison to mathematics dual-credit teachers across Missouri.
The senior staff also took time to recognize the faculty and staff members who have reached milestone years of service to the university, including:
40 years
Jeff Sherman, athletic director
35 years
Pat Reardon, head softball coach; and Greg Thurmon, professor of biology
30 years
Wally Eaton, maintenance; Susan Long, associate professor of biology; and Eric Robinette, associate professor of computer science
25 years
Richard Bradley, professor of history; Sally Hackman, director of professional education; and Al Shilling, network administrator
20 years
Teresa Argent, assistant director of the Center for Learning and Teaching; Mark Kelty, professor of theatre; and Dr. John Perkins, professor of music
15 years
Dr. Kevin Carnahan, professor of philosophy and religion; Dr. Deborah DeGan-Dixon, associate dean of assurance and regions; Dr. Heather Dougherty, MSN program coordinator; and Janice Ganther, coordinator (Lake of the Ozarks)
10 years
Tara Brackman, assistant professor of education; Dr. Ashley Lough, associate professor of biology; and Lisa Maupin, administrative assistant for the Center for Learning and Teaching
5 years
Bethany Beeler, administrative assistant for student development; Donald Clear, campus safety supervisor; Dr. Kristan Erdmann, associate professor of athletic training; Cindy Fitzgerald, assistant professor of education; Daniel Gierse, assistant athletic trainer; Tricia Hackman, mailroom and switchboard supervisor; Tracy Merriott-Jenkins, housekeeping; Dr. Tyler Kenefake, assistant professor of mathematics; Emily Kesel, assistant director of marketing and communications; Christina Kirkendoll, director of student health services; Jennifer McCloud, collection specialist; Amanda Phipps, head rodeo coach; Kimberly Ream, field experience coordinator (Sedalia); Dr. Megan Roemer, PTA program director; Lonna Wilke, associate professor of theatre; and Dr. Terese Zidon, assistant professor of biology