The faculty and staff at Central Methodist University kicked off the new academic year with the annual fall workshop ahead of new student move-in day. Many individuals were recognized with awards and for their milestone years of service at the August 13 meeting.
Several members of the senior staff gave updates on the state of their areas, while President Roger Drake spoke about the direction of the University and the landscape of higher education. While Dr. Drake gave an honest report about the difficulties facing small, private institutions like Central, he emphasized that CMU is in a great position relative to its competition, thanks in no small part to the work of the staff and faculty gathered.
To that end, this year’s winners of the Omicron Delta Kappa awards were recognized by Dr. Rita Gulstad, provost. Earning the Gold Chalk Award on the staff side was Lexi Molnar, assistant director of admissions, while the faculty awards were given to Cindy Fitzgerald, assistant professor of education, and Candy Marshall, assistant professor of psychology. These awards are determined at the end of each spring by a student vote.
Faculty and staff members who have achieved milestone years of service to the University were also recognized, including:
45 years
John Flanders (professor of business and economics)
40 years
Greg Thurmon (professor of biology)
35 years
Dr. Rita Gulstad (provost)
30 years
Dr. Barbara Berwin (professor of music) and Dr. Paul Porneluzi (professor of biology)
20 years
Cathy Baxter (academic operations coordinator), Dr. Julie Bennett (professor of business), and Dr. Theresa Keown (coordinator of creative counseling partnerships and programs/associate professor of clinical counseling)
15 years
Peggy O’Connell (director of First Class/dual credit), Michelle Schuler (dean of student services, St. Louis), Derry Wiswall (director of plant operations), Dr. Travis Johnson (professor of English), and Dr. Angela Ryckman-Thalassites (associate professor of clinical counseling)
10 years
Rachel Haskamp (online advisor/course review specialist), Tracey Huber (regional dean, St. Louis), Gary Kunze (ground supervisor), Daniel Miller (online faculty program coordinator), Jennifer Parsons (digital resources librarian), Kelly Rohrbach (OTA interim director/assistant professor), Stacy Schulte (assistant professor of nursing), Dr. Travis Smith (associate professor of philosophy and religion), Lauren Strand (director of nursing student success, RSN to BSN online program), Dr. Grant Swicegood (associate professor of mathematics), and Fred Smith (head golf coach)