The Woods 2019 Alumni Magazine

2019

PAGE 30

A Quarter Century of Excellence William Woods University’s nationally ranked American Sign Language program turns 25.

The official alumni magazine of William Woods University

SNAPSHOT

Fine Arts

The creativity of the faculty at William Woods was once again on display during the annual faculty art show at Cox Gallery in March. The show has been a yearly tradition on campus since WWU established a four-year degree in art in 1964. As always, the show featured a variety of artistic works, illustrating the talent of WWU’s professors, including painting, photography, new media, ceramics/sculptures, mixed media, and installation.

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THE WOODS Staff The Woods magazine is the official alumni magainze 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. on the cover: Megan Brown ‘19, American Sign Language and Interpreting. Photo by Micala Austin

A DMIN ISTR AT ION

CONTRIBUTORS

Jahnae H. Barnett

Ashley Brown ‘90, ‘03

Scott T. Gallagher

Lisa Cole Eimers

President

Vice President of Advancement

Lisa Cole Eimers

John Fougere

Vice President of Advancement

Vice President of Strategic Communications

John Fougere

Vice President of Strategic Communications

Paige Willis

Communications Coordinator

Kathy Groves

Jennifer Garcia

Vice President of Enrollment Management

Graphic Design Coordinator

Emily Schiffer

PHOTO GR APHY

Running World.com magazine

Veronica Townsend ‘21

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To submit articles or update your alumni information and live 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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Producing graduates who are in-demand to today’s employers is the WWU way, and that includes taking advantage of our annual on-campus career fair!

Director of Marketing

University Vice President

Micala Austin ‘13 Maddie Carlson ‘21 Paige Willis

Career Fair

GOLD Work-out Want to find out how fit you need to be to join the military?

Students experienced some physical, Army-style workouts when the University’s Missouri National Guard Show-Me GOLD program brought a visiting workout station to campus during the 2019 fall semester.

Thunder Visits Thunder, the official mascot of the NFL’s Denver Broncos, along with owner Sharon Magness Blake, stopped by campus in July while on way to Canton, Ohio for the NFL’s Hall of Fame game.

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in this issue 30

...

F E AT U R E S

Up For Interpretation Careers in ASL/ Interpreting have proven to be dynamic, unique experiences for generations of William Woods graduates.

I N

39 44

Motivated by a ‘Zit’

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Bob Jones Raises the Bar

E V E RY

4 From the President 5 Into The Woods

Back to School Bash Students enjoyed an outdoor concert at the amplitheatre along with yard games and snacks in this “Welcome Back to the Woods” celebration during the first week of fall semester classes in August.

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Learn what’s happening in and around campus, with news, notes, and profiles about the university and its students, staff, and faculty.

Read about Kristina Baum ‘04, and her fight against cancer.

It’s a Non-Tradition WWU is a top destination for non-traditional students such as online students, transfer students, off-campus students, and international students.

WWU’s first and only Head Strength and Conditioning Coach achieves heavy weight status - as the nations’ best!.

I S S U E 55 Echo Welcome the New Advancement Team Kevin Lay ‘07 deemed Regional Teacher of the Year 2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards

62 Class Notes 72 Alum Spotlight

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From the President “PROUD OF WHERE WE HAVE BEEN… AND EXCITED ABOUT WHERE WE ARE GOING.”

If you had to summarize our great university on the eve of its 150th birthday as an institution, I cannot think of a better way to do so in just a few short words. And that is where William Woods proudly stands, on the threshold of the magical year of 2020, when we will mark the occasion of this incredible milestone to celebrate all The Woods has become.

The theme for our 150th anniversary is “The Woods at 150: A 2020 Vision For The Future,” which perfectly encapsulates the true theme for our observation. The modern, professions-based university we have become today would no doubt amaze William Woods himself if he could experience it. From our humble beginnings in 1870 as a school for the orphaned daughters of Civil War veterans, today we proudly boast a robust total enrollment of more than 2,000 students while counting approximately 22,500 alumni worldwide. Our graduates can be found in leadership positions in business, education, the sciences, law and health care, and most all professions. We are a respected and appreciated brand name in the highly competitive world of smaller, private universities.

Where we are today is something, indeed, in which to take pride. Where we are going beyond 2020 fills us with anticipation. But as we approach year 150, it is inevitable that we also look back at what brought us here, which has been a never-ending commitment to vision and innovation.

Consider the cover story in this 2019 edition of The Woods. It was a quarter-century ago when we decided to establish a four-year degree in American Sign Language and Interpreting; today, the need for individuals with degrees in ASL/Interpreting is exploding not only across the U.S., but the world. We had the foresight to create this unique degree program at William Woods, and 25 years later we are recognized as having perhaps the top such program in all of higher education, all in an industry where our graduates are in deep demand.

That has been the William Woods story in a nutshell.

Whether it was establishing graduate and online degree programs long before they were the norm at universities similar to WWU, or creating and excelling in niche academic degree programs like Equestrian and ASL, we have always been looking ahead to the future at The Woods. Our 150th celebration gives us a splendid opportunity to look back at our past with pride, as well.

I hope you enjoy this latest version of The Woods. In it you will find an impressive collection of stories, photos, and information that captures what amounts to a moment in time – 2019 – in the now fifteen-decade history of William Woods. I urge you to stay current with your alma mate, and stay tuned for what is to come in 2020. Because while we celebrate our University for everything it has achieved, remember that William Woods’ history is being made each and every day. You do not want to miss it, and we encourage you to be part of it!

Jahnae H. Barnett

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Into THE WOODS

... AND AROUND THE CAMPUS

A LOOK AT THE PAST, A VISION FOR THE FUTURE The year 2020 is a fitting numerical year for William Woods University to celebrate its milestone 150th anniversary. It is perfectly symmetrical, suggesting a year of equally celebrating our illustrious past, as well as our exciting future. It is also the numbers assigned to perfect vision, which we will use in the coming year to see clearly, including where we have been as an institution, and where we are going. We are excited for everyone affiliated with The Woods - students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters - to watch with anticipation, as we embark on a year full of school spirit, interesting campus speakers, historical remembrances, fascinating events and gazing into the future, all around celebrating the University we love. Stay tuned!

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Into THE WOODS HOOT!

Making the Grade

Personal finance website Wallethub’s 2020 rankings of the top performing U.S. universities with the lowest cost to undergraduates rated WWU as the 10th best university in the state of Missouri, and number one in the mid-Missouri area.

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The Next Milestone

William Woods Officially Opens On-Campus Headquarters for the Show-Me GOLD Program William Woods University President Jahnae H. Barnett joined MILITARY Major General Stephen Danner, Adjutant General of the Missouri Army National Guard, and local and University leaders in a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 11, 2019, for the on-campus headquarters of the Show-Me Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) program at William Woods University. The University announced the launch of the GOLD program, which is designed to provide a pathway for individuals interested in becoming officers in the Missouri Army National Guard (MOARNG), in August 2018.

The program’s newly renovated headquarters, located on the second floor of Aldridge Hall at WWU, encompasses approximately 1,800 square feet. The space will be used to support GOLD program activities on campus, providing ample classroom space to support both Military Studies and Leadership courses. The GOLD headquarters will also accommodate space for candidate operations, formal briefings, individual locker storage, a supply room, and GOLD program staff offices.

The first class of students enrolled in the GOLD program at William Woods began classes in August during the Fall 2019 semester.

A fine partnership “Establishing the headquarters for the GOLD program at William Woods is the next milestone in our new partnership with the Missouri Army National Guard,” said President Barnett. “We are excited to begin offering the program this fall and have already exceeded expectations on the number of students enrolled in the program for its first year.”

“We look forward to the start of the Show-Me GOLD program here at William Woods, which will provide scholarships and a variety of educational opportunities for our citizen-soldiers,” said Major General Danner. “We are confident of the future success of the GOLD program with William Woods University, an outstanding military-friendly institution, as our partner.”

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“WE HAVE ALREADY EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS ON THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM FOR ITS FIRST YEAR.”

Prepared for the future Show-Me GOLD prepares candidates for the rigors and challenges they will face as commissioned officers in the Army National Guard. To be eligible, students must be a member of the Missouri Army National Guard and accepted to enroll at William Woods. Participants will attend Military Science classes during their freshman, sophomore and junior years at William Woods University, and attend an accelerated Officer Candidate School during the summer between their junior and senior years. Upon graduation from William Woods, students will have a Bachelor’s Degree in their respective academic discipline, a Minor in Military Science, and will be commissioned officers in the MOARNG.

Above: Dr. Barnett cuts the ceremonial ribbon alongside Major General Stephen Danner, former Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard and current member of the WWU Board of Trustees, and John Edwards, past chair of the WWU Board of Trustees, as well as members of the Callaway County Chamber of Commerce.

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Into THE WOODS

A Whole New Scale New Academic Classification Places William Woods in the Same Category With Some of the Nation’s Finest Universities.

BY JOHN FOUGERE

“WHILE MANY OTHER UNIVERSITIES SIMILAR TO US ARE FACING VERY REAL DEBT AND ENROLLMENT PROBLEMS, WE CONTINUE TO BUCK THE TREND HERE AT THE WOODS

BY ADDING NEW ACADEMIC DEGREE PROGRAMS.”

William Woods University has an impressive new list of peer ACADEMICS institutions, according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

The nation’s premiere organization for classifying colleges and universities in the U.S., Carnegies’ most recent classification created a new category of doctoral universities that offer professional practice doctorates with less than $5 million in research spending. William Woods is included in this new Carnegie category that consists of 152 U.S. colleges and universities, along with some of the nation’s most highly-regarded universities such as Elon, Creighton, Pepperdine, Drake, Gonzaga, Valparaiso and Santa Clara.

“William Woods is delighted to be recognized by the Carnegie Classification for inclusion in their new Doctoral/Professional Universities group, which is a considerable honor for our institution,” said Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett, President of William Woods University. “The other universities in this category are national in scope and positioned to lead, and we could not be prouder to be considered by Carnegie as their peers.”

WWU is one of only four universities in the state of Missouri in the prestigious new classification, joining Missouri State, Lindenwood and Maryville universities. Distinct from doctoral universities with high research activity, the institutions in this category focus on excellence in undergraduate majors and professional graduate programs.

“We were ahead of the curve in the 1990s when we established graduate and online degrees here at William Woods, long before other smaller, private institutions similar to us were doing so,” added President Barnett. “Such innovation and cutting edge thinking is why The Woods, on the eve of the 150th anniversary of our University’s founding next year, continues to flourish as an institution.”

Since Dr. Barnett’s appointment as president in 1990, William Woods has seen tremendous growth as an institution. Total enrollment has increased from 750 to over 2,000 students; the University’s endowment has increased by nearly 250 percent; graduate-level, online, study abroad and new degree programs have been added; the University eliminated its long-term debt and has maintained an operating budget in the black for 15 straight years; and infrastructure and capitol improvements on the main campus in Fulton have included the construction of ten new major buildings.

“Inclusion in the new Carnegie category serves as another prime example of our strength and vitality as a university,” said President Barnett. “While many other universities similar to us are facing very real debt and enrollment problems, we continue to buck the trend here at The Woods by adding new academic degree programs, such as Show-Me GOLD and Cybersecurity, all in just the past year and a half. We will always be committed to offering degree programs to students that make them in-demand by a wide range of employers.”

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SPORTS

Into

William Woods Placed 45 Owls in the Fall 2018 Midwest Academic All-Conference WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Madeleine Brown Katie Keath Harley Nale Kimi Putnam Megan Van Harn MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Alex Bossing Tyler Bossing Ben Farrell Matt Fringer Cole Koch Nathaniel Ogden Schuyler Ogden Jamie Porter Charlie Schattgen WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Kayton Coffee Kate Doerhoff Jessica Jensen Remie Johnson Melanie Kala Kira Krebill Brooke Reed Megan Rogers Tory Wiley Jaclyn Zahn Kylie Zamboni-Cutter

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THE WOODS

Academic All-Conference Honorees

MEN’S SOCCER Yamac Aytekin Luca Crivellari Roberto Duro Sanchez Victor Faure Jordan Henderson Spencer Hiles Alberto Pitarch Stefan Simic Darren Wilson WOMEN’S SOCCER Colleen Bayer Kaley Beckstead Madysen Hahn Aurora Henriksen Rosemary Lenz Arianna Meikel Lexi Rosa Shelby Scanlan Claire Stark Shelby Wiebe Alexis Willingham

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TECHNOLOGY

Into

New technology upgrades arrive at William Woods residence halls.

THE WOODS

Getting Connected

BY PAIGE WI LL IS The University Information Technology (UIT) department began a new project at William Woods this summer – making a Wi-Fi connection more accessible in every residence hall on campus.

UIT installed routers in every room, including basements, in each residence hall. Comparatively, each floor used to share the same access point to connect wirelessly. As a result of this project, everyone now has a personal access point. Each unit being placed in rooms is using current and efficient technology to keep students connected.

Additionally, each router will have four spots available to hardwire in a device.

“There are 409 access points added to residence halls on campus,” said Steve Goodson, Infrastructure Manager at William Woods. “We worked feverishly to get these installed, including a few rooms being finished up after move-in day.”

When the University’s new sorority houses were built in 2014, similar technology was installed with an access point in every room. This upgrade is now available everywhere students are living on campus.

In addition to more reliable access to Wi-Fi, another advantage of the new system is the increased ability to hard port into the system.

Goodson says this is most often used with TV and gaming systems. Wired-in devices have access to 1 GB of speed.

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“As always, students, faculty, and staff can call us if there is any problem with any technology on campus,” Goodson said. “We are here to help and the best way we can help is if we are informed of any issues.”

Goodson also added that if there is an issue with an individual router, a student should still have no issues connecting to Wi-Fi, since there is a router in each room next to them as well. Along with the large Wi-Fi access upgrade, UIT has also increased their internet speed package. Overall, the wireless experience received a large refresh for all students on campus.

“Today’s students need and demand access to reliable and fast Wi-Fi,” said Venita Mitchell, Vice President and Dean of Student Life at William Woods. “Most students are connected through multiple devices and platforms at the same time, so we knew we needed to commit the resources to meet their needs. Fast and efficient Wi-Fi supports student academic success and satisfaction – it can be really frustrating when you lose access in the middle of research for a project or even a game with a friend.”

The start of fall semester classes in August came with a pleasant surprise for many students. If they live on campus, they found something new – technology updates to provide more resources at top speeds in the comfort of their own room.

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The Hallmarks of our Mission

LANGUAGE

William Woods is Now Offering Free Credit Hours to Incoming Bilingual Students Through the State of Missouri’s Seal of Biliteracy Program.

BY JOHN FOUGERE

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Beginning with the Fall 2019 semester, William Woods University (WWU), began offering up to 18 free, transferable credit hours to incoming high school graduates who have attained proficiency in English and at least one other language, as part of the State of Missouri’s Seal of Biliteracy program. The Seal of Biliteracy, administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), is designed to promote active participation in a global society and economy by incentivizing, recognizing and celebrating the acquisition of biliteracy skills.

At WWU, American Sign Language and Spanish are included in the University’s course offerings. Once a student who has earned DESE’s Seal of Biliteracy commits to language study at William Woods, they are eligible to receive up to 18 credit hours of language coursework transcripted toward their college degree, at no charge to the student. These credit hours can save students considerable time and money while providing them with the opportunity to advance their college language study rapidly.

“Our mission at William Woods is to provide an education that fully prepares students for a life in an economy and society that is increasingly global,” said Dr. Aimee Sapp, Vice-President of Academic Affairs at William Woods. “Students who are proficient in a second language have an increased ability to communicate with clients, colleagues and associates who speak a language other than English, making them more in-demand and more easily identified as bilingual by today’s employers.”

The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy is awarded by a local school district that currently participates

in the program to recognize students who have attained proficiency in both English and one or more other languages before their high school graduation. The recognition of attaining biliteracy becomes part of the student’s high school transcript and serves to certify that attainment to the community, employers, and prospective universities like William Woods.

“Innovative, professions-oriented and cost-effective are hallmarks of the William Woods mission,” said Dr. Jahnae Barnett, President of William Woods. “Our adoption of the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy at The Woods is a demonstration of all three of those things.”

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Into THE WOODS

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

The Outdoor Classroom Dr. Robin Hirsh-Jacobson Awarded 2018-2019 Distinguished Professor of the Year

“I LOVE WITNESSING A STUDENT CATCH INSPIRATION; A REAL PASSION FOR A TOPIC.”

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Lauded as a professor who teaches with incredible enthusiasm for Biology that keeps students engaged, Dr. SCIENCE Robin Hirsch-Jacobson, Associate Professor of Biology, was chosen by students at William Woods University as this year’s distinguished professor at WWU. Hirsch-Jacobson received the Louis D. Beaumont Dad’s Association Distinguished Professor Award for Excellence in Teaching at the University’s academic honors convocation on April 26. The award carries an honorarium and is presented annually to a faculty member who has displayed dedication to teaching.

Recipients of the award are nominated and chosen by students.

One student commented that Hirsch-Jacobson “illustrates his knowledge and how current he is in the field by effortlessly and extemporaneously answering any questions and providing broader context.”

Hirsch-Jacobson was also praised as someone who “is very good at interacting with the students and (who) has done such a good job of making the material very easy to understand, even with difficult topics.

He expresses ways that what he teaches has to do with our real life. I think he deserves this award because he was able to take me, someone who is not very good at science courses in general, and made me very interested and educated in Biology.”

Prior to joining the William Woods University faculty in 2011, Hirsch-Jacobson earned his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri – Columbia. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology, both from the University of California-Santa Cruz, which he earned in 2001.

His areas of expertise include Environmental Studies, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Biology and Ornithology.

Above: Students observe the effects of fire on species composition at Tucker Prairie.

Left: Dr. HirschJacobson teaches about the American Goldfinch Below: Family photo taken at a banana farm in Tanzania.

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Into THE WOODS

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Into

Hoots

THE WOODS

Introducing Innovative Programs In the spring semester of 2020, William Woods will begin offering four new 100% online degree programs designed to make its graduates more marketable to employers while also growing the University.

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN READING INSTRUCTION

This program design focuses on developing a strong foundation of literacy knowledge through authentic instruction, explicit application of literacy models, teacher reflection and interactive feedback.

EDUCATION DOCTORATE

A degree program that reinforces the research skills students need to reach a leadership position in the field. Students study curricular and instructional issues and develop leadership and organizational skills that apply within their own educational setting.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY

A degree that helps students build a strong foundation of the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in any of the 53 areas of psychology, as well as the hundreds of career opportunities in the field.

EDUCATION SPECIALIST IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

This degree program prepares students to respond to cultural, demographic and technological forces shaping education today through an understanding of transformative curriculum design.

OWL Achievement Awards At the end of every academic year, William Woods University recognizes a select group of students with its OWL Achievement Award. Recipients were formally recognized at the university’s Academic Honors Ceremony followed by an outdoor reception on April 26.

For the 2018-2019 academic year, 10 seniors were recipients of the OWL Achievement Award: ALEXIS ARMONTROUT Biology/Pre-med Centralia, MO

EMILY GAST Special Education St. Peters, MO

ARIANNE ARNOLD Biology Edwardsville, IL

ANNA JOHNSON Equestrian Science Fulton, MO

EMILY BARKER Business Admin./ Equine General Studies Chino Hills, CA

JUSTICE MILLER Business Admin./ Accounting Russellville, MO

BRILEY BROWNING Mathematics and Educational Studies Silex, MO

HANNA MITCHELL Political/Legal Studies Momence, IL

AUDRA DALHAUS Business Administration St. Joseph, IL

EMILY TICHY Biology/Pre-vet Gravois Mills, MO

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On Top of the World Equestrians from William Woods University Win Big at the Prestigious Pinto World Championships

BY JOHN FOUGERE Over two weeks (June 7-22) of competition at one of the EQUESTRIAN most prestigious shows in the industry, the University reinforced its lofty ranking in the equestrian world with 19 World or Reserve World Champion titles and trophy buckles, one allaround high point amateur title, a Supreme Color top ten, and a number of Top Five and Top Ten class honors. WWU’s showing came during competition that included divisions and classes for many types of horses registered with the Pinto Horse Association of America.

WWU graduate assistant Nikki Bell, riding WV Kyss of Fame, led the way, capturing World Championships in Amateur Bareback English Equitation PL/SD type,

Amateur English Equitation PL/SD type, Amateur Trail PL/SD type, Amateur Western Bareback PL/SD type, Amateur English Pleasure PL/SD type, Show Hack, Amateur Western Horsemanship PL/SD type and Amateur Disciplined Rail Western PL/SD type.

She also captured five Reserve World Championships and two Top Five finishes.

Jennie Petterson, Professor of Equestrian Studies, was crowned World Champion in Open English Pleasure Saddle Seat, Tobiano Color PL/SD Type, and Open Disciplined Rail Western Solid Horse, while also earning three Reserve World Championships and five Top Five finishes.

Three of the horses used in the competition – WV Kyss of Fame, Jazzy San Pep, and Heza Hershey Bar – are owned by William Woods.

In photo (left to right): Assistant Professor Liz Haben with WWU’s Jazzy San Pep, Professor Jennie Petterson with her own HF Minuette, student Chrissy Vinton and WWU’s Heza Hershey Bar, and graduate assistant Nikki Bell and WWU’s WV Kyss of Fame

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Into THE WOODS

WWU Equestrians Shine at the Missouri State Fair

BY PAIGE WILLIS

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William Woods University Equestrian Science faculty, students, and EQUESTRIAN alumni had a great showing at the Missouri State Fair during the Society Show July 31 through August 3.

Due to the proximity, William Woods faculty were able to attend and cheer on the competitors. In the stands, Jennifer Petterson, Laura Ward, Liz Haben, Bailey McCallum, and Michele Smith cheered on fellow WWU riders.

Sarah Track, William Woods Saddle Seat instructor, along with four other horse and rider combinations, brought home three Champion, two Grand Champion, and one Reserve Grand Champion placements to name a few. The University’s American Saddlebreds received the championship titles in Park Pleasure and FiveGaited classes.

Track, riding WWU gelding “Designed by Fancy,” captured a Champion and Grand Champion in the Park Pleasure division. William Woods University graduate assistant Alix Polydoros won Champion and Reserve Grand Champion in the Open Three-Gaited division on “Sir Mambo.” Additionally, Polydoros showed “Loaded Question,” and brought home both Championship and Grand Championship titles in the Open FiveGaited division.

Showing “I Spy A Firefly,” WWU alumna Lissy Wedell earned a Reserve Championship in the ThreeGaited Amateur class.

Wedell also earned two fourth place ribbons TH E WOODS 2 01 9

Hoots Left: Sarah Track rides “Designed by Fancy” SS the Missouri State Fair Park Pleasure champion and grand champion.

Below: Alix Polydoros, Equestrian Graduate Assistant, rides “Loaded Question,” a 5-Gaited horse. They were the Missouri State Fair 5-Gaited grand champions.

Crowned World Champ Jennie Petterson, Professor of Equestrian Studies, was crowned World Champion in Open English Pleasure Saddle Seat, Tobiano Color PL/SD Type, and Open Disciplined Rail Western Solid Horse, while also earning three Reserve World Championships and five Top Five finishes at the Pinto Horse Association of America.

“My goal is to help my students discover the abilities, talents, and grit that will allow them to be successful in school and throughout their career.”

riding “Riversdream Cimmarron” in the Park Pleasure division.

“It is always fun for me to take William Woods summer riders to the Missouri State Fair horse show in Sedalia. It is an historic show attended by a fun group of trainers and exhibitors. We had a successful show filled with many laughs and blue ribbons. I hope to attend again next year!” said Track.

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DR. LONG

PUBLISHES

~a ~

Must Read

Eye on Education James Concannon, Director of the School of Education, recently published a book, “Evidence-Based Science Activities in Grades 3-5.”

Concannon’s book details science activities to help students achieve a deeper understanding of the subjects in front of them.

John Long, Associate Professor of Education and Chair of Doctoral Studies, published a book, “FABLE: A Story of a Career Spent Gaining Wisdom.” Fable is the story of a young college graduate, Jordan, who secures his first job after college at a company called Franchise Amalgamated Blended Large Enterprise (FABLE), and is ready to take the working world by storm. At his new job, Jordan encounters five challenges that many individuals find in their professional and personal lives, including starting a career, speaking truth to power, finding the right career path, asking for help, and knowing when to walk away, even from success.

Speech and Debate Champions Bryce Fletcher ’21 placed 2nd in Dramatic Interpretation, 5th in Prose Interpretation, and 5th in AfterDinner Speaking at the Missouri Association of Forensic Activities State Tournament (MAFA.) The William Woods Forensic Team also placed 1st in the President’s Division for Individual Events and won the Quality Award.

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SPEAK GREEK

Into THE WOODS

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Chapter Notes 1. PHI GAMMA DELTA

(FIJI) “During the 20182019 academic year, the Kappa Chi Chapter had one of the most successful years in its history. We won the 2019 Greek Olympics, 2019 Greek Week, the Intramural Football and Wiffleball tournaments, the IFC and Alpha Chi Omega social media contests, and concluded the year with winning Top Grades among the fraternities on campus.

Our members also won nine of the individual awards given out at the 2019 Greek Awards.

The chapter raised over $600 for the Special Olympics of Fulton and won an additional $225 from the Greek Olympics victory, donating half to the SOF and the other to our national philanthropic cause, the United Service Organization. At the end of the year, our Field Secretary from our International Headquarters rated us as an “Excelling” chapter and recommended us for the Condon Cup, awarded to the Phi Gamma Delta chapter within the 170+ that exist in the U.S. and Canada that makes the greatest improvement in all areas over the course of the year. Additionally, this was among

the highest ratings the chapter has ever received. All in all, it was a great year for FIJI at William Woods and we look to continue the success in 2019-2020.”

—Stephen George ‘20 2. ALPHA CHI OMEGA

“Alpha Chi Omega received top grades for the past semester with a house GPA of 3.62, including 18 4.0’s. We won the National Council Trophy for #1 small chapter in the country for back to back years.

We had a great formal recruitment, gaining 18 new members (quota was 15) and are looking forward to another great school year!”

—Sage Schuman ‘20

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3. PI KAPPA ALPHA

(Pikes) “During the Fall of 2018 Pikes broke our previous recruitment record from the year before, recruiting 21 men. We won one Philanthropy week last year(Alpha Chi Omega).

We also had our first philanthropy week in two years and raised over a thousand dollars for the Scleroderma Foundation. We also won Greek Life intramurals for the 18th year in a row.”

—Makenzie Fessler ‘20

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4. DELTA GAMMA

“This past spring the women of Delta Omega surpassed their goal of raising $1,100 for our annual see saw for sight fundraiser and raised just over $2,000.

See Saw for sight is a fundraiser where the women see saw on the lawn of the courthouse for a full 24 hours. Paul Mimms, Vietnam war veteran and President of the Missouri Guide Dog Users came to campus in order to educate students on the philanthropy of Delta Gamma.”

—Makayla Trone ‘20 5. CHI OMEGA

“The Tau Theta chapter of Chi Omega has had

an exciting year! We received an all-house GPA of 3.58 this past semester, and received a 3.62 for the previous semester, earning us top grades in the spring semester of 2019. We have also, through our philanthropy The Make-A-Wish Foundation, helped to grant the wish of a little boy named Calin who has neuroblastoma. He was able to travel to Disney World and go to Jedi training! Over the history of our chapter, we have raised over $20,000 and donated over 1,500 hours in service to Make-A-Wish.

The Chi Omega Fraternity will be celebrating its 125th anniversary

on April 5, 2020, and we could not be more excited!”

—Emma Pfortmiller ‘21

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6. ALPHI PHI

“In the past year, as an international organization, Alpha Phi initiated the most new members of all the NPC organizations. Being part of that accomplishment means so much to our chapter!

We had a successful Ivy League Philanthropy week. All houses on William Woods University campus participated and donated!”

—Paige Bichsel ‘20 7. SIGMA TAU GAMMA

(Sig Tau) “Sigma Tau Gamma is the newest fraternity on campus,

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and one of the fastest growing on campus as well. With past solid recruiting classes we’ve managed to keep our average members in house around 20 members. With half of our chapter being so young, we have many great young leadership opportunities through office positions within the organization. Every year we host a multitude of events from simple things like campus BBQs to a Dunk Booth where all proceeds go toward Special Olympics. Sig Tau is an excellent place for a new student to grow and learn as they become mature individuals!”

—Damian Miller ‘20

GREEK LIFE AT WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY PROVIDES ONE OF THE STRONGEST FOUNDATIONS FOR SOCIAL INTERFACING AND NETWORKING WITH PEERS.

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Into

FIRST PERSON

THE WOODS

Join the Club

Club Involvement at WWU Can Lead to Big Things - Like Acceptance to Medical School

BY PAIGE WILLIS

“IT WAS LIKE FATE.” 22

At William Woods University, campus experiences outside the INVOLVEMENT classroom are considered just as important to a college education as the instruction that takes place inside the classroom. Whether it’s through the LEAD program, joining a club, or taking part in a variety of other campus opportunities, William Woods students receive a total education during their time at WWU. As one senior found out, being involved at William Woods outside the classroom can change your life!

Daryl Parungao ’19 has always been involved in campus clubs and activities at The Woods, including the honors program, Dean’s Council, helping with orientation and being a Freshman Advantage leader. But joining the Pre-med club had a lasting impact on the trajectory of her life.

Since Parungao was not a Biology major like most Pre-med students, she chose to join Pre-med Club to meet other aspiring doctors. Pre-med club gives students an insight into what medical school is really like.

Speakers from different medical schools come to talk about the admissions process, the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and what their workload will be like.

One speaker that came to Pre-med club was from the University of Missouri – Columbia. The speaker talked about a special rural healthcare program that was offered to students who had attended rural Missouri high schools. Having grown up in Fulton, Missouri, Parungao liked the idea of being able to practice medicine in Fulton. The idea for the program was that if a student grew up in a rural area, they would be more likely to return to a rural area to practice healthcare. Parungao learned about this program through this presentation at William Woods, and it changed everything.

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Above: Orientation Leaders of 2018 including Daryl Parungao on the far left.

Below: Daryl meets with Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Caroline Boyer Ferhet.

remains there or not, she stills love the small town charm and would be happy working in a rural area.

The program involves the student shadowing a healthcare professional in their area throughout their undergraduate career to be prepared, which Parungao has been doing at the Callaway Medical Clinic.

But what started her on her career path was a chance presentation she experienced in a William Woods club and the people she interacted with and helped during her years on campus.

“That’s a big part of being a doctor,” she said. “Obviously you have to know how to treat people, but I think knowing how to interact with and help people is beneficial. Being involved at William Woods played a big role in that.”

“It was like fate,” she said. “It was perfect for me and just what I wanted to do.”

The program begins its application process during a student’s sophomore year. Students, like Parungao, are pre-accepted after meeting a GPA requirement, submitting recommendations, and producing a resume.

Parungao was accepted early her sophomore year. To stay in the program, she has maintained her GPA, spent a lot of time in the Biology lab, and will still need to attain the required score on the MCAT. “It’s such a relief knowing where I am going and having that out of the way,” she said.

Parungao moved to Fulton when she was four and could not imagine being in a big city. Whether she

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“SINCE I WAS LITTLE I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR.”

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Into

CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT

THE WOODS HOOT!

Online Affordability

BusinessStudent.com rated the WWU online Master of Business Administration degree as the 12th most affordable in the U.S. for 2019 out of more than 400 institutions evaluated.

Previous rankings have rated WWU’s online MBA as high as 26th best in the nation in terms of quality.

Get Those LEAD Points 19 Years Of Benefiting and Captivating William Woods Students

BY JOHN FOUGERE

The period of time following the end of another academic year at William Woods is filled with assessment. Students receive their final grades for the semester and year. Faculty and staff receive performance reviews from supervisors. Programs and policies are examined to determine their effectiveness. It is what effective organizations and people do on a regular basis – assess performance in a continuous effort to get better.

At William Woods, such a process of constant improvement is integral to the University’s mission and impacts every aspect of life at The Woods. No program, no matter how successful, is immune from ongoing, regular analysis.

It was in this spirit that the University conducted a survey of one of its most unique and successful programs, the LEAD program, at the conclusion of the academic year in May. Established in 2000 by President Jahnae Barnett, LEAD (Leading, Educating, Achieving and Developing) has assisted generations of William Woods students in helping pay their tuition in exchange for encouraging active participation and involvement in university life beyond the classroom. Through the

SCHOLARSHIP

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program, which is unique in higher education, full-time students can earn assistance of $5,000 for residential students or $2,500 for commuter students per year by attending LEAD events on campus, which can range from plays, concerts, campus speakers, screenings, sym-

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posiums, athletic events and many more. For each event attended, students receive points toward the total needed to receive their financial assistance.

Created with the goal of enriching a student’s educational experience to include growth outside of academics, LEAD has provided more than $30 million in financial assistance to William Woods since its inception. Such numbers over the past 19 years would seem to confirm that LEAD has been nothing less than a wildly successful program at WWU, one that has been featured on some of the biggest media outlets (British Broadcasting Company, Associated Press, National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” Los Angeles Times, etc.) in the world.

In the annual survey done with graduating seniors near the end of the spring 2019 semester, 127 of the 133 responders answered “yes” to the question “Do you think the LEAD program helped you to be more actively involved in campus and community activities?”

121 of the 133 answered “yes” to the question “Did you attend LEAD events that exposed you to knowledge and experiences in academic programs other than the one you are majoring in?”

Overall, a total of 683 William Woods students took part in the LEAD program during the 2018-2019 academic year, including 108 commuter students, with a resounding 635 (93%) successfully completing the program by the end of the year.

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New Board Members

Bagby, Judge and Gibbs appointed to the William Woods University Board of Trustees

BY JOHN FOUGERE 2019 brought three new board members to the William Woods University Board of Trustees. Joining the University’s governing board were U.S. Major General (retired) Byron Bagby, of Alexandria, Va., appointed in May; and nationally-known horse trainer and judge Ann Judge of Denver, Co., and marketing executive Brad Gibbs of Overland Park, Kan., appointed in October.

Maj. Gen. Bagby becomes the second retired Army general to be appointed to the WWU board, joining member Maj. Gen. Stephen Danner, former Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard.

A veteran of 33 years of service in the U.S. Army, Maj. Gen. Bagby possesses a wide variety of experience leading diverse and complex organizations up to and including the executive level. His expertise includes executive leadership development and coaching, higher education, and strategic planning. His extensive board and advisory experience includes serving as the current chair of the board of advisors for the Ryan Consulting Group, which performs IT consulting services; member of the board of directors for Management Support Technology Inc., which provides IT management solutions including cybersecurity and information assurance; member of the board of trustees at Columbia Southern University (Orange Beach, AL); past member of the Westminster College Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2017; governance fellow for the National Association of Corporate Directors; and senior defense advisor for several commercial companies in the defense and engineering sectors.

During his military career, Maj. Gen. Bagby served in a number of executive leadership positions, including Commandant (equivalent to President) of the Joint Forces Staff College (Norfolk, Va.); which educates military and government leaders in nine programs, one of which is accredited to confer a Master’s degree; and Chief of the Office of Military Cooperation – Egypt. Maj. Gen. Bagby is a graduate of Westminster College (B.A., Economics, 1978) and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (M.Ed.-Higher Education, 1987).

Judge, a nationally-known horse trainer and

HONOR

U.S. Major General Byron Bagby

hall of fame judge, has operated a show horse training facility since 1985. She trains Arabian and Half-Arabian horses that have won national awards in several divisions, while also serving as a judge for several national and world shows on numerous occasions, in Canada, Australia, and South Africa in addition to the United States. When not showing or judging horses, Judge serves as the rider of “Thunder,” official mascot of the NFL’s Denver Broncos, which she has been doing for 22 seasons including two Super Bowl appearances.

She is a member of the Pinto Judges Hall of Fame, and has also won the Arabian Professional Amateur Horseman’s Association (APAHA) Horsewoman of the Year in 2016 and 2018 and the Pinto Hall of Fame Horsewoman of the Year in 2018. She is a graduate of Purdue University.

Gibbs, of Overland Park, Kansas, brings to the board more than 20 years experience in higher education enrollment marketing leadership. He currently serves as the Executive Vice-President of Archer Education, a higher education enrollment marketing, recruitment and retention services firm that provides services to more than 200 colleges and universities. Previously, Gibbs served as Chief Development Officer for Grantham University (Lenexa, KS), where he oversaw enrollment marketing and communications and university outreach, leading a team of 400 employees; and President of Higher Education, Chief Growth Officer and Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Plattform, another enrollment marketing firm, with offices in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and Australia. He is a graduate of Fort Hays (KS) State University.

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LEAD SNAPSHOT

The LEAD program — short for Leading, Educating, Achieving, Developing — encourages undergraduate students to attend campus events that augment the curriculum and help them grow in areas outside their majors. Attendance results in points toward annual tuition assistance. The program, which started in 2000, brought more than 500 events to campus in the 2018-19 academic year. Here are a few highlights.

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 5 SMOKE-FIRED VESSELS AND PRINTS ART EXHIBIT This art show features artist Susan Zimmerman’s pottery and photography.

“There is an intimate connection of form and light that I experience between clay and photography.”

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Oct. 3 CALLAWAY CO. BUDDY PACK FILLING PARTY Participants filled Buddy Packs with nutritional foods and snacks for children grades K-5. Over 200 Buddy Packs were filled and sent to the four elementary buildings in the Fulton School District.

Nov. 16 CLIMATE CHANGE PRESENTATION Sustaining the Woods club introduced guest speaker Christine Doerr, who has served 6 years as Chief Engineer with the US Navy, has a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Missouri, and is an executive committee memeber of the Missouri Sierra club. Doerr spoke about not only the realities of global warming and how it is affecting the world, but also that we can have hope for the future knowing that each individual can make a difference.

Dec. 2 SWAT ESCAPE ROOM The Student Website Advancement Team (SWAT) hosted an escape room adventure in the Burton Building lobby with a technological twist. Teams embarked on a series of puzzles and competed with others for the fastest time.

Oct. 6 DEARLY DEPARTED THEATRE PRODUCTION Due to popular demand, the Turpin family came back, returning to the Dulany stage in Dearly Departed! This play proves that living and dying in the South are seldom tidy and always hilarious as the family pulls themselves together for their father’s funeral.

Family problems keep overshadowing the solemn occasion, but amidst all the chaos, the Turpins and their misfit friends manage to pull together and help each other at the funeral.

Oct. 23 A LOOK INTO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Lacey Sweeten Randall, Director of Student Involvement, presented about understanding the warnings signs of partner violence and what to do if you or a friend is affected. Students discussed that many of these warning signs can be present in relationships but also in toxic friendships.

Sept. 19 MESA DE ESPAÑOL In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 Oct. 15) this event kicked off the series as students joined the breakfast table for a Spanish speaking experience. All speakers were welcome from beginner to fluent.

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Nov. 22 YOGA As a way to relax before finals week, one of the LEAD events included yoga. Paige Bichsel and Peer Educators hosted this event and led students in a calming yoga practice to relieve stress and leave with a peaceful mindset, heading into exams.

Oct. 23 ADVOCATING FOR HEALTH CARE Lisa Sandford shared her experiences dealing with chronic health problems as a college student and how to advocate for yourself to get the help you need. “I’m hoping students will learn how to listen to their body if they’re having health problems and advocate for themselves to get a diagnosis.”

Oct. 31 HALLOWEEN HEALTH AND NUTRITION In the spirit of Halloween, participants learned scary facts about candy and how to keep their skeleton healthy.

Nov. 27 RELAX, YOU’VE GOT THIS Students getting ready for finals learn Mind-and-BodyCalming techiques to reduce exam anxiety.

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MARCH

April 9 NO ONE IS LAUGHING: THE MALE ASSAULT NARRATIVE April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This event discussed sexual assault against men, which has been a punchline in the entertainment industry. Peer Educators were seeking to raise awareness to the fact that 1 in 6 males will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18.

THE WOODS

Feb. 2 LEARN LEADERSHIP Students joined Omicron Delta Kappa, a leadership honor society on campus, as they developed their leadership skills and received advice during a keynote presentation with breakout sessions.

Feb. 13 MEET ROB DEMORE Rob Demore, President of Troon Prive (which has grown to be the largest third-party manager of golf and club operations in the world), talked about what it’s like working in sports and entertainment, and the key to a successful business.

March 2 FACULTY ART SHOW Those who stopped by the Kemper Art Center witnessed a special treat in the Mildred Cox Art Gallery.

Art created by the talented William Woods University art faculty were on display where students could take a look at the techniques being passed down to them.

March 16 BASEBALL VS. LINDENWOOD UNIV. BELLEVILLE The William Woods University baseball team captured their first home victory of the 2019 season the afternoon of March 16 as they defeated Lindenwood-Belleville 16-6 in an eight-inning game.

February 26 IMMIGRATION AND YOU Why does immigration matter? Participants tested their knowlege with the citizenship test and the physical requirements necessary to migrate to the United States. They also learned what the migration process is like for both legal and iliegal immigrants with an interactive presentation.

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APRIL

Into

FEBRUARY

April 11 SIR SLOB AND THE PRINCESS THEATRE PRODUCTION This is the story of Slob, the kitchen scullion who wins the heart of the beautiful Princess Rosebud by going off into the woods with his talking horse and attempts to pass a very difficult test created by the Wizard and the King. Slob pratfalls past dangers and stumbles over all obstacles to win the hand of the Princess.

April 11 BIKERS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE Participants learned about BACA and the advocacy work they do on behalf of local children and women who have been abused and neglected. BACA collects jean jackets for the children they serve. Donations were accepted at this event.

April 18 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION ACTION RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS Students in EDU 492 and EDU 395 presented their Action Research that was completed as part of their clinical experiences.

April 18 WORLD SUPPER CLUB: JAPAN Participants of this event experienced an informative presentation and video about one of the hottest travel destinations on the planet, as well as a feast of Japanese cuisine. The video featured the highly unpredictable and always entertaining Anthony Bourdain who journeyed to Japan in recent years.

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Into THE WOODS HOOT!

Two degrees in one day

Commencement Day 2019 featured three WWU students doing something that had never happened before at The Woods.

Taking advantage of the University’s “MBA In Five” program, graduates Riley King, Victoria Wiley and Shelby Scanlan received two diplomas in one day, walking in both the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies!

All three received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration.

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Turning Over a New Leaf Former NFL Player Ryan Leaf Brings His Powerful Tale of Loss and Redemption to Graduates at 2019 Commencement

BY JOHN FOUGERE

Ryan D. Leaf, whose triumph over the mental health and substance abuse issues that helped end his NFL career and led him to a successful new life of advocacy, delivered the 2019 undergraduate commencement address on Saturday, April 27.

An All-American quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist at Washington St. University, Leaf was the second overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft when chosen by the San Diego Chargers. Injuries and the pressure to perform at such an elite level, however, led to an abrupt end of his NFL career in 2003. Suffering from severe depression and substance abuse issues in retirement, he eventually bottomed out when he served 32 months in prison for crimes relating to his substance abuse.

Rebuilding his life, Leaf began traveling a new path of accountability, spirituality, community and service to others upon his return to society, focusing on those battling mental health issues and addiction. He currently serves as the program ambassa-

COMMENCEMENT

dor for Transcend Recovery Community, a substance abuse recovery organization, traveling around the country counseling young people by telling his story.

He is also the chairman of a non-profit called the Focused Intensity Foundation, which raises money for mental health and substance abuse services for those who can’t afford it. And he also remains deeply involved in the sports world, working as a college football analyst for ESPN, the PAC-12 network, and Sirius XM radio.

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SPORTS

Into

Megan Van Harn ‘20, Women’s Track and Field, chosen first team NAIA All-American in the pentathlon and heptathlon

THE WOODS

2019 Scoreboard 5 TEAMS qualified for the NAIA National Championships.

WOMEN’S GOLF TEAM advanced to the quarterfinal round of the NAIA National Championships.

MEN’S TENNIS TEAM advanced to the second round of the NAIA National Championships.

MEN’S GOLF TEAM finished ninth in the nation in NAIA. 12 STUDENT-ATHLETES earned NAIA All-American honors.

91 STUDENT-ATHLETES received American Midwest Conference All-Conference honors.

158 STUDENT-ATHLETES earned American Midwest Conference Academic All-Conference honors.

The William Woods University Men’s Golf Team

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Up For Interpr A Quarter Century of Preparing the ASL Industry’s Leaders of Tomorrow

By John Fougere PHOTOS BY MICALA AUSTIN

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retation 31 TH E WO OD S 201 9

Each time Kelley Clark goes to work, the 1995 William Woods graduate has a few hundred of her favorite co-workers depending on her.

As District Manager at Sorenson Communications in Lexington, Kentucky, she oversees 300 interpreters spread out among eight call centers in Kentucky and Ohio, making sure all of them are equipped with interpreting skills, customer service tool sets, and an understanding of the federal regulations under which they operate.

The task is to interpret phone calls between Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and hearing callers, a job that marries the best interpreting services with the best (headsets, monitors, computers, high-speed internet lines, and video phones) technology.

It’s a job that can throw a variety of challenges at someone like Kelley, but her education and training from all those years ago at The Woods still comes in handy.

“My instructors there were the best!,” recalled Clark. “I might not always know what to do when a complex interpreting situation comes up, but because of the leadership of my instructors (at WWU), at least I always am prepared for what is coming.”

ONE OF THE NATION’S BEST

Previous page: Professor of ASL Interpreting Dr. Carrie McCray works with Megan Brown (‘19) on signing skills.

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Right: A William Woods University student practices his signing skills with classmates.

“You never know what you are going to get” is a good description for what a career, or just a day on the job, might look like in the ASL/Interpreting industry. It is also a famous line from an iconic American movie, Forrest Gump, that was released in 1994. Fittingly, that same year, William Woods began offering a fouryear degree in ASL and Interpreting for the first time.

25 years later, the establishment of the cutting-edge niche academic program, one of the nation’s best, is another example of William Woods’ visionary, innovative ways.

The University certainly displayed remarkable foresight in starting the new academic program a quarter century ago. As time goes by, more agencies, businesses and service providers are recognizing the need for interpreters. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently indicated the demand for sign language interpreters is expected to rise 46 percent between 2012-2022, an increase of 29,000 jobs.

Few institutions compete with William Woods in American Sign Language education. Frequently ranked among the best ASL programs in national higher education, WWU offers a unique combination

of academic excellence, affordability, and community. The campus’ walkable proximity to the Missouri School for the Deaf provides a rich environment for hands-on experience, collaboration, and understanding Deaf culture and trends.

SUPPLEMENT ANY FIELD OF STUDY Few individuals realize the benefits of a William Woods ASL/Interpreting degree more than Dr. Carrie McCray. Professor of ASL Interpreting and Associate Dean of Academic Assessment at William Woods, and a two-time graduate (Bachelor’s in 1997 and Master’s in 2004) of The Woods, Dr. McCray has been an integral part of the program at the University for the past 25 years.

“We currently offer a bachelor’s degree in Interpretation Studies and a minor in American Sign Language (ASL) Studies, which works very well because this is not a one-size-fits-all field,” said McCray. “For example, a minor in ASL Studies, which focuses on language and culture, allows a student to supplement any field of study (Education, Psychology, Business, etc.) with signing skills. This knowledge gives you f luency in another language, and with one million Deaf people in the U.S., knowing ASL makes you more marketable.”

“Interpreting focuses on the skills needed to be an interpreter and we make sure you have the vocabulary and processing skills to be successful,” she added. “The majority of our students are out there working in our community and schools.”

Overall, WWU’s program prepares its students for the significant variety that comes with a career in ASL/Interpreting.

“There are so many career options for people who study sign language,” said McCray. “In this field, every day is a different job. You might be interpreting a doctor’s appointment in the morning and that afternoon interpreting for someone making computer parts at a factory. You learn about a lot of topics because of everything you end up interpreting.”

A.J. Housewright ’15 lives that reality every day.

Staff interpreter for the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Jefferson City, MO, Housewright’s responsibilities range from approving requests from the Missouri Registry for the Deaf certification maintenance programs to interpreting Missouri House and Senate hearings at the State Capitol.

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“Your career options are unlimited with an education in ASL, which can be applied to practically anything,” said Housewright. “You never know, for example, when you might encounter a signer, and the ability to communicate with them in their own language is absolutely invaluable. I feel like William Woods prepared me for this career by encouraging me to have real-world interpreting experiences, which made a big difference.”

A career in the industry can come in handy around the world, or even at the neighborhood grocery store.

WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES “If you go all the way through, and get a master’s degree, the goal is to be able to interpret for basically anything,” said Megan Brown, ’19. “That can be government work, medicine, law, travel, school, even just going down to the grocery store. Anything that you do that requires your voice, a deaf individual needs an interpreter for.”

Brown’s goal is to earn her highest-level certificate in interpreting and then move to Washington D.C., home of one of the largest Deaf communities in the U.S., to pursue a world of opportunities there, or perhaps even overseas, to work in an embassy somewhere. Travel, along with ASL/Interpreting, is one of the passions for the Warsaw, MO, native, after her experiences at William Woods with the Woods Around The World program.

“I would like to start a business targeted toward deaf individuals that gives them the opportunity to be more culturally aware of other deaf individuals throughout the world,” she said. “It could help them have different life experiences that they otherwise might miss out on because they don’t have information that we do.”

And speaking of life experiences, Gina Davis ’11 will likely never forget one she had last year, courtesy of her William Woods education. Davis, who received her bachelor’s degree in Interpretation Studies in ASL from The Woods, works as an interpreter in the Washington D.C. area, where she interprets for deaf clients in government agencies, hospitals, schools, and elsewhere. Then in July 2018, she was selected to interpret the songs of mega music star Taylor Swift during her Reputation Tour concert. It was just one amazing career memory for her, along with interpreting on cruise ships traveling the world, for the Washington Capitals hockey team when it won the Stanley Cup, and even for a deaf couple during childbirth.

“It has been so rewarding to work in the Deaf community and make the world accessible to everybody,” Davis said. “Before I went to William Woods, I had never met a deaf person, but the faculty and staff TH E WO OD S 201 9

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“Because of the leadership of my instructors, at least I always am prepared for what is coming...”

Photo (left to Right): Margie Hoskins, Jes Brown, and Dr. Carrie McCray Bottom Right: Gina Davis ‘11 interprets Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” concert.

there were so patient. They taught me how to sign and interpret, helped me get internships, and guided me through certification.”

“It was an incredible experience,” she recalled.

HIGH DEMAND

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interpreting profession is currently retiring more interpreters annually than there are graduating from preparatory programs,” said McCray. “This will likely be a huge problem soon, which makes what we offer at William Woods that much more important.”

Careers in ASL/Interpreting have proven to be dynamic, unique experiences for the generations of William Woods graduates that have earned their degrees in the field and entered the industry, which remains an industry that is poised for continued, exponential growth in the coming years, with The Woods poised to continue to play a pivotal role for the next quarter century, and beyond.

“Experience leads me to believe that, because the linguistic skill sets are so specialized and specific, the demand for interpreters will not be easy to keep up with,” said Clark. “Interpreters are in demand – no question about it.”

Clark’s is a thought echoed by McCray – an industry that faces major personnel issues in coming years will need to look to the best higher education programs to help solve the problem. That visionary decision 25 years ago to establish the four-year degree program is just an example of William Woods doing what William Woods has always done - innovate and look to the future.

“If you look around the country, it is clear that the TH E WOODS 2 01 9

Come back to The Woods and

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

without ever leaving it!

Whether your journey was during the time of the “Woodsie” - or you call yourself an “Owl” – William Woods University is the same innovative alma mater offering convenient evening and online options for graduate and bachelor’s degree completion programs.

• Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) (Evening or Online) • Education Specialist (EdS) in Administration (Evening) • Education Specialist (EdS) in Curriculum and Instruction (Online) • Master of Education (MEd) in Administration (Evening) • Master of Education (MEd) in Athletics/Activities Admin (Evening or Online) • Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction (Online) • Master of Education (MEd) in Reading Instruction (Online) • Master of Education (MEd) in Equestrian Education (Online) • Master of Education (MEd) in STEM (Online) • Master of Education (MEd) in Teaching and Technology (Online) • Special Education Director Certification (Online) • Master of Health Administration (MHA) (Online) • Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Evening or Online) • Master of Science (MS) in Athletic Training (Day Campus)

William Woods University graduate programs combine national certification and academic excellence with convenience and value. Flexible schedules, evening classes, and nearby locations make our graduate programs an ideal option for the working professional, especially the working professional alumni!

Make your “comeback” today!37 TH E WO OD S 201 9

williamwoods.edu/graduate

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF KRISTINA BAUM

Motivated by a ‘Zit’ Her ‘Pimple’ Was Stage III Melanoma, and Its Recurrence Sparked Kristina Baum ‘04 To Run Her First Marathon

By Emily Shiffer About the author: Emily Shiffer is a former digital web producer for Men’s Health and Prevention, and is currently a freelancer writer specializing in health, weight loss, and fitness. This story first appeared in RunnersWorld.com on June 20, 2019.

Reprinted with permission.

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The ‘Pimple’ That Started It All

Kristina Baum, 37, had an inauspicious start to distance running.

Photo by Kathryn Lyons/CQ Roll Call

She signed up for her first race, the Army Ten Miler, back in 2006 with zero training.

“I thought I might as well just show up and try it, and see as far I can get,” she tells Runner’s World.

She ran eight miles without stopping and walked the last two. The physical after-effects were rough— she threw up twice, and was in pain for days—but finishing the race completely hooked her on running.

So she started training, and ran the Houston Half Marathon in 2007 and 2009. But at the same time, her professional career was taking off, and racing hit the back burner. She had pursued a career in communications in Washington, D.C., where she currently serves as the communications director for the House Natural Resources Committee, and was climbing the ladder fast.

Then in 2012, she went to the doctor for a bad chest cold. But her doctor noticed something on her arm that was concerning: It was a colorless spot that looked like a pimple or a wart. It was something Baum had noticed three months before, but didn’t think much of.

Her doctor recommended that Baum go for a biopsy, but she put it off for three months because of her crazy work schedule. Besides, she wasn’t having any symptoms, so she didn’t think it was something that needed to be taken care of urgently.

Six days after her biopsy in September of 2012, she got the call with the results: stage 3 melanoma, a type of skin cancer that is less common than basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas, but more dangerous because it is much more likely to spread.

“It was one of those life-changing calls. I was crying, trying to write things down,” she says. “I didn’t even really know what melanoma was at the time.”

Two days after her diagnosis, Baum ran a 5K, but the treatment that year—which included two surgeries, one to remove the cancer in October 2012, and another the next month to remove cancerous lymph nodes—would be rough.

“Exercising during my first diagnosis was far too difficult. I did try, but recovery was incredibly difficult after a tough workout,” she says.

After her treatments, though, she was told she was N.E.D. (or what most know as “no evidence of disease.”)

For the next four years, she felt healthy and strong—“I was in the best shape of my life,” she says—supplementing her running with HIIT and cross-training, including Kayla Itsines’s program.

Learning the Cancer Came Back

Then, at a regular checkup in June 2016, she learned her melanoma had come back: It was stage 4 and in her left kidney.

Her treatment—a phase-one clinical trial of a nonFDA approved drug made by Bristol Myers Squib, known as anti-LAG3, combined with Nivolumab (FDA approved)—left her extremely weak and sick.

“I was on prednisone, which basically destroys your muscle mass—it just wipes you out. It causes you to gain weight, experience blurry vision,” she says.

The clinical trial drug worked, but it completely destroyed her fitness.

“If I was in the shower trying to wash my hair, I barely had the strength to hold my arms up,” she says.

But by April 2017, her doctors cleared her once again. She had no evidence of the disease and was considered a “complete responder” to the medication.

That Spurred Her to Get Strong

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“I hate being weak,” she says. “I never want to feel that weak ever again.”

So she started small, pulling on an old pair of Nikes.

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So I signed up for the Pancreatic Cancer 5K that year [2017] and gave it a shot.”

“I started with walking. Walked half a mile, then a full [mile] that turned into six miles,” she says. “Then I started running. A half mile, then a full mile. Then I just said, ‘Well, I’m just going to try.’

After that, she was running 5Ks every weekend.

“It just felt really great to be out and running, feeling stronger,” she says.

Then a friend brought up a new challenge when she asked if she wanted to try a triathlon. She completed her first in October of 2017.

“I did a master swim class to learned how to competitively swim. It snowballed from there,” she says.

“I ran seven half marathons, triathlon—I was running about 9-minute miles. I felt great.”

On October 28, 2018, she ran her first marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon. At mile 17, it hit her that not too long ago, she was in the hospital, listening to beeping machines and wondering if she would die, she remembers. She finished the race in 4:35:19.

A Second Recurrence

She had started training for the Ironman Maryland when she went to the doctor for a routine checkup in December of 2018.

Baum wasn’t feeling quite right—she felt more tired than usual, but thought that was just due to her training. She also was experiencing vertigo, a condition that made her feel dizzy.

Her doctor sent her for a MRI scan, but because she had a clear CT scan the month before, she almost didn’t go for it.

“But they called the next day after my MRI, and I had to go back on treatment,” she says.

Her cancer had returned. This time, it had metastasized to her brain.

“It threw a huge wrench in my plans—I had hired a pro-triathlete coach and was training for my first Ironman,” she says.

Abandoning the Race

She had to abandon her race at the suggestion of her oncologist, and has since started her second clinical trial treatment. She received CyberKnife radiation in January 2019 to shrink (and hopefully eliminate) the tumor in her brain, and she receives immunotherapy drug Opdivo—which interferes with the growth and spread of any cancer cells—once a month at Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Just this past Monday, though, she received the news she was hoping for: Her latest brain MRI TH E WO OD S 201 9

showed no evidence of cancer. She will continue to remain on treatment for now.

While she’s battling extreme fatigue, she hasn’t let it stop her from lacing up her Topo Ultrafly 2s and running. She ran a 10-miler at the beginner of March, had a treatment the next weekend, and the weekend after that, finished the NYC Half Marathon.

“The half marathon is my favorite distance, and I just had to accept I’m probably not going to get the PR I want,” she says. “I just want to finish the race.”

Baum has also signed up for the New York City Marathon in 2019 and hopes to complete the six World Major Abbott races in the future.

She is still working with her training coach, Angela

Photo courtesy of Kristina Baum

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Naeth, who understands what it’s like to fight for health—she’s battling Lyme disease—and who also leads the team. Baum trains with called I Race Like A Girl. She has Baum running three times a week, swimming once or twice a week, biking once a week, and doing strength workouts twice a week. But she’s learned to listen to her body and take it a day at a time.

“Normally the day after immunotherapy treatment is rough. Some days I’m just really wiped out.

I recently bought a road ID in case something happens while I’m out training. I wear it a lot—but I’ve decided I’m going to keep going,” she says.

As her treatment continues, she’s relied on her faith to help her with the physical and spiritual strength she’s needed to get through it.

“God definitely gives me ability to run each day.

Each day I’m incredibly grateful for it. I think about the days when I couldn’t run at all, and what I wouldn’t give to just be able to,” she says. “I love the feeling of getting lost in a long run. To feel your breath, to think, to pray, to get angry or cry. It’s a big way I can process everything and decompress,” she says.

And most importantly, it makes her feel strong.

“When you feel as weak as I have, feeling strong is super important. Being able to keep running allows

me to feel like myself. Without that, my quality of life just isn’t the same,” she says.

She’s motivated not only by her own fight, but to do what she can to find a cure for melanoma. In fact, she’s trying to raise money for melanoma research— she has been able to participate in two clinical trials—through the Melanoma Research Alliance.

“But for me, it’s not just about beating cancer medically. I think you beat cancer by how well you live your life each day, and the more you live in fear, it prevents you from doing what you’re meant to do,” she says.

“Cancer is like having a terrorist living in my body, but it’s not gonna win today, and I am going to keep pushing. And I want other people fighting this to know they can be strong and push forward, too.”

Let your

LEGACY and LOVE

of The Woods live on!

Remember how you felt the first day you walked into The Woods? In that moment, you became part of a community and a culture entrenched in quality education. William Woods has grown into a coeducational university with undergraduate degrees in demand by 21st Century employers, as well as accelerated master’s programs that can be finished with just one additional year of study.

Student to teacher ratio is still just 14 to one.

Give a student you know the chance to flourish!

The Woods is the foundation for preparing today’s students for jobs that have yet to exist, and that is exciting!

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Remember YOUR excitement?

Refer a great student now!

www.williamwoods.edu/referal TH E WOODS 2 01 9

YOU’RE INVITED

William Woods University 150th Anniversary Year

JANUARY 17, 2020 TEN O’CLOCK A.M.

Cutlip Auditorium McNutt Campus Center

WILLIAMWOODS.EDU/2020CELEBRATION Join us as we kick-off a momentous year with a fun celebration of music, refreshments, and speeches from local dignitaries.

For updates on this and other 2020 events, please visit

Facebook.com/WilliamWoodsAlumni TH E WO OD S 201 9

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It’s a Non-Tradition William Woods University: THE destination for non-traditional students

BY VERONICA TOWNSEND

HOOT!

Uber Inclusive

For the fourth consecutive year, William Woods hosted a groundbreaking diversity and equality symposium during 2019.

“Bridging Differences: Conversations on Gender, Race and Equality” was held over four days in October and featured lectures, discussions, film screenings and an annual art exhibit.

By any definition, Kori Ross ’21 would have to be considered a “non-traditional” college student.

Instead of living the standard college experience of being an undergraduate residing on campus, Ross is a commuter student who can walk to the William Woods campus from her home, a mother with two young children who also happens to be back studying in college after a 15-year hiatus.

“Attending WWU has been more about juggling kids, work, rent, papers, group projects and studying for tests,” Ross said. “A lot of students right out of high school find that college life helps them find out

who they are, but I already know who I am, and am trying to get the knowledge I need to do my dream job of teaching art to deaf students.”

Ross’ experience in choosing William Woods to continue her college education illustrates an intriguing characteristic about The Woods: it is one of the best places for so-called “non-traditional” students to earn a college degree. In fact, WWU was ranked as the top university in Missouri for non-traditional students by The College Factual, one of the nation’s top college data and analytic firms, in its 2019 rankings. Non-traditional students were defined as

Older student in the workforce returning for an advanced degree?

Commuter, international or online student? The Woods is the perfect place for you!

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“William Woods was a ‘no-brainer’ for a couple of reasons. First, being part of the Deaf community has introduced me to many alumni, staff, and current students from whom I have been able to obtain first-hand information about experiences and programs. Second, the community feeling that the small campus, small class sizes and the overwhelming feeling of support from staff, professors and administration provides.”

—KORI ROSS ‘21

online students, students over the age of 25, transfers, off-campus students, and international students. In an era when the number of non-traditional students nationwide in higher education continues to grow, William Woods continues to lead the way in attracting this important student demographic, like Kori Ross.

Ross moved to Fulton from Monterey, CA in 2009.

Her in-laws are deaf, and she picked up American Sign Language (ASL) quickly and found passion for the Deaf community. Two years ago, she was attending her little sister’s pinning ceremony when she graduated from nursing school when Ross decided to go back to school and be an interpreter.

“William Woods was a ‘no-brainer’ for a couple of reasons,” Ross said. “First, being part of the Deaf community has introduced me to many alumni, staff and current students from whom I have been able to obtain first-hand information about experiences and programs. Second, the community feeling that

the small campus, small class sizes and the overwhelming feeling of support from staff, professors and administration provides. Third, William Woods is literally a nine-minute walk away from my house.

I’ve actually timed myself the few times my car decided not to work.”

Another student at The Woods taking a road less traveled to a college degree is Lora Nielsen ‘20, who needed an online program for her Bachelors in ASL and Interpreting Education. She decided to take online classes because moving to a new location was not an option for her family. The curriculum for the program in the William Woods ASL program matched nicely with the Interpreter Training Program and her Associates Degree in Applied Science from another college.

According to Nielsen, online learning is more selfguided which requires a little more self-awareness for how you learn so that you can find an efficient approach to studying material.

“There is also a bit more selfadvocacy required because there is not a teacher in the front of the class to catch confused or inquisitive looks which might lead to questions being asked and responded to.

I enjoy having more freedom to study in ways that best benefit your learning style.”

—LORA NIELSEN ‘20

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“If you want to be involved, just ask. If you want to be a part of things, do not be afraid to try. It is not a case of no one wanting to be your friend, it is that they have not met you yet.”

—ANNA JOHNSON ‘19 “There is also a bit more self-advocacy required because there is not a teacher in the front of the class to catch confused or inquisitive looks which might lead to questions being asked and responded to,” Nielsen said. “I enjoy having more freedom to study in ways that it best benefit your learning style, which William Woods affords me.”

Along with Nielsen and Ross, Anna Johnson ‘19 came to William Woods because it had the top Equestrian program in the nation. She decided to go the non-traditional route to afford The Woods and to get the most out of the program. For her, it has been a journey, starting out in 2012 with a graduation date in 2019. Her plan is to enter the graduate program, and she is deciding between a Master’s in Equestrian or an MBA. She also works in the Human

“All I have to say is it’s a good thing I love my major because the 40-minute drive to and from school is quite the task to do every day. The classes are so interesting that it’s worth it to me.”

—BECCA STURGESS ‘19

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“I had a great tennis scholarship opportunity here, and I didn’t hesitate in taking it. Our tennis program is one of the best in the nation.”

—JUAN DURAN ‘19 Relations Department at WWU. “If you want to be involved, just ask,” Johnson said. “If you want to be a part of things, do not be afraid to try. It is not a case of no one wanting to be your friend, it is that they have not met you yet.”

Becca Sturgess ’19 came to William Woods to play soccer and when she came on her visit, she fell in love with the team and how nice everyone was.

She commutes from Jefferson City, Missouri, to class every day.

“All I have to say is it’s a good thing I love my major because the 40-minute drive to and from school is quite the task to do every day,” Sturgess said. “The classes are so interesting that it’s worth it to me.”

Still other students have an even different perspective in attending The Woods – they come from around the world. Juan Esteban Duran ’19 from Colombia came to WWU because he had the opportunity to combine a good education with a high level of tennis.

“I had a great tennis scholarship opportunity here, and I didn’t hesitate in taking it,” Esteban Duran said. “Our tennis program is one of the best in the nation.”

He also says the best part about attending WWU is experiencing American college life that is very different from many other countries. He enjoys studying in the United States where he can make friends and connections all around the world.

“The great thing about being international and studying abroad is that everything outside your comfort zone is a challenge and being constantly

challenged builds a strong character,” Esteban Duran said.

So whether your home is a nine-minute walk from campus or halfway around the world, or if you’re a first time online student or daily commuter, William Woods is a place that has been accepting and inclusive of non-traditional students for generations.

You might even say that it’s become, well, a tradition.

ALUMNI WEEKEND April 17 – 19, 2020 TH E WO OD S 201 9

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48 TH E WOODS 2 01 9

The First and Only William Woods Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Goes National

Bob Jones

Raises The Bar

BY JOHN FOUGERE PHOTOS BY MICALA AUSTIN

TH E WO OD S 201 9

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Bob Jones was the first Strength and Conditioning Coach in William Woods’ history after being named to the position in 2001. In his role, Jones works closely with studentathletes in each of William Woods’ 15 sports programs.

Jones designs and implements preseason, in-season, and postseason sport-specific and individual-specific training programs for WWU student athletes. He also runs Weider Gymnasium, which is available to William Woods’ students, faculty, and staff.

It’s official: William Woods student-athletes are trained by the top strength and conditioning coach in the nation

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Interested in competing in an intercollegiate sport at William Woods? Then you can look forward to receiving your strength and conditioning training from the nation’s best, at least according to the industry’s premier organization, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

In January 2019, the NSCA named Bob Jones, the first and only strength and conditioning coach in the history of William Woods University, as the 2019 College Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year. Presented to Jones during the NSCA’s Coaches Conference in Indianapolis, the honor is especially impressive considering it is open to all college and university strength and conditioning coaches across the nation, from NAIA all the way up to the biggest Division One athletic programs.

“I am honored and humbled to be listed with some of the greats in the field of strength and conditioning that have won this award,” said Jones. “To be selected out of all the college strength coaches in the nation is amazing. It is truly the highlight of my professional career.”

That professional career has been marked by his long association with WWU. Jones became the University’s first-ever strength and conditioning coach on July 1, 2001, and right away had an impact. After only one year under Jones’ watch at William Woods, athletic injuries were cut in half TH E WOODS 2 01 9

which increased the performance and competitiveness of the Owls’ athletic teams. Currently, he oversees the training for all 16 intercollegiate sports at WWU, while mentoring three graduate assistants and several interns.

Jones’ accomplishments at William Woods have been prodigious. During his 17 years with the Owls, he has trained two national champions, four runner-ups, and more than 130 All-Americans. His work has been instrumental in more than 80 conference championships and post-season appearances for William Woods teams and athletes, a legacy that led to his induction into the WWU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.

“I am so proud of all the amazing achievements of our student-athletes and teams,” he said. “But what I am most proud of is how these student-athletes successfully leave WWU. It is interesting to observe how they start out here when they first arrive, and then to see them as seniors, when they have become adults and are ready to go out and tackle the world.”

“For every student-athlete we have had, I TH E WO OD S 201 9

strongly believe we have touched them all and in some small way assisted in making them a more confident and well-rounded person.”

And while he has reached the pinnacle of his profession at William Woods, Jones’ remarkable career has also included time on college sports’ biggest stage – Division One athletics. Prior to coming to WWU, he served as strength and conditioning coach for the University of Missouri men’s basketball team from 1988-2001, years that included the Tigers’ last-ever regular season conference championship (1994) and the chance to work with legendary Hall of Fame coach Norm Stewart.

Jones has also worked closely with junior and senior high school athletes for the past 20 years, helping them to prevent injuries and develop proper training techniques. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor in the Exercise Science Department at WWU since 2003, and manages both the Weider Fitness Center on campus and the University’s recreation program.

The national honor from NCSA is a crowning career achievement for more than 30 years in the

“That is what makes me most proudfor every athlete we have had, I strongly believe we have touched them all and made them better people.”

51

industry.

“I have always been a firm believer that, no matter where you work, if you show up every day and do your absolute best, you will be recognized by your peers,” he said. “I am so grateful.”

When asked about details pertaining to the services that his position as head strength and conditioning coach would offer to the WWU students, he responded, “We give them a dedicated program per sport, and a lot of times, by position.

And if there are injuries that an athlete is recovering from, or perhaps we are not achieving the desired results with a particular athlete, we will also sometimes design a program specifically for individual athletes. We will do all of this, if need be, for all 15 sports and our nearly 300 William Woods student-athletes. It has also become much easier to do through technology, because with the Team Builder program, we can get in and edit and make adjustments to their workouts which they can easily then access on their smartphones. We also provide every one of our student athletes with work-

out gear, so that they don’t have to worry about what to wear for training but instead can just focus on being on time and working hard. And finally, we provide them with nutrition information that includes the best part of all – unlimited chocolate milk for their post-workout recovery!”

“There have been so many things that I have taken great pride in. For example, I was amazed that, way back in my first year here, William Woods won a national championship in Volleyball. We have also had a Track and Field national champion, Anthony Stockton, in the Hammer Throw.

There have been so many great achievements that I have been lucky to have played a role in. But what I am most proud of is how all of these kids come to us, and I can always see how they start out as freshmen and by the time they are seniors, they’ve become adults and are ready to go out and tackle the world. That’s probably what makes me most proud – for every athlete we have had, I strongly believe we have touched them all and made them better people.”

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Ever Enshrined

William Woods University inducts five into the WWU Athletic Hall of Fame.

T

W illiam W oods U niversity A thletic Department announced the 2019 WWU Hall of Fame Class on September 20 with the seventh-year inductees Amy Gastineau (softball), Jacob Harrison (baseball), Ceanne Kressig (women’s golf), Ryan Meyer (men’s cross country/track and field), and the 1991-92 Women’s Basketball Team.

This year’s inductees will join an already prestigious Hall of Fame roster, which includes Helen Stephens, former athletic director Roger Ternes, Lana Unnewehr-Brooks (women’s basketball), the 2002 men’s volleyball team, Erin Jewell (women’s soccer), Ashley Windmiller (softball), Patty Wilderman (women’s basketball), Ashley Morgan (women’s soccer), Saysha Sappenfield (Nevins) (softball), Tracy Gastineau (coach/contributor), Colleen Dailey (women’s soccer/softball), Sue and Dana Anderson (contributor), Larry York (administrator), Michelle Krassinger (softball), Nan Downey (softball), Rachel Baker (women’s basketball) Barry Doty (golf coach), Jada Bennington (women’s golf), L.J. Watson (baseball), and Bob Jones (coach/contributor).

The 2019 class was selected from a pool of nominees submitted by the Hall of Fame Nomination Committee, including suggestions from members of the public and current WWU Hall of Fame Inductees.

Each of the members in this class received 75 percent of the vote or better from the Hall of Fame Voting Committee members.

The 1991-92 Women’s Basketball Team earned he

TH E WO OD S 201 9

a spot in the WWU Hall of Fame after becoming the program’s first team in the NAIA National Tournament. The team went 25-3 that season.

Coached by Roger Ternes and assisted by Joy Grimes, the 25-3 team was comprised of Jen King, Angie Roberds, Melinda Clark, Amy Dibb, Missy Brooks, Tracy Gastineau, Ann Weber, Karrie Knipp, Patty Wilderman, Kelly Kopack, Jessica Rohrbach, Sarah Williams, Belinda Stevens, and Chris Jacobsen.

Following the standout season, Wilderman was named the NAIA All-District 16 Player of the Year and was a NAIA All-American Honorable Mention. Wilderman and Clark were named to the NAIA All-District 16 First Team.

Attendees to the WWU Athletic Hall of Fame Induction left to right: Jacob Harrison ‘13 (baseball) Roger Ternes (coach of 91-92 basketball team) Angie Roberds ’95, MED ‘07 (basketball) Karrie (Knipp) Millard ’94, MED ‘00 (basketball) Melinda (Clark) Wilbeck (basketball) Patty (Wilderman) Miller (basketball) Tracy Gastineau ’93, MED ‘98(basketball) Melissa Brooks ’94, MED ‘97(basketball) Ceanne Kressig ’09, MBA ’12 (women’s golf) Amy Gastineau ’99 (softball) Ryan Meyer ‘13 (cross country/track)

The induction ceremony was held in the McNutt Campus Center Auditorium on Friday, September 20th.

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ALUMNI

Weekend When Spring has Sprung

It’s become a rite of early spring at The Woods – the scenery is getting green, the air is getting warmer, and graduation is getting closer – but it wouldn’t truly be the season of renewal on campus without Alumni Weekend. As always, it offered the chance for our alumni to reconnect with friends, check out old dorm rooms or the classroom where they took biology, or rock to the sound of the band aptly-named The Cherry Pistols (pictured here). You may have left William Woods in 2005, 1985 or 1965, but Alumni Weekend always reminds us that William Woods never truly leaves us.

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56 Alumni News 61 Awards 62 Class Notes 70 Coming Full Circle 72 Alum Spotlight

Echo 55

TH E WO OD S 201 9

Alumni News CHANGING THE WORLD

Greetings Alumni and Friends,

Lisa Cole Eimers Vice President of University Advancement

I hope that as you read about your flourishing alma mater, you are as excited about and proud of it as I am to be here. In my first few months here, I have found a sense of place: one with a rich, evolving history; a welcoming and dynamic environment; and a bright, opportunity-filled future. This is a rare reality in the world of higher education, and yet it exists because of steady, strong leadership and support from an alumni base that believes in strengthening its University’s stead amidst a myriad of cultural shifts.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

Each year during Alumni Weekend, the William Woods University Alumni Association honors outstanding individuals who embody the spirit and mission of our esteemed alma mater. Here are the winners for 2019: Becky Bean Stinson ’72 Green Owl Award Sarah Brison Wisdom ‘04, ‘12 Graduate College Alumni Award Tiffany Wilks Wheeler ’99 Alumni Award of Distinction

What your support—and that of alumni preceding you—has fueled, both in the past 150 years and in the present, exciting time, is truly a matter of William Woods Read more about our not simply surviving but thriving. winners on page 61.

Henry Rosso, author and foundational teacher in the world of philanthropy, stated wisely, “Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.” As many of you have discovered, giving truly is a joyful process when you identify something or someone who can be impacted by your contribution. There is so much evidence already of this joy having been spread on campus, and there are more exciting plans in the works—all of which will be legacies for our future. Stay tuned for some big Sesquicentennial news just after you receive this magazine!

We have a fantastic staff to support your investments and interests. Please do stay in touch with each other and with us, and get involved—attend or host an alumni chapter event; contribute in significant ways that affect our students’ experience; network with fellow alumni (log into PurpleBriefcase—it is easy and so useful!); take an online course through WWU; return to campus for any of many lovely events (Alumni Weekend is April 17 – 19, 2020); and/or leave a meaningful legacy by including William Woods in your will or through a tax-advantaged vehicle.

My door -- and my phone line -- are always open; I invite you to let me know the ways in which you would like to become involved in supporting the foundation of the next 150 years. You will find that your engagement will impact your life in far greater measure than you give.

My very best to you,

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Reunion 2019

FOR MORE

Alumni Weekend photos and memories, go to the WWU Alumni Facebook page.

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Alumni Weekend photos on pages 57, 60 and 69.

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New Advancement Team Skilled and Ready for Action

JENEVA PACE

Alumni Engagement Coordinator

“Alumni are a great resource for a prospective student and their family who may be wondering what is possible from their education.”

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Jeneva Pace graduated from Stephens College in 1993. Prior to working at William Woods, Pace was with the State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO) for seven years, six of which were dedicated to the financial side of the non-profit group. Throughout her career, Pace has been involved in all aspects of non-profit operations, from budget/finance to government lobbying.

Pace’s primary goal in working with the WWU Advancement Team is to connect alumni to the admissions office to ensure prospective students have every possible resource available to them, so they can truly understand what is to be gained from a William Woods education.

DAN JOHNSON

BRANDON MARTIN

“I want anyone interested in William Woods’ current or future projects to know that they are welcome to reach out.”

“I love working at William Woods because I have an opportunity to learn from faculty and staff here.”

Advancement Officer

Dan Johnson is a graduate from Alabama State University with a dual Master’s in Secondary Education. For the past twenty years, Johnson has dedicated his life to education, directing private schools from an administrative level.

While living in Atlanta, Johnson developed his own private schools where he was the director for ten years. When moving to Missouri with his wife, he conducted leadership development training across the state, giving individuals the tools they need to succeed in leadership. William Woods is Johnson’s first step into higher education, and with his experience in education settings, he hopes to help grow every department of the University.

Grant Writer

Brandon Martin is a graduate of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO, and also earned a Master’s degree from the University of Southern California.

Prior to his time at the Woods, Martin was a public and private school teacher across Missouri for thirteen years, teaching English.

He has over two years of experience in grant writing and has recieved his Grantsmanship Certificate. During any given month, Martin is working on multiple applications for the school. His biggest goal as the grant writer for the University is to maintain the already well-established relationships of organizations who openly or privately support William Woods.

ANGIE SALMONS Office Manager and Executive Assistant

“The whole team has been working really hard to get to know our alumni, and I feel we’ve hit the ground running.”

Angie Salmons has years of experience in administrative work, specifically in the the hospital and health care sector. Working closely with the Vice President of Advancement, Salmons focuses on scoping out new areas for improvement and data collection of William Woods alumni.

Her primary goal for her position is to share value-added experiences with alumni and help encourage those who have already had their collegiate experience to once again become involved on campus.

Salmons also hopes to make people feel welcome and comfortable in establishing relationships with the Advancement Team.

JESSICA MCILHENNEY

Graduate Assistant

“I would like to see the team bring more people back to campus and focus a little bit more on the younger alumni” As a recent graduate of William Woods in 2018, Jessica McIlhenney works with the Advancement Team on alumni and donor projects. For example, she collected data on the equestrian programs here at The Woods to show the progress and success of the equine department. Because of her recent graduation status, she has a firm grasp on the needs and questions of those students who have also recently left William Woods with their degrees. Because of her knowledge and involvement on campus as a student, McIlhenney can provide the insight needed to bring the younger students back to the Woods and increase recent alumni involvement.

TH E WOODS 2 01 9

LISA COLE EIMERS

Vice President of University Advancement

“We have a fantastic staff to support your investments and interests.”

Lisa Cole Eimers joins the WWU administration with more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy and development. In her new cabinet-level role at William Woods, she is responsible for leading the University’s advancement efforts and providing guidance in the development and alumni relations area, including directing capital campaigns and serving as major gift officer. Cole Eimers’ extensive experience includes serving as Associate Vice President for Development at Westminster College; nearly 15 years at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where her positions included Director of Advancement for Central Campaign Leadership, Director of Advancement for the MU School of Law, and Development Officer for Regional Programs and the MU College of Business; Director of Investor Relations for the Columbia Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) and Development Director for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Missouri. Cole Eimers received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY (1987) and Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Syracuse University (1990).

Dedicated to the mission of expanding and enriching the William Woods experience for students and alumni alike, the Advancement Team is steadily working to make their presence known within the school’s community. The seven members, each with developed skillsets to further the University directly through alumni involvement and fundraising, have high expectations for themselves as they move forward. Emphasizing the needs of the University, the team hopes to cultivate an environment of active participation from those past, present, and future.

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Reunion 2019

FOR MORE

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Alumni Weekend photos and memories, go to the WWU Alumni Facebook page.

Alumni Weekend photos on pages 57, 60 and 69.

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2019 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners Each year during Alumni Weekend, the William Woods University Alumni Association honors up to six outstanding alumni and individuals who embody the spirit and mission of our esteemed alma mater. Here are the winners for 2019:

Green Owl Award First presented in 1961 to those who have given years of service to the Alumni Association and the University.

Graduate College Alumni Award Designed to honor a graduate college alumnus who has excelled in his/her chosen field.

Alumni Award of Distinction First presented in 1952 to honor alumni who have achieved national or international fame in their field.

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Becky Bean Stinson, ‘72 Becky has over 20 years of service to William Woods and began her storied career here in 1994. In 1995, she became the Director of Student Involvement where she served as the Greek Advisor and Director of Orientation. Becky sought to expand the Greek community at WWU to include fraternities, and as a result of her efforts, both Pike and Fiji houses were colonized in 2000. In 2001, she became the Director of Alumni Activities, and for the next 18 years, collaborated with the WWU National Alumni Board to expand Alumni Weekend to include art gallery receptions, book signings, wine tastings, lectures, campus and Greek house tours, and a broadening of the tradition honoring 50th year alumni. Becky’s legacy includes: the Alumni Coordinator Program, Alumni Speakers Series, and Legacy Lunch honoring alumni and their descendants. As an advancement officer for the WWU Imagine Campaign, she raised over $300,000 to support WWU. Becky’s family is truly a Woods alumni family! Her husband, Dave, received his MBA (‘97) and children, Beau (‘09) and Anne Elizabeth (’06) are all graduates of WWU.

Sarah Brison Wisdom, ‘04, ‘12 With over fifteen years of experience in public education, Sarah Wisdom became the first female superintendent of the New Bloomfield R-III School District in July 2017.

Sarah has served in several capacities throughout her career, including paraprofessional, special education teacher, special education director, and Professor of Education with the University of Phoenix. Under her leadership, the New Bloomfield R-III schools have focused on student achievement, internal and external communication, strategic planning, and campus safety. Growing young teachers and molding future leaders is a passion and strength of hers. Sarah has a BA in Political Legal Studies, a MEd in Educational Administration, and an Education Specialist in Administration certificate, all from William Woods University. She has been happily married for more than fourteen years to her husband Jeremy. They have two wonderful children, Kennedy and Harper.

Tiffany Wilks Wheeler, ‘99 Tiffany Wheeler is a lifelong horse enthusiast from Idaho who fell in love with American Saddlebreds at an early age. Following graduation, she moved to Kentucky where she met her future husband, Steve. Together, in 2004, they opened their own American Saddlebred facility, Autumn Hills Farm, which specializes in training young horses and amateur riders. After a nearly catastrophic equine accident in 2014, resulting in a shattered pelvis, Tiffany spent seven weeks on a walker and twelve weeks in rehab.

A few short months later, she was crowned the Ladies Fine Harness World Champion.

Tiffany has trained dozens of World and National Champions, American Saddlebred Registry Sweepstakes Champions, three UPHA Classics Champions, and won the 3Year Old All-American Cup Championship. In 2011, Steve and Tiffany were named the United Professional Horseman’s Association Young Trainers of the Year. Her proudest achievement was winning the 2-year old, 3-gaited World Championship three times, the most recent being in 2018 on a horse she owned and raised.

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1970

Notes

Truann Gilbert Rowe is enjoying retired life in Northern Neck, Virginia.

In 2018, she reconnected with Bob Perkins, who was her boyfriend during her freshman year at The Woods. She has enjoyed reminiscing with him and would love to hear from any of her dorm friends or AXO sisters from 19661970.

1976

CLASS NEWS AND NOTES FROM BEYOND THE WOODS

1939

Jean Hess Roe passed away on August 12, 2019.

She was married to Charles Roe, Jr., WC ‘34 and the mother of Patty Roe, WWC ‘76

1950

Ruth Henson Taylor will be 90 in February 2020, and has moved to assisted living. Her husband Francis (Frank) Taylor turned 90 years old this past September.

Nancy McCaleb Polette received four major awards for her 150th published book The Spy with the Wooden Leg.

1959

Carole Noxon Rawlins attended the Mimosas and Memories brunch during the 2019 Alumni Weekend and was reacquainted with Carol Giacin Leible from the class of 1958. Both lived in Bartley Hall, and enjoyed walking around the campus and driving around Fulton reminiscing about the old hangouts.

Carole remarked that campus had not changed, and it was “rather comforting after 60 years.” She added that the addition of young men in the classes is “great” for the University stating, “If the girls today only knew of the rules we had to follow lo those many years ago, they would be frozen in disbelief!”

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1960

Kaye Francis Miller died on February 16. 2019, following a brave two year battle with cancer. Kaye was owner of Charlecote Antique Gallery in Kansas City, MO, in Crestwood Shopping Center. She left three sons behind, Brent, Todd and Trevor Miller (photo p.63).

Carolyn “Cookie” Cain Hanson attended a William Woods Alumnae luncheon at the home of Vivian Forbes on August 19. The group reminisced over saved copies of the “Echoes” magazine.

1964

Katie Ewen’s son, Gordon M. Ewen was married on Saturday, July 20 at Holy Trinity Church in Sherman, Connecticut.

1966

Josena Fisher Arquieta received a Certificate of Achievement from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, The Glassell School of Art for the studies of painting. She currently creates and shows her work in The Silos in Houston, TX. Trish Magann Broersma conducted a program for women recovering from the aftereffects of breast cancer treatment through experiences with heart-centered relationships with horses: ridingbeyond.org. She travels to various centers around the US to teach seminars for equine professionals to become PATH International certified Equine Specialists, offering mental health services in partnership with horses, coaches, therapists and other pro-

fessionals. She is grateful for her years at William Woods as an undergraduate where she was able to pursue equine studies which eventually led to her flourishing career.

1967

Mary Ann Ober Wallace’s husband, Derek, was diagnosed with AML Leukemia in September 2018.

Through the gift of stem cell donation, her husband is now in remission and building a new immune system.

1968

Sharon Gerring Bradley and her husband, Ralph, have moved to an active 55 and over community in Charlotte, NC. She would like to connect with other ’68 alumni in her area.

Mary Martha Smith retired in May from the Blue Valley School District, after teaching for 43 years.

1978

Nancy Lewis Kurkjian has relocated to Williamsburg, VA, and is excited to be living close to Steve and Jamie Warren Corkran ‘78!

Nancy has six grandchildren and another on the way.

1979

Lucille Ann Kubinec Van Alstine has moved to Evans, GA. She recently completed a research proposal on “Collective Memory of Diaspora.”

Her future goal is to help students and families separated from their homeland through the immigration process in the United States.

1980

Christy Clary Wilson-Smith was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall Fame in March of this year for the Sedelia, MO Smith-Cotton High School Women’s Golf Program.

She was on the very first team in 1974. Christy is still teaching Choir in Wentzville, MO. She is on her 38th year of teaching, still loves Alpha Phi, and is still going strong.

Tami Lankenau Johnson ‘80

Tami Lankenau Johnson still has two Morgan horses and continues to actively show. She won a considerable number of USEF awards last year with the gelding she bred, Trillion (photo).

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PERSEVERANCE

Kaye Francis Miller ‘60

1982

Mary Wroblewski retired from the Springfield, MO Public schools in June 2019 after teaching art for 33 years.

Renee Biggins has won the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Lurline Roth Sportsmanship Award. Biggins works at Premier Stables in Kentucky. The award was presented January 16th19th at the UPHA annual conference.

Rev. Marilyn Gamm became the Transitional Pastor for Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church in Frontenac, MO on February 1, 2019.

1984

Virginia Pals Workman retired to New Mexico after 30 years of Federal Government service.

Jan Haralson Hankinson, ‘84 graduate, was named the Northeast Region of the Missouri State Teacher’s Association “2018 Middle School Teacher of the Year” in May. Jan teaches Family and Consumer Sciences at Montgomery County Mid-

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1986

Shelly Chamberlain Reagan completed her Master of Music Education through the University of Florida’s Distance Learning Program in May 2019.

This is her second master’s degree, the first of which was in Education Leadership from George Mason University in 2010. This year, she began her 34th year as a music educator.

1987

Kristina Pemberton Stiller married her husband Mike, and they have three children: Chris, Ben, and Lucy.

1990

Debbie Schlup Rosslan’s CrossFit Unstoppable in Jefferson City, MO, was nominated for Small Business of the Year for 2019, after eight years in business.

ANN WAGENKNECHT WILSON ‘81

1983

dle School in Montgomery City, Missouri. This is Jan’s thirtieth year of teaching.

She also leads the middle school chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). In July, her chapter won three national awards for projects they completed - which was the most awards won by any chapter in the state or nation

Ann Wagenknecht Wilson ’81 knows a thing or two about toughness and perseverance. While battling breast cancer, she would focus on reading highway billboards when traveling to Kansas City for her difficult treatments. She decided she wanted to have a billboard advertising whom she believed was firmly in her corner – God – and came up with the idea of a billboard entitled “Think GOD.” After getting information on leasing costs and availability, Ann delivered an impassioned pitch to raise donations for her idea among local churches and friends. Ultimately, the same patience, faith, and yes – perseverance – that enabled her to battle her repeat diagnosis of cancer also paid off with an inspiring billboard that can be found on Missouri Highway 50 in Warrensburg. Keep the faith, Ann!

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By Ashley Brown

64

CARRIE BROOKER CLORES ’91

Carrie Brooker had wanted to be a model from a very young age. She loved looking at photography in magazines, and analyzing how clothes fit the models. When she entered William Woods College in 1987, she would return to Houston during the summer to spend her time modeling. In 1991, after graduating from William Woods with a degree in History, she moved to Boston and attended graduate school for two semesters.

While doing so, she worked as a waitress in Harvard Square and continued to model part-time.

After moving to Connecticut in 1992, she began traveling to Manhattan to visit with modeling agencies and secure management. Having gone to see over 20 agents who all told her she should give up because she had no potential, Carrie was certain her career could never take off, but she didn’t settle for their advice. Carrie persevered, and to her surprise, obtained an appointment with Elite, the top modeling agency representing the likes of Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, as well as other super models of that time. At Elite, she walked in Carrie Brooker Clores, and walked out with a contract and a new professional name. Carrie Navarro continues to be a working model to this day. Carrie believes it was part luck and part perseverance, but attributes her experience at William Woods for giving her the confidence to never give up on her dream.

Carrie now lives in Jersey City, New Jersey, with her two daughters and her husband of 18 years, Rob Clores.

Sariana Lee ‘15

Notes

homeschools all three of her children.

1991

Amy Gastineau earned Hall of Fame selection after a stellar four-year career on the softball team. From 1996 to 1999, she pitched a 75-25 record with an impressive 1.45 earned run average. She ranks in the top five of 18 categories in the WWU record book. She was named the AMC and NAIA Region V Pitcher of the Year and was an AMC All-Conference and NAIA All-Region First Team selection, as well as a NFCA All-Region First Team Pitcher. After her senior season, she once again earned a spot on the AMC All-Conference and NAIA All-Region First Team. Off the field, Gastineau was a three-time AMC Academic All-Conference recipient.

Kim Powell was elected as President-Elect for the Missouri Art Education Association, and will complete her 29th year of teaching grades 9-12 Art at Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood Missouri.

After retiring in 2020, she and her husband, John, plan to continue running a vacation rental business at the Lake of the Ozarks, in Sunrise Beach MO.

1997

Della Bell-Freeman is the Superintendent of Spokane R-VII in southwest Missouri. She and her family reside in Highlandville, MO.

1998

Christine Crane Ellis married Scott Ellis in May 2016, and is the Director of Advancement and Alumnae Relations at Cottey College.

Amber Terry McGuire works as a Sign Language interpreter for Austin Community College, volunteers with Austin Christian Fellowship Church, and

1999

2003

Darla Wright won the United Professional Horseman’s Association (UPHA) Horse Person of the Year Award. She works at her family stables, High Tail Acres, in Newbury, MA. The award was presented January 16th-19th at the 2019 UHPA annual conference.

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KEVIN LAY ‘07 REGOIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR

By all accounts, Owensville (MO) High School science teacher Kevin Lay is wildly succeeding in his education career. The 2007 graduate of William Woods University, where he earned his Masters in Education, was recently nominated as Regional Teacher of the Year by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), as well as semi-finalist for State Teacher of the Year. Earlier this year, however, the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) III and IV teacher prompted a group of his students to achieve something even bigger, on a national scale.

This spring, Lay’s students won one of three grand prizes in the Samsung Electronics America’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest, a national competition that challenges public school students in grades 6 through 12 to use STEM skills to address real-world problems. As one of three national winners, Lay and his students journeyed to New York City in April to receive their prize of $100,000, which was used to purchase technology and classroom supplies at Owensville High School such as Samsung Flips, Samsung Chromebooks, 3-D printers, tablets, microscopes, lab materials and more.

“It’s been a blessing and an honor to work alongside incredible students, staff, administration, and community to reach a goal like national champions for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest,” Lay said. “An award like this can transform a student, school, community, and nation! It’s also wonderful how a process that not only a teacher believes in, but is trying to instill into their students receives the incredible validation that Samsung’s SFT brings to the STEM community. It is my hope that teachers all over the country take the time to invest in their students into this amazing opportunity, and then watch some amazing things happen!”

With the increase of school shootings in recent years across the nation, Lay’s students designed a simple and secure door lock to help keep students and teachers safe in the event of an armed intruder gaining access into the building as their entry into the Samsung contest. Because traditional locks can be quickly dismantled by a firearm, Owensville High School students under Lay’s direction designed, modeled and created a steel lock that cannot be easily disengaged from outside the classroom. Once installed on the interior of the door, the one-piece lock can be easily and quickly put into place to prevent

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an intruder from entering and attacking students and teachers.

Having his students earn national honors and $100,000 worth of valuable resources for his school is another pinnacle in Lay’s still-young teaching career, which received a significant boost from his experience at William Woods University.

“Earning my M.Ed through William Woods was an insightful and relevant experience for me and for the other teachers in our classes,” said Lay. “The professors took the time to not only explain the relevancy of what we were learning, but spent time on the authentic application of our content. It was a fun learning experience for a group of teachers that were just passionate about teaching and serving students. We had a great and meaningful time learning together, completing problem-based learning challenges, and applying our knowledge in our classrooms.”

Lay’s success is just one more example of the leadership role that William Woods University graduates play in K-12 schools districts across the state of Missouri. One recent statewide survey found 81 WWU graduates serving as school superintendents, 123 serving as school district administrators and another 575 who were principals or assistant principals.

“We pride ourselves in producing our state’s K-12 education leaders of tomorrow, as illustrated by the impressive numbers of our alumni currently serving as leaders in school districts across Missouri,” said Jim Concannon, Director of the WWU School of Education. “These highly successful teachers like Kevin Lay, as well as principals, superintendents and other administrators, in turn bolster our graduate programs because many of them serve as our instructors while actually out there practicing what they’re teaching others to do.”

William Woods’ advanced education programs bring evening classrooms to districts and educators where there is an interest. In addition to the main campus in Fulton, cohorts can be found around the state in Columbia, St. Louis, Kansas City, Moberly, Springfield, Ozark, Cape Girardeau, and Rolla.

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Notes 2005

2007

Kevin Lay is a teacher at Owensville High School in Owensville, MO. A group of his students won the National Prize of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition for the school, receiving a $100,000 prize.

He was also recently nominated as Regional teacher of the year for DESE, and Semi-Finalist State teacher of the year, as well as STEM III and IV teacher for our STEM programs at OHS. In addition, he was selected by Samsung for the first Samsung Teacher Academy.

Stephanie Greenberg graduated from the University of Denver, with a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership in June 2019 with a focus on Project Management.

Julie A. Wengert earned an Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership from Lindenwood University in December 2018, and was promoted to be the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students at Missouri Southern State University on July 1, 2019

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2008

Whitney Guin and David Williams ’08 are married and recently had their second child together.

Whitney is the Senior Manager for the American Cancer Society of Southwest Missouri and David is a Geotechnical Engineer for Anderson Engineering.

Jacque Mecklenburg M.Ed. has served as an administrator in Oswego, IL, and plans to retire in 2021 after 35 years in education and administration.

2009

Amanda L. Orr has accepted the Capital Fellowship to the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs, Master of Public Affairs Program at the University of Missouri. This prestigious award includes a waiver of tuition for courses. She is currently employed as a Deputy Juvenile Officer II with the 12th Judicial Circuit of Missouri, Juvenile Division in Audrain County, Missouri.

Kristen Holt Very is a data specialist with Pfizer-Meridian Medical Technologies and has a three-yearold daughter.

Ceanne Kressig joins the WWU Hall of Fame after leading the WWU women’s golf team to four straight

BEN MELDRUM, EDS ’12

Nathan Reid BS ‘05, MEd ‘07 & Bethany Campbell Reid, BS ’05 welcomed a baby girl, Eliyanah Mae Reid on July 9, 2019 (photo).

Ryan Williams married Hilda Nadine Gleason on September 22, 2018, in a ceremony at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Orange, California.

WWU Alum Named Inaugural Principal

By Veronica Townsend ‘21 Jefferson City, MO Public Schools named Ben Meldrum ‘12 as principal of the city’s newly-opened second high school. Mr. Meldrum officially began his position with the new Capital City High School on July 1, 2019. He previously served as building principal for Simonsen 9th Grade Center while also involved with the construction process and staff procedures for the new high school.

“I am very humbled by the opportunity to be a part of something that is so special to our students, staff, community and school district,” said Meldrum. A native of Jefferson City, Meldrum graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1996.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Missouri State University, a master’s degree from the University of Central Missouri and Specialist of Education in Superintendency from William Woods University.

Meldrum is very familiar with the district and has spent the past 17 years serving JCPS. From 2001-2012 he taught Cooperative Career Education (school to work) at Nichols Career Center, was an assistant principal at Simonsen 9th Grade Center from 2012-2014 and then lead building principal there from 2014 to present.

Eliyanah Mae Raid (Nathan Reid ‘05, Bethany Reid 05’)

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Willems into their family on June 7, 2019 (photo).

Ryder Russell ‘11

2011

Mike Towle MBA ’13, and Olivia Koselansky Towle ‘13, MBA ’14, welcomed their second child, Isabelle Quinn on August 11, 2018.

The couple lives in Lake Orion, MI, where he is the Controller for DP+, an advertising agency. Olivia is the Professional Services Manager at IdealTraits, an all-in-one insurance agency recruiting platform.

Hazel Meadow Willems (Heather Oetjen Willems ‘10)

IL

LI

AM

WOODS UNIV E

earned a spot on the NAIA All-Tournament Second Team. As a four-time AllAMC recipient, she held several school scoring records upon graduation in 2009 and continues to hold the career wins record with eight.

2010

Heather Oetjen Willems and her husband Matt Willems, welcomed Hazel Meadow

RS

2013

Olivia Koselansky Towle MBA ’14 and Mike Towle ‘11, MBA ’13, welcomed their second child, Isabelle Quinn on August 11, 2018.

The couple lives in Lake Orion, MI, where he is the Controller for DP+, an advertising agency. Olivia is the Professional Services

IT

Y

W

National Championship appearances (20062009). She won the 2009 NAIA Region V Championship and back-to-back AMC Championships in 2008 and 2009. Her four wins in the 2007-08 season landed her the NAIA Region V Player of the Year title and a spot in the WWU record books.

In 2006, she was tabbed the AMC and Region V Freshman of the Year and

Ryder Russell married Kailey Brooks in Blackwater, MO on June 22, 2019.

The couple honeymooned at Banff National Forest in Canada. Kailey is the daughter of Phillip and Noelle (Feldhege) Brooks, a 1993 graduate of WWU. Ryder is the son of Ryan and Tammie Russell, 2011 WWU graduates. The couple resides in Columbia, MO (photo).

Get ready to gather APRIL 17 – 19, 2020

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and get happy!

67

Notes Manager at IdealTraits, an all-in-one insurance agency recruiting platform.

Ilana Archuleta Holland MBA ‘15, and her husband Jordan Holland, welcomed Sloane Hallie Holland into the world on June 18, 2019.

She weighed 7lbs 8oz and was 20.5 inches long (photo).

Jacob Harrison earned a place in the WWU Athletics Hall of Fame after an impressive four-year career with the WWU baseball team. Harrison was named the 2012 NAIA Dr. LeRoy Walker Champion of Character, becoming the first WWU student-athlete to earn the prestigious honor.

Harrison was a back-toback Capital One First Team Academic All-American and a four-time AMC Academic All-Conference recipient. A three-time AMC All-Conference First Team selection, Harrison holds the WWU career record for runs and stolen bases. He sits second in three others and is second in stolen bases in a season.

Ryan Meyer earned a WWU Athletics Hall of Fame selection following an impressive four seasons with the cross country and track and field teams.

Meyer topped his already impressive career off with three All-American awards

his senior year, becoming the first WWU runner to have three in one year.

He was tabbed a Cross Country All-American after his 14th place finish at the NAIA National Championship, an Indoor All-American with his fifth place finish in the 5000 meter and an Outdoor All-American with his fourth place finish in the 10,000 meter. Meyer was a four-time NAIA National Championship qualifier for cross country, a four-time NAIA Indoor National Championship qualifier and a three-time NAIA Outdoor National Championship qualifier. He was the AMC Cross Country Champion and Runner of the Year in 2012 and was a four-time All-AMC honoree. Meyer continues to hold two indoor records and four outdoor records.

2014

Randall Groner recently retired from his full time position with the Missouri Army National Guard and was hired by Mutual of Omaha as a Financial Adviser. He opened his new office at 3610 Buttonwood Drive Suite 200, Columbia MO 65203.

Alejandra Martinez has lived in California since graduation and works for a travel company called Flight Centre Travel Group.

Sloane Hallie Holland (Ilana Archuleta Holland ‘13)

2015

Shannon English was promoted to General Merchandise Team Lead #1 or GMTL1 at Target in Jefferson City, MO. Sariana Lee performed in the Tournament of Kings Christmas show held at Excalibur Casino, and served as stable manager from 2018-2019 in Las Vegas, NV. She managed over 20 horses and 10 employees.

She is now a veterinary assistant at Banfield Pet Hospital, and is currently training for her vet tech license (photo p.64).

Andrew “AJ” Housewright, a staff interpreter with the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH,) recently achieved Master level certification as an interpreter by the Illinois Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI.) BEI is a highly-regarded interpreter evaluation system based in Texas, which allows interpreters who achieve this certification to interpret in any setting.

2016

68

Sara Strohm EDS ’16 was promoted to Principal within the Springfield, MO Public School System beginning the 2019-2020 school year.

2017

John Mott EDS is the Assistant Principal at Watkins and Disney Elementary schools with Springfield, MO Public Schools. He was nominated by the Springfield Association of Elementary Principals as Outstanding Assistant Principal.

Alexis Christine Bailey completed two years of research at the National Institutesof Health, and returned home to Phoenix, AZ, where she recently began her medical degree with University of Arizona College of Medicine.

Jerry Hobbs and his wife are expecting their first grandchild on Christmas Day. His oldest son passed away on April 30, 2019.

Jennifer Webb EDS was promoted to Principal within the Springfield, MO Public School System beginning the 2019-2020 school year.

2018

Harli Bexten has accepted a position at Missouri State Capitol as a Legislative Assistant for Senator Paul Wieland of Jefferson County, MO. She believes this opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without obtaining her degree from WWU.

Jacob M. Williams M.Ed. accepted a position as assistant principal at Joplin High School in Joplin, MO, beginning this school year.

2019

Brian Granton worked on an independent study with Dr. Stephen Forsha during Spring semester ’19 to develop a conceptual paper. On June 18, his paper was submitted to the Midwest Academy of Management for inclusion in their upcoming annual meeting, and has since been working to complete final edits for conference submission.

Anthony Mauricio M.Ed. received a job as principal at Senath-Hornersville Middle School in Hornersville, MO. He is the youngest principal in the history of the school district and among the youngest in the state.

Crystal Riddle is employed at the NEC of Lake St. Louis, MO. Paige Smith was named Head Girls Tennis Coach at Battle High School in Columbia, MO. She is also a writer and photographer for Sports Locker Magazine and intends to enter graduate school next year.

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Reunion 2019

FOR MORE

Alumni Weekend photos on pages 57, 60 and 69.

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Alumni Weekend photos and memories, visit the WWU Alumni Facebook page.

69

Coming Full Circle Recipient of Vonderschmitt Scholarship is now training Board of Trustee member Theresa Vonderschmitt’s horses

BY PAIGE WILLIS Sometimes, an investment can pay off in surprising ways.

Such was the case with Theresa Vonderschmitt, member of the William Woods University Board of Trustees. Before joining the board in 2004, Vonderschmitt began learning to ride Saddle Seat horses from a WWU graduate, Renee Biggins ’83. From there, she was introduced to emeritus Professor Gayle Lampe and was invited to both see the equestrian facilities and ride at William Woods. Lampe also provided multiple horses for Vonderschmitt to ride and introduced her to the rest of the equestrian faculty.

“I felt like it was important for trainers to get a solid education,” said Vonderschmitt about her response to the experience. “Education is expensive today, and I have provided different scholarships in the past, so I decided to expand into providing scholarships for the Saddlebred industry.”

Vonderschmitt thus began funding scholarships to WWU students in 2001. One of the first students to receive the scholarship was Sarah MacKenna ’09. Due to cost, MacKenna had originally planned on attending a local state university; but the Vonderschmitt Scholarship allowed her the opportunity pursue her passion in the equestrian industry with WWU. In a surprising twist, Vonderschmitt’s original scholarship investment paid off in a direct dividend for MacKenna.

About two years ago, Vonderschmitt was having little luck in training a difficult mare, and sent the mare to MacKenna, who was then working at Monnington Farm in Simpsonville, Kentucky. When MacKenna successfully began showing the mare, Vonderschmitt entrusted more horses to her. MacKenna also trained Vonderschmitt’s assistant, Lizelle Hill, to show competitively, and now helps Vonderschmitt compete at a variety of shows throughout the year.

“Here it is, about 15 years later, and you have someone like Sarah who graduated with the scholarship who is now

70 TH E WOODS 2 01 9

training my horses,” said Vonderschmitt. “It’s a very special relationship.”

And with that, a relationship that began with a generous academic scholarship has come full circle.

“I am so grateful for the chance to work with Theresa and her horses,” said MacKenna.

“She first asked me about taking a young mare a few years ago that needed a change of scenery and see what I could do with her. We ended up making numerous victory passes that year and the next year Lizelle went on to successfully show the mare. Now, not only do I get to work with these amazing horses, but I get to work with Theresa and be a part of her show career too,” she said.

“I don’t think I would have made horse training a career if it wasn’t for Theresa and her generosity with her scholarship at William Woods,” added MacKenna. “To say she has been a major part of my career would be quite an understatement.”

Vonderschmitt remains impressed with Mackenna’s talent in not only training a horse, but in transferring that training to the rider and helping the horse and rider come together as a pair. Along with this, she is happy to continue working with a graduate of WWU, and to continue a long-standing relationship with a WWU program she is pleased to support.

William Woods University Alumnae Lunch Bunch TOP row: Melissa Green - 1975; Kim Ballard Mawhiney - 1982; Janet Brown Stevenson 1974; Leslie Alexander Foiles 1980; Barb Loring Foster 1980; Sitting front row: Mary Lynn Tolle 1958; Carolyn (Cookie) Cain Hanson 1960; Vivian Graff Forbes 1957; Jerry Ballard 1957; Sonnie Brown 1957.

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71

ALUM SPOTLIGHT

Judge Kelly Broniec, ‘92

What an Honor

BY PAIGE WILLIS On April 3rd of 2019, the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, returned to William Woods to convene court in the University’s unique model courtroom on campus. This marked the 27th year for the annual visit of the Court’s three-judge panel to WWU’s Bernard Wietzman Model Courtroom, and represented a homecoming of sorts for Judge Kelly Broniec, a 1992 graduate of The Woods.

An Associate Circuit Judge in Montgomery County, Broniec returned to hear oral arguments in four cases in the appellate court.

Judge Broniec, serving alongside Presiding Judge Edward Ardini, Jr., and Judge Rex Gabbert, was thrilled to be back at her alma mater to take part in what has become a unique benefit offered to students interested in a career in law. “It’s fun being back on campus. I was excited when they asked me to do this and gave me the opportunity to come back,” she said. “I spent a lot of time in the Burton Business Building when I was here, so it’s fun to see, and to be in the courtroom that wasn’t even here when I was a student.”

As a student, Judge Broniec was a Business major at William Woods, and enrolled in a Business Law class when her interest in law was sparked. After

taking more Legal Studies classes, she added a Legal Studies minor, and her professors encouraged her to pursue law school. The summer after graduating from WWU, Judge Broniec worked as an intern for a local prosecutor and was exposed to criminal law.

Following her internship, she promptly enrolled in University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. In 2018, Judge Broniec was honored as the recipient of the Women’s Justice Award for Public Service

by Missouri Lawyers Media. This award recognizes women in all facets of law, including general practitioners, litigators, in-house counsel, law students, public servants, and those doing pro-bono work.

Serving in a rural county in Montgomery County, her circuit covers three counties including Audrain and Warren counties, where Judge Broniec handles all the juvenile court cases for the circuit.

Judge Broniec believes students need more than education when pursuing a career in the legal field, “You do not get a lot of practical experience in law school, so I feel like getting out there and getting a job in the field is the best way to really get a feel of what the law is.”

“Experiences like the oral arguments being held here at William Woods give students interested in becoming a lawyer an idea of what they need to do at the trial level if they want to appeal,” stated Judge Broniec.

She emphasized that the model courtroom at William Woods provides exactly the type of practical experience students need. Students not only get the feel of being in a courtroom, but also the added bonus of seeing the difference between the trial and the appellate level when they sit in on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District in action each year during its campus visit.

Judge Broniec is grateful for the positive impact The Woods had in shaping her professional and personal successes. “The biggest thing that made an impact on me when I came to William Woods was that it was an all-women’s school at the time.

Women held leadership positions on campus, which was a big shift from how I had grown up. I had a great experience at Williams Woods, with a lot of professors who really encouraged me to go to law school and set me down this path.”

“It’s fun to visit campus and see the courtroom that wasn’t even here when I was a student.”

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