THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SECOND
Saturday, the Twenty-Ninth of April
Two Thousand and Twenty Three
UNDERGRADUATE CEREMONY
Ten o’clock in the morning
GRADUATE CEREMONY
Two o’clock in the afternoon
R.B. CUTLIP AUDITORIUM
AMY SHELTON MCNUTT CAMPUS CENTER
WELCOME TO THE WOODS
William Woods University is a coeducational, independent, professions-oriented, liberal-arts based institution of approximately 2,200 students. The scenic campus, in historic Fulton, Missouri, is situated on 225 acres with two picturesque lakes.
Originally founded in 1870 as the Female Orphan School for girls who had been orphaned during the Civil War, the mission of William Woods always has been to provide a quality education, while ensuring the development of the individual. The University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines in both campus and outreach settings.
William Woods University consistently has been ranked as one of the top 100 regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
William Woods offers unique opportunities for students to learn and grow. The Mentor-Mentee Program provides opportunities for studentfaculty research partnerships. The innovative LEAD (Leading, Educating, Achieving, and Developing) program promotes learning outside the classroom, while providing a significant tuition reduction.
William Woods is a leader in graduate education for working adults. While some courses are offered in cohort models, students also may choose to take specific courses through the University’s online programs.
2 COMMENCEMENT 2023
ACADEMIC PROTOCOL AND PROCESSION
The Procession
Traditions relating to the academic procession of the university date from practices established in the academies and universities of Western Europe in the Middle Ages. At William Woods University, the procession is headed by the Marshal of the faculty, followed by the candidates for undergraduate degrees, candidates for graduate degrees, unranked faculty and staff, full-time faculty according to rank, professors emeriti, platform guests, and the President of the University.
The Ivy Ceremony
Although the actual history of the William Woods University Ivy Ceremony remains a mystery, common belief is that early senior classes first planted ivy on campus during special graduation programs. Since then, the planting ritual has evolved into an ivy ceremony in the fall for new students and an ivy chain processional in the spring for graduating seniors.
Participation in the Ivy Ceremonies bonds students to the traditions held fast in the hearts of all William Woods University alumni. As the ivy entwines itself, so will their lives be entwined with the lives of those around them. Every student on the William Woods campus is linked inextricably by the ivy bond, which symbolizes the development of friendships, goals, and common purposes. At graduation, the ivy chain will be severed, signifying that students are embarking on the next phase of their lives. However, ties to their alma mater will continue throughout their lifetime as an alumnus of William Woods University.
The Marshal
The Marshal is elected by the faculty to serve for the remainder of his/her tenure at William Woods University. The Marshal is responsible for all matters related to academic protocol and is charged with the organization and regulation of all academic processions and ceremonies. The Marshal’s regalia is unique to the institution and specially designed for the office.
The Mace
The ceremonial mace is the official symbol of the University. It is presented to the President by the Marshal to indicate that the University is assembled.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the President grants permission for the Marshal to lift the mace to signify that the recession may begin. The assemblage shall stand and remain standing whenever the mace is in transit.
Flags and Torches
The American flag customarily is displayed during all academic convocations. Two ceremonial torches symbolize the light of knowledge and indicate the way of the academic procession.
3 WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE CEREMONY
Processional………………………………………………………
National Anthem ……………………………………………….
Invocation……………………………………………….………
Thomas R. Frankman, Ed.D. Faculty Marshall and Associate Professor
Rev. Travis Tamerius, M.C.S. University Chaplain
Welcome………………………………………………………… Aimee Sapp, Ph.D. University Provost
Introduction of Guest Speaker ………………………………… Jeremy Moreland, Ph.D. University President
Address ………………………………………………………… Bryon S. Bagby
Major General, U.S. Army (Retired)
Presentation of Honorary Degree ………………………………
Presidential Message.……………………………………………
Presentation of the Candidates for Degrees ………………………
Jeremy Moreland, Ph.D.
Jeremy Moreland, Ph.D.
Timothy R. Kazmarek, Ph.D. Assistant Faculty Marshall
Awarding of Diplomas…………………………………………… Jeremy Moreland, Ph.D.
Conferral of Degrees……………………………………………… Jeremy Moreland, Ph.D.
Official Alumni Welcome ………………………………………… Tony Andenoro, Ph.D
Recessional……………………………………………………….
Thomas R. Frankman, Ed.D.
4 COMMENCEMENT 2023
GRADUATE CEREMONY
Processional………………………………………………………
National Anthem ……………………………………………….
Invocation……………………………………………….………
Thomas R. Frankman, Ed.D. Faculty Marshall and Associate Professor
Rev. Travis Tamerius, M.C.S. University Chaplain
Welcome………………………………………………………… Aimee Sapp, Ph.D. University Provost
Introduction of Guest Speaker …………………………………
Address …………………………………………………………
Presidential Message.……………………………………………
Presentation of the Candidates for Degrees ………………………
Awarding of Diplomas……………………………………………
Hooding of Doctoral Candidates…………………………………
Jeremy Moreland, Ph.D. University President
Bryon S. Bagby Major General, U.S. Army (Retired)
Jeremy Moreland, Ph.D.
Timothy R. Kazmarek, Ph.D. Assistant Faculty Marshall
Jeremy Moreland, Ph.D.
Jim Concannon, Ph.D. Director of the School of Education
John Long, Ph.D. Chair of Doctoral Studies
Conferral of Degrees………………………………………………
Jeremy Moreland, Ph.D.
Official Alumni Welcome ………………………………………… Tony Andenoro, Ph.D
Recessional……………………………………………………….
Thomas R. Frankman, Ed.D.
5 WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY
The academic regalia worn at American college exercises today dates back to the older universities of northern Europe, such as Paris and Oxford. Gowns recommended for use in the colleges and universities of the United States have the following characteristics:
The gown for the bachelor’s degree has pointed sleeves. The gown for the master’s degree has oblong sleeves, open at the wrist. The sleeve base hangs down in the traditional manner. The rear part of its oblong shape is square cut, and the front part has an arc cutaway. The gown for the doctorate degree has bell-shaped sleeves. Gowns for the bachelor’s or master’s degrees are untrimmed. For the doctorate degree, the gown is faced down the front with black velvet; three bars of velvet are used across the sleeves. The facings and crossbars are velvet in the color distinctive of the discipline to which the degree pertains.
The hoods are lined with the official color or colors of the college or university conferring the degree; more than one color is shown by the division of the field color in a variety of ways. The binding or edging of the hood is velvet or velveteen. The color is indicative of the discipline to which the degree pertains.
ACADEMIC REGALIA GRADUATION WITH HONORS
Academic Honors
Baccalaureate students who graduate with honors must meet the following minimum grade point averages and must have completed at least 60 hours of academic credit with William Woods University.
Summa Cum Laude
Magna Cum Laude
Cum Laude
EXECUTIVE CABINET
Jeremy Moreland, Ph.D. University President
Aimee Sapp, Ph.D. Provost
Ted Blashak, Ed.D. Chief Student Experience Officer
Stephen Mansdoerfer, M.B.A. Chief Financial Officer
3.9
3.75
3.6
Honors Program Graduates
Graduates of the Honors Program have presented their thesis to the campus community and completed advanced coursework exclusive to the honors program. They are wearing black gowns trimmed in gold.
Honor Societies
Members of honor societies are wearing cords in colors indicative of their honor society.
Tony Andenoro, Ph.D. Vice President of Advancement
Kenda Shindler
Executive Assistant to the President; Coordinator of Legal Affairs
6 COMMENCEMENT 2023
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Byron Bagby
Major General, U.S. Army (Retired)
Byron Bagby is Managing Partner of BMB Solutions, LLC, an independent consulting firm specializing in executive leadership development and coaching, strategy development and governance. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Westminster College and a Master’s in Education in Higher Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served for over 33 years in the United States Army, transitioning off active duty at the rank of Major General.
He is a certified True Growth Leadership facilitator and Authentic Leadership Development Coach through the Chambers Bay Institute and has coached more than 400 leaders. He serves on: the Board of Directors for Management Support Technology, Inc.; the Boards of Trustees for William Woods University and Columbia Southern University; and the Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. He previously served as Chairman of the Board of Advisors for Ryan Consulting Group and on the Trustee Board of Westminster College.
General Bagby’s key military service includes: Commandant (equivalent to Chancellor) of Joint Forces Staff College; Chief Operating Officer of the Office of Military Cooperation in Cairo, Egypt, managing security cooperation programs valued at $1.3 billion annually; Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, Europe, directing all the activities of over 1,000 people in 30 locations, in nine countries; and assignments to five of the Army’s ten combat divisions. He also served on the faculty/staff at the United States Military Academy, and in the Pentagon on the Joint Staff and Department of the Army Staff. He is a veteran of multiple combat deployments.
Byron holds an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Lincoln
College, where he served as Distinguished Guest Lecturer. He is a life member of many organizations, including the University of North Carolina Alumni Association; Association of the United States Army; Veterans of Foreign Wars; and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Byron is a 33° Scottish Rite Mason.
He has earned many honors and decorations, including: induction into the Fulton Public Schools Hall of Fame; the Ranger Tab; the Master Parachutist Badge; two Army Distinguished Service Medals; four Defense Superior Service Medals; two Legions of Merit; the Westminster College Lifetime Alumni Achievement Award; and the Bronze Star Medal.
Byron and his wife, Monique Hale Bagby, live in Alexandria, VA. He has two adult children and two grandchildren.
7 WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY
Associate of Arts
Anna Elaine Auwarter
Terrence Armond Thomas Jr.
Emilee Wittels
Bachelor of Arts
Megan Ruth Azdell
Taylor Nicole Bell
Camryn Ingrid Coash-Sessler
Cassidy Cray
Eric Lee Garner
Katelyn Elizabeth Gaus
Emily Hand
Abby J. Jenner
Zachary Charles Knopf
Alexandra Rae Konarzewski
Madeline Claire Lammert
Courtney B. Leape
Braedyn Theresa Lee-Kaberline
Lydia Jean Mason
James Edward Nantz II
Faith Sylvia Nelson
Tess Oerkfitz
Elizabeth Kay Saathoff
Sara Donielle Schaefer
Victoria Leigh Sherwood
Natalie Rae Williams
Mallory Frances York
UNDERGRADUATE CEREMONY GRADUATES
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Jack Edward Brix
Nathan James Coleman
Laken Chris Kinstler
Kelby Duke Kornrumpf
Bachelor of Science
Tyler Abney
Monica Lynne Albright
Riley Olivia Alton
Sarah Elizabeth Asbury
Carrie R. Ashley
Mackenzie Lee Ballard
Kelsay Lynn Bartlett
Daniel Charles Bateman
Leigh Ardelle Beland
Emilio Beltrán Ruiz
Alisson Michell Benavides
Katrina Berban
Alanna Bielawksi
Logan Allen Blumhagen
Emma Christine Boschert
Mallory Lynn Brandt
James Broomfield
Dayrie Nicole Bupp
Hailey Nicole Burch
Isaiah James Buse
Rebecca Ann Camacho
Hunter Lee Carpenter
Shelby Cobb
Laiken Elizabeth-Zoe Coffman
Faith Ann Cogar
Bethany Leigh Cox
Kaley M. Crockett
Jared Xavier Crutcher
Katarina Christine Curbelo
Jonathan Dochterman
Derek James Ewens
Guillermo Fernandez
Ashlyn Nicole Fisher
Kathryn Anne French
Lasia A. Gavin-Rowe
Faith Anne Marie Gerling
Isaiah Christian Gibbs
Brock Glavey
Samantha Hope Gleason
Melissa Elizabeth Gonzales
Iker Gonzalez de la vega
Angela Gorman
Tracey Leigh Mann Gramajo
Cassie Lauren Gray
Lauren Elizabeth Guest
Bethany Dene Haenchen
Damon Wayne Hamilton
Jeffrey T. Hamilton
Kelsey Hammack
Natalie Paige Hinz
Breana Nichole Hockman
Taylor Leigh Hoefakker
Rhonda Jannette Holcomb
Tucker Ray Jett
Rebekah Lanae Joos
Sarah Nicole Kasubke
Amaya Lynn Keeling
Abigail Mickgene Keeney
Erin Nicole Kelley
David Kempker
Jessica Mae Kidd
Kaleena Hale Kollmeier
Jennifer Kozlowski
Daniel Lee Lantz
Elyse Lavender
Payton Elizabeth Lindeman
Ryan Nathanal Long
Ngoucheme Mahmadou
Allyson Nicole Mahoney
Ana Lydia Mancias
Melissa Martinez
Kelsey Marie Matheny
Shannon Mathis
Bryson Arron Matthews
Grace Elizabeth Mauzy
Daulton Wade Melton
Amelia Michelle Mester
Hannah Lee Meyer
8 COMMENCEMENT 2023
Jolie Lisette Miner
Alejandra Brooke Morales
Theresa Hannah Murphy
Annalise Nicole Novicky
Ian Joseph O’Malley
Sarah Ostertag
Arron Zen Kalpesh Patel
Elizabeth Joy Pemberton
Kassidy Ann Phillips
Matthew Dylan Pitt
Alycia Michelle Pouch
Annika Sela Ramon
Ashley Simone Robinson
Michael David Donovan Robinson
Alex Rodriguez
Cassandra L. Ruhlen
Tyklen Nash Salmons
Mia Scot Santos
Barnaby Morgan Sargent
Jennah Marie Schell
Kelley Schlomach
Alexia Breean Schumacher
Nicole Danielle Schutte
Devin Elizabeth Sell
Haylee Michelle Sheldon
Shameka C. Sloan
Savannah Lynn Smith
Palmer Carl Soberg
UNDERGRADUATE CEREMONY GRADUATES
Lauren Ashley Stone
Stephanie Ann Taylor
Kelly Tillman
Raechel Tuckman
Reagan Danielle Verwys
Jena Marie Walberg
Whitney Olivia Wibberg
Emma Diane Williamson
Abigail Marie Wilson
Kristan Nicole Wilson
Pheemawat Wimonrat
Claire E. Winn
Tracy Lynn Wutke
Kevin K. Yang
Darius Joseph Yohe
Bachelor of Social Work
CeVana Daisy Borgstedt
Michyla L. Handley
Allison Nicole Mattox
Hope Elisabeth Ratliff
Emily Schiera
Trinity D’Aviann Thomas
9 WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY
Master of Arts
Izayah Rashad Harrell Donnelly
Brandi J. Goben
Kimberly Sperlo Hamilton
Julia Caroline Kampert
Amy Katherine LeCount
Carrie M. Stephens
Christina Love Watson
Master of Education
Katura Kimberley Atherton
Allison Kay Balsman
Casey Beran
Audra Telsie Black
Christopher Michael Bork
Tyler Ray Bradshaw
Jennifer Brooks
Jillian Elice Brown
Joseph Dale Brown
Krystal Ann Burgtorf
Paige Nicole Bybee
Marisa Cabral
Raegan Nicole Chilton
Janet Sue Compere
Geoffrey Lane Cooper
Jamie Lynn Coy
Morgan Marian Crooks
Brandy Nicole Cunningham
Dianna Lynn Davis
Kyia Davis
Justin Robert Dibb
Ashland Cree Dochterman
Eric Dwaine Dodson
GRADUATE CEREMONY GRADUATES
Andrew Douglas
Mike Draper
Hannah Elizabeth Dunning
Alex Duvall
Braxton Taft Wayne Earls
Kirstyn Wren Eckhoff
Rachel Elliott
Ava Elisabeth Falcon
Jeremy D. Finley
Jennifer Jo Fowler DeFeo
Robin Crystal Friedrich
Kevin Wade Gidney
Michael S. Gombos
Drew Ryan Green
Kamren Lorraine Gronwold
Tyler Michael Hamilton
Lisa Faye Harper
Tarsha Deon Harris
Duane E. Hawthorne
Trenton John Hedlund
Natalie Hickman
Jared Leon Hines
Amanda Jenett Hope
Kyle Dennis Huey
Jordan Elizabeth Hunter
Matthew Jayne
Creste Jean
Dakotah Johnston
Abigail Christine Kertz
Austin Michael Kirby
Amanda Renee Kiser
Ryan Matthew Klimkiewicz
Nicole Renee Kneib
Lee Krause
Carol Hanna Lawson
Brantley Lohkamp
Taylor Renee Long
Brian James Loudis
Chase Lowenstein
Fatima Z. Madondo
Tyler Manne
Brett Everett Marr
Kevin Patrick McGreer
Connor Mitchell McLeod
Daphne Militzer
Ashley A. Moeller
Alicia Morlan
Zachariah Nelson
Cory P. Nicholson
Lesley Jane O’Connor
Logan Brant Olson
Alan Michael Ottman
Brett Pahl
Kimberly Pearman
Freddie Dean Pinion
Kathryn Anne Prendergast
Christopher Prestegard
Larry Gerard Price-Lomas Jr.
Shelby Turner Rader
Jessie Ramos
Anne Renea Reynolds
Leslie Reynolds
Kenneth Lamont Robinson Jr.
Wendy Elvoria Robinson
Joseph Robison
Tina Rodriguez
Amanda Rebecca Rogers
Leah T. Rolfson
Catherine June Roling
Tori Michelle Rosemann
Margaret Satersmoen
Monica Gene Scherer
Katie Schubring
Jasmin Marlena Seitzer
Alexandria Paige Shaffer
Hannah Christine Simorka
Megan Swanson
Cassidy Noelle Taggart
Randi Michelle Trewhella
Kade Tucker
Korrie JoLyn Vance
Roger David VanDeZande
Hanna Lea Vines
Steven Weese
Grant Williamson
Chandler Wilson
Maria Breann Wiltzius
Chelsea Jean Wisdom
Erin Witt
Corrine Flora Wiygul
Jennifer Wood
Brian York
Master of Business Administration
Justin Asmer
Madison Kathryn Ausfahl
Penelope Bender
Thomas James Bobroski
Tracy Dean Bolte
Andrea Denise Brayboy
Jonathan Eric Buerge
10 COMMENCEMENT 2023
Timothy Alan Daniels, II, Staff Sergeant, United States Marine Corps
Francisco De La O
Clifford Wade DeGroot
Sasha Deihimi
Alicia Marie Engelbrecht
Makenzie Reid Fessler
David Floyd
Charles Fortner
Andrew Thomas Fyffe
Ashley Marie Griffin
Taylor Harville
Philipp Heller
Daniel Dewayne Hobbs
Kayla E. Hult
Crystal Huston
Kristen Jackson
Rachel Cathleen Kempker
Tanya Louise Kendall
Ethan Charles Kupp
Grant Alexander Mach
Allison Mentink
Brian Grant Merzlicker
Jeremy Javon Morgan
Hillary Ncube
Jack A. Niggemeier
Mason Owen
Bruna Pacheco Chaves
Pritiben Patel
Abigail Diane Prather-Turner
Jade Marie Rasmussen
Hubert Leroy Rogers
Michael Ruhr
Clotcho Be Gnininmykan
Franck Romeo Secongo
GRADUATE CEREMONY GRADUATES
Carley Elisabeth Sukkert
Deborah Suzanne Thornburg
Donte Thomas Walker
Jackson K. Weber
Codi James Whitlock
Alex S. Wimer
Morgan Elise Yanez
Master of Health
Administration
Brayton Glenn Ballenger
Abbegail Essa Bartley
Amanda Dawn Clouse
Brittney M. Hanna
Kristi Kay
Brandy Marie Maibes
Heather McHatton
Brian Norris
Kelechi Okereke
Freedom Danielle Pollard
Kristen Anne Rogers
Guy Rhea Vinson
Heather Christine Welch
Katherine Williams
Mark Douglas Williams Jr.
Education
Specialist
Ashley Anne Arwood
Cody E. Beyers
Michael F. Bleem
Jeremy Ryan Bradham
Melissa Jo Campbell
Clayton Matthew Collier
Courtney Elizabeth Compton
Kayce LeAnn Corwin
Ty Nathan Crowden
Amy Lynn Dapron
John Scott Douglas
Emily Grace Edwards-Long
Elliot Charles Fischer
Claire Ellen Fowler
Melissa S. Franklin
Tori Frisbee
Karen Renee Giesler
Tobias John Glavin
Craig Matthew Hastings
Madelyn Horn
Martin Dean Hull Jr.
Brian Hummel
Craig Robert Hutson
Devin Johnson
Breanna Elaine Juliette
Lyndsay Rose LaBrier
Seth Franklin Landewee
Nicole Marie Lovell
Christopher J. Mettlach
Keria Morton
Miranda Dawn Nixon
Richard Lynn Nixon Jr.
Neda Fay Oren
Laura Kay Ort
Julia Ann Pemberton
William-Robert Lance Penn
Colin Pettegrew
Teri Jo Quick
Lucas Rayfield
Jessica L. Rodgers
Erica Lezlie Rogers
Allison Scott
Stephanie Secosh
Jonathan Edward Sumner
Terri Ann Tafoya
Megan Colleen Taylor
Tyler Thompson
Jessica Renee West
Helen Williams
11 WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE CEREMONY GRADUATES
Doctorate of Education
Dr. David Norman Bates
A Correlational Study of In-Person Instruction and Virtual Instruction During a Pandemic. Dr. Lisa Nieuwenhuizen, Chair.
Dr. Jessica Kay Bax
One Step Forward, or Two Steps Back? Elementary Education in a Pandemic. Dr. Shanna Schwarzer, Chair.
Dr. Elorie Blake Boeh
Developing and Retaining Teachers in Title I Schools. Dr. John Long, Chair.
Dr. Brad Dale Brisco
A phenomenological study of the lived educational experience during the COVID-19 pandemic for high school teachers and students, in the Midwestern United States. Dr. J. Michael Pragman, Chair.
Dr. Patrice Ann Cook
The Impact of Positive Behavior Supports in Students with Traumatic Brain Injuries. Dr. Kyle Anderson, Chair.
Dr. Nicholas Andrew Cotta
Success After Exiting K-12 Public Education: Best Practices for Students with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Tom Frankman, Chair.
Dr. Tinna Kay Croy
RTI Success in Rural North Missouri Schools. Dr. James Concannon, Chair.
Dr. Elizabeth Dawson
Phonemic Awareness Skill of Educators Responsible for Teaching the Foundations of Reading. Dr. Stefanie Steffan, Chair.
Dr. Dawnette Kay Dierking Wiskur
The Influence of Participation in a Teacher Leadership Program on Teacher Self-Efficacy. Dr. Leslie Trogdon, Chair.
Dr. Tiffany N. Dixon
A Grounded Theory Based Collective Case Study of Teacher Perception of Professional Development by Intersectional Group Identification. Dr. John Long, Chair.
Dr. Casey Schwartz Echelmeier
Teacher Perceptions of Teaching During a 1:1 Chromebook Initiative. Dr. John Long, Chair.
Dr. Brianna J. Fankhauser
Teachers’ Perceptions on Field and Clinical Experiences and Its Effects on Their Practices. Dr. Lisa Nieuwenhuizen, Chair.
Dr. Hannah Elise Fritsche-Donze
The Extent of Value for Special Education Students in Agricultural Education Programs in Missouri. Dr. John Long, Chair.
Dr. Micah Andrew Fritz
Academic Success and Student Achievement Standards. Dr. Lisa Nieuwenhuizen, Chair.
Dr. Kristen Mary Gardner
The Impact of Implementing Restorative Practices on Student Behavior. Dr. Lisa Nieuwenhuizen, Chair.
Dr. Kathryn Ruth Giovanini Wessler
The Reading Dichotomy: Teachers’ Perspectives on Code-Based and Meaning-Based Reading Instruction. Dr. Stacy Quinn, Chair.
Dr. Serghei Iacovlev
Missouri Principals’ Self-Reported Professional Development Needs and Familiarity with Policies and Practices of an ELL Program. Dr. Francesco Giuseffi, Chair.
Dr. Valerie Vadaila Ivy
The Impact of One-to-One Technology Integration Initiatives on Student Engagement. Dr. Bobbie Jo Lewis, Chair.
Dr. Taylor Nicole Jahn
What Does It Mean to be Good at Math? A Look at Student and Teacher Perceptions. Dr. J. Michael Pragman, Chair.
Dr. Jason Lee King
Impact of Professional Learning Communities on Elementary MAP Scale Scores for Math and Communication Arts. Dr. Tom Frankman, Chair.
Dr. Megan A. Klukowski
Gender, Emotional Intelligence, and Burnout in Educational Administration. Dr. Kristee Lorenz, Chair.
12 COMMENCEMENT 2023
GRADUATE CEREMONY GRADUATES
Dr. Stephanie A. Kuper
Perceptions of Professional Dress Attire on Student Behavior in the Secondary Classroom. Dr. Gretchen Guitard, Chair.
Dr. Sarah E. Larson
Perceptions of Leadership Self-Efficacy Development in Students Enrolled in Educational Leadership Doctoral EdD Programs. Dr. John Long, Chair.
Dr. Joseph Alan Lauchstaedt
High School Algebra I Teachers’ Perceptions and Self-Efficacy Towards Providing Response to Intervention. Dr. James Concannon, Chair.
Dr. Robert Lee, Jr.
A Critical Race Theory analysis of a Midwest City’s Urban and Suburban Alternative Program which has been Impacted by Trauma. Dr. J. Michael Pragman, Chair.
Dr. Alicia Ann Leimkuehler
The Role of School Administrators in Building a School Culture that Fosters Positive Student-Teacher Relationships. Dr. Kristee Lorenz, Chair.
Dr. T’Neisha Danielle Love
The Impact of Trauma in the Classroom: Teachers’ Lived Experiences Adapting to Students Exposed to Trauma. Dr. John Long, Chair.
Dr. David C. MacLean
Teachers’ Perceptions of the Four-Day School Week. Dr. Cynthia Whiston, Chair.
Dr. Mary Katherine Martin
The Impacts of Administrative Leadership on Collective Teacher Efficacy. Dr. Gretchen Guitard, Chair.
Dr. Catherine Tinsely McLallen
K-12 Administrator’s Knowledge of Threat Assessment in Missouri. Dr. Gretchen Guitard, Chair.
Dr. Lori Jean Mertz
Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic by K-12 Public School Districts and the Effect on Student Achievement. Dr. John Long, Chair.
Dr. Daniel Aaron Miller
Teacher Perceptions Surrounding the Implementation and Efficacy of Real World Learning in a Midwestern School District. Dr. Francesco Giuseffi, Chair.
Dr. Meara Lee Mitchell
Consecutive Enrollment in Secondary Performing Arts Courses and Scholastic Achievement in Public Schools. Dr. J. Michael Pragman, Chair.
Dr. Lisa Johnson Northup
The Teacher Perception of Utilizing Brain Breaks in the Upper Elementary Grades for Improved Behavior, Attendance and Cognitive Engagement. Dr. Kristee Lorenz, Chair.
Dr. Sean Patrick O’Connor
Impact of a Change in School Start Time on Academic Performance and Student Wellbeing. Dr. Francesco Giuseffi, Chair.
Dr. Ashley Nichole Pauley
The Relationship Between Student and Staff Attendance, Student Learning, Teacher Retention, School Culture and the Four Day School Week. Dr. Kristee Lorenz, Chair.
Dr. Kristen Michele Perkins
Correlation between Teacher Retention and Well-Being and the Impact of COVID-19. Dr. Kristee Lorenz, Chair.
Dr. Michelle Jacqueline Peterson
Compassion Fatigue, Compassion Satisfaction, Burnout, and Teacher Efficacy Experienced by Elementary School Educators Through the COVID-19 Pandemic. Dr. Kristee Lorenz, Chair.
Dr. Brett Michael Playter
Relational Study of Standards-Based Grading, Traditional Grading Systems and Student Achievement Utilizing the Missouri Assessment Program in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. Dr. Caroline Boyer, Chair.
Dr. Hector James Ramirez
Exploring the Educational Efficacy of Conference Models in Elementary School Settings. Dr. Francesco Giuseffi, Chair.
13 WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE CEREMONY GRADUATES
Dr. Suzanne Michele Rexroad
Job Satisfaction in the Mid-to Late-Career Educator. Dr. Leslie Trogdon, Chair.
Dr. Catherine Lynne Rice
Signs of Suicide: An Educator’s Perspective of Teenage Suicide. Dr. Francesco Giuseffi, Chair.
Dr. Canise L. Salinas-Willich
Closing the Racial Gap: Investigating the Impact of Teacher Preparation Programs on Teachers’ Understanding of SelfEfficacy and Cognitive Dissonance and Its Impact when Teaching Students of Color. Dr. Lisa Nieuwenhuizen, Chair.
Dr. Corey Kuper Scott
Moderating Effects of Preference for Text-Delivery Mode on Reading Comprehension and Learning. Dr. Francesco Giuseffi, Chair.
Dr. Brian Todd Sherrow
Perceived Value of ACT Preparation Courses in North Missouri Schools: A Phenomenological Study of Rural Superintendents. Dr. Betsy Tutt, Chair.
Dr. Nicholle D. Simmons
The Relationship Between Students’ Discipline Referrals and Reading and Math Achievement. Dr. Lisa Nieuwenhuizen, Chair.
Dr. Dawn Marie Smith
Factors Influencing School Leaders’ Implementation of Educational Equity: A Case Study. Dr. J. Michael Pragman, Chair.
Dr. Shawn Sotheran
The Effect of Adverse Experiences on Self-Reported Empathy in Secondary Teachers. Dr. Gretchen Guitard, Chair.
Dr. Ashley Marie Stanton
The Exploration of Self-Guided and Teacher-Directed Credit Recovery Courses in a Midwestern District. Dr. Francesco Giuseffi, Chair.
Dr. Tosha Linnent Tilford
Perceptions of Principals’ Leadership Behaviors Influence on Teacher Retention. Dr. Kristee Lorenz, Chair.
Dr. Heather Renee Van Otterloo
Gifted Education Identification Practices and Equity in Missouri K-12 Schools’ Gifted Programs. Dr. J. Michael Pragman, Chair.
Dr. Melinda Anne Wheeler
The Assimilation of Women in K-12 Educational Leadership. Dr. John Long, Chair.
Dr. Elizabeth Lynn White
Social Competence in Elementary Students with Autism
Compared with Typically Developing Peers. Dr. Gretchen Guitard, Chair.
Dr. Sarah Wisdom
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Where are School Districts Losing our Female Leaders and How Can School Districts Foster their Continued Climb to the Superintendency. Dr. Kristee Lorenz, Chair.
14 COMMENCEMENT 2023
FACULTY
Melissa Alpers-Springer, M.A.
Assistant Professor of Communication
Sean Baldridge, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Physics
Hannah Bolados, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Spanish
Stacey Bonderer, M.A.. Assistant Professor of Education
Caroline Boyer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology; Director of the School of Social Sciences
John Brand III, M.A.
Assistant Professor of American Sign Language
Jessica Brown, M.A.
Assistant Professor of American Sign Language
Kamerra Brown Allen, M.S.
Assistant Professor of Equestrian Studies
Anthony Cavaiani, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communication
Erin Cardea, Eq. Edu.
Associate Professor of Equestrian Studies
James Concannon, Ph.D.
Professor of Education; Director of the School of Education
Steve Cooper, Ph.D. Professor of Social Studies
Alison Cope-Lovell, Ph.D. Instructor of English
Julie Davenport, M.S.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Joseph Davis, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
Zachary Dowdle, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of History
Matt Dube, Ph.D.
Professor of English; Director of Online Education
Stephen Forsha, D. Mgt.
Associate Professor of Business; Director of the School of Business and Technology
David Forster, M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Business and Economics
Tom Frankman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education
Brittany Frederick, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of ASL Interpreting
Katie Friesen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
Krista Frohling, M.F.A.
Assistant Professor of Photography
George Garner, M.S.W.
Associate Professor of Social Work
Sarah Greenland-White, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Francesco Giuseffi, Ed.D., M.Ed. Assistant Professor of Education
Liz Haben, M.Ed.
Associate Professor of Equestrian Studies
Julian A. Hertzog, Ph.D. Professor of Education and Psychology
Erik Hillskemper, Ph.D. Associate Professor of English; Director of the School of Humanities
Robin Hirsch-Jacobson, Ph.D. Professor of Biology; Director of the School of Science and Health
Sheila Hodge-Logan, Ed.D. Associate Professor of Special Education
Raymond Hune, Ed.S., M.A.T. Assistant Professor of Developmental Math
Timothy Kazmarek, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Kimberly L. Keller, Ph.D. Professor of Biology
Cynthia Kramer, J.D., LL.M. Professor of Legal Studies
Gayle S. Lampe, M.Ed. Professor Emeritus of Equestrian Studies
John Long, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Education
Kristee Lorenz, Ed.D., Ed.S. Assistant Professor of Education
Jill Mahoney, M.A. Assistant Professor; Librarian
Jessica Manion, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Accounting
Bailey McCallum, M.Ed. Assistant Professor of Equestrian Studies
Carrie McCray, Ph.D.
Professor of ASL Interpreting; Associate Dean of Academic Assessment
Nina McKee, M.A. Instructor of Cybersecurity
Steve Middleton, M.S., D.P.T. Assistant Professor of Athletic Training
Blayne Murphy, Ed.S. Assistant Professor of Education
Lisa Nieuwenhuizen, M.A. Assistant Professor of ????
Miriam O’Callaghan, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Management
Jennifer Petterson, M.Ed.
Professor of Equestrian Studies; Director of the School of Equestrian Studies
W. Joseph Potter, M.A.
Assistant Professor of Theatre
Angelette Prichett, M.Ed.
Instructor of Social Work; Associate Dean of Academic Student Services
Doug Sanders, M.S.
Assistant Professor of Sports Management
Aimee Sapp, Ph.D.
Professor of Communication; University Provost;
Paul Schiltz, D.V.M.
Associate Professor, Veterinarian
Chris Schneider, M.A.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
John Selburg, M.F.A.
Associate Professor of Studio Art; Art Gallery Director
Lisa Simms, M.F.A.
Associate Professor of Graphic Design
Roman Sivkov, M.B.A.
Instructor of Finance
Gregory Smith, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English
Sarah Track, M.Ed.
Associate Professor of Equestrian Studies
Thomas Trice, D. Mgt.
Associate Professor of Business; Dean of the School of Business and Technology
Joshua Turkewitz, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Rachel Utrecht, M.S.
Assistant Professor; Technical Services Librarian
Laura Ward, M.S.
Associate Professor, Equestrian Studies
Valerie Wedel, M.F.A.
Associate Professor of Studio Art
Anthony Weed, M.B.A., M.F.A.
Associate Professor of Communication
Cynthia Wibberg, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Special Education
Scott Zimmerman, Ed.S., M.A.
LTC (retired), Instructor of Leadership and Military Science
15 WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY
