The Woods 2021 Alumni Magazine

2021 PAGE 32

Better Together William Woods’ history of and commitment to strategic partnerships helps move the University forward

The official alumni magazine of William Woods University

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SNAPSHOT

The Curtain Comes Down Near the end of her 31st year at the helm, longest of any president in WWU history, Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett made the announcement of her ‘exit from the stage’ as President in Dulany Auditorium before a gathering of socially-distanced colleagues on March 2, 2021.

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THE WOODS Staff The Woods magazine is the official alumni magazine of William Woods University and is published annually by the Office of Strategic Communications. Its mission is to connect alumni and other members of the University community to the University and to one another. front cover: Micala Austin Photography inside cover: Micala Austin Photography back cover: Micala Austin Photography

A DMIN ISTR AT ION

Goal!

Students enjoy a lively game of fuse ball in the newly remodeled Brockman Student Center, which also now includes a mock interview room, rec lounge, study room, and zen space.

CONTRIBUTORS

Jahnae H. Barnett President - Emeritus

Jeremy Moreland

John Fougere

Vice President of Strategic Communications

Jennifer Garcia

President

Scott T. Gallagher

Graphic Design Coordinator

John Fougere

Student of Communication

University Vice President

Vice President of Strategic Communications

Hannah Loethen ‘24

Veronica Townsend ‘21

Student of Communication

Kathy Groves

Vice President of Advancement

Stephanie Wells Vice President of Communications

PHOTOGRAPH Y

Micala Austin ‘13 Alicia Engelbrecht ‘23 Katrina Berban ‘23 Alexis Willingham

On the News Our own admissions counselor and alumna, Edie Thibodaux ‘84, was on @news4greatday (KMOV) during their virtual college tour segment on March 31, 2021.

Follow us!

@WilliamWoodsU and #WilliamWoods

©William Woods University. All rights reserved. For permissions, please contact marketing@williamwoods.edu.

To submit articles or update your alumni information and life events, please email publications@williamwoods.edu or send to us at One University Avenue, Academic Building Suite 208, Fulton, MO 65251

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Senior Art Show went virtual Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s Senior Art Exhibit, titled “Unity,” was available to be viewed online rather than in the Art Gallery on campus. Participating artists included Maddie Carlson, Lexi Epple, Rosemary Lenz, Elli Luebbert, Allison Peak, Madison Schutz, Audrey Stokes, Arien Roden and Madeline Trusty.

top and right, micala austin photography

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in this issue 32 40 46

...

F E AT U R E S

Better Together William Woods’ history of and commitment to strategic partnerships helps move the University forward

A Lasting Legacy After 31 years as William Woods President, Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett steps down

New Lease on (Student) Life

New look Brockman Hall provides on-campus destination for student services, meeting space, leisure time and more

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E V E RY

4 From the President 5 Into The Woods Learn what’s happening in and around campus, with news, notes, and profiles about the University and its students, staff, and faculty.

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Groundbreaking Gifts WWU trustee gives $2.1 million in donations to fund the Center for Equine Medicine construction and two new University scholarships

I S S U E 58 Echo Alumni News Class Notes Featured Alums Michelle Linn ‘96 Amanda Wharton ‘06 Philip Guidry ‘10 Alum Spotlights Ciara Tatum ‘19 Joshua Potter ‘06 Mandi Larue ‘11

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From the President “AS WE MOVE INTO A NEW ERA, WITH NEW LEADERSHIP, WE MUST REMEMBER THAT WE ALREADY HAVE WHAT WE SEEK.”

After 49 years on the William Woods University campus, and thirty-one years as President, it is hard to imagine that this is my last greeting for the alumni magazine. William Woods University has been my life’s work.

It has not always been easy, but it has always been rewarding. No other occupation gives us such a strong connection from the past to the future. And as we enter a new era, the future of William Woods looks promising.

Since I last wrote a greeting for the alumni magazine in the fall of 2020, we have searched for the next President of William Woods, learned to live with COVID in our world, received a recent record donation of $2 million, established a Diversity and Inclusion scholarship, moved towards completion of the Center for Equine Medicine, instituted a new strategic plan, and received a high rating from the Higher Learning Commission. We have welcomed incoming freshmen and returning students from all over the world, including Spain, Brazil, Germany, and the Ukraine, just to name a few locations.

Our world has changed greatly in the past couple of years, and we must change with it. I have never been fearful of change; in fact, I close most every campus address with the reminder that “the greatest risk we take is if we take no risk at all.” I think Albert Einstein would agree with that philosophy as he said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”

It has always been my vision to lead William Woods through change and growth, but growth simply for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell. Our growth is directed, strategic to meet the evolving needs of education in a changing world. During my tenure, we transformed from William Woods College to William Woods University. We welcomed the first men on campus. We launched graduate and adult learning. We expanded into online education, branched into new athletics, opened our doors to Show Me GOLD, and built the Center for Equine Medicine, Kemper Arts Center, and Butler Family Sorority Circle. All of these achievements represent measured and calculated growth, and none of it would have been possible without your support- the alumni and friends of the University. We have achieved so much together, and now, it is time to achieve more as we welcome new leadership.

As we move into a new era with new leadership, we must remember that we already have what we seek.

We have demonstrated time and again the ability to adapt and grow with the demands of higher education. We possess the skills necessary to navigate the needs of students for generations to come. We are poised for new leadership; for true leaders do not create followers, they create more leaders. Our faculty, staff, alumni, and friends are the foundation that the University needs to continue strong into the future.

It is often said that the more things change, the more they remain the same. While it is true that we will change to a new President, I am confident the generous support of our alumni and friends of William Woods University will remain the same.

Keep the William Woods University family strong.

Please consider giving to your alma mater by visiting williamwoods.edu/giving

Sincerely,

Jahnae H. Barnett President

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Into THE WOODS

... AND AROUND THE CAMPUS

SPRINGING BACK TO NORMALCY For the first time in its history, the University found itself pushing all fall 2020 intercollegiate sports to Spring 2021, another casualty of COVID-19. But Spring did return in 2021, and with it our hopes for a return to a more normal campus experience. So while we may still have been wearing face coverings and weathering non-stop talk about physical distancing and vaccines, the rites of Spring made a welcome reappearance into the lives of each Owl in 2021. Whether that was the sights and sounds of a William Woods baseball game, a campus full of students amid April’s greening landscape, or a traditional commencement ceremony, the University was back to life as close to normal as it had been for more than a year in the Spring of 2021. With apologies to T.S. Elliott, you could say that in 2021, April was far from the cruelest month.

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The Future is Now Dr. Jeremy L. Moreland chosen as the 13th president in the history of William Woods University

BY JOH N FOUGERE

Following a national search of more than six months, the William PRESIDENT Woods Board of Trustees officially announced the appointment of Dr. Jeremy Moreland, 49, as the 13th President in the history of William Woods University on September 21, 2021. The Provost and Chief Academic Officer at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, at the time of the announcement, Dr. Moreland succeeded Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett, who, on March 2, announced her intention to step down as President after 31 years at the helm. Dr. Moreland officially began his tenure as President on October 1, 2021.

Board of Trustees Chair, Romaine Seguin, officially announced the appointment of Dr. Moreland, after leading the national search as head of the presidential search committee.

“Just a year after our University marked the milestone of the 150th anniversary of its founding, we begin a new era for William Woods with the appointment of Dr. Jeremy Moreland as our new President,” Seguin said. “An outstanding and visionary leader, Dr. Moreland understands and appreciates the value of professions-based, student-oriented universities like William Woods, having devoted his impressive career to the success and inclusion of all students, progressive education and scholarship. He is just the individual to lead William Woods to new heights in achieving our academic mission.”

Dr. Moreland’s 23-year career in higher education leadership includes his former position as Provost and Chief Academic Officer at St. Thomas University, a private, regionally-accredited University of more than 5,500 students that was ranked as the top regional University in the U.S. South for Social Mobility in 2020 by U.S. News and World Report. In his leadership role at St. Thomas, Dr. Moreland was responsible for oversight of academic programs, instruction, classroom and online delivery, curriculum, assessment and quality assurance; accreditation and regulatory affairs; academic operations; assessment and institutional effectiveness; research and TH E WOODS 2 02 1

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scholarship; policy and governance; strategic planning; registrar and budget oversight.

During Dr. Moreland’s tenure as Provost and Chief Academic Officer at St. Thomas between January 2019 and September 2021, the University demonstrated rapid, sweeping and sustainable success, including an increase in enrollment of more than 30%; three record-breaking incoming traditional age freshmen classes; consecutive operating budget surpluses; record high online enrollment; implementation of a multi-point, hybrid advising model, resulting in improved student retention; increased class size and availability across colleges and expanded in-house online delivery, and multiple agreements with industry, employers, military and other higher education institutions.

The selection of Dr. Moreland came after the board and search committee engaged in a comprehensive, national search that included visits to campus by the finalists and involvement from a wide range of University constituents. Seguin said the detailed process led to a selection that is consistent with the qualities in a new president expressed by University stakeholders.

“Throughout the long interview process, we had an opportunity to interact with some exceptionally talented individuals, and are fortunate to have landed the best of them as our next William Woods President,” Seguin said. “Dr. Moreland is a man of vision, strategic thinking and integrity, an excellent communicator who is equally effective and comfortable with faculty, staff, students, alumni and donors. His leadership was instrumental in growing St. Thomas’ stature as a university in a short time, and he is uniquely qualified to lead William Woods to great success as its 13th president.”

“I am humbled and honored to become President of William Woods University and am excited to have the opportunity to play a role in shaping the future of this historic institution,” said Dr. Moreland at the time of his appointment. “It will be my honor to work closely with the trustees, faculty, students, staff, alumni, donors and friends of the University to continue to uphold the highest standards of excellence and integrity, delivered in an environment that promotes academic freedom and inclusion.”

Prior to joining St. Thomas University, Dr. Moreland had a long and successful career in higher education, serving as Provost and Chief Academic Officer at the University of the Rockies (Denver, Colorado) from 2016-2019; and in increasingly responsible positions at the University of Phoenix (Arizona) from 2004 through 2016, including Academic Dean and Executive Director, Associate Dean and doctoral research faculty of the School of Advanced Studies; and Director of Institutional Assessment and Planning for the Office of the President at Phoenix College (Arizona) from 2001 to 2004. Additional past experience includes Education Research Associate and Accountability Data Administrator for the Arizona Department of Education, Institutional Research Associate for the Office of the President at Collin County Community College (Plano, Texas), and Training and Research Consultant at the Institute of Behavioral Research at Texas Christian University.

A native of Oklahoma who was raised in Texas, Dr. Moreland earned doctorate (1998) and master’s (1996) degrees in General Experimental Psychology from Texas Christian University. He is a 1993 graduate of Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Hearing Impaired Studies/Sign Language.

He is married to Diane Moreland, and together they have two daughters.

Into

“Becoming President of William Woods University is without a doubt the pinnacle of my professional career,” said Dr. Moreland. “I will advocate tirelessly on behalf of our exceptional institution and seek to achieve excellence in everything we do, to make sure our great University realizes its full potential.”

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Into THE WOODS

Hoots OWL Achievement Awards At the end of every academic year, William Woods University recognizes a select group of students with its OWL Achievement Award.

Here are the recipients for the 2020-2021 academic year:

Jennie Petterson, Director of Equestrian Studies, riding WV Kyss of Fame, was crowned World Champion in Open Disciplined Rail Western, while also earning a Top Five finish in the Open English Pleasure/Saddle Type. Petterson also won three additional Top Five finishes and one Top Ten finish while riding another horse, Jazzy San Pep. WWU equestrians won eight World Championships and three Reserve World Champion titles, 10 Top Five and nine Top Ten finishes, and one all-around high point amateur title honors.

PINTO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN TULSA, OK

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MEREDITH AGUADO Business Administration Columbia, MO

JULIA LEFARTH Biology Eureka, MO

EMMA CUNNINGHAM ASL-English Interpreting Lee’s Summit, MO

EMILY MANNION Biology Dardenne Prairie, MO

SHANNON CUNNINGHAM Elementary Education St. Louis, MO

KATHERINE MCDONALD Biology Jefferson City, MO

KATE DOERHOFF Biology St. Charles, MO

MAKAYLA SCHAFER Art Salem, MO

KIMBERLY GASSEN ASL Studies Olathe, KS

VERONICA TOWNSEND Communication Jefferson City, MO

KARA JEFFERS Communication Moscow Mills, MO

KYLIE ZAMBONI-CUTTER Biology Parker, CO

ELIZABETH KASUBKE Elementary Education Mexico, MO

CLAIRE MCDONALD Biology/Pre-Vet Jefferson City, MO

McNutt Award:

Cockrell Award:

BENJAMIN SCHMIEMEIER Communication Wildwood, MO

EMMA PFORTMILLER Biology Englewood, CO

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left : courtesy of wwu equestrian department ; right : courtesy of the wwu athletic department

WWU EQS Director crowned World Champ

SPORTS

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Alicia Engelbrecht Faith Gerling Katie Keath Elizabeth Luebbert Harley Nale Kimi Putnam Keelee Watkins MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Alex Bossing Tyler Bossing Hunter Carpenter Jackson Conner Ben Farrell Zachary Knopf Cole Koch Nathaniel Ogden Charlie Schattgen MEN’S SOCCER Zachary Baliva Daniel Bateman Jon Buerge Jagan Crane Roberto Duro Sanchez Ben Faherty Iker Gonzalez Ayden Propst

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William Woods Placed 45 Owls as Fall 2020 Midwest Academic All-Conference

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Academic All-Conference Honorees

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Riley Alton Kate Doerhoff Meagan Engelbrecht Alli Gueck Ally Konarzewski Hannah Kuehl Lanie Lowry Faith McQueen Tori Rosemann Tess Schannuth Kylie Zamboni-Cutter WOMEN’S SOCCER Mackenzie Ballard Samantha Donaldson McKenzie Gourley Michyla Handley Rosemary Lenz Arianna Meikel Brianna Morrow Abby Prather-Turner Savannah Smith Abigail Wilson

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SPORTS

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Academic AllConference Honorees William Woods Placed 107 Owls as Winter/Spring 2021 Midwest Academic All-Conference WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Kasey Hazell Amaya Keeling Jheda Kennedy Skylyr Leake Harley Nale Arriyonn Phillips Natalie Thomas MEN’S BASKETBALL Dax Beem Matt Burgess William Gibson Ian Hodges Makenzie Fessler Andrew Net Mahmadou Ngoucheme Dylan Pitt Mike Robinson Codi Whitlock Noah Wurtz Kevin Yang Spencer Yoggerst MEN’S GOLF Jakub Dymecki Maxime Faure Philipp Heller Grant Mach Arron Patel Logan Smith Pheemawat Winomrat

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WOMEN’S GOLF Krystal Burgtorf Paige Hawkins Victoria Hooker Jennah Schell Maria Zrodowska

MEN’S TRACK & FIELD Alex Bossing Tyler Bossing Jacob Cain Hunter Carpenter Jackson Conner Landon Dunlap Jared Eliuk Ben Farrell Zachary Knopf Cole Koch Aliczander Nikonowicz Nathaniel Ogden Jonathan Rae Tanner Riddle Charlie Schattgen Quentin Webert, Brian Winkelmann WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD Jessica Clausner Ellie Dimond Alicia Engelbrecht Katie French Faith Gerling Mary Grover Tara Hillebrand Lauren Imler Katie Keath Elizabeth Luebbert Harley Nale Kimi Putnam Courtney Richardson Ananiah Talton Natalie Thomas Trinity Thomas Kristan Wilson Jeanette Woehrle Kylie Zamboni-Cutter

BASEBALL Logan Blumhagen Ben Bradley Jake Fleming Andrew Fyffe Isaiah Gibbs Chase Gibson Brock Glavey Kaleb Haley Conrad Hansel Dylan Hansen Zach Krause Ryan Long Bryson Matthews Kamron Morriss Jack Niggemeier Connor Poulson Jordan Smith Owen Tripp Easton Wallace Kohl Weber SOFTBALL Taylor Bell Devyn Burton Bri Devellano Arianna Donovan Mallory Feldewerth Katie Gaus Alexis Hassler Hanna Knipp Ally Mahoney Sarah Ostertag Annika Ramon Mia Santos Celeste Sermeno Jaden Swift Emma Taylor Ashlyn Towery Kalee Wall Sydney Wilbeck Lindy Wilson TH E WOODS 2 02 1

What Employers Want University establishes new degree, certificate programs in Leadership, Strategic Innovation and Change

BY JOHN FOUGERE

If there is one thing that The Woods prides itself on, it is the University’s ongoing capacity to develop academic programs that provide education in areas that are the most in-demand by today’s employers.

The latest example from the past year came when WWU announced one new degree and two new certificate programs in June, designed to produce individuals skilled in the highly sought-after qualities of leadership, innovation and change.

Beginning with the fall 2021 semester, WWU began offering three new academic programs within its School of Business and Technology: an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Leadership; an undergraduate business certificate in Leadership, and a graduate-level business certificate in Strategic Innovation and Change. All three programs are being delivered on-line in convenient eight-week courses; students who opt for the A.A. degree in Leadership can also choose an on-campus, in-person program in a traditional semester format as well.

“In today’s highly-competitive work environment,

employers want to see more out of their employees, including leadership skills, the ability to manage projects and people, flexibility to adapt to change, and strategic, innovative thinking,” said President Jahnae H. Barnett. “By offering new opportunities on both the undergraduate and graduate level for working professionals to improve in these critical areas, William Woods is once again living up to its mission of being a professions-oriented University.”

Focusing on the needs of the community and of working professionals has long been a commitment at William Woods. This past May, the University announced an online tuition discount of 10 percent for all employees of businesses and organizations that are members of the Callaway County Chamber of Commerce and all employees of public school districts in Callaway County. The discount includes online courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level in a variety of career-enhancing subjects such as education, business, psychology and cybersecurity.

HOOT!

Top Ten

Another year, another great ranking for William Woods from the College Factual, one of the nation’s top college data and analytic firms. In College Factual’s Best Colleges for NonTraditional Students 2021, WWU was rated in the top ten percent nationally out of more than 2,100 colleges and universities ranked, and fourth best in the state of Missouri out of 49 institutions listed. “Nontraditional” students refers to any student that falls outside the norm of first-time, fulltime students under the age of 25.

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Forward Thinking William Woods University releases 2021 strategic plan HOOT!

Top Rating

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BY JOHN FOUGERE

During the observance of the 150th anniversary of William PLANNING Woods University’s founding in 2020, much of the focus was on the University’s illustrious past. In 2021, The Woods set the course for its future with the release of its 2021 Strategic Plan.

In a virtual message sent to the campus community on April 20, President Jahnae H. Barnett officially announced the release of the plan, a comprehensive blueprint for the University’s future growth and stability. It is the result of a two-and-a-half year process, involving input from the entire institution that focuses on key priorities such as academic culture, communication, enrollment management, strategic partnerships and investing in facilities and key technology infrastructure.

“The hallmark of all effective organizations is the constant practice of planning for the future and extensive self-review,” said the President in her remarks to the WWU campus. “After decades of steady growth in enrollment, infrastructure and quality academic programs, we are poised to extend our continued success as an institution with this dynamic roadmap for where William Woods is going.”

WWU embarked on creating its 2021 Strategic Plan in the autumn of 2018, to establish a proactive

means to moving the University forward. The presence of the COVID-19 pandemic, a year and a half into the process of creating the new plan, led to a necessary reconsideration of previous strategic planning assumptions. Responding to COVID-19, decreasing traditional enrollments, public concern over rising costs of higher education, student debt, retention and campus diversity and inclusion are the biggest challenges facing higher education at the present time, which the University aims to manage through deliberate and proactive strategic planning.

Upon the plan’s release, the University is keeping the momentum alive through year-long open campus forums related to each of the five strategic priorities, involving project leads and campus constituents, so that the plan is subject to continued critical review.

“It is crucial that our strategic plan remains a living and breathing document, one that charts and shapes our future path and is reviewed and consulted on a regular basis,” said Barnett. “With all our campus constituents deeply involved and having an ongoing stake in the process, I have never been more convinced that our best days as a University are ahead of us.”

The entire plan can be found on the William Woods website at www.williamwoods.edu, under 2021 Strategic Plan.

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left : micala austin photography; right : photos courtesy of the wwu athletic department

The quality of three William Woods online degree programs received high marks in rankings released in 2021 by a national higher education rating service. Intelligent.com, an online research firm based in Seattle that assists students in making informed decisions about higher education, rated the WWU Online Masters in Science Education degree as the seventh best nationally; the WWU Online MBA in Entrepreneurship degree number 18 in the nation; and the WWU Online Small Business Management degree as the 19th best in the U.S

One Hall of an Honor

SPORTS

Anthony Stockton Announced as 2021 AMC Hall of Fame Inductee

BY A MC S P ORTS I N FORMATION

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dominated the throws events. It was a joy watching him compete. He leaves behind quite a legacy at William Woods and the AMC. A deserving honor for a dedicated and talented young man.”

At the conference level, Anthony Stockton became a “household name” as he was a three-time AMC Indoor Field Athlete of the Year (2011, 2012, 2014), threetime AMC Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year (2010, 2011, 2013), three-time Outdoor discus champion (2010, 2011, 2013), two-time AMC indoor weight throw champion (2011, 2012), two-time AMC indoor shot put champion (2012, 2014) and two-time AMC outdoor shot put champion (2011, 2013).

“I couldn’t have been more excited for Anthony when I heard the news,” said Daniel Radkowiec, former William Woods Track and Field Coach. “I don’t believe I have met an athlete that was more of a competitor.

The bigger the meet was, the better he was going to perform. He loved to compete and the results showed.”

In addition to his national championship performance, Stockton was a four-time NAIA Outdoor National Championships qualifier in the hammer throw and shot put (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), a twotime Indoor National Qualifier in the shot put (2012, 2014) and a two-time qualifier for the outdoor discus (2012, 2013).

“As the first individual national championship athlete in the history of William Woods University athletics, six-time American Midwest Conference track athlete of the year and winner of 12 total Conference championships in both indoor and outdoor track and field, Anthony Stockton is simply one of the greatest athletes to ever don the William Woods green and white,” said Dr. Jahnae Barnett, William Woods University President. “In addition to his unparalleled athletic excellence, Anthony is a quality human being who represented William Woods with class. It is my honor to congratulate him on his well-deserved induction into the AMC Hall of Fame.”

“I’m overwhelmed with joy to hear that the AMC is bestowing the Hall of Fame honor to my friend and former teammate,” said Jon Williams, former William Woods University Track and Field Athlete. “I can’t think of any better person to hold such a great honor.

Your hard work and perseverance throughout college was a true testament to the type of person you are and continue to be every day. I know that you will hold this honor dear to your heart. Congratulations “Big A.” You deserve it, my friend.”

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The American Midwest Conference announced its second class of inductees into the AMC Hall of Fame.

The Class of 2021, just like the inaugural Class of 2020, will feature two people, one of the most successful coaches in Conference history, Dennis Currier of Harris-Stowe (Mo.) and arguably the greatest track and field thrower to compete in the Conference, Anthony Stockton of William Woods (Mo.).

“Congratulations to Dennis and Anthony on their selection for the AMC Hall of Fame Class of 2021. Their inclusion certainly maintains the prestige of the Hall of Fame honoring the best of the best we have seen in the AMC and Show-Me Collegiate Conference,” said Will Wolper, AMC Commissioner. “Recognizing and honoring the type of success they demonstrated, as a soccer coach and as a thrower, is the reason we created the AMC Hall of Fame.”

Stockton was a track and field athlete at William Woods from 2010-2014 and became the school’s first athlete to win an individual National Championship, which came at the 2013 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in the hammer throw (61.54-meters).

“I am very excited for Anthony. It is another amazing accomplishment for him. He becomes the first student-athlete to be inducted into the American Midwest Conference Hall of Fame. That’s quite an honor,” said Jason Vittone, William Woods University Athletics Director. “During his time at William Woods, Anthony

Logan Smith finished runner-up at the 2021 NAIA Men’s Golf National Championships, earning NAIA AllAmerica First Team and NAIA PING AllAmerica First Team honors.

Highlight Reel 152 STUDENTATHLETES earned Academic All-American Midwest Conference honors.

6 TEAMS qualified for the NAIA National Championships.

8 STUDENTATHLETES received NAIA All-American honors.

WOMEN’S GOLF TEAM won the AMC Championship for the 14th consecutive year.

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM, led by Coach Doug Tabbert, received the 2021 USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award

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photos courtesy of wwu equestrian department

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EQUESTRIAN

William Woods University Equestrian students and horses’ drill team performance with nationally-known Saddlebred Stallion featured at premiere horse festival

“THIS EVENT IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF THE KIND OF UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ONE CAN EXPECT AS A STUDENT IN OUR EQUESTRIAN PROGRAM.” TH E WO OD S 2021

Students of the elite Equestrian Studies program at William Woods University (WWU) received the opportunity of a lifetime earlier this year – to have their performance skills with a nationally-known American Saddlebred Stallion displayed to a nationwide audience.

Marc of Charm, the American Saddlebred Stallion, was named the 2021 Breyer Model Horse of the Year at Breyerfest, an annual celebration of horses in July 2021 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. With this year’s Breyerfest being held virtually, Marc of Charm’s owner and trainers decided to produce a video to present him to the world stage as part of the event. That video showcased not only the famous stallion, but also the William Woods Equestrian Studies program.

Earlier this year, eight William Woods Equestrian students and their horses, received a rare opportunity when they were chosen to perform a drill team routine around Marc of Charm in a performance that took place at the UPHA riding arena on the WWU campus. The video that recorded the March 20 performance was used at Breyerfest to reveal the champion horse to the world as a Breyer model.

“This represented a wonderful opportunity to showcase the William Woods Equestrian program to what was a vast audience in the industry, at Breyerfest,” said Sarah Track, WWU Associate Professor of Equestrian Studies, Saddle Seat. “It is a prime example of the kind of unique experiences one can expect as a student in the Equestrian program at The Woods.”

William Woods students appearing in the video as riders included Jamie Johnson ’21 (Kennebunk, Maine), Grace McFarland ’21 (Palos Park, Ill.), Emily Rhodes ’21 (Olathe, Kan.), Ashley Jeppesen ’22

(Toronto, Ontario), Tyler Hodgkins ’24 (Biddeford, Maine), Grant Hoofer ’24 (Andover, Kan.), Faith Sorum ’24 (Edmond, Okla.) and Devin Sell ’24 (Georgetown, Ky). The WWU display team also involved three grounds crew members, including Tatiana Miller ’21 (Louisville, Ky.), Haylee Sheldon ’23 (Hillsborough, N.J.) and Amy Luppino ’24 (Columbia, Mo.).

“Organizing a drill team of eight American Saddlebred show horses, decorating the arena for the performance, and preparing the stables for the iconic Marc of Charm to spend the night last March seemed like a gigantic unknown at the time,” said Track. “The fact that William Woods has such dedicated and coachable students, along with all of the amazing donated horses and support of our fellow faculty across campus, I felt strongly that we could do our best to make honoring this wonderful stallion a reality.”

THE WOODS

BY JOHN FOUGERE

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National Exposure

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Once Again Making The Grade

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William Woods earns another outstanding review, continued accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

BY JOHN FOUGERE

After turning 150 years old during 2020, it didn’t take ACCREDITATION the University long to do an encore in 2021.

In January, WWU received notification of a positive review from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) – the national accreditor for institutions of higher education like William Woods. The review was the culmination of a three-year preparation process and an October 2020 campus visit by a committee of HLC reviewers, resulting in William Woods being officially granted continued accreditation, matching the same conclusion reached by HLC during its last review of WWU, in 2016.

“We could not be more pleased with this latest positive review from HLC, which confirms that William Woods remains poised to continue our impressive upward trajectory as a university,” said President Jahnae Barnett.

Like other colleges and universities, WWU is subject to regular reviews by an accreditor to ensure that the University continues to meet the Criteria for Accreditation. The Chicago-based Higher Learning Commission serves institutions based in a nineteen state region and reviews institutions over a ten-year cycle.

Every HLC institution is judged on five categories, including the following: • Understanding the university’s mission • Acting with integrity • Providing a quality learning experience • Evaluating and improving programs • Developing resources, structures, and processes that serve the university’s needs, both now and in the future William Woods was officially granted continued

accreditation with no concerns in any of the five categories following HLC’s October visit, just as it was in 2016.

“It is always quite satisfying when a university engages in an HLC review and comes out with no follow-up or areas of concern,” said Dr. Michael Westerfield, former Vice-President for Institutional Research at WWU who oversaw the review process for the University. “It is an achievement that any institution would be most proud of.”

In his higher education career, Westerfield amassed considerable expertise in accreditation, reviewing more than 65 other colleges for HLC. He led a process at William Woods that began planning for this milestone in the fall of 2017 by holding campus-wide meetings, appointing committees to collect information, and analyzing the University’s

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HOOT!

Graduation Rates

micala austin photography

A study by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development listed William Woods as one of the universities in the state of Missouri that has made significant advances in graduation rates in recent years. The report stated that WWU’s rate among students that graduated within six years was 59 percent in 2020, compared to 53 percent in 2016, and better than the statewide rate of 52.8 percent. Among the factors noted in the report, favoring William Woods was a positive facultystudent ratio of 12 to 1, so that students get to know and have personal access to their professors, and a deeply involved Academic Success Center that provides extensive tutoring and success coaching services for students.

strengths and concerns.

“The process that led up to the visit from the HLC team included leaders from all sections of the University,” said Dr. Westerfield. “The team effort included numerous meetings and significant collection of evidence that William Woods University meets the Criteria for Accreditation. I am pleased with the work of the committee and my colleagues at William Woods.”

“This is additional affirmation of our identity as an engaging campus community with quality academics, top-flight faculty and wonderful students,” said President Barnett.

“After another outstanding HLC review that coincided with the 150th anniversary of our founding as a University, it is safe to say we are just getting started at William Woods.”

TH E WO OD S 2021

“AFTER ANOTHER OUTSTANDING HLC REVIEW THAT COINCIDED WITH THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR FOUNDING AS A UNIVERSITY, IT IS SAFE TO SAY WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED AT WILLIAM WOODS.”

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Into THE WOODS

With a new Multicultural Enrichment Center and Black Student Union, WWU students now have new ways to express and celebrate their culture on campus

BY HANNAH LOETH EN

“THIS PROCESS HAS MOMENTUM. IT IS A REALLY BIG PROJECT, BUT I THINK IT IS SOMETHING OUR WHOLE CAMPUS WILL REALLY BENEFIT FROM.”

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Culture Club

At William Woods, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is a CULTURE core value of the University. This year, The Woods has established two new initiatives to help further that commitment with the opening of the new Multicultural Enrichment Center on campus and the student-led formation of a new Black Student Union.

The Multicultural Enrichment Center, housed within Brockman Hall as part of the new Brockman Student Center, was the result of a proposal from the campus Diversity and Inclusion Committee. The committee’s request was for a location on campus that would allow a space for students to be able to utilize for connection and hosting cultural events.

“We wanted a safe space for all students on campus, but specifically for students who tend to be in marginalized communities,” said Darianne Maclin, Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. “The Multicultural Enrichment Center is also a place for international students to come and celebrate their culture. Or for LGBTQ+ students, for example, to put on events that are specific to their community.”

One of the main goals of the Multicultural Enrichment Center is to create a place that is active, engaging and welcoming for all students to be able to come and participate. Located on the main floor inside Brockman, the center is set up like a conference room with a monitor, tables and seating. It currently lacks a cultural touch, however, which will be solved when student organizations are able to come in and decorate it.

One of the newest student organizations on campus, the Black Student Union, will have its home in the Multicultural Enrichment Center. Forming a firstever Black Student Union at WWU has been a topic of conversation for a couple years now, and it has now arrived, beginning with the fall semester 2021. The purpose behind the Black Student Union is not that the group is exclusive to only black students, but that the topics that are discussed and the advocacy that takes place in the organization are focused on the students, faculty, and staff from the Black community.

“I know the name can sometimes put people in a position that if they are not as educated on the history of black student organizations and black student unions, they may be a little more put off by the idea

because they don’t understand what it is,” said Maclin, the advisor to the new group. “There is a big education piece that we will focus on, exploring issues that affect our students, faculty and staff of color. With that being said, it is important to emphasize that anyone and everyone is welcome to join this new organization.”

The goals of the Black Student Union are to allow students of color to feel more included and welcomed on campus, to create a space for community, and to educate fellow students on various aspects of Black culture. The union would like to put on educational campus events, but also events that allow students to engage with various characteristics of culture as well.

Some of the ideas they have are a step show, a talent show, and a weekend food event that focuses on food that originates in the Black community.

“The potential for this group is exciting for me as an advisor,” said Maclin. “I am glad to be a part of this process to help them facilitate and get access to the resources they need to be able to do all of the things they are planning on making happen.”

With the Black Student Union and Multicultural Enrichment Center being established on campus around the same time, their missions fit perfectly together. With the center being a blank canvas right now, the union is excited to help put it all together and get it decorated and ready for students to utilize.

“This process has momentum. It is a really big project, but I think it is something our whole campus will really benefit from,” said Maclin.

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An Enemy of the People

THEATRE

The Bard of Avon

by Henrik Ibsen, adapted by Tom Isbel Which is more important: public health or economic stability? In a modern adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People, a town must decide between cleaning up its contaminated spa and risk losing jobs or keeping its central industry open and continuing to make people sick. When the spa’s medical officer goes toe-to-toe with the town’s mayor, he is declared an enemy of the people. Performed at Cutlip Auditorium October 1 through October 3. Due to COVID-19 regulations, this production was closed to the public.

by William Shakespeare

Goldilocks on Trial

by Ed Monk Goldilocks is on trial for breaking and entering. Will she be found guilty and sent to prison, or will the truth come out? It’s up to Judge Wallabee and some very silly jurors to decide, after hearing testimony from Goldee, the bickering Three Bears, and surprise witness Merwin the Big Bad Wolf among others. Performed at Cutlip Auditorium November 19 through Novemer 21. Due to COVID-19 regulations, this production was closed to the public.

The Bard was back in town and had a lot to say. Students enjoyed a performance of scenes, soliloquies, and sonnets from the Bard compiled by Erik Hillskemper & Joe Potter. Performed at Cutlip Auditorium April 15 through April 17. Due to COVID-19 regulations, this production was closed to the public.

The Night Witches

by Rachel Bublitz The Night Witches, of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, flew in planes made of canvas and wood, and were constantly being shuffled and moved to perform new duties; mechanics would become navigators, navigators would become pilots, and pilots would become commanders. Nina and Vera have just finished their training as navigators and are moments away from their first combat mission. Using movement and lyrically styled dialogue, we follow these brave women through one fateful evening during the war. Due to COVID-19 regulations, this production was closed to the public.

WARRIOR WOMEN OF WWII

POLICE DEPARTMENT

GOLDILOCKS 103827058

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GUEST SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

Back In The Saddle

Reality star and equestrian Carson Kressley returns to WWU

BY V ERONICA TOWNS END

“I AM EXCITED TO SEE CAMPUS, MS. GAYLE LAMPE AND THE EQS STUDENTS BECAUSE THAT IS WHERE MY PASSION IS.”

Carson Kressley speaks to WWU students at Dulany Auditorium in April of 2021

top, bottom and right : micala austin photography

( 3 ); middle left : veronica townsend

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Carson Kressley first become acquainted with William Woods CELEBRITY University when the University hosted World Cup Equestrian trials in the 1990s, when he first began building a relationship with the WWU Equestrian Studies department. He has since gone on to star in the original Bravo series “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy,” was the host on the TV show “How to Look Good Naked,” took part in Dancing With The Stars and currently serves as a judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on VH-1.

A World Champion equestrian as well, Kressley visited the William Woods campus on April 15-16 of this year to share his experiences with current WWU students 30 years after his first connection with The Woods.

“I am excited to see campus, Ms. Gayle Lampe and the EQS students because that is where my passion is,” Kressley said in his first of two addresses to students at Dulany Auditorium on Thursday, April 15. “It is great to be back – the campus looks beautiful.”

As a longtime friend of WWU Professor Emeritus of Equestrian Science Gayle Lampe, Kressley worked with Lampe at the American Horse Shows Association, now called United States Equestrian Federation.

He organized clinics, while Lampe taught clinics for judges. When the organization contacted Lampe to see if she would teach saddle seat and do clinics around the United States. Kressley hired Lampe to teach. When not in show biz, Kressley can be found at horse shows, showing horses. He came on his April visit to William Woods to reunite with Lampe, put on two LEAD events for students, tour the local horse barns, and ride Lampe’s horse.

“Over the years, he has become more himself and his own person,” Lampe said. “I think he has more confidence and people love his style.”

In his talks with WWU students, Kressley told stories about the life lessons he has learned through equestrian, his move from the equestrian world to fashion, and tidbits from his work on such shows as Queer Eye

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“Be nice, say yes a lot and try different things. It led me to where I am. Being authentic has been the greatest asset.”

TH E WO OD S 2021

THE WOODS

For The Straight Guy and Dancing With The Stars.

Students like Aly Jacquemin enjoyed hearing about Kressley’s journey through his equestrian adventures and acting career.

“I thought it was awesome that he learned to stay successful and always said yes and didn’t miss an opportunity,” Jacquemin said. “I liked when he stated that even though he didn’t think he was coordinated to dance, he continued Dancing With The Stars and managed to have a lot of fun with it.’

Molly O’Connell attended the event because she had known of Carson for many years through the various television shows he has done.

“I did not realize he was an equestrian until someone mentioned to me that he donated a horse here, and I saw the flyers for the event,” O’Connell said. “My favorite lesson that Carson shared was about just “riding through it” when you get nervous, whether that be figuratively in life or literally on a horse.”

Kressley told WWU students that at one time he had no idea what he wanted to do in life, but his number one piece of advice is to say yes and not limit yourself.

“I embraced everything, stayed and figured it out later,” Kressley said. “Relationships are important. People move around to different jobs you never know.”

Into

Carson Kressley’s connection with WWU goes back 30 years

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1

SPEAK GREEK

Into

Chapter Notes

THE WOODS

1. ALPHA CHI OMEGA

“COVID hasn’t stopped the Delta Chi Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega from seeking the heights. We started the year with a successful formal recruitment, adding 15 new sisters to the chapter. Throughout the year, we’ve adapted our chapter programming to meet the University’s COVID safety requirements: we’ve continued many chapter events this way from Lyrefest to our Spring Formal.”

—Mackenzie Ballard, ’23

2. PHI GAMMA DELTA

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“After a difficult end to the 2020 spring semester and many changes in our dayto-day life in the fall semester, the men of the Kappa Chi chapter wanted to make the chapter a point of normalcy in the lives of our members. The chapter held its position as the fraternity with the highest GPA on campus. We had a year full of great brotherhood events and managed to add five new members this year. We won the philanthropy weeks of both Alpha Phi and Alpha Chi Omega.

This is all in addition to our Philanthropy

week planned for April, during which we will raise money for both the local Special Olympics and the national United Service Organization.”

—Palmer Soberg, ‘23

2

3. DELTA GAMMA

“Delta Omega has found unique ways to stay connected and do good during the time of COVID. Our chapter, and the women within it, have prevailed through a lot, all while being their authentic and genuine selves. The chapter is off of status as of last year— a goal we’ve been working towards for years— and even more impressive during a pandemic. We have received a spirit award from our Executive Offices, as they have recognized the impact of the work we do even on such a small campus. This year, we will continue to build on the progress we have made through one of the hardest years and uphold the safe space we have created on campus.”

—Alex Keller, ‘22

3

4. ALPHA PHI

“Our chapter has been working hard this year.

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All of the Greek organizations teamed up to help our local philanthropy, Our House, by raising money and helping to paint. Also, this year we are able to host Mac and Phis. The set up for Mac and Phis is different than in years past, but we are excited to be able to have this event to support our national philanthropy.

We have gained 14 new members this year! We have also been able to come up with new and innovative ideas to have sister bonding and to keep the house active.

Our Executive Board was also able to attend our Leadership Conference this year. This year it was held virtually, so we got to enjoy it from the comfort of our living room. Also, since it was held virtually, all of the appointed positions got to attend leadership conference as well.”

—Britney Boden, ‘22 5. CHI OMEGA

“The women of the Tau Theta chapter of Chi Omega have done an outstanding job flourishing in both their academics and extra-

curricular endeavors despite the unprecedented times we have been living through!

Continuing with our strong academics, we maintained Panhellenic Top Grades with an allhouse GPA of 3.675 in the fall of 2020. We had an extremely successful spring recruitment and were able to bring six lovely women into our sisterhood, remaining the largest chapter on campus. While following COVID guidelines, our chapter was also able to support our national philanthropy, 4

7

the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and raised over $2000 for donation in the fall. We are beyond proud of our Tau Theta women and cannot wait to see where the following year brings us!”

—Ally Konarzewski, ‘23 6. PI KAPPA ALPHA

“ The men of the Lambda Eta Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha have continued to strive for success inside and outside of the classroom during these challenging times. We have collectively set out

to reach and normalize higher standards in our academic and athletic performances. The Lambda Eta chapter will continue to uphold their standards by being the best scholars, leaders, athletes, and gentleman they can be.”

—Grant Mach, ‘XX 7. SIGMA TAU GAMMA

“We more than doubled our chapter size this recruitment!!”

—Jared Eliuk, ‘21

5

6

TH E WO OD S 2021

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Into THE WOODS HOOT!

Inclusivity

Despite the pandemic, William Woods returned to hosting its groundbreaking “Bridging Differences: Conversations on Gender, Race and Equality” symposium in 2021, featuring lectures, discussions and film screenings exploring issues of diversity and equality. Held virtually on March 29-31, this year’s symposium was the fifth such conference at WWU in the past six years, pausing only in 2020 due to the pandemic, and once again demonstrating the University’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful campus environment.

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Taking the Fifth William Woods University team named Missouri Collegiate DECA Chapter of the Year for fifth consecutive year

BY JOHN FOUGERE

The utter dominance of the Missouri Collegiate DECA competition BUSINESS

by William Woods University continued in 2021.

For the first time, a Missouri university was named state Collegiate DECA Chapter of the Year for five consecutive years, and that institution was William Woods. The WWU team once again claimed the honor at the Missouri Collegiate DECA annual conference, which took place virtually February 15 -19, becoming the first school ever to win the prestigious award five years in a row. Around 100 Collegiate DECA participants attended the conference, representing 11 Missouri colleges and universities.

DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) is an organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in the fields of marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. William Woods is one of 250 campuses around the world with a Collegiate DECA chapter.

The Missouri Collegiate DECA Chapter of the Year is determined by participation in the Leadership Passport Program, a scrapbook outlining chapter activities, and

an interview conducted at the state conference. The Leadership Passport Program is a recognition program also hosted at the national level that honors Collegiate DECA chapters and individuals for completing activities in the categories of Academically Successful and Career Ready, Community Oriented, Professionally Responsible and Experienced Leaders.

“Having William Woods named DECA Collegiate Chapter of the Year for the fifth consecutive year, beating out teams from much larger universities in the process, is pretty remarkable,” said David Forster, Associate Professor of Business and Economics and DECA advisor at WWU. “Our success illustrates not only the outstanding quality of students we have, but also the exciting opportunities possible for someone who decides to attend The Woods.”

The WWU victory was highlighted by the duo of Kassidy Phillips ’24, who finished first in the Financial Accounting category, and Kaley Crocket ’24, who took third in the travel and tourism category. Also representing WWU at the competition were Liz Tamborski ’22, Jennah Schell ’22 and Grace Mauzy ‘24.

TH E WOODS 2 02 1

Hoots Academic ServiceLearning Award Kamerra Brown Allen

Assistant Professor of Equestrian Studies, received the Distinguished Alumni Award from her alma mater, Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware.

The Academic ServiceLearning Award is presented to the graduate with a 3.40 grade point average or above who, in the estimation of the faculty of the University, has best exemplified an exceptional commitment to service-learning. This year this award was presented to:

Emma Pfortmiller ‘21 Pfortmiller graduated with a degree in Biology with a premedicine concentration, with minors in Social Work, Chemistry and Physics. An honors student with a 3.86 GPA, the Littleton, CO native has been involved in a variety of research projects, work experiences, and activities while earning distinguished honors during her time at William Woods.

Faculty Award

Rachel Deutmeyer Assistant Professor of Photography, has been accepted to have her solo exhibit “Everything Fades” to be displayed at the Dubuque Museum of Art in Dubuque Iowa in 2022.

TH E WO OD S 2021

The Faculty Award is presented to the magna cum laude or summa cum laude graduate who, in the estimation of the faculty of the University, has evidenced exemplary devotion and commitment to the life of the mind. This year this award was presented to:

Emma Cunningham ‘21

Cunningham is an honors student and double major in theatre and ASL interpreting, excelling at both. The Lee’s Summit, Missouri senior is a true student of theatre, and has used her time at William Woods actively to develop her considerable skills in every aspect of theatre production.

Cunningham also found time to further serve William Woods as a University Ambassador.

High Honor Erik Hillskemper, Associate Professor of English, was awarded the 2021 Louis D. Beaumont Dad’s Association Distinguished Professor of the Year Award at William Woods University.

This award carries an honorarium and is presented annually to a faculty member who has displayed an outstanding dedication to teaching. Recipients of the award are nominated and chosen by students. One student that nominated Hillskemper for the award commented that “he is very understanding of our needs and teaches in a way that is conducive to our individual learning and growth.”

Hillskemper was also praised by a student as someone who “involves all of his students and their opinions into our learning plans so that essays are graded on a fair scale and all of our writing topics are either our own topic choice or a variety of topics that we can choose and vote on.” Another added that Dr. Hillskemper “always makes his classes feel like a place for growth.”

A member of the William Woods faculty since 2008, Dr. Hillskemper served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland, from 2004 through 2007.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF EQUESTRIAN STUDIES (WESTERN)

LIZ HABEN

awarded

Champ

Assistant Professor of Management,

Miriam O’Callaghan,

Haben was declared the MPHC Spring Thaw Circuit Champion in Ranch Riding and Ranch Pleasure.

Haben was also named a top ten rider at the APHA PAC World Championship E-Show.

spoke at the International Webinar – ‘The Effects of COVID-19 on Business and Human Resources’ organized by M. L. Dahanukar College of Commerce (India) and Indian Accounting Association.

HISTORY Zachary Dowdle, Assistant Professor of History, was awarded the 2021 Lawrence O. Christensen Article Award for “Preventing a ‘School of Nullification’: Politics, Slavery, and the Presidency of the University of Missouri, 1839-1856,” which was published in the Missouri Historical Review in January 2020. This is an annual prize for the best article published on a historical topic related to Missouri awarded by the Missouri Conference on History.

Tony Weed,

Assistant Professor of Communication was the Executive Producer of “The Dangerous Type,” a short film that premiered at the Omaha Film Festival.

Valerie Wedel,

Assistant Professor of Studio Art, served as co-editor of the textbook, “Drawing The Human Form”, which is scheduled to be published by the end of 2021.

What the Doctor ordered

Joseph Davis, Instructor of Education, completed his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri. The title of his Dissertation is Confronting Digital Folk Pedagogies in Missouri Educator Preparation Programs. Davis was also appointed a member of the Fulton Public Schools Board of Education.

25

Into THE WOODS Director of the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program and Assistant Professor of Management

“Adapting your management style to every situation is an important skill as you lead.”

26

Dr. Miriam O’Callaghan spoke about the ability to resolve team conflict using emotional intelligence (EI).

DR. MARDY LEATHERS ‘14

Director of the the Missouri Division of Workforce Development

“You challenge the status quo and become a conduit for sustainable success.”

Dr. Mardy Leathers spoke about transformational leadership and what it is to be a “change agent”.

GRETCHEN ADAMS ‘87

President of WWU Alumni Association

“Personal achievement comes when you do big things by yourself, success comes when you empower followers to do big things for you.”

Gretchen Adams led a discussion on Service Leadership and the “Law of Legacy.”

DR. THOMAS TRICE

Director of the MBA program, Director of the Leadership Center, and Associate Professor of Business

“I believe in designing assignments and assessments that are meaningful and challenge students to think critically.”

The WWU Leadership Center hosted and sponsored several events throughout the Leadership Summit.

DR. STEPHEN FORSHA

Director of the School of Business and Technology, and Associate Professor of Business

“I want students to become leaders who will transform not only their own lives but also the lives of others.”

The WWU Leadership Center hosted and sponsored several events throughout the Leadership Summit. TH E WOODS 2 02 1

above , katrina berban ; left, katrina berban and micala austin photography

DR. MIRIAM O’CALLAGHAN

Leadership Summit

LEADERSHIP

Right: Several local business owners and employees presented to college student at the Playhouse Bistro in Fulton, MO. They spoke about career opportunities, employment potential, and what it takes to be a leader.

sional development sessions, panel discussions, an invitational jobs summit with the local chamber and industry leaders, as well as educational seminars, on topics like Emotional Intelligence in organizations, Service leadership and legacy, Crisis leadership during Covid and Transformational leadership were also offered.

A highlight of this year’s event was the keynote and farewell address for outgoing President of WWU, Dr. Jahnae Barnett who leaves a legacy of 31 years as President and 48 in total with The Woods.

Nearly half a century of experience, knowledge and wisdom, Dr. Barnett’s ultimate gift has been leaving us a flourishing, transformed University.

Leaders at The Woods seeks to continue honoring her legacy as a community of life-long learning by providing opportunities for personal growth, professional success and support to all alumni and future alumni, for their lives beyond their degree.

This event featured Dr. Mardy Leathers (WWU 2014 graduate) who is now the Director of the Missouri Department of Workforce Development.

Dr. Leathers spoke about transformational leadership and how to create positive energy, ignite passion, and foster a work environment that thrives on personal motivation, adaptability, collaboration, and accountability. Dr. Leathers stated, “You challenge the status quo and become a conduit for

THE WOODS

Above: President Barnett delivered the keynote address about transformational leadersthip at the summit, her farewell address as President.

William Woods University is an institution where future leaders are made. To help continue that tradition, the University held its first-ever Leaders At The Woods Leadership Summit this past October, a fourday event featuring lectures, panel discussions and networking opportunities around the topics of leadership, professionalism and career enhancement.

This event was a tremendous success and included several milestones that will forever live in the history of the University.

With original plans to create a ‘Leaders Weekend,’ the hope was to create a signature event that occurred each fall– bringing alumni back to campus to share their talents and wisdom of experience with current students, staff, faculty, the mid-Missouri community and our alumni. Leaders at The Woods will take its place as a fall homecoming tradition that gives our recent graduates another reason to return and reconnect with campus and friends, as well as welcoming home those seasoned and accomplished alumni who have expertise and wisdom that benefits us all. Fall Leaders at The Woods is a natural complement to the long-standing spring tradition of Alumni Weekend.

By providing a unique and personal opportunity to network, connect with University staff and leadership, and meet our impressive and talented alumni and friends, content at “Leaders at The Woods” benefitted all of our William Woods community. Profes-

Into

William Woods University hosts its first leadership summit titled Leaders at The Woods; an event that benefitted all members of the WWU community.

27 TH E WO OD S 2021

Into THE WOODS Alums Angela Cooper ‘04 and Rebecca Cooper ‘09 atteneded the keynote address speech as well as enjoyed drinks at the farwell reception honoring Dr. Barnett.

sustainable success. Team collaboration and empowerment can transform us and make us better leaders ourselves.”

Another featured WWU alum was 1987 graduate Gretchen Adams, who is currently the WWU Alumni Association President. She led a discussion on service leadership and the “Law of Legacy.” She emphasised that personal achievement comes when you do big things by yourself, success comes when you empower followers to do big things for you, significance comes when you develop leaders to do great things with you, and legacy comes when you put leaders in position to do great things without you. “You and I will be judged by how well the people we invested in carried on after we are gone.” This is the greatest challenge a lifelong pursuit of leadership will face, but it is also the only thing that will matter in the end.

Particiants were also privilaged to hear of Dr. Miriam O’Callaghan, WWU Assistant Professor Management and Director of the WWU Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, speak about Organizational Leadership and Emotional Intelligence. O’Callaghan presented on how EI can be used to motivate every member of your team – even if they don’t share your value. The audience learned about using positive and corrective feedback to turn problem employees around and maximize productivity, and how to apply the most relevant conflict resolution style to eliminate organizational friction. “The ability to resolve team conflict using emotional intelligence (EI) and adapting your management style to every situation is an important skill to bring to any organization you lead,” said O’Callaghan.

Dr. Stephen Forsha and Dr. Thomas Trice oversee the newly created WWU Leadership Center which hosted of many of the Leaders at The Woods Summit events. Dr. Trice, director, also corridinated and hosted a special leadership symposium that included guest speakers Timothy Herrman, Senior Vice President of Corporate Safety and Security Oversight at Ameren Missouri, Nathan Lepper, Vice President of AZZ Manufacturing, and Melissa Siegel, Membership Director of the YMCA.

Consider a gift to support the Leadership Center Purpose Why a leadership center at William Woods University? In the School of Business and Technology, we develop students who are passionate about the world they live in and the work they do. We strive to be moral exemplars for our students and lead by example. Our leadership curriculum provides students with opportunities to reflect upon their leadership capabilities and develop the character needed to lead in dynamic organizations.

We developed the leadership center as a focal point of activity to further this mission of leading with character and to provide a collaborative space for leadership development, leadership research and experiential learning opportunities. We are creating a space where our stakeholders can come together, not only to engage in discussion about leadership, but to address current issues in our communities.

Goals for Funding » Renovation of the Leadership Center offices on the William Woods University Campus (Naming opportunities are available). » Donations for the establishment of a Leadership Center Scholarship for selected students who are members of the Leadership Center.

(Naming opportunities are available). » Funding to support the annual leadership summit/speakers series (Naming opportunities are available). » Donations for the development of the Center Fellows Program where students and community members investigate and provide solutions to real issues in their communities.

TH E WOODS 2 02 1

left, alexis willingham

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» Establishment of an endowed professor of leadership who would serve as Director of the Leadership Center (Naming opportunities are available).

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TH E WO OD S 2021

29

Closing The Books

Into

An extraordinary academic year at The Woods comes to a somewhat ordinary end

BY JOHN FOUGERE

THE WOODS

During the weekend of May 1-2, 2021, the sun shone COMMENCEMENT brightly over the green William Woods campus, as if to signify the bright futures for 294 newly-minted graduates and bright hopes for pandemic-less future years at The Woods. The University officially wrapped up perhaps the most unusual academic year in school history by celebrating its 151st commencement ceremonies during that tranquil first weekend in May, with the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies representing the first “traditional” on-campus commencement exercises since 2019, following the hiatus of 2020.

But like everything in the Year of COVID-19, even WWU’s graduation ceremonies were mostly non-traditional, as adjustments were needed to ensure the health and safety of all attendees. Instead of one undergraduate ceremony, there were three on May 1, with graduates and their loved ones required to wear masks and sit in a socially-distant arrangement inside McNutt Auditorium. Sunday, May 2 featured four graduate school commencement exercises instead of the standard single ceremony, subject to the same health and safety measures as the undergraduate version. All told, 128 undergraduates received their diplomas on May 1, followed by 166 graduate students on May 2. All ceremonies were live-streamed so that family members and friends of the University could follow the events online in real time.

Commencement addresses were different in 2021 as well. Instead of a single commencement speaker sending the graduates off into their futures at the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies respectively, each of the seven events had a different William Woods faculty member delivering the address. Speakers at the undergraduate ceremonies included Dr. Thomas Trice, Associate Professor of Business; Dr. Paul Schiltz, Associate Professor of Equestrian and university veterinarian and Dr. Stephanie Wells, Professor of English.

“You have faced down a deadly pandemic that had not occurred in our nation in 100 years and made it through,” Dr. Trice told undergraduates. “You sacrificed your sports, your spring breaks, seeing your families and loved ones, and social time with your friends to make it to today. Let the resilience you utilized to overcome these challenges strengthen your resolve and prove that there is nothing you cannot achieve when you believe in yourself and have empathy for others,” he said.

Graduate commencement on May 2 included four faculty speakers, which included Dr. Timothy Hanrahan, Associate Professor of Physical Education; Dr. Miriam O’Callaghan, Assistant Professor of Management ; Dr. Charlotte Miller, Assistant Professor of Education, and Dr. John Long, Associate Professor of Education.

Commencement weekend began on Friday, April 30 with the traditional Ivy Ceremony, and served as a culmination of a challenging year when William Woods

30 TH E WOODS 2 02 1

Below: One of the proud 294 graduates for 2021

TH E WO OD S 2021

“THE DETERMINATION, DISCIPLINE AND FLEXIBILITY OF OUR ENTIRE CAMPUS COMMUNITY MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO WITHSTAND THIS YEAR OF HEALTH AND SAFETY CHALLENGES.”

THE WOODS

persevered in the face of a global pandemic that radically altered the standard practices of higher education across the nation. But despite these challenges, William Woods was still able to complete the 2020-2021 academic year with on-campus, in-person instruction for the entire year, with relatively minimal incidence of positive COVID-19 cases among students, faculty and staff. The University held events such as the Fall Ivy Ceremony, intercollegiate athletic competition and Alumni Weekend in addition to classes, and also avoided having to lay-off and furlough University employees.

Still, 2020-2021 brought with it unheard-of adjustments. Face coverings were mandatory across campus and classrooms consisted of physically-distanced, diminished seating, with some held in non-traditional spaces such as libraries and auditoriums to accommodate the new set-up. Tucker Dining Hall had similar conditions, and on-campus events such as stage productions and athletic events were restricted to WWU students and staff.

Holding stage plays without members of the community present, with actors and actresses wearing face coverings, was a challenge for Director and Professor of Theatre Joe Potter. But, after all, the show must go on, even during a global pandemic.

“The actors did a great job as half their face was covered with a mask. It created a challenge that we met, and I am proud of our students because of that,” Potter said. “I believe theatre is the best thing when it comes to unifying people. Having theatre available to the student population gave people another reason to come out of their rooms while having a safe way to consume human interaction, on the stage. Every show has a lesson that it’s trying to teach people and if you take away theatre that lesson is lost.”

The unusual environment also made things interesting for the WWU Enrollment Management team, which had to forge ahead without the benefit of traveling away from campus for recruitment visits, or meeting with

prospective students and their families in person. That meant a greater emphasis on technology and digital means of connecting with prospective students, communicating more frequently via email and increasing online marketing.

One innovative campaign was with yard signs for newly-admitted students to display in their front yard.

The signs showed that a prospective student living at that residence had been accepted to William Woods and that they were attending WWU in the Fall 2021.

The signs were sent out in the summer for students to put out in the yard, since they could not get together with people outside their household, but could post on social media photos of the sign indicating where they are going to college.

In the end, an academic year that challenged the University more than perhaps any in its 151 years of existence all came to an end amid the joyous sights and sounds of a William Woods spring, with sunshine, graduation and the exciting potential of 294 graduates.

“We were beyond pleased to be able to hold our traditional commencement exercises to celebrate our graduates and their families in a safe and physically-distanced manner,” said WWU President Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett. “The determination, discipline and flexibility of our entire campus community made it possible for us to withstand this year of health and safety challenges, and our 2021 commencement ceremonies were a culmination of those extraordinary efforts.”

Into

Left: The Ivy Ceremony was held on Friday, April 30, a separate day than commencement

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Better Togeth William Woods’ history of and commitment to strategic partnerships helps move the University forward

By John Fougere FEATURE PHOTO BY MICALA AUSTIN PHOTOGRAPHY

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her 33 TH E WO OD S 2021

On a warm late August day in 2018,

Above: Missouri Military Academy students in class at WWU in the Triumph Program below: President Barnett with Major General Steve Danner, Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard, at the August 2018 Show-Me GOLD program announcement

tary partnership for WWU. In 2019, the University instituted the Triumph Program, an agreement between William Woods and Missouri Military Academy (MMA) in which cadets from the school in nearby Mexico, Missouri can achieve up to two years of college credit before they graduate from high school by taking college courses at WWU. Under the program, William Woods faculty teach college classes to the student cadets, providing the opportunity for them to learn the self-discipline it takes to perform at the college level – while still high school students.

Enrollment in the Triumph program has grown each year at The Woods, which together with Show-Me GOLD has burnished the University’s reputation as a military-friendly institution. Both programs also tell another story – how important it has been for William Woods to cultivate strategic partnerships.

“We are honored to enter into this historic partnership with the Missouri Army National Guard,” said President Barnett. “It is a significant milestone for our University, and one that will allow us to add quality young men and women to our campus community while providing a new generation of leaders to the National Guard in the form of trained, commissioned officers.”

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bottom left and right, micala austin photograpy (2)

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a military helicopter soared high above the William Woods campus before landing directly on the University soccer field.

An airborne invasion of The Woods?

Hardly.

Instead, members of the Missouri National Guard brass were visiting campus as allies, there to announce a cutting edge new partnership between WWU and the Guard called the Show-Me GOLD program. In front of the entire campus community and citizens of Fulton and Callaway County, President Jahnae Barnett and Missouri National Guard Major General Steve Danner announced the exciting new program, in which William Woods would begin offering an academic program that prepares men and women to be commissioned officers in the Guard.

William Woods was the first private university in Missouri to offer Show-Me GOLD (Guard Officer Leadership Development), a sterling example of the University’s ongoing commitment to entering into partnerships with outside organizations that are beneficial to both parties.

“We are honored to enter into this historic partnership with the Missouri Army National Guard,” said President Barnett that day. “It is a significant milestone for our University, and one that will allow us to add quality young men and women to our campus community while providing a new generation of leaders to the National Guard in the form of trained, commissioned officers.”

The GOLD program has thrived at William Woods to the point where the University hosted a joint training program with GOLD programs from other Missouri universities on campus in October 2021. And while it is a prime example of the William Woods commitment to utilize partnerships to move the institution forward, it’s not even the only mili-

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A NEW GAME PLAN Legendary Hall of Fame basketball coach John Wooden was fond of saying, “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”

Such “words to live by” were certainly heeded at William Woods in 2021. In April of this year, The Woods released its official Strategic Plan, a comprehensive blueprint for the University’s future growth and stability. Developed over a period of three years, and involving input from all key University constituencies, the 2021 Strategic Plan is made up of five key strategic priorities, including higher education standards like strengthening academic culture, building a culture of communication, developing a comprehensive enrollment management strategy and strengthening the University’s financial position.

The fifth strategic priority and perhaps most intriguing? Cultivating strategic partnerships.

A commitment to seek out strategic, mutually-beneficial partnerships with a variety of entities (industry, secondary and post-secondary educational institutions, government, military, non-profits and alumni) has become as critical to the long-term vitality of colleges and universities in today’s world of higher education, as academics, a consistently increasing enrollment, solid financial footing.

So why are partnerships so important for universities? Perhaps because of the ever-changing challenges of education and the workforce. Opportunities for students with traditional and non-traditional strategic partners are the key to an institution’s capacity to be adaptive to the needs of employers.

And in a culture where producing graduates that are most in-demand by today’s employers, few strategies are more crucial to today’s modern university.

A report in Inside Higher Education in 2020 stated that “many university partnerships provide ample opportunities for students to learn new concepts, obtain practical experience and develop contacts that can lead to future employment. Partnerships can also provide a rich forum for development of entrepreneurial ideas by students and faculty.”

Partnerships like these are paramount to the future of higher education, the report went on to say.

They deliver new services efficiently, meet vital student interests, respond to local urgencies and leverage assets of different types of institutions around a common purpose. In doing so, they lift up students and prioritize a greater good.

William Woods has indicated how important partnerships are to the future of the University through their inclusion in the 2021 Strategic Plan. But how is the University carrying out this commitment?

SO HAPPY TOGETHER Some partnerships at William Woods enjoy a long history, such as the one the University’s American Sign Language (ASL) program has maintained with the Missouri School for the Deaf (MSD), conveniently located in Fulton. Generations of WWU ASL students have received invaluable practical experience TH E WO OD S 2021

“We currently have ASL students serving as residential advisors at the Missouri School for the Deaf,” says ASL instructor Jessica Brown, “which really aligns with what we are teaching our students in class at William Woods, which is to always immerse yourself within the Deaf community, which will help you excel.” through this partnership, which allows them to fully immerse themselves in Deaf culture.

“Our students have done everything from putting on talent shows, storytelling for elementary students, putting on plays to hosting game nights for MSD students, to name a few,” said WWU ASL instructor Jessica Brown. “We currently have ASL students serving as residential advisors at MSD, which really aligns with what we are teaching our students in class at William Woods, which is to always immerse yourself within the Deaf community, which will help you excel.”

Then there are some of the newer agreements the University has built, like the new William Woods University Leadership Center. Housed in the School of Business and Technology, the WWU Leadership Center promotes leadership development, research and provides opportunities to address real issues faced by individuals and organizations. The first partnership to arise out of the Leadership Center is a consulting project with the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) College of Optometry focusing on three investigation areas: job analysis, staffing and retention, and organizational culture. Students from William Woods’ MBA program are performing research and analysis, providing findings and making recommendations to the UMSL College of Optometry’s staff and leadership throughout the project. Faculty from the WWU School of Business and Technology supervise the students during the academic year as they complete the project.

Above: Missouri School for the Deaf located in Fulton, Missouri

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“MACC at The Woods allows students a much easier transition from the two-year program to our bachelor’s program at William Woods.”

Moberly Area Community College located in Moberly, Missouri

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Another partnership in the works with another institution is the MACC at The Woods agreement with Moberly Area Community College. This agreement will allow students who go the community college route an opportunity to easily transfer to William Woods once their associate’s degree is completed. While in the program, the students are also able to begin classes at WWU, live on campus and begin their William Woods journey.

“MACC at The Woods will allow students a much easier transition from the two-year program to our bachelor’s program at William Woods,” said Jennifer Crump, Vice-President of Enrollment Management at WWU. “Studentswill be provided with advising, degree planning and campus experiences while in the program.”

Another new partnership announced in 2021 is the Tuition Discount Program with the Callaway County Chamber of Commerce. In the program, all employees of Chamber businesses (as well as employees of area public school districts) receive a 10% discount on WWU tuition, including all online, graduate, undergraduate and certificate programs.

The Callaway Tuition Discount Program is an excellent example of a partnership that benefits local students and the business community as well, an example of how seriously William Woods takes being a good neighbor to its host community.

Some of the most prominent partnerships William Woods enjoys are with other higher educational institutions, including: The Transfer Evaluation System in conjunction with CollegeSource, which is an interactive website that allows students considering transferring to WWU the opportunity to look up their courses in advance to see how they transfer. For William Woods, having this resource helps speed up the process of evaluating student transcripts and subsequently getting them enrolled in courses toward their degree, as well as ensuring that students are able to transfer seamlessly to the University. The system includes courses from hundreds of colleges and universities from across the country.

The Council for Independent Colleges (CIC)

Online Course Sharing Consortium, which allows William Woods to work with hundreds of colleges in the CIC to expand course offerings for WWU students. In addition to expanding course selections for WWU students who may need specific courses to graduate, the consortium provides an opportunity for William Woods to share its courses with students from around the country.

The Mid-Missouri Associated Colleges and Universities Exchange Enrollment in Undergraduate Program (MMACU), an agreement among the five member institutions that permits students from WWU to enroll in courses offered by the University of Missouri-Columbia, Stephens College, Lincoln University and Westminster College. Students under this program are able to take advantage of specialized offerings at the MMACU member institutions, while also allowing students of the other four institutions access to courses offered at William Woods.

Borrowing privileges at MMACU member libraries are also available to WWU students.

These are just some of the partnerships that William Woods is involved with as it begins its 152nd year, comprised of other higher education institutions, business, government and the military. For a professions-oriented institution that prepares learners for lifelong success, there is no doubt that strategic partnerships will play an increasingly important role as the University looks to future generations of students to educate.

Or, as the old saying goes, “coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”

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WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY THEATRE DEPARTMENT

Proudly Presents the

Mainstage A COMEDY

By Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams

By John Cariani

PARENTAL GUIDANCE RECOMMENDED

DULANY AUDITORIUM Sept. 30, Oct. 1&2 7:30 p.m. and a matinee Oct. 2 2 p.m.

DULANY AUDITORIUM Nov. 18 – 20 7:30 p.m. and a matinee Nov. 20 2 p.m.

Bald The

SOPRANO THEATRE OF THE ABSURD

By Eugene Ionesco

DULANY AUDITORIUM Feb. 24 – 26 7:30 p.m. and a matinee Feb. 26 2 p.m.

A TRAGEDY

By Euripides

PARENTAL GUIDANCE RECOMMENDED

A ROMANTIC COMEDY

PARENTAL GUIDANCE RECOMMENDED

PARENTAL GUIDANCE RECOMMENDED

2021-2022

CUTLIP AUDITORIUM April 21 – 23 7:30 p.m. and a matinee April 23 2 p.m.

CURRENTLY THEATRE PRODUCTIONS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ATTENDANCE REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS. PLEASE NOTE THIS STATUS COULD CHANGE AT ANY TIME.

For more info, visit us online at williamwoods.edu/Mainstage

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A Lasting Legacy After 31 years as William Woods President, Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett steps down

By John Fougere

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“For everything,” says Ecclesiastes, “there is a season.”

Dr. Barnett says farewell as she announces her intention to step down as president on March 2, 2021.

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For Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett, the longest-serving and first woman President in the 151-year history of William Woods University, the season to finally say goodbye to the institution she transformed in the nearly 50 years she spent on campus came on a cool, bright day in early March that hinted at the coming spring.

On March 2, Dr. Barnett mounted the stage at Dulany Auditorium that she had stood on countless times before and, before a physically-distanced gathering of University supporters and hundreds of others watching on Zoom, announced that in the 31st year of her presidency, she was officially stepping away.

“After more than 30 years as President of William Woods College, and now William Woods University, I have decided it is time to pass the gavel,” said Dr. Barnett. “This decision has been analyzed comprehensively in full consideration of what it means for

every facet of the University. Hear me when I say that this is the toughest decision I have ever had to make as your President.”

The entire William Woods University community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters, may have indeed heard those words, but actually comprehending them would be a different matter.

How does one wrap arms around the idea of William Woods without Jahnae Barnett? After 48 years on the WWU campus, serving as faculty member, administrator and then groundbreaking president for 31, Jahnae Barnett has become the very definition of “institution” at William Woods. The very reasons for her remarkably successful run of almost a half century could be summed up neatly in her own words.

“I would not be doing this if I did not believe it was right for all of us,” she said. “It is hard because there is no way to capture adequately the appreciation, honor, and privilege I feel from being your President for the past 31 years, and your colleague for the last 48.”

Making the right decision. Expressing gratitude.

And giving credit to others. All of these have been hallmarks of President Barnett’s amazing legacy of leadership at William Woods.

And what a legacy it is.

It is safe to say that, outside of William Woods the man himself, no other individual has had a greater impact on the 151-year old institution than President Jahnae H. Barnett. In addition to being the first female President in WWU history, Dr. Barnett will conclude her tenure as the longest-serving female president of a four-year college/university in Missouri history. But of greater significance than longevity is the impact of her steadfast leadership, which over the past quarter century has revolutionized William Woods from a regional, liberal arts college to a co-educational University offering paths from associate to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

When Dr. Barnett marked the 30th anniversary of her appointment as WWU President on April 21, 2020, it culminated a remarkable three-decade period in which she guided the University through a generation of extraordinary change. Under her leadership, William Woods made the transitions to University (1993) and coeducational (1996) status; added graduate-level, online and study abroad programs; added a variety of out-of-class experiences to augment a student’s well-rounded education, including the Woods Around the World study-abroad program, and the Mentor/Mentee, Service Learning and LEAD co-curricular programs.

The success of President Barnett’s innovative leadership clearly has been illustrated by the numbers. During her presidential tenure, William Woods University’s total enrollment grew from 750 students to more than 2,200; the University’s endowment increased by nearly 250 percent, from $5.7 million to nearly $25 million; the University eliminated its longterm debt and has maintained an operating budget in the black for 20 straight years; and infrastructure and capital improvements on the WWU main campus in TH E WOODS 2 02 1

“There is no way to capture adequately the appreciation, honor, and privilege I feel from being your President for the past 31 years, and your colleague for the last 48.”

Fulton have exploded.

And as is Dr. Barnett’s nature, she did not rest on those lofty laurels as she approached her retirement announcement. In the final months of her presidency, she presided over a University that once again successfully achieved Higher Learning Commission accreditation; received historic donations in excess of $2 million; launched a new strategic plan; made strides in diversity and inclusion; and maintained operations in the midst of a global pandemic.

“We achieved all of these things together, and I thank you for your role in each of these accomplishments,” said President Barnett.

But after 31 years as President and nearly 50 years total of service to William Woods, it is clear that it is William Woods University that owes Jahnae H. Barnett the grandest of thank yous.

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Continue your legacy with an estate gift to William Woods University.

“It is an honor planning for the future of this beloved institution, knowing Eddie and I have established our legacy giving plans to William Woods. As Dr. William Stone Woods himself indicated, sharing good fortune benefits those who give as much as those who receive.”

University Advancement cherishes your passion for the future of William Woods University. Your gift will greatly impact generations of students to come. Learn more about ways to give at williamwoods.edu/giving.

The Loyalty Fund The Loyalty Fund (formerly known as the Annual Fund) is a means by which donors gift the University annually with an amount of their choice. Loyalty Funds promote unrestricted giving which support multiple programs and organizational areas in need through the general operating fund. Examples include scholarships and technology.

~Jahnae H. Barnett, President A planned gift is a philanthropic gift and legacy that is funded either during your lifetime or after your death. The gift is part of a larger estate-planning process in which you decide how certain assets are to be distributed upon your death-hence the use of the word “planned.” For many individuals, a planned gift may simply be an amount or percentage of an estate that is specified in a will.

Planned gifts can include • Charitable remainder trusts • Charitable lead trusts • Life insurance gifts • Closely held stock • Retirement plans • Wills Recent Notable Gifts William Woods University has been the recipient of two significant estate gifts in 2021.

In May, WWU received an estate gift of more than $150,000 in memory of Janet Slifer ’76, who died unexpectedly in 1982. Her family chose to honor Janet though a memorial scholarship fund.

In November, the University received another wonderful bequest of $255,000 from Virginia “Piggie” Herndon ’47, one of WWU’s most steadfast supporters.

Learn More Estate gifts such as this are critical to the university’s desire of a student-based, professions oriented mission. Email us at alumni@williamwoods.edu to learn more.

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Estate Planning and Ivy Legacy Society Estate Planning and Ivy Legacy Society are planned, philanthropic gifts and legacies funded either during life or after death. Planned gifts may include trusts, life insurance gifts, stocks, retirement plans, and more. Gifts funded while the donor is living are recognized publicly. Members are acknowledged on a special recognition sculpture in the main corridor of the William S. Woods Academic Building.

Scholarship Endowment Scholarship Endowment honors a loved one in perpetuity. The minimum amount for an endowed scholarship at WWU is $10,000. A fund may be started with a lesser amount, but the donor must donate $10,000 total within five years for the fund to be endowed. Once the scholarship fund has reached endowed level, the principal is invested, and the interest is used to award scholarships.

Matching Gifts Matching Gifts are gifts made by companies to universities like William Woods. If you are employed by a matching gift company, your gift to William Woods University could be doubled or tripled by your employer.

Honorary and Memorial Gifts Honorary and Memorial Gifts to William Woods are made “in honor of ” a living individual or “in memory of ” a deceased individual. Gifts of both types honor or memorialize a faculty or staff member, alumnus, or other individual connected to the William Woods University community.

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A SOCIETY FOR OUR FUTURE The President’s Giving Society is a time-honored tradition. We hope you will be a part of it this year, and for many years to come. As President Barnett has passed the gavel, we stand ready to forge our next 150 years, to celebrate, innovate and reimagine a bold new future at The Woods. It is our time to take up the challenge before us. Join the President’s Giving Society with a yearly gift.

The benefits of participation

Giving levels

Whether this is your first time giving, or if you have been a contributor for many years, we appreciate your loyalty and commitment. In recognition, we are pleased to extend the following benefits:

President’s Council } $2,500

» Three updates from the President each year, sharing important University news and the impact of your gift » A welcome gift, exclusively branded to President’s Giving Society membership » Complimentary access to Alumni Reunion events » Complimentary access to select on-campus and virtual theatre, arts and lecture events

» Complimentary access to Leaders Weekend, including in-person and virtual events

President’s Circle } $5,000

President’s Committee } $1,000 President’s Coalition } $500

(Special level for graduates of the most recent ten years)

» Exclusive access to the President’s Giving Society online pop-up shop, plus fun freebies throughout the year » Opportunities to share your ideas through Q&A panels and surveys » 15% discount to the Logo Store both on-campus and online

45 Give online at williamwoods.edu/giving | Contact us at (573) 592-1128 or giving@williamwoods.edu

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New look Brockman Hall provides

on-campus destination

for student services, meeting space, leisure time and more

New Lease on (Student)

Life

BY HANNAH LOETHEN

PHOTOS BY MICALA AUSTIN PHOTOGRAPHY, ALICIA ENGELBRECHT, AND JOHN FOUGERE TH E WO OD S 2021

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After serving the William Woods campus for many years as a residence hall, Brockman Hall began the 2021 fall semester with a new purpose: the basement and first floors of the building were converted into an allpurpose student center, housing the Offices of Career Services and Student Transition, Student Involvement, and Diversity and Inclusion, plus meeting, study and relaxation areas.

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previous spread , alicia engelbrecht ; left, micala austin photography (2)

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Officially referred to now as Brockman Student Center, the much-needed new space occupies the ground and basement floors of the building, with Graduate Assistant housing continuing to occupy the top two floors.

Brockman is open to students from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Fridays. The new center provides students with a little bit of everything.

Inside Brockman, there are now multiple spaces for students to hang out, do homework, or have club meetings. This includes amenities like a specialized meeting/interview room designed for students to have a place to utilize for meetings or interviews, either in person or by Zoom. The space is equipped with a large screen and camera, providing students with an alternative to holding Zoom meetings or interviews in their residence hall rooms where there could be disturbances.

The new Brockman Student Center also has a “Zen” room where students can come to study, meditate or just relax, modeled in the style of a single-unit residence hall room complete with desk and even a bed. This space is equipped with resources that students can utilize to practice selfcare. The space downstairs also has a large game and meeting room with a full-service kitchen that is big enough to host LEAD events, providing a range of possibilities.

“I know our diversity and inclusion committee has talked in the past about doing LEAD events with food from different cultures, so that is something we hope might happen in our new down-

top & bottom right, micala austin photography (2) ; bottom left, john fougere

stairs space,” said Lacey Sweeten Randall, Director of Student Involvement. “It is just one example of the many possibilities this new center provides for us.”

The new space also provides the convenience of having three Student Life offices now together and located in one place on campus, inside Brockman.

“Having Diversity and Inclusion, Center for Student Involvement, Career Services and the Student Transition together is a real plus,” said Amy Dittmer, Director of Career Services and Student Transition. “Brockman is now a one- stop shop for many student resources.”

“Up until now, the only student center space we had on campus was inside McNutt Campus Center around the Owl’s Nest,” said Randall. “We needed

additional space for student groups to use and for all of our departments, and Brockman Student Center provides that for our students.”

“With multiple Student Life offices now together, we hope for some overlap of student use,” Dittmer added. “Since we are all together, I can have someone coming to work on their resume with me; then they can stop across the hall and talk to Lacey about campus involvement, or they can walk down the hall and visit Darianne Maclin (WWU Director of Diversity and Inclusion) to talk about a diversity and inclusion event. It will now be very convenient.”

WWU students living on campus now have a new space they can utilize for a variety of purposes, whether it’s studying, relaxing, having meetings,

“It is awesome that we have this space to be able to get together safely.”

49 TH E WO OD S 2021

doing interviews, playing games, watching television, or just plain hanging out.

“I think having all the hangout spots in Brockman is really cool since we didn’t really have many before,” said junior Sarah Ostertag. “We needed more space for us to utilize and Brockman now provides it.”

“My friends and I live in separate buildings, so the current visitation policy (due to COVID-19) has been challenging for us,” said senior Madison Crosswhite. “Brockman has given us a space to get together and watch Netflix as a group, or play

Mario Kart. It is awesome that we have this space to be able to get together safely.”

Since Brockman now has a new purpose, it needs some improvement to help serve students in the best way possible. Student Life hopes to renovate the restrooms, add signage and other equipment such as water bottle fillers that can be found around campus, among other projects. It is a work in progress, but one that definitely represents some important progress in the campus experience for students at The Woods.

A gift with direct student impact Consider a gift to the Brockman Hall Student Center

Goal Items for Funding include: ADA Compliant Ramp Restroom Remodel to

Accommodate Gender-neutral and Disabled sudents

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Outdoor and Indoor Signage

Seating for Students in Offices

Technology Table in Interview Room Water Bottle Filler

Contact Vice President of Advancement Kathy Groves at 573-592-1106 or kathy.groves@williamwoods.edu to learn more.

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top left, micala austin photography; top right, john fougere

If you are considering a financial gift to William Woods, consider supporting the continued renovation and development of Brockman Hall.

Your gift will have a direct impact on the student life experience and students who make their home on campus.

Witness To History WWU Professor recounts experience volunteering with 9-11 victims’ families

By John Fougere

photo courtesy of george garner

“Things changed for many people in that one instant, and we should always remember that we cannot take anything for granted,” Garner says.

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Americans, the horror of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and their aftermath, was something they witnessed on the news, or read about from afar. But that was not the case for William Woods Associate Professor of Social Work George Garner. Unlike most of his countrymen, Garner, a member of the WWU faculty since 1994, actually lived it.

Trained in providing counseling, therapy, crisis intervention and advocacy for those impacted by violent crime, Garner was among those called when the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) requested teams of people from across the country with crisis intervention experience to be assembled and deployed to the New York area to assist soon after September 11th.

The day Garner deployed, in October, he met his other team member at St. Louis’ Lambert Airport for the flight to New York. The overwhelming emotion he felt was uncertainty – and even a little fear.

“I simply couldn’t wrap my mind around the magnitude and wondered how I would be able to offer people in this enormous circumstance anything of value,” he remembered. “I felt inadequate about having the skills necessary to assist.”

He remembers looking at planes at the airport and trying to process that these “huge missiles” had actually crashed into some of the biggest buildings in the world, causing their destruction. It all seemed so overwhelming, heading to the scene of such anguish and turmoil. He also had to say or the majority of

goodbye to his family, including young sons age four and five months at the time, for eight days and secure immediate leave from William Woods.

Garner’s Missouri team was assigned to the New Jersey Family Assistance Center to work with families who had a loved one employed in one of the World Trade Center towers. Officials from New Jersey, across the Hudson River from Ground Zero in lower Manhattan, had set up the center for the responding teams to work out of an old train depot. It would serve as a meeting place for family members and loved ones of New Jersey victims to gather before being transported across the river to the Ground Zero site.

Garner’s team was responsible for contacting families to inform them of the opportunity for the site visit and to schedule those who wished to participate. While some of his team members made these contacts, other team members and Garner were assigned families to escort to the site using ferries, busses and golf carts that would take the group across the Hudson to Ground Zero.

Once at the site, they went to the viewing platform for about 15-20 minutes where members of Garner’s team remained with families to assist in whatever way needed. Then back at the center, the team would debrief with each family member until they determined it was time to depart. The next day, Garner’s team would repeat the entire process again for a different group of grieving families.

“I remember each family that I had the privilege of working with,” Garner recalls. “The first family I met had a touching ending as we concluded. I told the sister of the victim that I was a volunteer from Missouri, and she was intrigued that volunteers would come so far to assist. I told her that my employer and my wife were both very supportive, and then we went on with the process of the day.

When they were leaving the center, the woman stopped, and turned to me, saying ‘Please tell your wife thank you for me.’ That was such an incredible moment and one that solidified to me that we were accomplishing our mission.”

As the nation and world marked the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001 this fall, the memory of what so many heroic volunteers did to help soothe the wounds of countless victims’ family members was once again remembered. One of those heroes was WWU’s very own George Garner, whose life was changed forever by the experience.

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Groundbreaking Gifts WWU trustee gives $2.1 million in donations to fund the Center for Equine Medicine construction and two new University scholarships

BY JOHN FOUGERE

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William Woods certainly found much to be thankful for as the

Above: Theresa Vonderschmitt rides Manila Thrilla at the National Finals and World Class Competition in 2007 below: Renovations to the Center of Equine Medicine included new stalls and lab room.

holiday season of 2020 moved into 2021. Over a period of six weeks, the University announced three significant monetary gifts from a long-time William Woods supporter and current Board of Trustees member to help fund ongoing construction of the University’s cutting-edge Center for Equine Medicine and two new academic scholarships.

The three gifts, together totaling more than $2.1 million, were presented to the University by Theresa Vonderschmitt, a highly successful businesswoman, long-time University benefactor and member of the William Woods Board of Trustees since 2004.

A recipient of the Honorary Alumnus of William Woods University award in recognition of the generous scholarship help she has provided to WWU

students, her past donations have helped fund Equestrian Science and adult education programs at the University.

“It is hard to adequately express our deep gratitude to Theresa Vonderschmitt, whose support of William Woods through her years of service and philanthropy to the University have benefitted generations of our students,” said President Jahnae H. Barnett. “Her gifts of more than two million dollars over a period of just over one month will impact our campus for generations to come, and we remain humbled and deeply appreciative.”

CENTER FOR EQUINE MEDICINE Ms. Vonderschmitt got the ball rolling in December 2020 when she donated $1.7 million to the William Woods Center for Equine Medicine, a new 8,700 square-foot teaching facility located just

54 TH E WOODS 2 02 1

blocks from the University that was under construction at the time. When complete, the Center will provide a leading diagnostic, therapeutic and teaching experience for William Woods students.

“This incredibly generous donation allows us to complete renovations to the indoor space and provide the veterinary and lab equipment that will be used to treat our horses and teach our students,” said Paul Schiltz, University veterinarian and Associate Professor in the WWU School of Equestrian Studies. “Our center will set William Woods University apart as the primary institution for prospective students who want to study biology, pre-medicine and equestrian.”

FIRST-EVER DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION SCHOLARSHIP On January 19, one day after the nation marked the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, William Woods strengthened its own commitment to the values of diversity and inclusion with the establishment of a diversity and inclusion scholarship for underserved students.

The new scholarship, the first of its kind at WWU, was funded by a $200,000 gift from Ms. Vonderschmitt. It is designed to enhance recruitment and retention of academically talented undergraduate students from ethnic groups typically under-repTH E WO OD S 2021

resented in higher education degree programs.

Applicants from such groups must attend their first semester at William Woods after high school graduation and be enrolled continuously as a full-time student. Students are eligible for up to $2,500 per academic year, and the scholarship is renewable for up to three additional academic years if guidelines, such as consecutive full-time status and minimum 2.5 grade point average, are met.

The first recipient of the diversity/inclusion scholarship was welcomed to WWU in the Fall 2021 Semester.

“At the beginning of the 2020-2021 academic year, our Diversity and Inclusion Committee set several tangible goals, including increasing scholarship opportunities for underrepresented students,” said Elizabeth Wilson, Chair of the campus Diversity and Inclusion Committee. “This scholarship will offer significant opportunities for students to achieve their higher education goals and contribute to our campus and in the workforce in numerous ways.”

“A scholarship for this demographic is action taking the place of words,” said Charles Belt, Men’s Head Basketball Coach and Diversity and Inclusion Committee member. “Very often minority students hear about what “can” be done, but often never see action or opportunity in their favor. This is a huge step in showing you are not being ignored, and we value you here at William Woods University.”

WWU Veterinarian Dr. Paul Schiltz demonstrates large animal veterinary practices.

55

The First Winner

William Woods University announces first recipient of new Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship.

By John Fougere

“Being excited is an understatement,” said Tipton. “This opportunity means so much to me and my family!”

R

Tipton, an incoming freshman and graduate of Battle High School in Columbia, was awarded the WWU Diversity and Inclusion scholarship beginning with the Fall 2021 semester.

The new scholarship, the first of its kind at WWU, was established in 2021 and is being funded

by Theresa Vonderschmitt, a highly successful businesswoman, long-time University benefactor, and member of the William Woods Board of Trustees since 2004. It is designed to enhance the recruitment and retention of academically talented undergraduate students from ethnic groups typically under-represented in higher education degree programs.

A multi-talented student-athlete who aspires to be a surgeon, Tipton plans to major in Biology at William Woods, minor in Spanish and compete on the WWU Track and Field team. His outstandhondell

ing high school career included membership in the National Honor Society; President and member of the school’s Minority Achievement Committee; member of the Battle Track and Field team (four years); member of the Competitive Marching Band (four years), including three as Drum Major; member of Competitive Show Choir, including one year as Dance Captain; Homecoming and Prom King; Student Council member; Link Crew Ambassador; Youth Kindness Ambassador; and member of the Battle Corps Volunteer Group.

In addition to his school accomplishments and activities, Tipton also found time to become certified as a Certified Nurse Assistant.

“Being excited is an understatement,” said Tipton. “This opportunity means so much to me and my family!”

“Rhondell has demonstrated outstanding commitment to his education through his excellent academic performance and accomplishments at Battle High School,” said Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, Chair of the WWU Diversity and Inclusion Committee. “Our committee was also highly impressed with his commitment and dedication to equity and inclusion as illustrated by Battle High School awarding him the ‘Phenomenal Student and Role Model’ award during the school’s first-ever Black History Month. We are pleased to offer Rhondell our first-ever Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship and look forward to his involvement on our campus at William Woods.”

The new scholarship is another example of William Woods’ commitment to the values of diversity and inclusion. At WWU, students benefit from an Office of Diversity and Inclusion, a resource that fosters understanding and appreciation for our differences through programming, presentations, film series and awareness workshops; a large and influential Diversity and Inclusion Committee, consisting of students, faculty and staff; and “Bridging Differences,” an annual Diversity and Inclusion symposium that focusses on the intersectionality of gender and race through informative presentations from outside speakers.

56 TH E WOODS 2 02 1

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The third of Ms. Vonderschmitt’s generous gifts, in the amount of $250,000, is funding the new Samuel Conley Schiltz Scholarship at William Woods.

Announced on January 27, 2021, the new scholarship is in memory of Samuel Conley Schiltz, son of WWU Associate Professor of Equestrian Studies and University Veterinarian Paul Schiltz and his wife Cathy Schiltz. It is designed to attract incoming students who have demonstrated leadership and service to others. The scholarship will be open to students choosing to pursue any field of study that is offered at WWU, and must have a 2.5 grade point average or above as an incoming high school senior, incoming transfer student or as a current University student. The scholarship is renewable for each academic year with full-time enrollment, ongoing 2.5 GPA or above, and with ongoing demonstrated leadership and service to others requirements.

The first recipients of the Samuel Conley Schiltz Scholarship were expected to enroll at The Woods during the 2021-2022 academic year.

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SAMUEL CONLEY SCHILTZ SCHOLARSHIP

Did you get a new phone number or email address? Did you move or change your name?

Send us your updated contact information, and we will send you a set of personalized WWU alumni themed address labels as a thank you!

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TH E WO OD S 2021

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Richards on 12409 S. Andrew St. Peter Sa sburg, MO pp Road 65010

Send your updated info to to alumni@williamwoods.edu

57

LEADERS AT THE WOODS

Summit

First Annual Leadership Conference Event

October brought the inaugural Leaders At The Woods leadership summit to campus, a unique opportunity for attendees to network with WWU alumni and friends, connect with University staff and study the qualities of leadership. A highlight of this year’s conference was the keynote address by outgoing President Jahnae H. Barnett, her last as William Woods President.

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60 Alumni News 64 Class Notes and Featured Alumni 72 In Memorium 76 Alum Spotlights

Echo 59

TH E WO OD S 2021

Alumni News S TAY I N -T H E - K N O W

Alumni Reunions Return Even through a global pandemic, Alumni Weekend and Equestrian Alumni Reunion prevailed as virtual events.

Participating alumni enjoyed a virtual Painting Party hosted by alumna Stephanie Fettig Hall ‘97

Events that were enjoyed by participants of Alumni Weekend included happy hour with the President, WWUAA awards ceremony, a painting party, the mimosas and memories virtual brunch, a creative writing symposium, a showing of the WWU theatre production The Bard of Avon, and tours of the Greek residence halls. See fun photos on page 63. The next Alumni Weekend will take place April 7–9, 2022. Save the date!

The Equestrian Alumni Reunion was not short on excitement even as a virtual event. Participating alumni enjoyed events including a reunion panel, tour of the newly remodeled Center of Equine Medicine, happy hour with networking, horse spotlights, personalized breakout sessions, and a lively trivia night. See more details on page 62. The next Equestrian Reunion will take place February 18–20, 2022. Save the date!

Keep the William Woods University family strong.

Please consider giving to your alma mater by visiting williamwoods.edu/ giving

SAC Outstanding Student Winners Here are the winners for 2021: Veronica Townsend Senior (pictured above) Andrew Fyffe Junior Katie Maxwell Sophomore Paige Hardy Freshman

Owls Supporting Owls Introducing the WWU Alumni Business Directory The new William Woods University Alumni Business Directory is live and ready for your information!

“When traveling, it would be a plus to be able to research alumni-owned businesses in an area and support those businesses accordingly,” said Kathy Groves, Vice-President of University Advancement. “I know many alumni, University employees and students feel the same way. Through the WWU Alumni Business Directory, we hope to see growth beyond just alumni supporting alumni, but also alumni businesses supporting William Woods students through summer work, internships and even full-time work. We have a great opportunity to create a full circle of support.” Learn more on page 61.

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previuos spread , alexis willingham : top center , micala austin photography

GIVING

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

Are you a business owner or service provider? We want to support you!

Join the William Woods Alumni Business Directory. Participation is free and it is a great way to share your information among our 25,000+ alumni.

William Woods University is committed to seeing its graduates, including those alumni that run their own businesses, succeed. Created by the WWU Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, the William Woods Alumni Business Directory provides information to alumni, and other members of the University community, who are seeking certain products or services, and who wish to support their fellow Owls. All alumni business owners and service providers – whether in a physical location or a virtual platform – are encouraged to list their businesses. An online form for businesses to register with the WWU Alumni Business Directory can be found here at williamwoods.edu/AlumniBusiness

Some participating businesses include:

Tara Seboldt ‘14

Joylynne Harris ‘97

TH E WO OD S 2021

Nickie Smith ‘05 Stacey Rule Bates ‘92

Jennifer (Kelce) Granger ‘92

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Equestrian Reunion 2021

Registered alums were mailed a virtual reunion kit that included a beautiful long-sleeve tshirt designed by WWU Associate Professor of Equestrian Studies, Laura Ward.

Participating alumni enjoyed an interactive broadcast LIVE from Cutlip Auditorium on the WWU campus. Faculty presented the latest news from each of their programs, recent successes, 2020 and 2021 changes and adaptations they have made, plus advice to incoming and current students.

EQUESTRIAN

ALUMNI REUNION

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FEBRUARY 18 - 20, 2022 TH E WOODS 2 02 1

Alumni Weekend 2021

Participating alumni enjoyed a virtual Painting Party hosted by alumna Stephanie Fettig Hall ‘97.

“Can we add painting permanently to the Alumni Weekend schedule? That was one of my all-time favorite Alumni Weekend activities. And this was my 23rd as an alum.

I’ve never missed an Alumni Weekend and that was so fun!”

-Christi Slizewski Tennyson “Great Time!”

-Claire Burghardt Hodge Participating alumni were given recipes of Bek’s famous Parmesan Artichoke Dip, as well as WWU’s signature drink The Flourish!, to follow along as Chef Zach directed the creations.

Alums also enjoyed their Flourish! drinks along with Dr. Barnett during a memorial happy hour.

“Jeneva, kudos to you and your team for staging a great event! I enjoyed last evening with Dr. Barnett. Love the event box! You’ve done a terrific job organizing this event!”

-Gwen Mersky Registered alums were mailed a virtual reunion kit with items including a 150th Anniversary ornament, felt pennant flag, alumni bumber sticker, Backers chips, owl charm, and a set of paints for the painting party.

“I just opened my Alum Weekend box this evening and it’s fantastic! I especially love the 150th anniversary acrylic ornament that I’ve packed away with my tree ornaments for later this year. So cool!! Thanks for all you’ve done to make this a fun alum weekend – even though it’s virtual.”

-Fran Muench

APRIL 7 – 9, 2022 Watch for Alumni Weekend details on our webpage. www.williamwoods.edu/ AlumniWeekend

TH E WO OD S 2021

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“Love and light to the good ole days and many blessings to new ones coming in!”

Notes

—GINNY LUMB ‘68

CLASS NEWS AND NOTES FROM BEYOND THE WOODS Stacy Kotrba passed away on April 26, 2021. She was a flight attendant for many years, a cat-lover, and enjoyed gardening. This information was brought to us by WWU roommate Virginia “Ginny” Lumb ‘68.

Susan Williams Laffler ‘56

Pamella (Ulrich) Christensen wrote a book titled “The Gift of God’s Word.” She is an active music teacher and this year celebrated her 53rd wedding anniversity with her husband Bruce.

1969 1955

Gerda (Brien) Cristal wrote two children’s books that are available on Amazon.

One title is “A Bunny Named Easter” and the other is “Elizabeth’s Story.”

1956

Susan (Williams) Laffler and her husband Joe Laffler live in Chautaugua, IL and are very proud of their 13 grandchildren. Susan says she keeps in frequent touch with her WWU suitemate Patsy Bain Wolf, discussing fond memories. (photo)

1964

64

Sue (Gillis) Safire passed away July 20, 2021 from Cortico Basal Degeneration Disorder. Her mind was completely functioning, but it had stopped sending signals to her body and nervous system.

This information was brought to us by Stephanie Miller ‘64.

1966

Sarah “Suzi” (Tedrick) Yarbrough welcomes her sixth grandson into the world as her own son (father of the new baby) returns home from serving in the Arabian Gulf.

Jill White Roberts is writing a blog that can be found at godin5hours.com.

Mary (Donnellan) Leao-Martin is currently living in Santa Clarita, CA

Ginny (Wong) Moore is currently living in Voorhees, New Jersey.

Stephanie (Heiwig) Godke is an Executive Chef at Mississippi River Distillery and Cody Road Cocktail House and teaches cooking lessons on an NBC affiliated station in Daveport, IA. She and her husband Jim celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary this year and are very proud of their five grandchildren.

1970

1975

with her four rescued puppies. She says she stays in touch with her WWU Bartley Hall dormmates Gaye Scheimeier Wolfe and Ginny Wong Moore. They are blessed with four grandchildren.

Bonnie Reisner is currently living in her hometown of Manitowoc, WI and enjoys retirement and entertaining family and friends.

Susan (Gardes) Kendall and her husband Steve relocated from Atlanta to Richmond, VA to be closer to family.

1973

1976

Linda (Hupp) Buccini retired this year from AT&T after 30 years of service to the Bell System. She is now living in Basking Ridge, NJ and has two grandchildren.

Nancy (Canestrari) Williams is now retired after a decade of teaching public relations in the Communications Dept. at Milligan College (now Milligan University), a sister institution to William Woods. She continues to write as a PR/communications specialist, posts a weekly blog at lightbournecreative.com, and published her first book last year titled, “A Crocus in the Desert,” a devotional book for women suffering through infertility. She and her husband, Mark, live in Johnson City, TN, and have two adult children.

1968

Susan (Graef) Hassemer and her husband built a house in Colorado (moving from New Mexico) to be closer to their son. She is a retired teacher and Don is a retired family practice physician.

Virginia ‘Ginny” Lumb says she keeps in touch with her WWU friends, including Barb Tantum Turner, Susan Finlayson McGaskill, Libby Noland Olson, and Mary McClellan.

Debbie (Fulk) Hay is proud to introduce her first grandchild into the world, Cara Annabella Doogan, on August 4, 2021. (photo)

Debbie Fulk Hay ‘75 with Cara Annabella Doogan

1979 TH E WOODS 2 02 1

ANCHOR/REPORTER FOR FOX 23 NEWS, TULSA, OKLAHOMA

photos courtesy of michelle linn

MICHELLE LINN ‘96

BY JOHN FOUGERE

The dream job for Michelle Linn ’96 begins each day when most of the rest of us are, well, dreaming.

Or at least sleeping.

Anchor of FOX23 This Morning and reporter for FOX23 News in Tulsa, Oklahoma since 2011, the St. Louis native begins each day with an alarm wake-up at 1:20 a.m. But she wouldn’t have it any other way, not since she first dreamed as a kid of being on the air delivering the news.

“I grew up watching Joan Lunden on ABC’s ‘Good Morning America,’ and thought she had the coolest job in the world,” Linn says. “I was eight years old when I decided I wanted to do what she did.”

And for nearly the past 25 years, she has done just that – building a sterling career in broadcast journalism. It has been a rewarding journey in a demanding industry for Linn, who has also found time to build a wonderful family that consists of four young children with her husband, Mark. A journey that included a pretty significant stop along the way at William Woods University It was 1992 when Michelle accompanied her twin sister Christi on a visit to William Woods during a prospective weekend, where both fell in love with the campus. Her decision to attend The Woods was also influenced by what the University could do for her in terms of her career choice. Internship opportunities in the Communication program at WWU allowed her to gain experience in the industry at KSDK-TV (St. Louis) and KRCG-TV (Jefferson City) while still a college student. She also took advantage of a dual enrollment program offered at William Woods by completing studies at the Broadcast Center in Clayton, where KMOV-TV anchor Larry Conners taught a class and shared real-world TV news experiences.

Academically and socially, WWU proved to be an excellent fit for Linn. But as memorable as her stay was at William Woods, Linn never wavered from her dream of working in television news. Eager to begin her career, she worked diligently and graduated a semester early, in December 1996, with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Broadcast Communication.

Immediately after graduating from WWU, Michelle began her career as a part-time reporter at KMIZ-TV in Columbia, Missouri, starting out as a part-time reporter. In her 14 years at KMIZ, she ended up serving in a variety of roles, including news anchor, reporter, producer, assignment desk editor, promotions manager, and director of public relations.

TH E WO OD S 2021

She also found time to reconnect with William Woods, covering her sister’s graduation in 1997 while in her capacity as a reporter at KMIZ, and later serving as an adjunct instructor in the Broadcast Communications program at WWU from 2001 to 2003.

The variety of positions and experiences she shared in her years at KMIZ were consistent with her advice to young people interested in a career in broadcast journalism.

“It’s important to make connections with people in the industry, to network,” she said. “Always use your resources and get as much hands-on experience as possible, through internships at TV and radio stations, which are incredibly valuable.”

All of which certainly paid off for Linn in 2011, when a bigger television market came calling.

Michelle and her husband expected to remain in Columbia forever and raise their kids there, but when she received an inquiry from the FOX-affiliated station in Tulsa, Oklahoma to anchor and report there, a move to a much larger TV market, it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

A decade later, Linn has become an institution in Tulsa, co-anchoring the highly popular FOX23 News This Morning from 5-9 a.m., and then going out into the field and reporting on breaking news stories for the rest of the day. That is the schedule that begins with the unforgiving 1:20 a.m. wake up call each day, no small challenge. Still, nearly 25 years in, Michelle Linn is as engaged about her craft as ever, occasionally sleep-deprived as she may be.

“The very best part is meeting people and sharing their stories,” she says. “I love that no two days are the same. I get to anchor the morning newscast (4:30 – 9 a.m.), then go out and report. I get to cover a lot of consumer investigative stories, which directly impact people. Since 2013, I’ve led our station’s coverage of the St. Jude Dream Home campaign, which allows me to meet local St. Jude patients and their families.”

“I love my job – it is exactly what I always wanted to do.”

65

Notes Cindy (Burgess) Long lives in Cedar Park, TX and is the Chief Executive Officer of the Samaritan Center for Counseling and Pastoral Care, Inc, in Austin, TX.

1983

Valerie Whitcomb is a volunteer at a local center for horse rehabilitation to which she applies her equestrian knowledge gained from her years at WWU. She also uses her English degree in translating for software and hardware documentation published on websites.

Suzanne (Morr) Humphreys and her husband, Greg, moved to South Carolina where they are innkeepers of Sunrise Farm Bed and Breakfast, a country retreat in Salem, SC. (photo)

1984

Edie (Ahal) Thibodaux joined the staff of William Woods University in January 2021 as an Admissions Counselor for Eastern Missouri and Southeastern states.

1986

Lisa (Owsley) Freeman and husband Philip Freeman, (Westminster College 1986) had a very eventful 2020. Their son, Austin, had a baby, Porter, on January 28, 2020; their son, Hayden, returned

home from a three yearlong global adventure; their daugther, Savannah, graduated from Western Kentucky University; and their daughter, Hampton, got married.

1987

Belinda May and her husband moved to Whidbey Island, WA, although she still travels almost weekly for her federal practice based out of DC, and he is a captain for Southwest Airlines. Belinda is a Partner in Dentons US LLP Consumer Products and Products Liability/Regulatory group. Most recently she was named Co-Chair of Dentons’ Diversity and Inclusion initiative for Disabilities & Accessibility in the workplace.

Mount Erie, Illinois. She is now a grandma of a beautiful little girl, Mara Stopher.

1990

Becky Jacobs started a new job with Biorigin US in Louisville, KY, as Accounting Manager in March of 2021. Biorigin is a Brazilian company using biotechnological processes

1995

Kendall Brune, PhD, MBA, FACHCA was appointed to Board Chair of the Arise Veteran Foundation and awarded a $750,000 USDA/NIFA Grant. Dr. Brune was also appointed Associate Professor, Family Medicine at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN.

1989

Tina (McKinney) Stopher is a Mortgage loan officer and Branch Manager of Citizens National Bank in

Suzanne Humphreys ‘83

Michelle (Stephens) Kemp earned her doctorate this year.

Derek Hux recently received the honor of being voted Best Attorney in Callaway County for the 5th year in a row. He has accepted the position of Deputy Court Administrator for the 13th Judicial Circuit of Boone and Callaway County. He is married to Lindsey Mertes Hux (‘04).

2002

Gary Wheeler, MBA is the CEO and Executive Director of the Missouri Soybean Association/Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council & The Foundation for Soy Innovation.

Amy Millier ‘98

to produce natural ingredients for flavor enhancement, sodium reduction, extension of food life, nutritional enrichment of rations and improvement of animal health. On June 19, 2021, she married Rick Schoen of Corydon, Indiana, a Lanesville, IN native, farmer, and collector and restorer of Allis-Chalmers tractors and equipment.

1996

Rebecca (Yates) Nelson took over the role of Equine Facilities Manager at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH in June of 2021. She is a graduate of WWU’s Equine Science Program (‘96) and Master of Education (‘16) in equine education.

1998

Judy (Kahler) Hill, RN, MBA and her husband are both retired and currently reside in Ashland, MO.

66

1999

2001

1988

Martha Long, JD, CIE, MCM received the Chartrand Communications Award, which is given to Insurance Regulatory Examiners Society (IRES) members who have made a significant difference to IRES through their actions and have actively demonstrated their support of the organization, helping to build support and membership. Martha served as the President of IRES September 2018-August 2019.

featured in Columbia, MO at The State Historical Society of Missouri, Post Art Library and Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, MO, the Hannibal Arts Council. and The Albrecht-Kemper Museum in Saint Joseph, MO. (photo)

Amy Miller had one of her paintings, “The Good Father”, featured in the Missouri Arts Now Exhibition.

The exhibit is composed of 60 works from artists living throughout the state of Missouri in order to illustrate the vibrant arts culture in the state. The traveling exhibit opened in Cape Girardeau, MO on March 5th, 2021 at The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. It was also

2004

Lindsey (Mertes) Hux has started her own business, Joyfully Blue, which has allowed her to contract with the Super Sam Foundation: Fighting Childhood Cancer, as their Managing Director. She is married to Derek Hux (‘01).

Cathee Wolford was selected as Executive Director of the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and began her role on May 4, 2021. She is the first woman to lead the MCDHH staff officially. Ms. Wolford earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from William Woods University and master’s in social work (MSW) from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in social work through Tulane University.

She has been a member of the Board for Certification of Interpreters (BCI) since 2012, and has served as the chairperson since 2018. Ms. Wolford has also TH E WOODS 2 02 1

assisted with planning for the Missouri Interpreters Conference and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Empowerment Symposium and participated on the selection committee for the Hearing Aid Distribution Program (HADP) since it was established in 2019.

WWU mini reunion at a wedding, Tulsa, OK, November 2020: Pictured are L to R: Laura Jackson Whitley ‘93, Caroline Jackson Morgan ‘90, Jennifer Anderson Cooper ‘93, Lindsey Trenary (daughter of Kristen Trenary Stremel ‘91), and Kim Nunemaker Powell ‘91.

Donicia (Raines) Goheen now works as a receptionist at Missouri State University after retiring from teaching 1st and 2nd grade for 34 years.

Kristina Baum is now Vice President of Public Affairs at Qorvis Communications after finishing her service as Communications Director at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President.

2009

Megan Eldridge moved to the St. Louis area after being appointed as City Clerk for the City of Wildwood, Missouri. in April 2020. Megan also recently obtained certification as a Missouri Registered City Clerk through the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association.

2005

Nathan Reid (‘05, ‘07) and Bethany (Campbell) Reid, (’05) welcomed a baby boy, Micah Victor Reid on May 8, 2021. They now have 5 children with Micah joining the Reid Family: Easton (6), Emerson (4), Alaythia (4), Eliyanah (2) John Mulford, PhD has been named the Deputy Superintendent of Operations of Meramec Valley R-III Schools for Springfield Public Schools.

Prior to serving three years as superintendent at Meramec Valley R-III School District, Dr. Mulford was the superintendent of the West Plains R-VII

School District for five years. His career in education began as a high school mathematics teacher in West Plains, where he also coached baseball, football and track. Dr. Mulford later served as a middle school assistant principal, high school principal and assistant superintendent. (photo) Lindsay (Tipton) Oudit and her husband, Gregg Oudit (‘07) live and work in Oklahoma City, OK.

“I haven’t forgotten the WWU motto, “love conquers all.” That is true today as is “people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” I trust everyone is continuing to grow and learn from this firm foundation to contribute immeasurably to family and country.”

—VALERIE WHITCOMB ’83 TH E WO OD S 2021

from Oswego School District #409 as Assistant Principal in June of 2021. She is also pround to announce the marriage of her son.

Lindsay worked for a time after graduation in an administrative capacity for the horse racing industry.

Gregg worked as an accountant in the Oil and Gas industry while Lindsay pursued her passion for the horse industry. These jobs led to a discovery of a passion for business so, while working full time, both earned their Masters of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University. Both Lindsay and Gregg have managed several high-level contract negotiations for the US Air Force, while travelling extensively both domestic and abroad, all while pursuing the United States’ interests. Lindsay spent the majority of her career guiding United States foreign partners in building their Air Forces abroad.

While building their careers, they had two boys, Liam 11 and Garren 5, both of whom love to ride horses, everything about airplanes, and their family.

Both Lindsay and Gregg are very fond of their time at the Woods, walking away after graduation with the skills to pursue a professional life, but also, walking away with each other.

Emylee (Klosteman) Key-Crowley earned her SHRM-CP in June of 2020

and started a new job at UT Health East Texas as an HR Coordinator in March of 2021.

Rachelle (Glynn) Whitfield is now an Army Emergency Relief Specialist with the Department of Army in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Stacie (Bonte) Weffelmeyer welcomed new baby Gavin Charles Weffelmeyer on June 7, 2021.

Breck (Frerking) Dumas is proud to announce that his Williams Woods MBA recently helped him land a job as a reporter at FOX Business and is working remotely in Columbia, MO.

2006

Pamela (Kelly) Richardson recently moved to Charleston, South Carolina to lead Boeing’s diversity and inclusion efforts as a Senior Equity, Diversity and Inclusion executive.

Janielle (Arens) Robinett is a proud homemaker in Lake Sherwood, MO with her husband of 10 years and three daughters.

2007

Kimberly (Gilbert) Heintz, MBA moved to Washington with her son (who, incidentally, was born while she was completing her MBA at WWU) in June, 2021. She has been hired as a mental health therapist/intern by Innercept, LLC in Coeur d’Alene, ID.

2008

Jacque Mecklenburg has a new granddaughter named Charlotte Elizabeth as of June 2020. Jacque retired

John Mulford ‘05

2010

Jerone Lester (‘10, ‘13) and Sally Bohlinger (‘13, ‘15) welcomed Henry JeanWayne to the world on October 17, 2020.

2011

Jonathan Grice will lead the way at Blue Springs South High School, as the new Athletic/Activities Administrator during the 2021-2022 school year. He was promoted from the assistant role that he served in for several years.

67

68 TH E WOODS 2 02 1

photo courtesy of amanda wharton

INDEPENDENT ASL INTERPRETER

developing and growing by leaps and bounds, I was stuck referring to a dictionary.”

She was losing time to establish a means to communicate with David. Tragically, she did not know that she wouldn’t have much time left with him, or her father, period.

The summer before her senior year at Lexington High School, Wharton was floored by unspeakable tragedy when both her father and brother were killed in an accident. In the midst of the devastation, however, she knew more than ever what her career path was going to be.

“I still wanted to be an interpreter,” Wharton said, “because I knew that it was a way to let David always be a part of my life.”

With a heavy heart, she chose William Woods University as her college choice, because it was simply one of the very few that offered her desired degree path. But what she received at The Woods in terms of an education and overall experience proved to be much more than choosing a school solely for its choice of academic major.

“WWU provided me with foundational knowledge of the language and the logistics of interpreting,” Wharton remembered. “I was taught by some wonderful leaders in the field when I was there.”

After graduating from WWU, Wharton carved out a highly successful career pursuing her passion. She served in a variety of challenging positions with Deaf Community Services in San Diego, California, and used the experience to pass the national interpreters exam in 2010. She then moved with her family to the other end of the country, to Roanoke, Virginia, where her career really took off.

She began working at Sorenson Communications, one of the nation’s top providers of American Sign Language services, and continues to work there on a part-time basis. She established herself at Radford University in nearby Radford, Virginia, where she connected with more interpreters and created more contacts. All of this opened the door for Wharton to begin offering free-lance interpreting services, which she has been doing now for the past six years.

Today, Wharton is one of the most established freelance interpreters in her area, with clients that include the Virginia Departments of Motor Vehicles, Aging and Rehabilitation Services, and Blind and Vision Impaired; the Wilson Workforce Rehabilitation Center; the Virginia Community College System; local hospitals and medical clinics, and several universities.

“I love the variety, I love the people, and I love going ‘in the zone’ where I am only focused on the message and everything else in the world falls to the wayside,” she said. “From birth to death and every moment in between, a Deaf person has to allow a stranger in, and I am honored to be there. Hopefully one day soon, accessibility will be thought and planned beforehand and not after.”

Amanda Wharton long ago made the decision to honor and remember her father and brother when she earned her Bachelor’s in Sign Language Interpretation fifteen years ago. She is thriving in a vocation that is close to her heart, and passionately encourages others to follow in her footsteps.

AMANDA WHARTON ‘06

When Amanda Wharton ’06 was growing up in Lexington, Missouri, her father had one requirement for both her and her sister: they were all expected to earn a college degree, becoming the first in the family to do so.

At the same time, she had another sibling, a brother named David, who was Deaf. It didn’t take long for Amanda to realize she had a great opportunity in front of her, to both satisfy her father’s wishes, while also learning how to better communicate with her brother.

“I found out about Interpreting as a degree in a college catalog when I was taking driver’s education in high school, hanging out with my counselor on the days when I wasn’t driving,” she remembers.

“It quickly occurred to me that I could check two boxes at once – going to college as my dad wanted and majoring in Interpreting, and learning how to communicate with my brother.”

The revelation came at an opportune time, because the older and more advanced in sign language her brother became, the harder it was for Amanda to connect with him, “He was attending the Missouri School for the Deaf and so I was only able to see him on weekends,” said Amanda. “Where his language skills were

Wayne to the world on October 17, 2020.

Notes Jamie (Sandbothe) Webb was promoted to Information Systems Service Delivery Manager, North America for ABB Inc. as of August 2021.

Mary Hull-Lovett obtained a new job as Staff Chaplain at Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock, AR. Erin Troast just graduated Officer Candidate School and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Kansas Army National Guard. Erin is currently a Client Representative at NetSmart.

2012

Anna Farha has a new job as Training Specialist at Oklahoma State Department of Health July of 2021. Anna is currently a WWU Alumni Board Member.

Olivia (Nicholson) McGaugh, MSW, LCSW

Lincoln (Alexis Sparks ‘13)

and Blake welcomed little Pierce McGaugh to the world on June 21, 2021.

Heather (McCasky) Parent, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Roger Rowan Parent on May 6, 2021.

2013

Laura (Frasher) Tuttle, EdD Just finished her certification for K-12 Building Level Administrator and is now living in Decatur, AL. Sally Bohlinger (‘13, ‘15) and Jerone Lester (‘10, ‘13) welcomed Henry Jean-

Jessie Brunelle was recently appointed Primary Therapist at Outback Therapeutic Expeditions, a treatment program for troubled teens and their families located in Lehi, Utah. Outback Therapeutic Expeditions is a licensed wilderness therapy program that assists teens with various areas of difficulties such as depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, engagement in dangerous behaviors, and more.

equine-niched marketing and business consulting agency called The Social Bit. (photo) Darus Brondel took a new position as a Loan Officer with Accord Mortgage, a local mortgage broker in Jefferson City. In addition to his full time job, he will also be an assistant basketball coach at Jefferson City High School.

Lindsey (LeCuru) Thomas and her husband, Seth, celebrated their 4th year of marriage this year and are expecting their second child this fall.

Danielle Beaver accepted a new position at the Ocala Equine Hospital in Ocala, Florida.

Alexis Sasse ‘14

Alexis (Guth) Sparks and her husband Steven welcomed baby Lincoln Charles Sparks on Feburary 7, 2021. (photo)

2014

Alix (Fiorino) Sasse worked her way up the advertising agency ladder- ending up at one of the largest agencies in the world, working with top brands like Sams Club, Kay Jewelers, Rolex, and David Yurman. This experience allowed her to launch her own small business, an

PHILIP GUIDRY ‘10 HEAD CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK AND FIELD COACH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER

photo courtesy of philip guidry

BY JOHN FOUGERE

Former William Woods University (WWU) cross country and track standout Philip Guidry ‘10, still a young man in his early 30’s, may still have many more miles to go in his life’s journey. But he is also fortunate enough to have already achieved professional excellence at a young age.

An Exercise Science degree graduate from WWU, Guidry is the Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach at Westgate High School in New Iberia, Louisiana. On May 8, 2021, he realized a professional dream when his student-athletes won the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) Class 4A State Title, just one year after his heavily-favored 2020 team was denied a chance to compete due to COVID-19.

It is said that every journey begins with a single step, and with his first state championship as a head coach, Guidry has already taken a big one towards his own professional pinnacle. This for a young man who once chose to attend WWU without ever having visited the campus.

“I never actually visited the campus – my friend described it and told me

TH E WO OD S 2021

about the coach, and I became sold on transferring to William Woods,” he remembered. “I came without knowing anything about the campus or school, but it became a very special place to me through the experiences I had as a student-athlete.”

Any homesickness he felt or doubts he might have had about his decision melted away quickly, as Guidry bonded with his WWU track teammates and the quality faculty he found at The Woods.

“As a student-athlete at William Woods, I was able to begin to find my identity as an individual,” Guidry said. “My coaches and teammates challenged me daily to be the best I could be. The team was very close, and we still keep tabs on each other on where life has taken us.”

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2018

Julianna Thrasher accepted a position as Licking Missouri Elementary School principal.

Notes 2015

Cruz Buchanan accepted a new position at Carl Zeiss Meditec as the Southeast Regional Director of Sales.

Jessica (Ratliff) Gordon currently works as the curriculum director for Greenville R2 schools.

Since August 2020, she has earned her Ed.D in Curriculum & Education through Northcentral University. Her dissertation is titled “An Exploration of Choice-Based Instructional Strategies: A Phenomenological Study” and can now be found on ProQuest.

2016

Randy Henderson has been promoted to General Manger at Linen King in Midwest City, Oklahoma after completing the MBA program, and has just started a Cleaning business called JanTech LLC. Billie Henry is working as a high school science teacher in a rural community while also coaching cross country. Billie is also in the process of fostering/ adopting a little girl!

Alyssa McManus, MBA accepted her dream job as Social Media & Marketing Assistant for B&B Theatres corporate office in February 2020.

Nola (Weller) Martz, Ed.D, worked for 15 months as a visiting assistant professor for the University of Missouri’s Department of Public Health Master of Public Health program in the School of Health Sciences and public health consultant to University Extension after completing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2019. Nola accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Nursing with Truman State University in August 2020 where she continues teaching rural public health nursing and pharmacology courses.

Emily Murphy started a new position at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa as an Academic Advisor for online and Tulsa MBA students in January 2021.

In addition to advising students, she also assists with admissions and promotion of the program around the city of Tulsa.

2017

Jessica Doran, MD, married Kaleb Doran in October 2020. She also graduated from Mizzou’s medical school with her M.D. and is now a resident in pediatrics at Mizzou.

Kalen Barrows graduatedfrom University of Denver with a Masters Degree in Social Work in August 2021. She currently works as a Home-School Communicator for Columbia Public Schools.

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Daisey and Thaddeus (Ashley Phillips ‘16)

Brittany (Jones) Short married Kemp Short ‘18 in June of 2021 and moved to Seaford, VA where she is now working at Riverfront Riding Center as a trainer, instructor, and barn manager.

Ashley (Bauer) Phillips was married to Allen Phillips on August 15, 2020 in a small wedding in their backyard in place of a grand destination wedding due to the pandemic. (photo)

Justis (Kemp) Smith is graduating with an MBA this fall. As a course assignment, she had to create a mock business

Justis Smith ‘17

to build upon through the course. After creating a business plan for an online clothing boutique based in Callaway County specializing in plus size clothing and going over the financial statements, she decided to make the mock business a reality, and in June 2021 launched The Pink Herring Boutique; an online clothing boutique serving Callaway County and beyond. (photo) Jordan (Ross) Hunter is currently a Business and IT Adjunct Faculty at North Arkansas College, as well as a Business Adjunct Faculty at College of the Ozarks. Jordan also obtained his Health, Life, and Accident Insurance Agent License in Missouri in May 2021. He and his wife, Janissa, will be celebrating their 2nd year of marriage this year.

Izayah Donnelly, M.Ed, RAA, became a Registered Athletic Administrator through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) after finishing his Master of Education Athletic Administration in 2020.He took a position as an Executive Assistant for the Missouri State High School Activities Association where he assists in the sports of basketball, soccer, and softball. In his position, he corresponds with all Missouri high

school athletic directors about rule changes and any updated information that is needed for the state championship series. He also oversees and administers operations for all three state championships. Last, but not least, he married Danielle Donelly in August of 2020. (photo) Heather (Durbin) Cooke is the Instructional Designer in the Learning and Design Center at the University of San Diego.

Brittney Engelbrecht loves her job at the Emerald Coast Autism Center where she does 1:1 ABA therapy.

Brent Lange moved back to Missouri in February 2021 to start his music career in beautiful Branson, MO, and is currently working on his first self-recorded southern gospel album titled I Believe in the Cross.

Noelle Homes currently works part-time at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center as a guest instructor. She helps create crime scene scenarios for the student officers to respond to and then give feedback. Noelle is engaged and scheduled to be married this fall.

Izayah Donnelly ‘17

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2020

Jimmy Cain will be the Assistant Athletic/Activities Administrator at Blue Springs South High School during the 2021-2022 school year.

Naomi (Crystal Cull ‘19)

2019

Kena (Grider) Lundy graduated with her MS from the University of North Florida and is now an ASL Interpreter & Educator with a National Interpreter Certification.

Koral Campbell just started her PhD training at the University of Michigan to earn her doctorate degree in Molecular and Cellular Pathology.

Caitlyn Ney recently bought her first house.

Crystal (Riddle) Cull and her husband had a baby girl in November 2020.

Crystal started a new position with BJC at Missouri Baptist Hospital in patient services in Internal Medicine.

Megan Tolias is engaged to be married with plans on having the wedding this coming December. She is currently working on her masters degree in Criminal Justice at Arizona State University. She is very proud of a poem entitled “The Hole” published in a book this year. This is her 5th poem published. See her poem to the right.

Caitlin (Cook) Franklin has been accepted into the MU Veterinary school. Since graduating from WWU, she has done numerous things like work as a Spanish teacher, work as a bilingual disease investigator for the hospital and health department, work as an assistant riding instructor, as well as growing and selling plants to raise money for veterinary school.

Amber (Hawn) Graziano married Shannon Graziano (‘18) gave birth to a little girl in October.

Sydney Bullock has been working at ProDeZigns in

“A special shout out to Dr. Caroline Boyer Ferhat for always welcoming me into her office to encourage me to be the best student I could be.

Your passion has helped me grow in this field tremendously.”

—ALLIE TATE ‘20

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Eldon, MO as a graphic designer since October 2020 and is loving every second of it. She stays busy designing wraps for things like vehicles, boats, trailers, fuel tankers, guitars, etc. At her job, she also produces banners, signage, and other marketing services. Sydney also got engaged in December on the beautiful beach of Magens Bay in St. Thomas, USVI. (photo) Allie Tate has been utilizing her Psychology degree while working at Burrell Behavioral Health as a Community Support Specialist over this last year. She is very excited to announce that she has been accepted into the ‘21-‘22 cohort at Central Methodist University to pursue her Master’s of Science in Clinical Counseling. (photo)

2021

Adriane Koty will be teaching 5th grade in the Jefferson City School District this coming school year.

Leah Easley started working for the Missouri Department of Conservation this summer with the title of Resource Science Aid for RAM (Resource Assessment and Management).

Claire McDonald is currently a resident in Columbia, MO and attending her first year of veterinary school at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

Additionally, she is working part time in the clinical pathology lab at the Veterinary Health Center located at the university.

Sydney Bullock ‘20

The Hole A POEM BY MEGAN TOL IAS ‘ 2 0 “I wrote this poem during one of my worst times in December 2019. Life has gotten much better since I wrote it, but at the time, it was the best way to express my feelings.”

I can’t see out, but I see the world looking in I tried climbing the wall, only to find it flat It feels like the world is caving in, further and further And all I see, is a hole A hole that holds my mind captive I see a light, but it goes black again I can’t escape my minds, there is no end There’s only a hole A hole that keeps getting darker and deeper I couldn’t find my footing in my new world A dark and cold one Self-medicating at every corner Never being truly happy Here in this hole

Allie Tate ‘20

The hole has consumed me The hole has stolen my life The hole is dark and cold and lonely The hole is my new forever life

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In Memoriam

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1960 Saundra (Kimbell) DeWitt 1961 Ann (Crumpecker) Tucker Sue (Falley) Anderson 1963 Elizabeth (Ragsdale) Feuille Sheilah (Collins) Morley 1964 Susan (Gilles) Safire 1966 Linda (Gruden) Bilut Julia (Padgett) Padgett 1968 Susan (Rys) Huehnergarth Stacy (Kotrba) Kotrba 1969 Carolyn (Ray) Craig Marcia (Colbert) Potter 1970 Sue (Roberts) Schellmann 1973 Susan K. Howard 1976 Elaine (Todoroff) Bonzon 1977 Lisa (Carson) Ford 1978 Diane Stephens 1981 Ann (Wagenknecht) Wilson 1986 Mary Campbell 1994 Helen (Wedge) Fisher 2003 Daniel Kaltenbach Terilyn Elder 2004 Terry (Copeland) Cramer Mary Blakey 2005 Russ Moreland 2006 Gary Kerns Michelle (Meyer) Roudebush 2007 Lucas McCoy 2009 Jeffrey Thompson 2015 Lori (Hizer) Hunt Ashley (Stanfill) Wegner 2017 Hannah (Mansell) Mansell

center image , micala austin photography; facing page , courtesy of howard family

1938 Elouise (Tolar) Hicks 1942 Dorothy (Slack) Wood Mishler 1943 Mary Lou (Ownby) Anson Virginia (Gammon) Brunner 1945 Dolly (Newbery) Findley Emma Lou (Barrow) Pierce 1946 Joe Ann (Russell) Yocom Aldine (Ahrens) Colley Betty (Heidinger) Whitlock 1947 Patricia (Schmitt) Penn Betty (Thompson) Parrish Virginia “Piggie” (Wallace) Herndon 1948 Marie (Delavigne) Shore Margaret (Wieneke) Kozel 1949 Ann (Ogden) Tompkins Gloria (Alexander) Cogdell Carolyn (Klitzing) Jones Ruth (Barnette) Sholar 1950 Betty (Land) Rariden Marianne (Murphy) Stone 1951 Frances (Russell) Mefford Hope (Chandler) Hobold 1952 Raydene (Myers) Rankin Donna (Antle) Solomon Jeanne Willcockson Annella (Anderson) Bangert 1953 Nancy Wilcoxson Magee Drusilla (Staton) Breidenthal 1954 Carolyn (Koenig) Smith 1955 Jonne (Thompson) Schweider 1956 Norma (Hoera) Demetrion Carol (Hamarstrom) Jackson 1957 Nancy (Slater) Hartman Vivian (Graf) Forbes 1959 Carolyn (Green) Mumm

TH E WOODS 2 02 1

Susan K. Howard ‘73

January 24, 1952 – October 3, 2021 As a genealogist and proud member of the William Woods Class of 1973, Susan K. Howard donated a framed “William Stone Woods Family Tree” to WWU in 2012. But that was only part of her lifelong commitment to her alma mater. A resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico who passed away October 3, 2021, Howard devoted extensive service throughout her life to the William Woods Alumni Board as a member of the Board of Directors and Advisory Committee, and played an integral role each year in planning for and participating in Alumni Weekend. She also volunteered much of her time representing WWU at events like college fairs and trade shows. Susan was known to host alumni gatherings and even served as the Alumni Area Coordinator for WWU in Dayton, OH. After graduating from The Woods with a BS in Biology, she worked in medical research at Washington University Medical School in St. Louis before moving on to her most prominent career role, with the United States Air Force. She retired in 2007 after more than 30 years of service with the Air Force, which included tours of England and Germany, and then devoted most of her retirement to her lifelong love of genealogy.

That love for genealogy inspired Susan to compile (and donate a frame of) the ‘William Stone Woods Family Tree’ in 2012. Other interests of hers included gardening, reading, cooking, travel, talking care of her pets, and assisting others with anything PC-related.

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A Legacy is a descendant or relative of a WWU alum or student.

This relationship includes parents and stepparents, siblings, grandparents and step-grandparents, and greatgrandparents.

Share in the Pride!

Since 1870, William Woods University has developed leaders ready to take on the world. As a legacy of the University, we invite you to schedule a special legacy campus visit today.

Discover why William Woods is the place for you, too. Learn more about special events for legacies while exploring our professions-oriented majors at an individual campus visit or an admissions event.

T hree G e nerat io ns!

C ont inu

ing t he T ra d it i o n

Is your student a WWU Legacy?

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If so, the Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations has a free tee-shirt for them and you! Stop by our office on the second floor of the Academic Building and pick up yours today! Room 212!

B r oth er s at T h e W

oods

Pro ud Ow l Sib lings

The Office of Admissions williamwoods.edu/visit 800.995.3159 admissions@williamwoods.edu TH E WOODS 2 02 1

B E GIN

|

F L OU R I SH

|

A DVA NC E

It’s time.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY.

Come back to The Woods for the advanced degree you need to further your career.

For Business Leaders: Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MA) Master of Health Administration (MHA) Strategic Innovation and Change (Graduate) Online Certificate Leadership (Undergraduate) Online Certificate

As a William Woods alum, you already know that with the right education, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish.

For Educators:

Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) Education Specialist (EdS) in Curriculum Leadership Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership Master of Education (MEd) in STEM Master of Education (MEd) in Reading Instruction Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership Master of Education (MEd) in Equestrian Education Master of Education (MEd) in Teaching and Technology Master of Education (MEd) in Athletic/Activities Administration

There has never been a better time to pursue the education that supports your goals. Talk toTHus about your options today.

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800.995.3199 williamwoods.edu/apply

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graduateadmissions@williamwoods.edu

ALUM SPOTLIGHT

Teach Your Children Well Ciara Tatum ’19 takes the nontraditional path to teaching and coaching success

BY JOH N FOUGERE

One of the areas where William Woods has made its mark is in the University’s long-time appeal to so-called “non-traditional” students. That is, students that are anything other than traditional, living on-campus undergraduates.

Ciara Tatum ’19, a physical education teacher at Lange Middle School and Track and Field Head Sprint Coach at Battle High School, both located in Columbia, Missouri, checks the box for many of the characteristics of a non-traditional student. She originally came to William Woods as a transfer student. She completed her degree at WWU as a working professional and mom. She was a commuter. And she was a determined individual who never wavered from her goal of finishing her degree, despite a gap of 11 years from when she first entered The Woods in 2008 as a student-athlete, and earning her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education K-12 and certification to teach in the fall of 2019.

“I honestly never had time to relax,” Tatum recalled about her time at WWU. “I juggled class, being a twosport athlete, teaching, coaching, being a full-time mom, social life and spending time with my family. It was overwhelming at times because the expectations of me were high in every category, and if I ever wanted to give myself some grace and miss something, I felt like I would be letting someone down. So I did the best I could each day to give 100% of myself until I met my goals.”

Ciara Tatum has already mastered a few of the most intangibles for success such as determination, giving 100%, and achieving goals. She has more than a few valuable life lessons to teach the students and athletes she interacts with each day.

Arriving at William Woods in the fall of 2008 as a transfer from Kansas City (Kan.) Community College and two-sport athlete in basketball and track and field, Tatum’s college years at The Woods would be different from most undergraduate student athletes after her son Elijah was born. By the end of 2012 she had everything in place to obtain her Bachelor’s degree except her student teaching and certification, which was put on hold as she raised her son.

She was able to finally return to WWU in the fall of 2017 when her son was in 4th grade, but then had to

SPORTS

TH E WOODS 2 02 1

micala austin photography (3)

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“JUST BECAUSE

postpone again for another year when she landed a Permanent Substitute teaching position with Columbia Public Schools. The new position, along with taking care of her household, necessitated a delay until the fall of 2018 for her to resume at William Woods.

But failing to complete her degree was never an option, despite all of life’s responsibilities now on her plate. And William Woods was once again there to do one of the things it does best – support the so-called non-traditional student.

“William Woods made sure the Dome (McNutt Campus Center) was open 24 hours for all, so that commuter students always had access for whenever they needed to stay on campus late and the library was closed,” Tatum said. “They maintained commuter parking areas that helped ensure that there was always parking when campus was packed.”

“Most importantly,” she continued, “was how easy it was communicating with professors. They all knew that you were a commuter student and working professional so that when you had other obligations at times, the teachers were very understanding and a bit flexible in allowing you a grace period to make up work if you needed to miss a day.”

In the fall of 2019, Tatum achieved her goal – graduating with her Bachelor’s in Physical Education K-12 degree from The Woods.

“WWU overly prepared me for my career,” she said.

“I learned things that others are hearing for the first time. I was taught not only the psychology of education, but also all those little things with how to control your classroom, build relationships, and create a safe place where learning is fun, creative and cool.”

Tatum spends her days these days doing what she was meant to do – teaching and coaching, and shaping the lives of her students and athletes. A Physical Education teacher at Lange Middle School, and Track and Field Head Sprint Coach at Battle High School, her enthusiasm and love for what she does is obvious.

“I love coaching, and as I see it, coaching is teaching and teaching is coaching,” she said. “I love the relationships built, and the mentorship piece since it is an extracurricular activity for students, so I get to see them in another light outside the classroom in their TH E WO OD S 2021

own element. It is such a beautiful thing to witness young people go for things they may doubt but grow in confidence and then reach out to tell me that my motivating words, wisdom and encouragement inspired them to be a better version of themselves.”

That commitment to the young people that she influences every day extends to her favorite young man, her son Elijah.

“As a teacher, we learn more than most that everything must start at home,” Tatum says. “After my long journey of chasing my career down, and never giving up in everything outside my home, I have realized that I want to be there for my son more than anything. Being the best ‘home school’ teacher to my own children is at the very top of my list as a dream job!”

“Teachers are positive role models so know someone is always watching you, looking up to you, and being motivated by you,” she continued. “Just because someone is a teacher doesn’t mean they are no longer a learner. We should all be willing to learn from everyone, young and old, and from any and all experiences, so that we can grow.”

SOMEONE IS A TEACHER DOESN’T MEAN THEY ARE NO LONGER A LEARNER. WE SHOULD ALL BE WILLING TO LEARN FROM EVERYONE, YOUNG AND OLD, AND FROM ANY AND ALL EXPERIENCES, SO THAT WE CAN GROW.”

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ALUM SPOTLIGHT

Say Hello to Hollywood Joshua Potter ’06 finds his role working in the entertainment industry

BY JOHN FOUGERE

He is a long way from his Callaway County youth and college years at The Woods, but his story is more work and persistence than fairy tale.

“It takes hard work, diligence, and time to break into this industry, unless you have major connections,” said Potter. “To put that into perspective, it took me a couple of years before I even got my foot in the door, and that was partially luck because I had a connection and was in the right place at the right time. That’s the nature of L.A. and the entertainment industry – you never know who you will run into and there is no one ‘right path’ into this business.”

Potter’s own path began right there in his hometown of Fulton, Missouri at William Woods, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design in 2006.

“I chose William Woods for the excellent Arts program and the instructors therein, many of whom I already knew from growing up in Fulton,” he said.

“I received a strong core foundation in Art history, visual art and creative writing at WWU, and was given room to explore my specific interests from there. But one of the most valuable things I learned Above: Joshua Potter poses with the DeLorean from the Back to the Future film series.

Right: Joshua Potter at the Warner Brothers studios.

photos courtesy of joshua potter

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If someone said that the story of Joshua Potter’s life could be a Hollywood production, they would pretty much be telling the truth.

That would be because the 2006 graduate of William Woods, who grew up in the University’s backyard of Fulton, is these days living out his professional dream of working as a post-production coordinator in the film and television industry in Los Angeles. Though still just in his 30’s, Potter has already racked up impressive credits like working on such programs as Pretty Little Liars for ABC, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist for NBC Universal, and The Orville for FOX, while rubbing shoulders with luminaries like Seth MacFarlane, Jon Favreau, Bill Nye, Jeff Goldblum, Michael B. Jordan, Charlize Theron and Neil deGrasse Tyson, among others.

Currently, Potter is working on the first season of The Cleaning Lady for Warner Brothers/FOX, while drawing, creating, writing and hoping to eventually pitch some of his own ideas for programs on the side.

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at William Woods was how to give and take constructive criticism regarding things like artwork, and how to better navigate being part of a creative team.”

Six years after graduating, Potter took the ultimate plunge for anyone interested in working in the film/television industry – moving to Los Angeles in 2012. There, he worked at a Best Buy while picking up some temporary work on various productions, before receiving his “big break” in the form of employment as a post-production assistant during the sixth season of Pretty Little Liars.

“It is important to impress upon people the realities of moving to Los Angeles for a career ‘in the movies,’” Potter said. “You need the utmost resilience, passion, focus, and drive. You have to press on when others around you give up and move home after two or three years of ‘not making it.’ It’s a cliché, but the people who stay and keep trying are the people who eventually succeed.”

Seven years after beginning on Pretty Little Liars, Potter is now firmly entrenched in the industry as a Post-Production Coordinator. His job is varied, getting hired by individual shows and not always by Warner Brothers and sometimes not even on a studio lot. His biggest responsibility is to ensure that everyone on a production, including the post-production, editorial and visual effects departments, have everything they need at any given moment.

That can include working with external vendors for things like processing and encoding dailies, color correction, audio mixing, and final delivery of episodes. He also handles day-to-day details like calendars, schedules, purchase orders, delivering dailies via different online streaming platforms, and searching for stock footage.

“I think what I most enjoy is scheduling and assisting with Automatic Dialogue Replacement (ADR) sessions,” said Potter. “We do that when needed if there is bad audio from production or if the showrunner wants to change a line of dialogue. It is like a giant puzzle to put together, which I love, and I also get to work directly with the cast to ensure lines are recorded correctly and on rare occasions, even get to give a little direction on the reading of those lines myself.”

Potter has worked with or met Janel Parrish, the late Norm MacDonald (“a hoot”), Adrianne Palicki, Robert Picardo, Marina Sirtis, Jonathan Frakes, and the forementioned Favreau, Nye, Goldblum, Jordan, Theron and Tyson. He has attended several big “wrap” parties and Christmas parties at Seth Macfar-

lane’s home.

Such a unique career means that Potter has regularly interacted with his share of Hollywood stars and starlets, so much so that he no longer gets, well, starry-eyed, when he does.

Well, mostly.

“I also like to say I partied with Leonardo DiCaprio,” he said. “Though technically, I did not actually meet him, he was just 5-10 feet away from me!”

But throughout all his adventures working his way up the film and television ladder in Tinseltown, Potter has retained some of those qualities instilled in him that are invaluable in his demanding industry.

“Above anything else, it’s important to be a nice person, which goes a long way in this industry,” he said. “You should always be respectful and gracious, and be willing to learn and willing to fail and learn from your failures. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself or walk away from a toxic work environment. And of course, you need to be willing to work hard, over long (sometimes 10 to 14-hour days) hours.”

“Always listen to your gut, take some chances and some risks, and don’t be afraid to be a little ‘career aggressive’ and put yourself out there,” he adds.

“Trust in yourself, your heart and your abilities. People will definitely notice and want to hire you.”

Joshua Potter should know, because people are definitely taking notice of him these days, and on the world’s biggest entertainment stage.

Above: Joshua Potter at the set of The Orville.

Below (left to right): 1. Potter with Olympic star Simone Biles and the Captain America shield prop.

2. Potter with actor Jeff Goldblum.

3. Potter during his WWU theatre days inside Dulany Auditorium.

4. Potter with some of his favorite WWU professors (2006)

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ALUM SPOTLIGHT

MANDI LARUE, ‘11

Career choice paying off big in Las Vegas

A Winning Bet

BY JOHN FOUGERE A little over six years ago, Mandi LaRue ’11 did what countless Americans do each year.

She took a gamble in Las Vegas.

But the chance LaRue took had nothing to do with slot machines or card games. Instead, the Fulton, Missouri native decided to take her burgeoning career in Hospitality to the city that is practically the Hospitality capital of the world, and see where the move would take her.

“After college, I moved to St. Louis to begin working in a casino resort there,” LaRue said. “From there, the natural progression in the Hospitality industry was Las Vegas, where MGM Resorts is the leading employer. They have a great culture, amazing experiences and really passionate leaders. I’m so glad I made my way to MGM!” She is more than just making her way on the big stage of Vegas – she is excelling. Just one decade after graduating from William Woods in 2011, LaRue today serves as Director of Organizational Effectiveness, focusing on food and beverage and retail strategy for MGM, a massive international brand with 70,000 employees, 40,000 hotel rooms and 450 restaurants and bars worldwide. She is a leader on a very high-profile team, and having the time of her life doing it.

“We get the opportunity to interact with people who are on vacation, enjoying special occasions with family, or just seeking an unforgettable experience – and we get to create those moments for them,” she said. “It is a thrill like nothing else!”

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photos courtesy of mandi larue

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It was at William Woods that LaRue discovered exactly what she wanted to do with her career, thanks to an Entrepreneurship class she took with Dr. David Forster.

“Our big project for the semester was to write a business plan for something we wanted to create,” she said. “I chose a frozen drink bar at the Lake of the Ozarks. At the time, it just seemed like a fun project, but being required to do the research, strategize and truly develop a concept from scratch really got my gears turning. It ended up sparking a lifelong passion for the restaurant business. Prior to that, I had been a server and bartender, but after that project, I truly knew that I wanted to make Hospitality my career.”

Armed with her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from WWU, and some great college experiences and memories, LaRue graduated in 2011 and joined life’s biggest game of chance – her future.

After two years working at casino resorts in St. Louis, LaRue made her biggest move when she joined Pinnacle Entertainment in Las Vegas as a corporate food and beverage training manager. She later moved on to MGM, where she was appointed to her present position of Director of Organizational Effectiveness in December 2019. In her position, she has the responsibility of analyzing operational needs in the Food and Beverage and Retail areas and designing strategies that maximize both financial success and guest experience for MGM’s properties.

“The decisions I get to make every day affect literally thousands of people and venues who are part of MGM,” she said. “Recently, for example, we hosted a Hospitality Fireside Chat with 400 of our leaders from across the country, where we spoke about our industry, the struggles, the joys, and so on. One of our guests was THE Sara Jessica Parker!”

“My career in Vegas has led me to working with world renowned chefs, including the previous coach of the USA Olympic Culinary Team, as well as the Iron Chef who defeated Morimoto,” she said. “There is just nothing like this industry!”

And now that industry, in the entertainment capital of the world, is Mandi LaRue’s life.

“When I first came here, I expected it to be a short experience of 3-5 years,” she says. “I have been here for almost seven years now, and have no desire to ever leave! It is truly like nothing else, working in Hospitality in a place like Las Vegas. This industry can lead you down so many paths, and you get to meet so many incredible people, many that you will have relationships with for the rest of your life.”

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S E N D AL L ADDRE S S C HANG ES TO:

One University Avenue Fulton, MO 65251 PHON E : 800.995 .3 15 9 E M A I L : ALUMN I@W ILLIAMWOODS.EDU

WORDS TO THE WISE

“For everything, there is a season.”

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