William Woods welcomes the largest incoming class of new students in school history - for the second consecutive year
SNAPSHOT
When Jaylen Scruggs (no. 5) led the Owls on to the field for a September 14th game versus St. Ambrose University, it established a new autumn tradition at The Woods for the first time in its 154-year history - home football games
The Woods magazine is the official alumni magazine of William Woods University and is published annually by the Office of Strategic Communications. Its mission is to connect alumni and other members of the University community to the University and to one another.
front cover: Notley Hawkins back cover: Notley Hawkins
CONTRIBUTORS
John Fougere Vice President of Strategic Communications, Writer
Jennifer Johnson Director of Alumni Relations, Content Creator
Hannah Loethen Marketing Graduate Assistant, Writer
Lauren Imler Advancement Operations Coordinator, Writer
Michael Westphal Content Marketing Specialist, Layout Designer
PHOTOGRAPHY
Amelia Thompson
Courtney Kunkel
Caleb Hayes
Notley Hawkins
David Wallingford
Micala Renee Austin
Corynn Argent Brianna Thoenen
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Early Spring brought the ribboncutting for the Linda McClaren Parkhurst Trail, a new 2,000 foot gravel trail that will allow WWU students and their horses to more safely traverse campus during their rides
“...IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO THUMB THROUGH THE PAGES OF THIS PUBLICATION AND NOT FEEL A SHOT OF PRIDE.”
“History,” so goes tHe saying, “is a long time in tHe making.”
So what does that say about a university like William Woods that, 154 years after our establishment as an institution, is achieving new milestones more so than at any other time in its history during the past year? Perhaps it is best described as a university undergoing a groundbreaking resurgence, one that celebrates our unique past, acknowledges a dynamic present and anticipates an auspicious future.
That was the William Woods University story in 2024.
Whether you are one of our 22,000 alumni, a current student, a member of the WWU faculty and staff or friend of the university, it is impossible to thumb through the pages of this publication and not feel a shot of pride. Pride in not only how far we have come as a university in over 150 years, but who we are today. And that is an institution where every individual is known, valued and supported. A place where the opportunities - academically, socially, athletically – are huge, but the campus community remains refreshingly comfortable and familiar. Where history, yes history, is still being made seemingly every day.
History like welcoming the largest incoming class of new students ever at The Woods this past August, for the second consecutive year. Or breaking ground on a new residence hall on campus, the first new one at William Woods in two decades. Or what about fielding the first-ever intercollegiate football team at WWU, establishing a new band program to go along with it, and hosting the inaugural traditional Fall Homecoming celebration on campus? And don’t forget the alum who became the first WWU graduate to become president of a college.
All of these moments happened in 2024 at William Woods, and all of their remarkable stories, and so many others, can be found in this alumni magazine. I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as so many of the Owls enjoyed making them happen. And I also hope you will take the time to strengthen your connection to The Woods in 2025, whether it is by supporting our students and our mission or merely coming back for a visit on campus. Because after all, you will want to be there the next time William Woods makes history.
Go Owls!
Keep the William Woods University family strong. Please consider giving to your alma mater.
Romaine Seguin ‘82 Acting President William Woods University
When the shovels come out and the dirt is turned on a college campus, that is always a good sign. One of growth, progress and vitality as an institution. And so it was that the WWU Board of Trustees officially broke ground for the first new student residence hall on campus in nearly 20 years on October 24, even though the new home for 200 students was already rising impressively in the background on the beautiful Fall day. Ground was actually broken in the Summer, but the event held until October to coincide with yet another new “first” in William Woods history, the first-ever traditional autumn Homecoming on campus. A first-ever Homecoming. A new student residence hall. And not to mention the new North Campus Athletic Complex just a few short steps away from what will be the newest student digs on campus. It is clear that The Woods was “breaking ground” in more ways than one in the historic year of 2024.
Former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher, current Cardinals’ broadcaster Rick Horton pays a visit to William Woods
SPEAKER
Like a few other prominent individuals who have appeared at William Woods over the years, what ultimately brought former major league baseball pitcher and current St. Louis Cardinal radio broadcaster Rick Horton to speak on campus was…horses.
Horton’s wife Ann rides horses and is a big supporter of William Woods, which brought her in contact with legendary Equestrian professor emeritus Gayle Lampe.
“I have been trying to get Rick Horton to come speak at William Woods for six or seven years, for as long as I have known Ann and her love for horses,” Lampe said. “It was great to finally get him here, he has a lot to offer our students and I knew his insight would be beneficial to them.”
The former St. Louis Cardinal and current member of the team’s radio broadcast team, Horton addressed a packed Dulany Auditorium on Wednesday, January 17, sharing anecdotes and advice from his seven-year pitching career which included stops with the Cardinals, Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, where he won a World Championship ring in 1988.
“I had a chance to play for three Hall of Fame managers, three of the most famous men in baseball history, in Whitey Herzog, Tommy Lasorda and Tony LaRussa,” Horton shared. “And what I learned from them were lessons that were beneficial in anything, including playing sports, excelling at work and
school, relationships – even, dare I say, riding a horse.”
The former left-hander who has done television and radio play-by-play work for the Cardinals since the late 1990’s made the theme of his pitch, so to speak, to the WWU audience the importance of three words –dreams, vision and choices.
“Whatever accomplishments you set out to do in life, whatever project, job, goal – all follow a path of these three things,” he said.
First, comes the dream.
“Every good enterprise, business, movement, family, championship, starts with a dream,” Horton added. “Before anything worthy is attained, it starts with dreaming and dreaming big, envisioning what could be.” Horton related how, as a boy, he dreamed big about being a big league pitcher, and then beat the odds and made it happen. Even when his pitching career was over, he wanted to continue to set goals and accomplish athletic milestones, so he devoted himself to com-
pleting a marathon after age 40. Even though doing it was far from easy.
“I remember really struggling to finish,” he recalled about running the Chicago Marathon. “I didn’t think I could finish the final couple miles, and was thinking about quitting, when I saw a guy with no legs on the side of the road, holding up a sign that said ‘You Can Do It.’ It inspired me, and I found the strength to finish.”
“It was a moment that reminded me that, even though we all struggle and get humbled in this world, we shouldn’t ever stop dreaming,” he said.
Horton’s other two words to live by were vision and choices, and he mentioned the importance of having positive mentors and coaches in life.
“I hope you strive to incorporate these lessons into every facet of your life, whether it’s school, work, sports or whatever,” he said. “Our best leaders all do this, and I have had the privilege of learning from some of the best.”
Horton also took the time to tell tales of his days pitching in the majors, being on a World Championship team, and rubbing shoulders over the past three decades with Cardinal legends like Mark McGwire, Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina. He took questions, and was particularly sought-after by members of the WWU Owls’ baseball team, who will begin their 2024 season next month.
Dream big, he advised them.
“I just spent a few days traveling the state with some of the current Cardinals as part of the Cardinals’ Caravan, and let me tell you, despite a disappointing season last year, to a man they are dreaming big about the upcoming season,” he said. “Make the post-season, compete for a trip to the World Series, it’s all out there for them.”
“And that’s because without a vision, you don’t have a path to make your dreams a reality. Think big, and what you can accomplish is limitless.”
“I HOPE YOU STRIVE TO INCORPORATE THESE LESSONS INTO EVERY FACET OF YOUR LIFE.”
WWU GOLD cadets get memorable experience traveling to weekend training – on a Blackhawk helicopter
BY JOHN FOUGERE
As part of their training as aspiring commissioned officers in the Missouri Army National Guard (MOARNG), the cadets of the William Woods Show-Me Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD)program regularly travel to locations like Fort Leonard Wood or Camp Clark for a few days of advanced field training. But on one occasion earlier this year, their mode of transportation proved to be quite memorable.
Instead of the standard van, the eight cadets saw their “ride” to Camp Clark descend out of the sky on the cool, bright morning of Friday March 22, and land on the University’s soccer practice field. For the first time for most of them in their budding military careers, they would be traveling to their training on a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter.
“I found out through my OIC (officer in charge) that he was getting with an aviation team to set up a Blackhawk ride for us, and to be honest, I was pumped,” said Donovan Brewer ’26, of Elsberry, Mo. “Finding out that it was going to land at school, on the soccer practice field, all my friends were going to see it – it was exciting and elevating.”
For Quentin Stevens ’26, from Quincy, Illinois, it was the second time on a Blackhawk.
“At first, it was up in the air whether or not we were going to get the chance to ride the Blackhawk, including weather, funding – there are a few factors that determine if we are actually able to get it,” Stevens said. “But once we got the approval that 100 percent this was going to happen, I was excited; both times I have ridden on a Blackhawk, it has been an enthralling experience, just awesome.”
Thanks to the supercharged style of transportation, the cadets’ travel time to Camp Clark, normally a three-hour drive to Nevada in southwest Missouri, became an exhilarating 45-minute odyssey through the early Spring skies. And all of them were fully prepared, thanks to the flight crew from nearby Fort Leonard Wood.
“The crew got with us ahead of time and gave us a safety brief, the captain, the major, the warrant officer, and told us how it would go and what to expect,” said Brewer. “After hearing that from an experienced flight crew, I was ready for the experience, which was a blast, kind of like a roller coaster.”
The William Woods Show-Me GOLD program had been planning to expose the program’s cadets to a ride on Blackhawk helicopter for at least a year. Weather postponed the experience on the last occasion, in the Spring semester in 2023. This time, after the program leadership made its avia-
tion request once again of the Missouri National Guard, it was approved for March 22. Having a solid strategic partnership between William Woods and the Missouri Army National Guard helped pave the way for the experience, which is a significant benefit for the program’s future officers.
“GOLD is an officer-producing program, so we want to give these future officers every experience we possibly can to ensure that they are ready when they graduate,” said Dr. Scott Zimmerman, Director of the GOLD program and instructor of Military and Leadership studies at WWU. “We don’t want it to be something brand new when they are leading other soldiers, for example, or that it is their first time on a helicopter when they are leading an air assault. We want them to be able to concentrate on their job of leading soldiers as opposed to being on a helicopter for the first time.”
Which is exactly the goal of the field training exercises, which the GOLD cadets attend to three times a year, including one in each semester and one in the Summer, sometimes with GOLD programs from other Missouri universities.
“Just like in academics, experiential learning is pre-
ferred,” Zimmerman added. “When we can have our students having hands-on experience doing the job, or doing the task, it is exceedingly better when you put them in that situation as opposed to lecturing. When we do experiential learning, we can do more than just talking about helicopter operations, now we can actually do it.”
Which means students who opt to enter the GOLD program at William Woods may count on future opportunities to take a ride on one of the Army’s most famous modes of trans port.
“When you do something of this magni tude, it makes you appreciate that there is a lot of backwards planning that goes into it,” said Stevens. “Just all the logistics, and making sure that the officer candidates have everything that they need to make it happen. You can’t get on a Blackhawk without your ID tags, ear protection, eye protection. The amount of preparation that is needed for something like this is good planning for what it will be like when leading others.”
“It’s almost life-changing, knowing that you can just get into a Blackhawk helicopter just based on your officer in charge sched uling something like this,” said Brewer. “For a program, and university of this size, just being able to have an experience like this has been awesome.”
“WE WANT TO GIVE THESE FUTURE OFFICERS EVERY EXPERIENCE WE POSSIBLY CAN TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE READY WHEN THEY
When William Woods was mentioned in a report by the Chronicle of Higher Education in March 2024 about colleges and universities across the nation that were establishing intercollegiate football programs, it was the third time The Woods had been featured favorably in higher education’s national “paper of record” since January 2023 – after never appearing in the publication for more than 20 years!
BY HANNAH LOETHEN
Opportunities often present themselves in unexpected ways, leading us down paths we never imagined. For Siphephelo Mcineka, the journey to William Woods University was not a choice he made, but rather a door opened by fate.
Back in 2016, Siphephelo met Fay Lowry, the founder of the Heart That Gives Foundation, in his hometown Eshowe, South Africa. The Heart That Gives Foundation is a 501c3 organization that was established to help the hungry and the poor people of the Kwazulu Natal region of South Africa, and the orphan children and disabled people of Uganda. Fay recognized Siphephelo’s potential during their conversation. Witnessing his brightness and proficiency in English, she wanted to provide him with a better education than what he was currently receiving with the assistance of the Heart That Gives Foundation.
The Foundation ended up changing Siphephelo’s life by sponsoring his entire high school education from 2017 to 2021. Throughout this period, he attended a private school in South Africa, unlocking opportunities he never dreamed possible. And as Siphephelo approached the end of his high school journey, discussions about his future led to the idea of attending a university in America.
“When I met Fay Lowry, I had a moment of awakening,” Siphephelo said. “I thought that I was going to live in a small rural town in South Africa for the rest of my life. She opened the doors for me and she continues to do that. She showed me my true potential and what I can do in this life.”
When looking into universities, Siphephelo knew he wanted to attend a smaller school. When hearing this, Fay
knew exactly where he should go and who to talk to get him there - none other than William Woods’ own Gayle Lampe.
“When Siphephelo graduated from High School in South Africa, Fay and I talked about him attending William Woods. However, we needed money to pay for his education. Fay put the need out there on Facebook and Mary Gaylord, a wonderful person Fay and I both know from horse shows, said she would pay for him to attend WWU,” stated Gayle.
Gayle assured Siphephelo by emphasizing that the education and environment at The Woods would be a perfect fit for him. Through the Foundation and Mary Gaylord, Siphephelo’s education was fully sponsored. Majoring in Biology with a concentration in Pre-Med and a minor in Theater, Siphephelo aspires to become a dermatologist while holding on to his passion for acting. After he graduates in 2026, he plans to attend medical school in America and obtain his doctorate in dermatology.
“I just love having Siphephelo here…he is such a joy. He is a wonderful science student, and he has gotten involved in many other activities, too. For example, he has been in several plays, and he is a very good actor! Who knew!! I love spending time with him. Siphephelo is one of the most outstanding young men I have ever known, and we are so very fortunate to have him here with us at William Woaods,” exclaimed Gayle.
Siphephelo’s journey from a small rural town in South Africa to William Woods University demonstrates the power of education, kindness, and unexpected connections. His story encourages us to embrace the opportunities that arise, even in the face of adversity.
University establishes partnership with Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative
BY JOHN FOUGERE
2024 was another year of demonstrating the William Woods commitment to serving our nation’s active duty and reserve members of the military.
On February 5 The Woods announced a new partnership with the Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC), an initiative between Air University and accredited civilian academic institutions like WWU to offer baccalaureate degree opportunities to enlisted personnel in the U.S. Air and Space Force. AU-ABC provides expanded online degree programs and school choice options to Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) students and graduates. Under the partnership, CCAF students will be able to pursue a William Woods degree in Management and Leadership, with potential additional degree options in the future. The program allows U.S. Air and Space Force professionals to pursue and earn baccalaureate degrees beyond the associate’s degrees they earn through the CCAF.
In joining the AU-ABC partnership, William Woods has once again further established its status as an official Military-Friendly University.
“We are thrilled to enter into this landmark agreement with the Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative, and are looking forward to making our quality online academic degree programs available to enlisted U.S. Air and Space Force personnel,” said Acting President Romaine Seguin. “Joining the AU-ABC partnership builds upon the other existing programs we offer that benefit our prospective, active duty and reserve military members, including the Show-Me GOLD and Triumph programs, and we could not be more proud.”
The new partnership with AU-ABC is just the latest
initiative at The Woods that honors those who serve. Just last year in 2023, the University established a new Military and First Responder Grant, a significant tuition reduction program for WWU students, as well as their spouses and dependents, that either serve the nation in the military or their communities as first responders.
WWU announced the establishment of the Show-Me Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) program in 2018, becoming the first private institution to host the program. Designed to train and prepare young men and women to serve as commissioned officers in the Missouri National Guard, the Show-Me GOLD program first began being offered at William Woods in 2019. In addition, the University began offering the Triumph Program in 2019, which is a partnership between WWU and Missouri Military Academy in which MMA students are able to take college courses and earn college credit at William Woods while still high school students.
Plus, the cost, support and career services, and flexibility – all hallmarks of the WWU experience – are among the most important factors in college decision making for veterans, according to a U.S. News and World Report study. William Woods’ online and part-time study options, as well as the freedom to start and stop as needed, provide the flexibility students need to finish their degrees as their schedule allows.
Through these initiatives, WWU has regularly received the official “Military Friendly” designation from Viqtory Recruitment Marketing Solutions, a national veteran-owned marketing firm, which is an annual list of colleges, universities and businesses that provide the best service to military members and their families.
BY HANNAH LOETHEN
Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Allyson Hollrah always knew the value of financial independence. With money saved up for college and the achievement of earning a golf athletic scholarship, Allyson’s journey now has her following in her family’s footsteps.
A sophomore at William Woods who is majoring in Business Administration, Allyson is already exercising the knowledge she has acquired through her entrepreneur course as she has now become one herself. Seeing an opportunity to put a stamp on her hometown and with Hermann’s thriving tourist industry in mind, in 2023 she bought a beautiful historic building, one that has two separate storefronts and existing Airbnb units.
Her new opportunity, however, did come with challenges and risks. Talking about one of her challenges, Allyson stated, “The timing of becoming an Airbnb owner and a landlord while I have academic commitments has not been an easy task. I was in class the other day and got a phone call from one of my tenants with an issue with the electricity.” And when obtaining a loan from the bank, she had to present to them her comprehensive business plan, one of the skills she had learned in her entrepreneurship class the previous semester. “It was neat to see this full circle moment from learning how to create and present a business plan in class, to actually doing it for my business,” explained Allyson. With the support and guidance of her parents, Allyson embarked on a learning journey navigating the world of entrepreneurship. And once her loan was approved, she went to work.
Initially, Allyson had to handle every aspect of the Airbnbs, from cleaning and restocking to ensuring the properties were presentable. Eventually her persistence and hard work paid off as she teamed up with a top Airbnb site in Hermann, a collaboration that not only reduced her workload but also increased bookings, creating a more sustainable and manageable income stream. As she gears up for the summer, plans include renovating and expanding her Airbnb offerings. She has a diverse set of properties, ranging from a cozy two-person suite to a spacious hen house suite accommodating up to eight people. Branded as “Inn by Ally,” a clever play on words with her larger hen house being located in an alley, the name encapsulates the unique and subtle charm she aims to provide Hermann. She is also growing her business, recently purchasing another building that is located next to her parents’ upcoming winery, planning to have it serve as the Airbnb that serves the winery.
As Allyson reflects on her business venture, her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace risks.
“The financial uncertainties of starting a business may seem daunting, but the long-term benefits outweigh the initial struggles,” she said. “It is also important to understand your purpose and passion because that is what will drive you.”
For Allyson, the dream was to contribute to Hermann’s growth by providing a welcoming home for weekend getaways. Through hard work, dedication and utilizing what she has learned at The Woods, it’s clear she is doing just that.
BY HANNAH LOETHEN
The Hall of Fame at William Woods stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the university’s outstanding athletic performances. Originally created as a vision of former Athletic Director Jason Vittone and further refined by current director Steve Wilson, the Hall of Fame has evolved beyond mere recognition into a dynamic platform that seamlessly combines tradition with innovation.
Established to honor the exceptional contributions of student athletes, supporters, and coaches who have graced the institution, the Hall of Fame has undergone a transformation this past year. While it will always stand as a celebration of past Owl athletic achievements, the Hall has now implemented a focus on fundraising into the event. In addition to recognition, inductees are now also encouraged to support the university’s mission through various avenues. Whether
Head Coach, Baseball
During Darren Munns’ ten years at the helm, the Owls compiled a 333-188 overall record, including two AMC Tournament championships (2011, 2014) and four NAIA World Series appearances (2007, 2011, 2014, 2015). Munns developed five AMC Player/Pitcher of the Year honorees and an NAIA First Team All-American during his tenure, and saw seven players continue to the next level, highlighted by Nick Wooley’s selection in the Major League Baseball draft by the Kansas City Royals.
Earning a unanimous selection to the 2023 class, Munns was also responsible for developing 41 first team All-AMC honorees, as well as a total of ten CoSIDA (now College Sports Communicators) Academic All-Americans (six First Team, three Second Team, one Third Team) and two current WWU Athletics Hall of Fame honorees (L.J. Watson - 2018 and Jacob Harrison - 2019).
Men’s Soccer
Still holding the career goal scoring record for William Woods, John Hayes was one of the first standout men’s soccer players for the Owls. Despite playing for three head coaches in his four years on campus, Hayes helped the team to AMC tournament appearances in both 2001 and 2003 and earned First Team All-AMC honors in 2004 and Academic AllAMC honors in 2002 and 2004.
In addition to holding the career record for goals in WWU green and white (45), Hayes is ranked second in total points (104 - 45 g, 14 a) and has the fifth-highest single-season point total (30 - 14 g, 2 a) and fourth-best single-season goal output (14) in program history.
through financial contributions, collaboration with the advancement team, or simply amplifying the stories of athletic achievement, the Hall of Fame has become a vital instrument in fortifying the foundation of support for William Woods University.
The Hall of Fame has become a living testament to the evolution of William Woods. Welcoming back inductees now provides an opportunity to showcase the university’s enhancement of both the student athlete and campus experience. This moment becomes more than a stroll down memory lane, but also an invitation to witness the ongoing commitment to excellence at William Woods.
The 2023 class, was selected from among a stout pool of nominees, with each earning more than 75 percent of the vote from the Hall of Fame Voting Committee.
Cross Country/Track & Field
One of only two William Woods Cross Country runners to earn an individual AMC Conference Championship (2008), Brent Almand was the second WWU Cross Country runner to qualify as an individual for the NAIA National Cross Country championship, earning All-American honors with a 29th-place finish in a field of 335 runners.
Almand still holds the third-fastest career best time in the 8,000-meter race for William Woods, with his mark of 25:15.8 from the 2008 National Championship meet, and two of the 20 fastest 8K finishes in program history. On the track, he also has the third-fastest time for the 3,000-meter steeplechase for WWU, with a personal best of 10:03.67.
Dominant in the pitching circle, MacKenzie Bowden ranks first in the career record books for WWU with 76 complete games and 865 career strikeouts. Her strikeout total is nearly 300 better than the next nearest mark, despite pitching more than 40 fewer innings over her career. She ranks second on the career IP list with 631.0, and unsurprisingly holds four of the top ten single-season strikeout totals - 1st, 3rd, 4th and 6th. Compiling a 62-35 career record with an overall ERA of 1.58, Bowden helped WWU to three NAIA Softball World Series appearances (2011, 2013, 2014) and was twice (2012, 2014) named AMC Pitcher of the Year. She earned First Team All-AMC honors all four years, but was also a standout in the classroom, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout her undergraduate program and also earning her master’s degree from The Woods.
Volleyball/Women’s Basketball
A two-sport standout for William Woods, Stephanie Sebacher (now Finke) ranks 11th on the career scoring chart (1,310 pts) for women’s basketball and first on the single-season kills (588) and attacks (1,284) lists for volleyball. Her career field goal percentage of .572 is the fifth-highest in women’s basketball program history, and she was a three-time First Team All-AMC selection (1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01) while earning honorable mention in the NAIA All-America voting for the 1999-2000 season. On the volleyball court, she ranks fourth in solo blocks (81), earned First Team All-AMC honors in 2000, and is tied for third on the single-season career service aces list with 73.
“WILLIAM WOODS IS, ONCE AGAIN, SHOWING THAT IT CAN LEAD FROM THE FRONT BY ADDING FLAG FOOTBALL AS THE UNIVERSITY GROWS.”
On the eve of the first-ever Flag Football season at WWU, women’s sports pioneer Jen Welter coaches ‘em up at The Woods
For more than 20 years, Dr. Jen Welter has been blazing a leadership path for women in sports, most notably in football. The first-ever female assistant coach in the NFL in 2015 with the Arizona Cardinals, she also enjoyed a decorated career as a professional women’s football player and was also one of the first-ever female position players on a men’s team when she played running back for the Texas Revolution in 2014.
She now channels her passion for women’s sports and the game of football through her coaching and popular flag football camps, known as the Grrridiron Girls Camps, which she brought to William Woods on July 24.
“When I started Grrridiron Girls, there wasn’t yet an opportunity for girls to imagine that they could change their lives through football, just like boys could,” said Welter, whose camps have helped hundreds of young girls across the country find success both on and off the field since the first one in 2019. “For every girl, and every boy as well, who comes out here to take part, you can start to see a route for empowerment, confidence and education.”
Welter’s Grrridiron Girls camp, open to girls and boys from kindergarten up to high school, took place on the new turf surface of the university’s North Campus Activities Center, home to the first-ever women’s Flag Football and men’s tackle football teams in William Woods history that are kicking off their inaugural seasons during the 2024-2025 school year.
And Welter, a stickler for attention-to-detail like all successful football coaches, couldn’t help but notice how The Woods stood out from other colleges that offer women’s Flag Football.
“William Woods really leveled it up when they built this multi-use field, because it already has the lines for the women’s Flag Football marked right on it,” she said. “Most times we do these camps, there has been a question of ‘could the girls use the boys field?’ But William Woods has set the standard by already having the lines for the
girls’ game permanently marked on the field, illustrating that it is just as much the girls’ field as the boys. That’s a great statement about the university’s commitment to women’s sports.”
Indeed, William Woods will be the only college or university in the state of Missouri to have an on-campus stadium for Flag Football when the Owls begin their historic first season in early 2025.
“I think William Woods, with its history of having been a women’s college first, is once again showing that it can lead from the front by adding Flag Football as the university grows,” Welter said.
A point echoed by WWU Athletic Director Steve Wilson.
“To open our new field with an individual of the caliber of Dr. Jen Welter was a real thrill for William Woods University,” Wilson said. “It was a great introduction to one of the fastest-growing sports in the country for the youth of mid-Missouri, and was a great way to kick off a new year and a new tradition of Women’s Flag Football at The Woods.”
Despite temperatures and humidity that climbed past 90, the activity never wavered as Welter put nearly 100 young girls and boys through the paces on the university’s blazing new playing surface, learning new plays and maybe even learning a few of life’s lessons. And with sweat dripping down her face and boundless energy, Welter – a woman on a lifelong mission to impact young female athletes across the board – wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“There’s never been a better time for girls in football,” she said. “The game is exploding, and hearts, minds and doors are opening every day, including right here at William Woods University. I have chills thinking about how this new field was built for both flag and tackle, literally putting men and women on the same playing field. It was huge, Grrridiron Girls was here for it, and it was an honor to help put the ball in their hands and dream in their heart.”
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BY LAUREN IMLER
William Woods University honored its historical legacy as an all-women’s college by hosting the Women in Leadership Conference on March 21st and 22nd, 2024. This landmark event not only commemorated the university’s founding principles of female empowerment but also stood as a vibrant testament to its ongoing commitment to fostering leadership among women. By bringing together community leaders, students, and accomplished keynote speakers, the conference provided a vital forum for sharing insights, forging connections, and inspiring the next generation of trailblazers.
The first keynote speaker was Michele
Markey, an ‘82 William Woods graduate and the CEO of Skillpath—a Mission, Kansas-based company that provides professionals with strategic and innovative training solutions in a variety of business areas, including leadership, management, communications, information systems, human relations law and policy. Skillpath also delivers training services to Fortune 500 companies, the federal government, the U.S. military and even franchises from all four major professional sports leagues. At the conference, Michelle discussed the challenges and triumphs of navigating the workforce as a woman and as a CEO who defied the odds and thrived despite adversity.
Following Michelle, Belinda Bush-May an ‘87 William Woods graduate and a partner at Dentons’ Washington, DC and St. Louis Law Offices, shared her insights. Belinda specializes in consumer product safety, products liability and accessibility law. After being diagnosed with a life-threatening disability in 2019, she found a professional approach to assisting clients through an
even more informed lens on issues such as complex regulatory challenges, reporting, design/engineering/ human factors science, corrective action, recalls, consumer product safety compliance plans, social media and product advertising claims. This year, Belinda received a Chambers, individual and national Band One ranking for product liability/regulatory, and was named Best Lawyers in America, 2024. She is also a current Global Ambassador for Purple Space, the world’s largest professional organization for people with disabilities. Belinda delivered an inspiring message about compassionate leadership and the importance of empathy and human connection in driving organizational success for the audience at the conference.
On the second day of the conference, Andrea Brayboy, a ‘22 MBA graduate of William Woods and Branch Chief of the CalFresh program for the State of California, opened the conference. Appointed to her leadership role in 2022, she oversees 170 employees and provides program oversight to the state’s 58 counties. Andrea manages the single largest SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) program in the U.S., providing monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families through California’s Department of Social Services. At the conference, Andrea went through her exploration of merging mind and heart, that shed light on the transformative power of spirituality in shaping professional lives.
Dr. Mary Mosley, a former WWU Spanish professor, wrapped up the Women in Leadership Conference. Dr. Mosley is a dedicated activist, community organizer and volunteer, focusing on policy change, women’s rights and racism. She has been a significant donor to WWU for its campus symposium on sexism and racism. A lifelong advocate for causes she believes in, Dr. Mosley has served tirelessly as a member for the American Association of University Women, National Orga-
nization for Women, Women’s Political Caucus and Missouri Women’s Network, including writing letters to the editor and op-ed pieces, testifying in legislative committees, planning lobbying days and conferences and presenting workshops. She is a living testament to the resilience and perseverance of women throughout history. Dr. Mosley spoke to the audience at the conference about her rich experiences and firsthand involvement in women’s critical movements in her keynote.
of perspectives and experiences, each contribut ing to an enriching and empowering event for all attendees. It exemplified William Woods Univer sity’s enduring dedication to nurturing inclu sive spaces where women can excel, innovate, and lead with confi dence.
GREEK LIFE AT THE WOODS PROVIDES ONE OF THE STRONGEST FOUNDATIONS FOR SOCIAL INTERFACING AND NETWORKING WITH PEERS.
1. ALPHA PHI
“The Delta Chi chapter of Alpha Phi at William Woods University has experienced remarkable growth and success both inside and outside the classroom this year. Our sisters have actively engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, and community activities, showcasing their dedication and versatility. Notably, many of our sisters have assumed leadership roles in these endeavors, demonstrating their commitment to excellence. This year, we warmly welcomed numerous new members into our cherished sisterhood, enriching our home away from home with diverse perspectives and talents. Through a series of philan-
thropic events such as Mac n’ Phis, NBA Phis, and Ivy Week, we united with our community in support of causes close to our hearts. Together, we raised funds and collected donations for the Alpha Phi Foundation, which advocates for wom en’s heart health, as well as for Our House, our local philanthropic initiative. As a sisterhood, we have flourished, nurturing values of leadership, integrity, sisterhood, and invaluable life skills. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and prosperity of our chapter in the years to come.”
miranda Verrett ‘25
2. PI KAPPA ALPHA
“Pi Kappa Alpha is a fraternity centered around transforming men into gentlemen and showing them the world that comes
with being one. The men of Pi Kappa Alpha hold high standards whether that is in the classroom, on the field, or around campus; these men will aim for nothing less than the best. As a Pike, I find myself looking left and right to see my brothers by my side helping push myself to be the best man I can be, and I do the same for them which is one of many reasons I am proud to call myself a Pike. I hope to keep striving to better myself and my chapter daily as I try to leave it better than it was whenever I first entered.”
wil rieVes ‘26
3. CHI OMEGA
“The women of Tau Theta chapter of Chi Omega are coming to the close of another great year here at The Woods. In the Fall ‘23 semester, Chi Omega
received 2nd place in top grades with a cumulative GPA of 3.42 between the sororities on campus and are striving each day to improve our scholarship as it is our number one purpose. Our sisterhood is thriving on campus in what we do best. The ladies of Tau Theta truly do it all, from equestrian to sports to academics, we give it our best effort. This year, Tau Theta welcomed 15 new members home and each has found her niche. We pride ourselves on raising money for Make-A-Wish as such a small chapter. We held two events benefiting Make-A-Wish, our annual Wish Week and “Getting Cheesy with Chi O” raising our grand total to just under $1500 towards our national philanthropy. We look forward to achieving even more in the coming years!”
allyson HaVens ‘25
4. PHI GAMMA DELTA
“Being apart of Phi Gamma Delta , has been the best part of my college tenure, I have met wonderful people who I will now have relationships with for life. Phi Gamma Delta isn’t your average fraternity, the lessons I’ve learned are not momentarily or temporarily, they are lessons that I can apply to everyday life. Being apart of Phi Gamma Delta has not only helped my communication skills strengthen, it has also kept me busy and teaches me how to be the best leader I can be. Joining Phi Gamma Delta was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life and I hope every guy out there can have a chance to experience what It feels like to be a Fiji.”
dasHaun braCely ’26
5. ALPHA CHI OMEGA
“The women of Alpha Chi Omega have had a great year from marathons and horse shows to academics. This year we won Top Grades with a chapter GPA of 3.56! We are so proud of our house with most of our members being student-athletes, holding part-time jobs, and having other leadership roles on our campus-- this was an impressive feat. The Alpha Chi Omegas are always out representing
the house either cheering on our sisters at their sporting events, attending horse shows, or going to lead events together. Our efforts focused on giving back to the community and raising money for our philanthropy, Domestic Violence Awareness. This included events such as Pie an Alpha Chi, a Campus Car Wash, and a toy drive around Christmas time. Funds went to Support Survivors and RACS, two organizations that help support survivors of domestic violence. The toys were donated to GRACE, the Greater Rolla Area Charitable Enterprise. We welcomed a handful of new women home, and they have already made a significant impact on the chapter, most taking Executive Positions this year. We are thrilled about our members’ work
already and look forward to continuing to seek the heights.”
emma Clifford
6. DELTA GAMMA
‘25
“The 2023-2024 year has been exciting for the women of the Delta Omega chapter of Delta Gamma! We started off the year recruiting four new women in the fall semester. We have also done some new things this year such as hosting our first Slices for Sight fundraising event in October and several members of our executive board traveled to Branson, MO for an all-Panhellenic Retreat. In March, we hosted our annual Founders Day celebration with our wonderful alum. We also completed our annual Seesaw for Sight in April, as well as a canned food drive to help our community. We are looking forward to
seeing our chapter grow and thrive, and we are also looking forward to what our wonderful members will accomplish next year!”
kaitlyn poage ‘27
7. SIGMA TAU GAMMA
“It has truly been an amazing year for the Zeta Mu Chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma! A large initiation class means great things for the future of Sig Tau at the Woods. Three Executive members attended the Earl A. Webb Academy in Indianapolis and two members attended the Grand Conclave convention in Houston this June. With these leadership opportunities we have seen our members truly grow into their roles and
embrace what it means to be a member of Sigma Tau Gamma. In addition to this, our chapter traveled together to beautiful beaches of Panama City, Florida. It was an excellent experience for our members who all enjoyed the brotherhood and bonding experience. Finally, the Zeta Mu chapter raised over 700$ for the Special Olympics foundation through a charity basketball match against Pike and the hosting of our philanthropy week events this spring. The future is bright for our chapter, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve made it as an organization.”
—Justin Sharkey ‘25
BY JOHN FOUGERE
When William Woods Athletics teams begin play during the 2025-26 academic year, they will be part of a new athletic conference for the first time since 1993. On April 5th, the University announced that it had officially accepted an invitation to become a full member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart), ending a 31-year association with the American Midwest Conference.
“Today we embark upon a new era for William Woods University: our athletic department and most importantly, our student-athletes, with our move to the Heart of America Conference,” said WWU Director of Athletics Steve Wilson in announcing the historic move. “In these exciting times of growth for our university, both academically and athletically, it was imperative that we carefully assessed our conference affiliation to ensure that it was the right fit for William Woods. The Heart of America Conference is just that – competitively, financially, and logistically a strong fit– and we could not be more excited to become a new member.”
The Heart awards conference championships for all 22 of the NAIA sports currently sponsored by William Woods, as well as championships for Football and Competitive Dance. In 10 of the sports sponsored by the conference, the Heart is guaranteed two automatic bids for NAIA National Championship competition, with the addition of WWU to the conference adding a second automatic qualifier bid for both Competitive Dance and Men’s Golf for the 2025-26 season. And while Flag Football is currently not sponsored by the Heart, Woods will join three other schools - Baker, Graceland, Missouri Valley - fielding a team as the emerging sport continues to grow. After competing as an affiliate member of the Heart in Women’s Wrestling in 2023-24, the Owls will debut as full members of the conference for Football and Women’s Wrestling in 2024-25.
“This is an exciting day for William Woods University Athletics, and we believe that the future is bright with a lot of opportunity in front of us in the Heart of America Athletic Conference,” added Wilson. “The
American Midwest Conference has been a terrific home for our intercollegiate programs over many decades, yet the growth we’ve recently experienced and will continue to drive required that we evaluate our conference affiliation. As we reviewed the mission and vision of each member institution, it became evident that affiliation in the Heart was the right next step for The Woods. Our institutional tradition is rich, with a history of successful athletic programs, and we will continue to honor that history by competing proudly as a member of the AMC through the 2024-25 season, while preparing for our future in the Heart in 2025-26.”
William Woods, which is celebrating its 50th year of intercollegiate athletics during the 2024-25 academic year, has been a member of the American Midwest Conference since 1993-94. The Owls originally joined the AMC to compete in Women’s Basketball, adding Softball for the 1995-96 academic year followed by Volleyball in 1996-97 and Women’s Soccer in 1997-98. WWU has earned a total of 81 AMC regular season and tournament championships to date, including the 2023 Men’s Cross Country AMC Championship and a berth to the NAIA Cross Country National Championship meet.
The geographic representation of the Heart is similar to that of the AMC, with 15 member institutions across four states (Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri) with the bulk of the footprint concentrated in Missouri. Several of WWU’s new conference rivalries will be familiar to Owls fans as regular non-conference opponents across several sports, with the Owls also able to rekindle the rivalry with former AMC foe Park University.
In addition to the benefits offered by a similar physical footprint, following road contests within the Heart will become much easier for WWU fans, as the Heart
boasts one of the premier streaming platforms in the NAIA with The Heart Conference Network powered by Hudl TV. Leveraging the same technology as William Woods currently uses for home broadcasts, all contests within the Heart will be streamed to a central destination with dedicated smartphone and smart TV apps.
“This move to the Heart of America Conference parallels our continuing efforts to examine, refine, and improve the student experience at The Woods as we continue to grow,” said Ted Blashak, Chief Student Experience Officer and Senior Vice President. “Our student-athletes deserve the best, inside and outside the classroom, as we grow. This move helps us facilitate that responsibility.”
Founded in 1971, the Heart of America Athletic Conference marked its 50th year during the 202021 season, and currently sponsors 25 sports under the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics umbrella. Three of the Heart’s charter schools have maintained membership in the conference throughout its 53-year history - Baker University, Graceland University and Missouri Valley College - with Central Methodist University returning to the conference after a brief hiatus. For the 2025-26 academic year, the Heart will have 15 member institutionsBaker, Benedictine College, Central Methodist University, Clarke University, Culver-Stockton College, Graceland, Grand View University, MidAmerica Nazarene University, Missouri Baptist University, Missouri Valley, Mount Mercy University, Park University, Peru State College, William Penn University and William Woods University.
Kamerra Brown, Assistant Professor of Equestrian Studies and hunter/jumper instructor, was named the Missouri Horse Show Association Person of the Year. The award is presented annually in recognition of one MHSA member who has made significant contributions to the growth, knowledge, and enjoyment of the equine industry in the state in the past year. As a member of the EQS faculty at The Woods since 2020, Brown teaches all Applied Hunter/Jumper Ride classes, various other undergraduate and graduate equestrian classes, and serves as the Equestrian Club advisor at the university. She also serves as an academic advisor to EQS students, manages a herd of 30 horses and coordinates and travels to horse shows throughout the year.
Two professors in the William Woods School of Education, Dean Dr. Jim Concannon and Assistant Professor Dr. Lisa Nieuwenhuizen, established a new research journal for academics and educators in the field in the past year. Entitled the Midwest Journal of Education (MJE), the open-access research journal debuted in June and publishes original, peer-reviewed articles related to a wide array of topics in the field of education. The MJE offers a variety of opportunities for academics and practitioners to contribute to cuttingedge educational studies focusing on the nexus of theory to practice, sharing findings of empirical research, or offering new theoretical practices. “It has been a vision of mine to draw attention beyond our campus community that William Woods University values both practitioner
Dr. Stephen Cooper, Professor of Social Work at William Woods, was appointed to the advisory council of one of the nation’s leading mental health organizations in September. Dr. Cooper, who also serves as the Director of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at WWU, joined the National Advisory Council of the Hogg
and scholarship aspects of teaching and school leadership,” said Dr. Concannon. “Creating a journal requires managing many facets, which includes establishing an external editorial board, processes for blind peer review, submission processes, copy editing, format and presentation, to indexing, and we applaud the entire team that made this exciting new project happen.” The inaugural issue of the MJE featured articles from academics and practitioners across the country and addressed a wide span of topics including educating refugee children, COVID 19’s impact on reading, and teacher training and preparation. The Journal is listed with the Library of Congress and is a free, open-access journal to ensure that new and emerging scholarship can be disseminated for the advancement and innovation of the educational field.
Foundation, a national and international leader in mental health and wellness.
Large Dean’s List 254 students earned a spot on the WWU Spring 2024 Dean’s List, including 128 students from Missouri, 101 from other U.S. states and 25 international students. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a full-time student must achieve a minimum 3.6 semester and cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale
Award-winning
author and photographer Richard
Orton
brings his exhibit,
“The Upshaws of County Line: An American family,” to William Woods
BY JOHN FOUGERE
PHOTOGRAPHY
It was 1988 and Richard Orton was looking for a new project. The Austin, Texas based photographer was visiting his parents in Nacgodoches, Texas, in the northeast part of the state, when he learned of a community in an unincorporated part of the county that was settled over a century before by newly-emancipated African-Americans.
The community was called County Line. And it changed Richard Orton’s life.
“The first time I went to County Line, the day after Thanksgiving in 1988, I had no idea what to expect,” Orton told an audience of students, faculty and staff at William Woods this week. “All I wanted to do then was to get permission to photograph and learn about the community’s history. Little did I know that I had stumbled upon the project that would define my life for the next 25 years.”
On February 8 and 9, Orton brought his exhibit “The Upshaws of County Line: An American Family,” to The Woods, which included two days of discussion, photos from the exhibit in the university’s Mildred M. Cox Art Gallery, the airing of a documentary and presentations on the art of pho-
tography for WWU students. The exhibit portrays the story of the Upshaw family, who settled the area shortly after the end of the Civil War in the 1870’s, focusing on the community of descendants that exists in County Line today.
“I discovered that, after Emancipation, not all African-Americans became sharecroppers or domestic help for white people, still relying on whites for their wellbeing,” Orton said. “Some of them organized their own communities out in the woods, called Freedom Colonies. County Line was such a place, and the kind of place I had never learned about in school.”
So Orton spent the next 25 years documenting the community through photographing of the descendants of the original settlers (the Upshaw family), which led to his award-winning book “The Upshaws of County Line: An American Family.” He also became like a family member to the current-day Upshaws, becoming a part of their lives for years. Eventually, the School of Art at Stephen F. Austin University created the photo exhibit, and it has toured the country for many years.
During Black History Month, it came to William Woods.
“I was able to see the portrayal of an American family that from my perspective, you don’t really see as much, and I could
see my own family in those images,” said Rhondell Tipton ‘25. “It is really an impressive exhibit, just how they took him in as almost a part of their family; it just means so much to the African-American community.”
It addition to the display of the photo exhibit, the airing of a documentary about Freedom Colonies in Texas, panel discussions and Orton’s presentation on the history and his personal experiences in County Line, he also took the time to speak to WWU Art, film and communication majors about the process of making photo documentaries.
“It is really great to get the chance to hear from highly successful people in our industry like Mr. Orton, to learn from him and find out what it takes to succeed,” said Colin Cossey, a sophomore Film major at William Woods. “I really appreciated his perspective on capturing the moment, and being invisible when shooting photos, as opposed to trying to control the situation. Let the world around me tell the story instead me as a photographer trying to force a story or narrative.”
Bringing Orton and his award-winning exhibit to The Woods was due to a planning committee that included Steve Cooper, Director of the Bachelor of Social Work program; Hannah Bolados, Dean of the School of Humanities; Tony Weed, Dean of the School of Social Services; John Selburg, Director of the Mildred M. Cox Art Gallery and Haley Gilmore, Event Management and Conference Coordinator. It was sponsored by Office of the President; Office of Diversity and Inclusion; the Cox Art Gallery; the Center for Ethics and Global Studies; the Bachelor of Social Work Program; University Advancement and the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences.
For several years the School of Education at William Woods University has partnered with Fulton Public Schools (FPS) to recruit prospective and current preservice teachers. WWU and Fulton Public Schools have a long-standing collaborative relationship, with many of WWU’s preservice teachers benefiting from clinical experiences and student teaching within the district. Dr. Joe Davis, who oversees the teacher education program at the university and serves on the Fulton Public Schools Board of Education helped establish Callaway County’s first Grow Your Own program. “As someone who myself grew up in Fulton, graduated from WWU, and began my teaching career with FPS, I see the value in identifying local students to stay right here and make an impact in their community” says Davis. The WWU/FPS Grow Your Own program was initially funded through a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) grant, and has identified qualified candidates to commit to teaching for 4 years with FPS immediately following graduation. In return, students will receive a substantial discount on a master’s degree as part of the WWU graduate bridge program. Students benefit from both the guarantee of a job following graduation, and quickly earning a discounted master’s degree, which will put them considerably higher on the salary schedule within the district. “The goal is really to attract teachers, but also future educational leaders in our community. The master’s degree is an essential step for those in the field wanting to go into leadership positions or increase their earnings” says Davis. As the WWU School of Education looks for new funding sources to keep the Grow Your Own program alive, Davis says the valuable partnership between WWU and local schools will continue to be a priority. “I tell prospective students that there’s no better place to be a student or to become a teacher than William Woods University. Our partnership with FPS and other Callaway County Schools is a critical part of our students’ experience and I am thankful for the collaborative relationship we have with our K-12 partners.”
An annual rite of Spring for both William Woods University (WWU) and Westminster College is the joint Alumni Weekend Golf Tournament. This year’s tournament on April 12th at Tanglewood Golf Course in Fulton, which drew 29 teams of competitors, was officially renamed as the Charlie James Golf Tournament, to honor the longtime WWU trustee, Fulton resident and former major league baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals.
“To have my name associated with the yearly alumni weekend golf tournament is truly an honor,” said James, a member of the WWU Board of Trustees for more than three decades. “Alumni weekend and this tournament are events that are so looked forward to each year by William Woods and Westminster alumni, and I am excited to take part.”
2024 is the 60th anniversary of the pinnacle James’s professional career, when he was a member of the 1964 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals, playing in the World Series against the storied New York Yankees. All told, James’ baseball career spanned six seasons, including five with the Cardinals and one with the Cincinnati Reds. His athletic career also included earning a football scholarship to the University of Missouri, where he was a standout running back for the Tigers.
Following his baseball career, James earned an engineering degree and settled in Fulton, where he became president of Central Electric Company. He has been married to his wife Jo for 65 years and has two children, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. It was in 1990 that he joined the WWU Board of Trustees.
BY SHAY JASPER
“So, what’s your plan?” is a question that ignites anxiety in students and new job seekers. Preparing for life after cap and gown can be daunting, and the perceived competition and pressure to secure employment can feel overwhelming. Many students report feeling unprepared and uncertain, even with multiple internships and part-time job experience. Financial concerns like housing and student loan payments add to the stress.
The Office of Career Services & Student Employment at The Woods was established with the mindset that the approach to the job search should be intentional, collaborative and growth oriented. Through our office, all students have direct access to resources and data that will prepare them for their job search well before graduation. We offer sessions that tailor a plan for any stage of the education journey, pinpointing internship requirements, on and off-campus leadership opportunities and study abroad programs that lead to employment success. Additionally, students and alumni have access to mock interviews, professional profile and resume building, personal brand development, and networking and mentorship opportunities.
A report from the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education notes that effective career services lead to higher student satisfaction and increased job placement rates. When students feel supported in their career journey, they’re more likely to graduate with confidence and clarity about their professional paths.
At The Woods, the Office of Career Services and Student Employment goes beyond traditional career support—we’re shaping the future of workforce success. In partnership with the Office of Strategic Partnerships & Workforce Development, we connect students directly with employers and organizations, offering real-world opportunities through internships, part-time, and full-time positions.
Our commitment to building strategic relationships spans industries, government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations. These partnerships don’t just benefit our students; they fuel our institution’s growth by opening new enrollment streams and sharing The Woods experience with new audiences.
With over 40 active partnerships and counting, students engage with industry leaders in meaningful ways—through panel discussions, facility tours, specialized training, and networking events. These real-time interactions prepare students for the workforce they’ll encounter post-graduation.
Kathy Groves, Vice-President of Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development at the Woods, agrees, “We’re not just connecting students to jobs; we’re equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving professional landscape. As the nature of work changes, we remain forward-thinking and committed to a sustainable future for our students, alumni, and community partners. Work is changing, and we must prepare students to adapt, evolve, and succeed. That’s The Woods Difference.”
Nobody knows what the future of work will look like, and the opinions of entrepreneurs, economists and journalists all differ. A significant purpose of these new offices at The Woods is to ensure that our students are prepared for all scenarios, and that the institution continues to thrive in its reputation.
Our strategy is to inspire and empower thousands of students to enter the workforce with confidence and a clear understanding of their potential ensures. The Woods leads small colleges in the Midwest as a trusted name in career and workforce impact; after all, the future is what we make it.
The Woods continues to buck the higher education trend in the most important categories – residential and online enrollment growth
Written by John Fougere
“We are thrilled to welcome another outstanding class of new students.”
If you decided to take in one of William Woods’ cherished traditions on campus this past August, the Fall Semester Ivy Ceremony for new incoming students, chances are you had a tough time finding a parking space.
You might have had to wait in a line longer than you remembered. Or just had to set aside more time moving from one end of campus to the other, navigating the crowds of new students, their families, current students, faculty and staff.
These are the kinds of inconveniences that every college or university across the U.S., particularly the small, independent institutions, would love to have on Move-In Day. But with higher education prognosticators warning for years of an enrollment “cliff” on the horizon for around 2025, when college admissions nationally were predicted to fall due to declining high school graduate demographics, difficulty rebounding
from the COVID-19 pandemic or other possibilities, colleges and universities across the country have had a challenging few years in terms of enrollment.
Evidence of this trend can be found in the 62 colleges across the country that opted to close their doors or merge with another institution just since 2020, according to Best Colleges.com, almost all of them small, private institutions. Or data from entities such as the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, which studies higher education enrollment trends, that found that freshman undergraduate enrollment dropped 3.6 percent nationally during the Fall 2023 semester, in the latest numbers available.
But while storm clouds have seemed to be threatening on the higher education horizon for some time, the picture at William Woods has been, in contrast, remarkably brighter. And that is not just the bright late Summer sunshine that shone high overhead on the William Woods campus on August 15, Ivy Ceremony Day and what is now the largest new student move-in day in the University’s 154-year history.
“We are thrilled to welcome another outstanding class of new students to The Woods, the largest in University history, for the second consecutive year,” said Acting President Romaine Seguin about the record new class. “Our mission of providing a student-centered, professions-oriented, personal college experience here at William Woods continues to resonate in a big way with both prospective students and their families.”
You might say that The Woods has been riding an enrollment “roll” over the past three years. Others might look at the long, proud history of the University and come up with another “r” word – resurgence.
Officially, 556 new undergraduate students, including a University record 368 residential students and 188 students enrolling online, constituted the largest class of incoming new students in William Woods history. The incoming class included students from 23 nations (up from 18 the year before), 32 U.S. states and represented a 9% increase in students of color. Not to mention that the overall GPA of the incoming class was up three percent over the year before.
But what was telling was that the incoming class that enrolled at The Woods during the Fall 2024 semester was not only the largest incoming class in University history, it was the second consecutive year that William Woods welcomed the largest incoming class in the institution’s 154-year existence, following the record 456 who enrolled for the Fall 2023 semester. Taking into account the smaller increase that occurred for the Fall 2022 semester, 2022-2024 now marks the largest threeyear growth period in William Woods history.
The resurgence of William Woods has placed the University in some rarified air in terms of its peers.
In the state of Missouri, William Woods saw the third largest enrollment increase among the state’s 24 independent four-year institutions in 2023, with a growth rate of 20 percent, according to data from Missouri’s
“We are clearly Missouri’s fastest-growing small-town university,” said Seguin, “and could not be more excited about the strength we are seeing in both our residential and online degree programs.”
Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE), a rate that figures to grow when the 2024 record numbers are factored in. And the two institutions that had a higher rate of growth in the CBHE? Both are located in the state’s two metro areas of St. Louis and Kansas City, making William Woods the clear leader among small town institutions.
“We are clearly Missouri’s fastest-growing smalltown university,” said Seguin, “and could not be more excited about the strength we are seeing in both our residential and online degree programs.”
At The Woods, the enrollment surge is noticeable on campus in a number of ways beyond more people, longer lines and harder-to-find parking places. In September, the University officially broke ground for the construction of the first new residence hall on campus in a decade, a facility overlooking the North Campus Athletic Complex that will house 201 students. The new facility is scheduled to be completed in time for the Fall 2025 semester.
And the University’s growth extends to students who may never set foot on campus. Through Woods Global,
The Woods had 254 students enroll for the Fall 2024 semester, and increase of 40 students (16%) over Fall 2023. For the three additional enrollment periods for the Fall of 2024, the University was already ahead by 90 additional students enrolled as of September 15, 2024.
“The enrollment growth we have seen at William Woods can be attributed to four factors: people, processes, partnerships and technology. All are constantly being developed, assessed, and implemented with the intent to serve the student, and the combination of these things has really spurred and fast-tracked the growth we’re experiencing,” said Dr. Andy Otto, Vice President of Enrollment Management at WWU. “We have an admissions staff that is passionate about the student experience and providing pathways for their student’s goals and aspirations. With the team and processes we have in place, we expect continued growth in the coming years.”
So the question becomes, why has The Woods been able to grow its enrollment, while the trend nationally has been the opposite? Perhaps it can be summed up simply as the University offering the ideal, small-town college experience, at once pursuing a lot of growth and change but while maintaining the same unique culture that so many of students have embraced for generations.
Take new incoming student Elena Serrano ‘28, for example. Elena chose to attend The Woods as much for something that has put WWU on the map for decades – she is majoring in WWU’s nationally-renowned Equestrian Science program – as for something else that is brand new this year, the chance to be part of the cheer team for the first-ever William Woods Owls football team.
“I cannot wait for the college game days here, where I’ll be on the sidelines cheering with the Owls’ dance team, which will be something that will be completely new for me,” said Serrano, a native of Lexington, Oklahoma. “It’s exciting to be here at a growing school, right now I am just trying to meet everyone and learn their names!”
Marcus Cottrell ’28, another incoming student from nearby Jefferson City, Missouri, echoed Serrano’s excitement at being an Owl.
“I knew that William Woods had a history of being an all-women’s college, but when I found out it was now bigger, more open and more diverse, I needed to check it out and I am so glad I did,” Cottrell said. “I am very happy with choosing to come here!”
Since 2021, William Woods has been adding new opportunities, including academic, athletic and cultural, and prospective students and their families have been noticing. In the past three years, the University has added seven new degree programs, including the first-ever Doctor of Philosophy degree in its history, while significantly expanding access to online degree programs through the creating of Woods Global. Cultural experiences have grown as well, highlighted by the establishment of the first-ever Jazz/pep and marching band in University history, and the first-ever traditional Autumn Homecoming in William Woods’ 154 years.
Athletically, William Woods student-athletes now have seven additional team sports to choose from, led by first-ever tackle football, flag football, men’s and women’s wrestling, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and outdoor/life sports teams in University history. Owls athletes now compete in the prestigious Heart of America Conference, and benefit from new facilities like the North Campus Athletics Complex with its adjoining
new locker rooms, plus expanded weight room facilities on campus.
But the reasons for the growth seem to be even more so than tangible additions, like new academic degree offerings, programs and athletic opportunities. Like philosophy, for example.
“The University has thrived,” said Chief Student Experience Officer Dr. Ted Blashak, by embracing a seemingly paradoxical philosophy that “sometimes, the biggest growth happens when you choose to remain small. Where an intentional focus on a personalized, student-centered approach offers a campus community where every student is known, valued and supported, and not just another face in the crowd.”
“Staying small allows William Woods to stay focused, agile and true to our core values,” Blashak went on. “This environment fosters deep, meaningful relationships between students and faculty, creating a space where students can explore their passions and grow in ways that larger universities simply can’t match.”
For 154 years, William Woods has thrived by innovating and looking to the future, crucial characteristics for the success of a private, independent university. While the institution’s storied past will always be honored and appreciated, it is by looking to the future that The Woods can position itself to continue delivering the ideal, small town university experience for generations of students to come. But the more things change, the more things have a way of staying the same at WWU, at least in terms of the amazing experience the university
provides for its students, in 2024, or 1984, or at any time in its history.
“A snapshot that best captures our university in 2024 would be of an institution that is seeing some amazing growth, some tremendous change, but most importantly, the same great experience that our incredible alumni all enjoyed,” said Seguin. “We are committed to and live by that standard every day, and truly believe that, the best days of William Woods University are still to come.”
BY HANNAH LOETHEN
In marathon running, where dedication and skill come together,
WWU students Mary Grover and Dustin Russell have emerged as standout performers, elevating their team’s standing and their own personal achievements. At the inaugural NAIA Marathon Classic, Mary had a remarkable 9th place finish in the women’s division, clocking in at 3:10:03, and Dustin secured 34th place in the men’s with a time of 2:51:48. Both athletes surpassed the qualifying standard for the 2025 Boston Marathon, the sport’s gold standard.
A senior majoring in cybersecurity from Fulton, Missouri, Russell never expected his running career to go beyond high school. That changed when a scholarship to run cross-country from Coach Schwab, the head cross-country and track coach at William Woods, presented itself. With that scholarship and William Woods having the cybersecurity major, it was a no-brainer for Dustin to leap into collegiate running.
“The cross-country team really is a team, even though it is an individual sport,” Russell said. “We are closely bonded, and I have enjoyed every second of being a member of the team. I am probably going to end up crying when I graduate and won’t be running with them anymore.”
Russell did not expect to be running a marathon until Coach Schwab suggested the idea to him. He figured why not and then began training for the NAIA Marathon Classic.
“Training for the marathon for me was not any different from what I normally do for cross-country,” he said. “I know next year I will be adjusting my training after how the marathon went this year. I ran about 50 to 55 miles a week. I think next year when it comes
“I didn’t exactly expect to get a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon. I figured I would be close if I ran how Coach Schwab wanted me to run.”
around more into the summer and fall, I am going to be trying for 65 to 70 miles a week, just so my legs are a little bit more prepared.”
When Russell and his team arrived in California, he was excited to race.
“I zoned out when I was running like I always do,” he said. “Focused in and focused up.”
As he was running the 26.2 miles, the path of the race was lined with people cheering and playing music. Then when the finish line was in sight, he was ready to finish.
“When I got across the finish line, I was glad to be done,” Russell said. “I was glad to be over with it because at about mile 20, my body started to give out and my legs started to cramp up.”
Earning 34th and coining a time of 2:51:48, he had earned himself a place in the storied Boston Marathon.
“I didn’t exactly expect to get a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon,” Russell said. “I figured I would be close if I ran how Coach Schwab wanted me to run and if I ran how I wanted to run. I knew I could do it, it was just how my race went. Did I have a good day? Did I have a bad day? It was just one of those things.”
After he runs in the 2026 Boston Marathon, Russell plans on dialing back his running activities, taking up biking as a new hobby, and focusing on strength training. He credits William Woods for all the support he received throughout his collegiate career.
“As an athlete, William Woods has provided a lot of facilities just in terms of having the turf room, having a great strength and conditioning coach who fully understands how to best workout a distance runner, and having coach Schwab as our cross-country and track coach. He knows his stuff and how to handle a team, and he is very inspiring. I think that is what draws people into the cross-country and track program as a whole. I don’t think we would be anywhere near the same team as we are today without him. William Woods supported us by having the right people in the right positions.”
For Mary Grover, a senior majoring in Art Education from Ashland, Missouri, running a marathon has always been one of her goals. Her love for running and the supportive community within the cross-country team at William Woods have positively influenced her life.
“Being on the cross-country team motivates me to get out there every day,” Grover said. “Building community with people when we are all doing a really hard thing but somehow coming back to it.”
Being a student-athlete means you have to miss some classes here and there for your sport. But when Grover had to leave for meets, her professors always understood and supported her.
“The professors are super understanding of me being gone for meets,” she said. “With William Woods being
such a small school, the professors remember that you are a runner and that you had a meet on Friday, so then they are going to ask you the next Monday how the meet went. It is nice to have that relationship where people remember things and wonder about how I did.”
Grover has a lot of appreciation towards Coach Schwab for helping her get to this point in her collegiate running career.
“He understands exactly how to communicate to me,” she said. “He doesn’t hover to make me train but he is also not totally hands-off either, which is perfect for me. He is a supportive coach and I can feel that he is proud of me, which is motivating.”
“I knew I was going to do the marathon at the end of the spring semester,” Grover continued. “I didn’t take a break from outdoor season, so I spent all June training hard with 60-mile weeks and had long runs on the weekends.”
Her commitment to training not only enhanced her athletic performance but also improved her academic discipline.
“Two to three hours a day training kept me on top of my stuff academically. I have to be training from this time to this time so I have to get my homework done between this time and this time. Running was the biggest thing in my life,” she said.
The inaugural NAIA Marathon Classic presented Mary with the opportunity to challenge herself. Despite initial nerves and self-doubt, she exceeded her expectations, breaking the William Woods women’s marathon
record with a time of 3:10:03.
“It felt amazing crossing the finish line,” Grover said. “It was like wow, I spent 6 months building miles on my body and doing all of these speed workouts. I just ran this insanely fast time for my first marathon. It felt like a lifetime achievement. I was in awe of myself. Like yeah, I really did that!”
Looking ahead, Grover wants to take on more marathon races, with an ambitious goal of breaking the three-hour mark in an upcoming race. She is set on running the Boston Marathon in 2025.
Together, the marathon successes of Dustin Russell and Mary Grover exemplify the unwavering commitment found within the William Woods University cross-country team. Their times not only showcase personal achievements but also the supportive community and environment cultivated by the William Woods cross-country team.
“Running was the biggest thing in my life... It felt amazing crossing the finish line... I was in awe of myself. Like yeah, I really did that!”
For the first time in its 154-year history, William Woods is represented on the gridiron as the Owl football team makes its debut
WRITTEN BY JOHN FOUGERE
FEATURE PHOTO BY
NOTLEY HAWKINS
For decades, dreamers and doers have headed to the cornfields of Iowa to find their dreams.
“If you build it, they will come” said the line from the storied movie.
On the last Thursday in August of 2024, after a year of building its own field and program from scratch, a group of WWU coaches and student-athletes did just that – they came to Oskaloosa, Iowa to face William Penn University and in doing so realized something that was once but a dream – intercollegiate football at William Woods University, for the first time in its 154year history.
Of course, facing William Penn, a university that has fielded a football program since 1892 (just 22 years after William Woods opened as a college) a mere 15 months after The Woods announced it was adding football in May 2023 was going to be the tallest of orders, as was the Owls second-ever game, at 5th-ranked Grandview University in Des Moines, Iowa on September 7. And
they certainly were; the Owls were defeated soundly in both games.
But the first-ever football coach in school history was undeterred, as was his new team.
“Of course, these were certainly not the results you want,” said WWU Head Coach Julian Mendez, making his own debut as a college head coach, of the first two games in William Woods history in Iowa. “But at the end of the day, we were able to have some live reps against two long-time, established college football programs in William Penn and Grandview, which is something our whole team needed and hasn’t had the opportunity to do. Now, we have to learn from it.”
Win or lose, though, there was one thing for certain for the Owls football team, its coaches, and the contingent of green-clad supporters of The Woods who made the trek North to Oskaloosa and Des Moines for the first two contests: all of them were to witness the making of William Woods history.
“It is surreal to be here, after watching this entire plan to add football come to fruition, and watching a William Woods football team finally play a real game versus another university,” said Steve Wilson, Director of Athletics at WWU. “It has been a year and a half of blood, sweat, tears and really a whole lot of fun in planning this night, but to do so, you certainly don’t stand alone. We had to have great leadership in spearheading something like this. Adding football at The Woods has been the most complete team effort of anything I have been a part of during my career in athletics, and finally, here we are.”
Opening night at William Penn was the culmination of months of planning at The Woods after the official announcement of adding the sport on May 22, 2023. Considering all the work that needed to be done in a short time to prepare for this moment, including hiring a coaching staff, recruiting players, building a football-ready facility to include locker rooms and equipment, it was a remarkable achievement for William Woods to even make it to the point of taking the field against institutions that have been playing the game for decades. And despite the initial results on the field, every Owls player will always remember representing William Woods the first time the school ever competed on the gridiron.
“Obviously, the results on the scoreboard are not what we wanted, and we know we have a lot of things to work on going forward as a program,” said junior quarterback Gabe Serri, an O’Fallon (Mo.) native who transferred from Benedictine College to play football at The Woods, after the first two games. “I still think we competed hard and did a lot of good things for a team that is competing in college football for the first time, especially against such established programs. We’ll continue to grow and learn as a team, and I still have high hopes for this season and the future.”
The first few games of 2024 will always be remembered for the many “firsts” in William Woods athletic history, including the first touchdown in WWU history, a 21-yard touchdown pass from Serri to sophomore receiver Troy Oliver (Leander, Texas) during
WWU’s 54-6 loss to Grandview. Then there was the first-ever home football game at William Woods, versus St. Ambrose on September 14. And while the Owls fell short on the scoreboard again, what was a major victory was being able to host a game on campus, complete with a new playing facility, locker rooms, bleachers, and fans tailgating and cheering themselves hoarse for the Owls on a beautiful Fall day, a mere year and a half after officially adding the sport.
Three games into the season, the first-ever Owls football team had already made history, if for no other reason than by doing something no other William Woods student-athlete had ever done – representing the school on the gridiron. But what happened on the evening of September 21, 2024 wasn’t just historic – it was downright earth-shattering.
The campuses of William Woods and its fellow resident of Fulton, Missouri Westminster College, are only separated by two and a half miles. Which is fitting, because since the two schools were established in the 19th century, they have been joined at the hip – constantly compared to each other, competing against each other, and even long connected to each other through marriage during the decades when WWU was an all-women’s college and Westminster all men.
It is safe to say that no one connected to the two schools could ever envision a day when William Woods and Westminster would meet on the football field, especially when The Woods had only admitted male students for the first time 30 years ago. But for William Woods to actually beat the Blue Jays in their first-ever meeting, in the Owls fourth-ever game against a Westminster College that has been fielding a football team since the 1890’s? Unthinkable!
But that was just what happened at Westminster’s Mueller Stadium on September 21st, as the Owls rode Serri’s three touchdown passes to Oliver on the way to a stunning 50-35 victory. It was the first football win in William Woods history, and established football bragging rights for the ages for The Woods versus their ancient crosstown rivals.
“For our guys, that was a really big, just getting that first-ever win and getting that under the belt,” said Serri. “As big as it was to defeat Westminster in our first year as a program, going forward, that is not where we want to stay. Our goal is to handily beat teams like them each year, keep getting better and go several levels above that, which means beating even higher ranked teams in the future.”
“Leading up to that game, our coaches were telling us that we did not want to be the losers of the town, so being able to beat them was tremendously exciting,” said Oliver. “It was really fun to see all parts of our team executing that night - our offense, defense and special teams – and to see what we could put together as a team. It all came together and it was exciting to see for that night what we are capable of as a team.”
The victory over Westminster was not only the first
ever William Woods football victory, but it was a preview of what the sport could deliver at The Woods in the future. Something that Coach Mendez had seen in flashes throughout the Fall, even while navigating a Heart of American Conference schedule full of landmines.
“As a competitor, I want to win every game,” said Mendez. “But as a head coach at a first-year program, I was more concerned about how competitive we were, how much we fought, and how much we played together as a team this first year. And as the season went along, I have seen glimpses of that, where we have shown that we can play against an established program and hold our own for a few quarters, kind of a preview of what this program could be. Now, we need to find out what we are missing as a program to close the gap and be what we strive to be.”
But whatever the scoreboard said in 2024, it was clear that the entire autumn was a huge victory for William Woods. The university had come together to pull off an amazing undertaking for a small, independent institution – establishing a football program – with the exciting prospect for everyone who cares about WWU to watch it grow and be a source of pride in future years.
“We’re trying to set these guys up to not only win right now, but so that they continue to win, and the program is going to be successful, for the long haul,” Mendez
said. “In the meantime, we are trying to get these young men to understand that this process of dealing with adversity and building a program will be with them for the rest of their life. Maybe that little bit of adversity you faced in football, when you learned you could push yourself through it and rely on others, will benefit you some day
Scenes from the first-ever William Woods
Alumni Weekend ‘24 brought sunshine, cool April breezes and alumni from yesteryear back to The Woods. Whether it was the annual Presidential Brunch, traditional Friday night joint cocktail reception with WWU and Westminster College graduates or the renamed Charlie James Golf Tournament that raised more than $13,000 for local charities, the weekend was another memorable reconnecting experience for generations of Owl alums.
STAY IN-THE-KNOW
Jennifer Johnson ‘08
Director of Alumni Relations
573-592-4237 alumni@williamwoods.edu
Keep the William Woods University family strong. Please consider giving to your alma mater.
Greetings from your alma mater!
As I take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey our university has been on, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the support and dedication of our alumni community. Your generosity has always been a driving force behind our success, and today, I want to highlight just how powerful collective giving can be. Our alumni network is 16,000 strong—a remarkable community of individuals who have each benefited from the opportunities and experiences that our university provided. Imagine the impact if every one of us gave just $100 each year. Together, we could raise $1.6 million annually. This would provide transformative resources to enhance the educational experience for students, support faculty initiatives, and ensure our campus continues to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Recurring monthly gifts can amplify our collective impact even further. By contributing just $8.33 a month, the equivalent of a couple of cups of coffee. These monthly gifts provide a steady stream of support that allows us to plan confidently and invest in long-term initiatives that will shape the future of our campus and our community. Your contributions—no matter the size—are the livelihood of our university. They provide scholarships to deserving students, fund campus enhancements, and support the development of new programs that keep our university at the forefront of education.
I am delighted to share that our campus is undergoing significant developments, with new facilities, innovative programs, and expanded opportunities for our students. These advancements are a direct result of the generosity of alumni like you. When we all come together, our impact is limitless.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Jennifer Johnson ’08 Director of Alumni Relations
Each year the WWU Alumni Association honors outstanding individuals who embody the spirit and mission of our esteemed alma mater. Here are the winners for 2024:
Gretchen Adams ‘86 Green Owl Award
Tracy Gastineau ‘93 Graduate & Professional Alumni Award
Carolyn Schaefer ‘58 Outstanding Service Alumni Award
Kelly Stumpe ‘16 Alumni Award of Distinction
Bryan Tramont Honorary Alumnus Award
The following Student Alumni Council members are recognized for their outstanding involvement within our campus community. Here are the winners for 2024:
Tom Gehring Senior
Caroline McCurren Junior
Shannon Jones Sophomore
Soup Richardson Freshman
Honors an alumnus who has achieved national or international fame in their chosen field. First presented in 1952
Honors an alumnus who has given years of service to the Alumni Association and the University. The recipient must have been an alumnus at least five years prior to receiving the award. Qualifying service activities include serving as an alumni club officer, class reunion chairperson or on the National Alumni Association Board of Directors; assisting with William Woods University events in the community; assisting University Advancement in their efforts to support the University and generally promoting the good of the University whenever possible
Honors an individual who is not an alumnus of the University, but who is selected for membership in the National Alumni Association in recognition of their distinguished personal achievement and outstanding community service
Honors spouses of alumni who have shown a special interest in promoting and supporting the University. Originally, referred to as the Woodsman Award (male spouse), changed to Order of the Owl in 1999 with the admission of males
Honors an alumnus for their many years of support in the multifaceted areas and outstanding service to the university. A recipient must have been an alumnus for ten years. Qualifying service activities include serving as an alumni club officer, class reunion chairperson or on the National Alumni Association Board of Directors; assisting with William Woods University events in the community; assisting University Advancement in their efforts to support the University and generally promoting the good of the University whenever possible
Honors an alumnus who holds a graduate or professional degree from WWU, and represents excellence in achievement in their field.
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WOODS GLOBAL
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AA in Leadership
AA in Liberal Arts
» Psychology » Education
» Art » Justice
» English » Communication
» Leadership » Political/Legal Studies
» Diversity » Social Sciences
» Business » Human Resources
» Cybersecurity
BA in Psychology
BFA in Digital Filmmaking
BAS in Management
BS in Business Administration
BS in Computer Information Management
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Cybersecurity
BS in Interpretation Studies in ASL-English
BS in Management & Leadership
BA in Legal Studies
MED in Athletics/Activities Admin.
MED in Curriculum & Instruction
» Teaching and Learning
» STEM Education
» Educational Technology
» Teacher Leader
» Self-designed concentration
MED in Educational Leadership
MED in Equestrian Education
MED in Reading Instruction
MA in Organizational Leadership
MA in Psychology
Master of Business Administration
Master of Health Administration
MS in Business Analytics
MS in Management
EDS in Curriculum Leadership
EDS in Educational Leadership
EDS in Ed. Leadership- Building Level
EDD in Adult Learning
EDD in Educational Leadership
PhD in Organizational Leadership
Doctor of Business Administration
Undecided & Non-Degree Seeking and more
The Alumni Relations team toured America over the last year, meeting our great alumni and friends across the country and keeping them connected to The Woods! Locations included Phoenix, Naples, Los Angeles, Denver, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Lexington, Kansas City, Dallas, and Chicago.
Gerda Cristal graduated from Washington U in St. Louis and married her classmate Edward (Bud) Cristal. They settled in California, where Gerda taught and later joined the family jewelry business, H Brien Jewelry, as a gemologist. During Covid closures, she explored watercolor painting and started writing and illustrating children’s books, with five now available on Amazon. (photo)
1968
Virginia “Ginny” Lumb has spent over 50 years in California, focusing her career on directing musicals, plays, and modern dance at private schools in Ojai and teaching jazz and ballet at Ventura College. After periods in Marin County and caring for family in Pasadena, she settled in Idyllwild, where she volunteered and enjoyed mountain life until returning
to Ojai in recent years.
1969
Jill Roberts finds joy in her children, Cliff III, John, and Caity, and her grandchildren Clifford IV, Charlie, Cooper, and Wylder. She’s finishing her second book, “Things Wrapped in Purple,” co-written with Michael Canale’, set for release on Amazon by Thanksgiving. Jill will also resume part-time law prac-
tice this fall, and she has cherished reconnecting with friends from William Woods over the past year.
1972
Barbara Markovitz Thompson shares that she and her husband Fritz Thompson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 1st. Kris Swanson Gentemann (‘72) and Robbie
Appel Rabanus (‘72), along with their husbands, joined in the celebration. (photo)
1973
Stephanie (Godke) Heiwig has been teaching culinary arts and cooking on KWQC TV 6, an NBC affiliate, for over 19 years. She is also the chef at the Mississippi River Distillery in LeClaire, IA, where she has developed over 450 recipes to highlight their artisanal spirits. Her and her husband of 48 years, James, recently spent thier traditional July holiday at their cabin in Minnesota. James sold his business, bought their family farm, and built a house—or as he likes to call it, a kitchen with some bedrooms attached.
1974
Sally Wharton Frank and her husband Terry retired to Laguna Beach, CA, where they enjoy an endless summer. They cherish their four grandchildren, ranging from 2 months to 12 years old, and enjoy activities like golfing, boating, and traveling. Recently, Sally celebrated her 50th reunion with WWU friends, reminiscing about old times.
1976
Nancy Canestrari Williams recently released her first novel, To Love a Falcon, a historical re-telling of a Russian fairy tale, set in post-WWII Siberia. Nancy stays busy with blogging, hiking
in Appalachia, church music, and travel with her husband, Mark. She keeps up with her ’76 BFFs Patty Roe in St. Louis and Laurie Letsinger Schenck in Florida through regular Zoom chats! (photo)
Jill Randles retired from full-time work at UMBC in August 2022 after nearly 45 years in higher education. Her journey
began at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and Sweet Briar College. Jill, originally focused on horses and riding, transitioned to teaching, advising, and administration roles. She continues to teach part-time, emphasizing the value of learning how to learn. (photo)
1980
Tami Johnson markets Morgan horses, pho-
BY JOHN
When Adam Easterwood ‘16 became Superintendent of Schools at the Leeton (Mo.) R-X School District in July 2023, never in his wildest dreams did he think that his first year on the job would include appearing on ABC’s Good Morning America and chatting up Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey.
But there the William Woods graduate and current student in the University’s Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) was, on national television on the morning of September 10, discussing his school’s successful securing of a $327,000 grant through the McConaughey’s Greenlights Grant Initiative to fund student mental health.
“It was surreal,” said Easterwood, who received his Specialist in Educational Leadership from WWU in 2016 and anticipates completing his EdD in the Spring of 2025. “Everyone there (at Good Morning America in New York) was incredibly welcoming and easy to work with, and it was inspiring to connect with multiple agencies that work day in and day out to ensure schools have the resources they need to support their students.”
“And as for Matthew McConaughey – he is just as advertised,” he added. “He cares about people and he is very passionate about giving students the support they need to be productive, healthy human beings.”
Easterwood’s moment on the big stage was the culmination of a new commitment to student mental health and school safety he spearheaded when he assumed the role of superintendent in Leeton, a community in Johnson County (West-Central) Missouri. He and his administrative team learned of an opportunity to fund such needed supports through something called the Greenlights Grant Initiative, sponsored by Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey.
“School safety and mental health are complex and multifaceted issues,” Easterwood said. “In response to the school shooting tragedy in Uvalde, Texas (McConaughey’s hometown), the McConaughey family felt compelled to help schools access funding for student men-
tal health support. Research indicates that fostering a sense of community and belonging, alongside providing students with the tools to cope with traumatic events, significantly reduces the likelihood of violence in schools.”
Earlier this Spring, Easterwood was thrilled to learn that the grant proposal they submitted to Greenlights was accepted. With the $327,000 in funding, the Leeton school system was able to hire a school-to-home social worker and a behavioral interventionist, while partnering with Character Counts, a K-12 character-based curriculum, to further support all its students.
In addition, Easterwoord found out that there was a potential of appearing with McConaughey himself, and other school administrators, on an upcoming Good Morning America broadcast to discuss the grant. After two video screening calls with producers from the show, Easterwood got the call to travel to New York City to appear on the live broadcast – in front of millions of people watching from around the country!
“We had been in discussions about this for months, but the final details didn’t come together until September 4th (less than one week before the appearance),” Easterwood said. “I traveled to New York City, had a pre-production dinner with a few of the other panelists where we engaged in some meaningful conversations. And then, it was showtime!”
And as for butterflies?
“In the back of your mind, you’re always aware that it’s a live national broadcast,” he said.
You just have to push that aside and focus on the conversation. It’s easy to tell a story when you’re living it, especially when you are advocating for things that can help your students every day.”
All in all, it was a whirlwind first year as superintendent for Easterwood, who worked as a building level principal in the Knob Knoster (Mo.) School District before assuming the top role in Leeton. His experience at The Woods certainly played a big part of his success as a school administrator.
“The Specialist and EdD programs at William Woods are giving me valuable insights in educational writing, and are honing my ability to plan, develop and articulate a clear vision, both in writing and leadership,” he went on. “William Woods has not only inspired me to pursue goals for myself and district that once seemed beyond reach, but has also instilled in me the importance of perseverance and resilience.”
Values that can make you a better leader, help you accomplish big goals and maybe even secure you an appearance on national television, rubbing shoulders with a famous Hollywood actor.
tographs horses, and designs websites at Masterworks Creative LLC. She’s also Treasurer of the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, a member of the American Morgan Horse Association Marketing Committee, a USEF Morgan Judge for nearly 30 years, and serves as Media Chair for the Marion County Democratic Party. (photo)
Marilyn Gamm became the Transitional Pastor for St. Charles Presbyterian Church, located in St. Charles, MO, on September 1, 2024.
BY HANNAH LOETHEN
Devin Sell ‘22 is seeing her two worlds collide as she is making waves as the Marketing Manager for the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA). After graduating in 2022 from William Woods with her Bachelor’s in Business Administration with concentrations in Advertising and Marketing, Sell is currently continuing her education through the William Woods’ online Master’s program in Business Administration.
“The AMHA is an organization dedicated to the preservation, perpetuation, and promotion of the versatile Morgan breed,” Sell said. “I joined the association in October, contributing to the mission of educating and inspiring individuals of all ages and experiences to engage with the extraordinary Morgan horse.”
In her role as marketing manager, Sell collaborates closely with the entire AMHA team, overseeing strategic communications and marketing initiatives. She has been revamping and advancing the association’s marketing plans, getting to showcase her passion for the equestrian world.
“I have always had a background with horses, but never in the Morgan industry so this job has been eye-opening in a good way,” Sell said. “It has been a great experience, and I would not have had the opportunity if it wasn’t for William Woods.”
This opportunity presented itself to Sell through a connection with William Woods, as the director of AMHA is a proud alumni of the University. Looking ahead, she plans on continuing her education and pursuing a Ph.D. in marketing, anticipating a potential start date in 2025.
Anne Sallee Mason has been recognized as a Best Lawyer for her work in Trust and Estates in the 2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. This is awarded to individual attorneys voted with excellent overall feedback from their peers. Only the top 6% of practicing US lawyers are recognized. She has also been recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly’s being named in their 2022 Power List of tax law and estate planning attorneys. She is a Partner with the firm of Neale & Newman LLP in Springfield, Missouri.
Belinda (Bush) May recently received a Chambers, individual and national Band One ranking for product liability/regulatory, in addition to being named Best Lawyers in America, 2024. She hopes that both rankings reflect compassion and service to all. She is co-chair of her firm’s Disability/ Accessibility ERG and a global ambassador for PurpleSpace, dedicated to raising awareness and support for persons with seen and unseen disabilities and their allies.
Kerry Kavanaugh (BSW) works in the City of Tulsa, as an Audit Data Analyst in the Internal Audit Department. Kerry completed marathon number 2 and 3 in November 2023. She also played Celia in Calendar Girls for Theatre Tulsa at Tulsa Performing Arts Center in March 2024, as well as played Kate in Sylvia for Broken Arrow Community Playhouse in March 2023. (photo)
Tracy Gastineau (‘93, ‘98) Head Softball Coach at William Woods University and Associate Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, achieved a significant milestone by winning her 800th game at William Woods on Sunday, March 17th 2024.
Chisti Slizewski Tennyson started a new role as the Stewardship Director of Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation in April. Christi oversees the frontline major gifts team and Foundation
enrichment officer while also managing her own portfolio. Christi is also still preaching in UCC and Presbyterian churches on most Sunday mornings throughout the greater STL metro area.
Margot Meyer moved to Memphis, TN after graduation, where she remains. She has managed Spring Mill Farm in Eads, TN for 13 years, overseeing 65 horses and handling bookkeeping duties at this hunter/jumper show barn. Margot also shows her 7-year-old warmblood mare, Glory, in the meter adults. (photo)
Andrew Long ‘03
of Hatton, MO, overlooking a new ten-acre lake. Stephen’s wife, Rachel, and he are proud parents of three children: Peyton, a freshman at NCHS, Blake in 8th grade, and Reese in 5th grade. (photo)
Andrew Long spent 15 years with EMS/FEMA as a paramedic before transitioning to working in the organ donation field at the bedside in ICUs. In 2023, he joined Stanford Children’s Hospital, coordinating organ transplants for pediatric patients. Andrew is married with two boys. (photo)
Catherine Fulkerson (BA, MBA, MATESOL) is semi-retired from Columbia Public Schools, currently adjuncts at Greenville University and Columbia College, and serves as a Student Teacher Intern Coach for MIZZOU. She owns CLF Creations, specializing in fiber arts, and enjoys membership in various organizations. Her hobbies include reading, writing, gardening, and music.
Tami Clark (‘99, ‘06) is currently the Director of Revenue Integrity for University Physicians. She’s been with MU Healthcare for a little over 19 years now. In addition to her WWU education, Tami also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and a Certified Professional
Margot Meyer ‘97
Since retiring, Lucille Darris remains actively involved in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serving as an officer and collegiate primary advisor. She finds great joy in giving back through this public service organization and feels incredibly blessed to be on this fulfilling journey.
Jessica Kinkelaar manages and teaches at a large hunter/jumper barn near Denver, Colorado. Alongside her husband Josh, she prioritizes family time, actively supporting their children Courtney (8) and Cody (6) in their various sports and activities. They enjoy camping, traveling, and coaching soccer.
Amy Koch Kelemen has dedicated twelve years of service to Graybar Electric. In January of this year, Amy was promoted to Business Analyst!
Linda Schafer retired after 31 years in the classroom, only to work nine more years at Champion Academy in Centralia. Currently, she works at the Reach to Teach Learning Center in Mexico, offering free tutoring and ACT preparation to first grade to senior students.
Stephen Boulware and his family moved into a new home he built on the family farm, located a mile north
Dr. Sheryl “LeAnn” Perkins (DHA) joined UAB Human Resources as assistant vice president for Benefits & Wellbeing on May 6, 2024. With over 25 years of experience, she most recently oversaw a $10 million self-insured health plan fund as associate vice president for Benefits at the Arkansas State University System. (photo)
Lynn Frydrych graduated
from her Plastic Surgery Aesthetic Fellowship in June 2024 and has joined The Center for Plastic Surgery at CoxHealth in Springfield, Missouri as a Plastic Surgeon.
Jeffrey Hughes (MBA) recently completed his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Columbia Southern University. Alongside his doctoral studies, he published a journal article in January 2024, contributing to the academic community and advancing business knowledge. Jeffrey reflects gratefully on his MBA foundation, highlighting the ongoing support from the alumni network. (photo)
Chris Mitchell serves as the Director of Transportation and Manager of District Communications for the Granite City School District in Granite City, IL.
Kirsten French is the Program Director and Instructor for Northland Therapeutic Riding Center, a program that serves riders with special needs, in Kearney, MO. Kirsten is forever grateful for the lessons and memories, including the David O’Connor Clinic.
Amanda (Purcell) Alexander was a senior manager overseeing the management and operations of VIP, Partners and Guest Experience for the Ryder Cup Europe team. The team saw 55,000+ spectators a day at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club outside of Rome, Italy. (photo)
Since August 2023, Kerri Roberts (MBA) has grown her business by hiring an
administrative assistant, project manager, HR consultant, and marketing coordinator. She launched Salt & Light, an online community for women focused on growth and empowerment, in September of last year. Kerri also started the podcast Don’t Waste the Chaos in January, discussing HR and Operations to support small to mid-sized businesses.
Crystal Riggs (‘13, ‘24) became a grandma to Evelyn in November 2023 and earned a Doctor of Education in August 2024.
Alejandra May recently married in October 2023 in San Diego, CA, chang-
‘15
Information Science from Florida State University in May 2023, she founded Leobuzz Solutions LLC for freelance work in the equine industry. Elizabeth recently married at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida, and now resides near Fort Lauderdale with her husband, cat, and dog. (photo)
Benjamin Struemph and his wife Makenzie welcomed their first child, Callahan Alexander Struemph, 9lb 11oz. (photo)
ing her last name from Martinez. She serves as Director of Recruitment at Host Healthcare in San Diego. Alejandra recently reunited with her Alpha Chi sorority sisters in Saint
Kara Wilderson received the award/check that was presented at the annual Callaway Chamber of Commerce Banquet on January 18th, 2024. Each year the award criteria is announced at the annual Teacher Appreciation event in August. The colleges come together to offer a $500 grant to provide support to a new (Callaway county) teacher to create innovation in the classroom with end goals including development of personal motivation and skills encouraging lifelong learning. (photo)
Stephen George is now a licensed attorney in Missouri, practicing at Simmons, Henderson, & Associates, LLC in
Jack Rollins retired in 2021 and has been traveling across Europe and the Caribbean with his wife. They also spend time with their grandchildren and enjoy frequent visits to Branson, MO. Jack recently published his first book, “Harvesting Whispers: Stories from the Countryside.” He plans to release five more children’s books soon and is preparing to publish another one.
Elizabeth (Cummings) Rappe worked as a show groom on the East coast post graduation. After earning her master’s in
Columbia. He specializes in estate planning, trust administration, probate, and elder law. Stephen also serves on the Board of Chapter Advisors for the Kappa Chi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at William Woods and will marry Jessica Myer on June 23, 2024.
Brad Davis left a comfortable executive job to pursue his dream as a business owner. Alongside his brother, they’ve grown the business, creating 20 high-paying jobs in the community. Their success has enabled memorable travels, including a cherished trip to the Rose Bowl to see their favorite team, Michigan, triumph over Alabama. Brad has also recently visited Berlin and Scotland. (photo)
Corey Lindgren is currently a category manager
Brad Davis ‘20
at TikTok, based in Seattle, for their newly launched TikTok shop. This year, Corey was selected as a 2024 finalist for the presidential management fellowship.
WOODS 2024
Alisyn Jacquemin has been working as a social worker/service coordinator at Franklin County Disability Resource Connection SB40 Resource Board in Union, Missouri. She advocates for clients with intellectual disabilities, manages cases, connects clients to resources, creates Individual Support Plans, oversees abuse and neglect cases, and more.
Proudly Presents the
2024 - 2025
Sez She by Jane Martin
DULANY AUDITORIUM
Sept. 19-21 • 7:30 p.m.
matinee Sept. 21 • 2 p.m.
PARENTAL GUIDANCE RECOMMENDED
What Happened While Hero Was Dead by Meghan Brown DULANY AUDITORIUM
Feb. 20-22 • 7:30 p.m.
matinee Feb. 22 • 2 p.m.
MATURE AUDIENCE
Cabaret at The Woods DULANY AUDITORIUM
April 10-12 • 7:30 p.m.
matinee April 12 • 2 p.m.
SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
1946
Betty Jane (Smith) Thomas
1947
Betty (Hall) Langley
Zoe (Fuller) Synder
1949
Elizabeth “Betty” (Baize) Hartwig
Janie McAtee
1950
Elizabeth (Wadsworth) Jones
Carla (Jaeger) Sedgwick
Shirley (Spencer) Strickler
Jean Smith
1951
Joan (Crane) Elliot
1952
Sue (Berberich) Lehman
Carol (Hartman) Cummings
1953
Dorothy (Hall) Knobel
Marilyn (Uthe) Reinert
Susan (Biggs) Francis
1955
Jo Etta (Moore) Penn
1956
Elizabeth (Elliot) Hendershott
Mary Jane (Love) Schultz
Claire (Caviness) Dunn
1959
Carol (Lay) Fletcher
Suellen (Harvey) Houchin
1961
Lynda (Shaw) Smith
Beverly Torr
Ann Dickson
1962
Patrcia (Bobbitt) Patterson
1963
Susan (Patterson) Pusateri
1964
Mary (Iiams) Pittman
Karen (Gilbert) Larkin
Margaret (Pearson) Longseth
Elizabeth (Neal) Neitz
1965
Deborah (Clark) Schnepper 1966
Sharon Bridgman
1968
Joel Putnam
Anita Beatty 1972
Barbara (Bear) Lubbert 1973
Barbara (Campbell) Kuebler
Carolyn (White) Ellis 1978
Jeannette (Montgomery) Davies 1980
Erin (O’Rourke) Lankford
Sherry (McBride) Brown
1981
Sabrina Graham 1982
Deoborah (Kuhar) Snyder 1994
Nedra Moreau 1998
Karen Haak 2002
John Jourbert
Scott Stewart 2003
Becky Dougan 2004
Deniece Yendes 2010
Crystal (Baxter) Bradley 2012
Stefan Baham
2017
Rachel Gaydusek
erin ann lankford loved her time at William Woods University. The Liberty Missouri resident, who unexpectedly but peacefully passed away on March 8, 2024, earned her bachelor’s degree in Education at The Woods, leading to a career that spanned 30 plus years as a Special Education teacher. During her time at WWU, she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega, where she cherished the sisterhood she experienced through her sorority activities and remained involved with her chapter well after graduation
Erin took on her biggest challenge in life when she met and married Thomas C. Lankford of Mexico, Missouri. If you knew the two of them you know they couldn’t be more different. And yet, this beautiful dance of two different souls lasted 40 years. Tom and Erin shared a passion for their friends and family that was unmatched. It is also what made them work so well together. As a team, they were givers of time, money, their home, meals and countless conversations that have been lifegiving to so many. The gratitude for that passion was seen by Tom and Erin’s children following her passing by the countless memories and condolences shared by the Liberty community and beyond. Tom and Erin together exemplified unconditional love for one another and their children.
September 12, 1958 – March 8, 2024
Outside of her family and friends, Erin dedicated her life to educating and empowering her students, traits she developed during her days studying Education at The Woods. She ensured her students’ success through her continued care and advocacy on their behalf, as well as never letting them lose sight of their potential. Erin’s work in education inspired not only her students, but her colleagues, friends, and family, as well. She was a bright light in a difficult, but admirable, profession; her impact in education will long outlive her passing.
In her free time, Erin loved to hook rugs (a hobby she shared with her father), crochet, read, and travel with friends. But of all her varied interests and talents, there was nothing Erin loved more than being a mother to her three children and “Mimi” to her grandchildren. Her love and dedication to her family remains unparalleled, and there will never be enough words to encompass the loss felt by her family from her passing.
Erin was preceded in death by her sweet baby Meredith Lankford, brother, Michael O’Rourke, and her father, Earl O’Rourke.
Erin is survived by her husband, Tom Lankford, of Liberty, MO; mother, Patricia O’Rourke, of Fulton, MO; daughter, Jessica Moore along with her five children, Faith, Melody, Jillian, Madie, and Luke, of Toledo, OH; son, Philip Lankford, of Denver, CO; son, Andrew Lankford, and his wife, Alyssa, of Oklahoma City, OK; bonus son Jonathan of Kansas City, MO; niece Ashley O’Rourke, and her wife Lindsay along with their sweet son Caden, of Hallsville, MO; niece Kelsey Howard, and her husband Jordan, along with their sweet baby Bailor, of St. Louis, MO; cousin Jerry Baumeister and his wife, Sherri, along with their daughter Shannon of Columbia, MO.
At William Woods University, we believe in the power of legacy—the impact of lives that inspire us, nurture us, and propel us forward. Gifts to the university can be made in memory or in honor of those who have shaped our paths. By contributing in their name, you continue their legacy, empower future generations of students and ensure that their impact will be felt for years to come. The Erin O’Rourke Lankford Memorial Education Scholarship Fund was established by her family and this scholarship is a heartfelt tribute to Erin’s memory and her impact as a life long educator. Contributions to funds like this one celebrate the lives and legacies of those we honor and make a profound difference in students’ educational journeys.
The Woods hosts Vietnam veterans and their families for a special pre-release viewing of a Vietnam War veterans documentary
Nearly 500 attendees gathered on the William Woods campus on Saturday, May 18th to recall the duty and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans of the war in Vietnam, highlighted by a special pre-release of a fascinating documentary film.
“MANCHU: A Brotherhood of Sacrifice,” a project of local author and Vietnam War veteran Stan Adams, his wife Rita Adams and documentary filmmaker Matt Wilcox, was the shown at WWU’s Cutlip Auditorium in an event that included a Red Carpet Meet & Greet at The Owl’s Nest, the film screening followed by a Q&A with veterans featured in the film and a dinner at Tucker Dining Hall.
Adams, a native of Mokane, Missouri, is the author of “Mokane to Mole City,” a memoir of his tour in Vietnam. Along with his wife Rita (Russell) Adams, a 1975 graduate of William Woods, they paired up with Florida filmmaker Matt Wilcox to develop the Vietnam War documentary. Wilcox traveled the country interviewing Vietnam veterans for the film, which included Adams and another Callaway County Manchu Vietnam veteran, David Hosenfelt. The result was “MANCHU: A Brotherhood of Sacrifice,” which was shown for the first time on May 18 at The Woods.
The documentary recounts their experiences with the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, which was known as the “Manchus,” during the Vietnam War. The film highlights Adams and Horsenfelt’s experiences during the Thanksgiving Eve Battle on November 27, 1968, the construction of “Mole City” on December 18, 1968, and the Christmas truce night attack on December 22, 1968.
Your gift will greatly impact generations of students to come. Scan the QR code to donate today.
The Loyalty Fund, previously known as the Annual Fund, serves as a conduit through which generous donors contribute to the University on an annual basis, offering a sum of their choosing. These funds enhance unrestricted contributions, offering crucial assistance to a range of programs and aspects within the organization. This encompasses areas such as scholarships and technological advancements.
Estate Planning and the Ivy Legacy Society encompass meticulously designed, philanthropic contributions and legacies that are endowed either during one’s lifetime or planned prior. These planned gifts include a wide array of options, such as trusts, life insurance policies, stocks, and retirement plans. Contributions made during the donor’s lifetime are publicly acknowledged. Members are honored publicly in the main corridor of the William S. Woods Academic Building.
A Scholarship Endowment stands as an enduring tribute to a cherished individual or program. The minimum requirement for establishing an endowed scholarship at WWU is $10,000. While initiating a fund with a smaller sum is possible, the donor must commit to contributing a total of $10,000 within five years for the endowment to take effect. Once the scholarship fund attains endowment status, the principal is judiciously invested, and the resulting interest is directed towards granting scholarships.
Matching Gifts entails generous donations from corporations to institutions like William Woods. If you happen to work for a company that participates in matching gifts, your contribution to William Woods University has the incredible potential to be amplified thanks to your employer’s matching program.
Honorary and Memorial Gifts to William Woods University are a heartfelt tribute, either ‘in honor of’ a living individual or ‘in memory of’ a cherished departed soul. In both forms, these meaningful donations serve to commemorate and pay homage to members of the faculty, staff, alumni, and other individuals closely connected to the William Woods University community.
BY JOHN FOUGERE
In a time when William Woods was making history all over the place, from posting record enrollment, to adding new sports like football or new degree programs like a first-ever doctorate of philosophy, perhaps it should come as no surprise that Owl alumni were doing so as well.
And none more so than Dr. Aimee Sapp, Class of 1992.
An institution at The Woods after 30 years as a student, faculty member, Chief Academic Officer and Provost, Dr. Sapp was named as President of Meredith College, an all-women’s institution of nearly 2,000 students in Raleigh, North Carolina, on March 27, 2024. As the ninth president in the history of one of the largest women’s colleges in the nation, Sapp is believed to be the first William Woods graduate to become a college or university president.
Pretty heady stuff for someone who is but one of tens of thousands of graduates of WWU since the late 19th Century.
“We often talk to students about how we are equipping them with portable skills that they can take with them wherever they go, so I probably feel like any proud graduate of The Woods who discovers that their college experience has prepared them for their moment, whatever that moment happens to be,” said Dr. Sapp. “I am certainly appreciative of my time at William Woods and how it led me to the next chapter in my life. I am also grateful to have worked closely with Dr. Jahnae Barnett and Dr. Jeremy Moreland and learn from their experience as university presidents.”
Dr. Sapp’s journey at The Woods began as a student, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1992, continued on when she returned to teach as a popular assistant professor and professor of Communications, and culminated in her ascendance to leadership as WWU’s Chief Academic Officer and Provost. With her impressive higher education leadership experience while helping lead a university that was making national headlines for its unprecedented growth in enrollment, Dr. Sapp was chosen in a national search to take over the reins at Meredith.
After 25 years in higher education, all of them working at The Woods, she has reached what for now is her professional pinnacle.
“It wasn’t always my goal to serve as a college president, but it became something I started to consider after encouragement by others who saw me in this role,” she said. “My career path, and a host of valuable mentors, prepared me for the opportunity when it did
present itself.”
But it would have to be, as she said, “the right time, the right place and the right fit” for Sapp to consider any opportunity that could tempt her away from her longtime home at William Woods. That opportunity came at 133-year old Meredith College, which like William Woods in its previous life, has as its mission to serve as a distinguished college for women.
“The more I considered this remarkable opportunity, the more it made sense,” said Dr. Sapp. “Meredith offered me an opportunity to build on what I have learned in higher ed and lead a prestigious women’s college in a rapidly growing city and state. Meredith has a celebrated history, cherished traditions and a strong sense of community here in Raleigh, which is also home to the famed Research Triangle.”
Since moving across the country to North Carolina and taking over at Meredith on July 1, Dr. Sapp’s days have been packed with the endless responsibilities that come with the role of college president. Meeting with wide range of individuals, from faculty and staff to alumni and supporters, about their Meredith experience and dreams for the future of the school. Strategic planning retreats with her executive leadership team and the institution’s board of trustees. And of course, the arrival of the college’s students for Fall semester, that jolt of energy that makes any role in higher education so attractive.
And who knows? Perhaps one day scores of those Meredith students will follow in Aimee Sapp’s footsteps, and be leaders themselves.
“I encourage young women to explore how to best use their talents, skills, and training to make a difference in all the way they can,” she said. “Whatever the organization, we need women at the table. We need their voices
in the room and I am convinced that higher education benefits from having a range of perspectives in leadership. So I would always say, pursue your dreams and find wise mentors to support you along the way.”
Aimee Sapp is another remarkable example of what is possible for those who choose The Woods. And though she is missed on campus after three decades here, her legacy will always be secure.
“Leaving William Woods was of course bittersweet, as I gained so much from the univer sity during my time there,” she said. “Hopefully I gave back as much as I received. Certainly, it was ‘home’ for much of my life and I cherish my time there and the people I met along the way.”
“LEAVING WILLIAM WOODS WAS OF COURSE BITTERSWEET, AS I GAINED SO MUCH FROM THE UNIVERSITY DURING MY TIME THERE. ”
BY JOHN FOUGERE
Growing up in a close knit family in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Byron Landor ’17 gained a deep understanding of the importance of family, building relationships, education and enjoying life.
All of those things are keys to a successful, happy existence, but are difficult to realize without another critical factor - good health.
So Landor, who earned his Master of Business Administration from William Woods in 2017, chose his life’s calling in the health care field. Recently named as the Chief Executive Officer for ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital in Harker Heights, Texas, Landor made a wise choice.
“I chose a career in health care because I have a deep passion for helping others and making a positive impact on their lives,” Landor said. “The dynamic and ever-changing nature of the health care industry keeps me engaged and motivated to continually learn and improve.”
Landor was called upon to lead ClearSky, a 30-bed rehabilitation hospital that treats patients with disabling injuries or illnesses such as strokes, brain injuries, hip fractures, spinal injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and other complex medical conditions such as COVID-19, when it opened in 2023. He clearly has been the right person to provide leadership in a field he is deeply committed to.
“We provide a level of rehabilitation that is not available anywhere else in the area,” Landor said. “Our care differs from other rehabilitation programs because of our highly trained interdisciplinary team, specialized equipment, state-of-the-art facility, integrative approach, and commitment to high-quality care.”
Landor has dedicated his professional career to making a difference in the lives of others. Not long ago, William Woods University made a difference in his own life.
After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University, Landor embarked on a successful career in the health care industry which took him to increasingly responsible positions such as Associate Practice Administrator for a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in central Texas, where he oversaw the day-to-day operation of multiple clinics and service lines, and then as Director of Business Development and Contract Administration for Canyon Creek Behavioral
Health in Temple Texas, where he managed business strategy and development.
Among his roles at Canyon Creek was to help spearhead the opening of what was a new hospital, including four inpatient patient units and outpatients services, skills that came in handy in leading the opening of ClearSky last year.
His successful ascension in the health care and business world received a boost nearly a decade ago, when he decided to enroll in the online business program at William Woods University, like countless other working professionals have done for decades.
“I chose William Woods University because of its hybrid/online MBA program, which offered online and in-person curricula,” Landor said. “I was looking for a program that would provide academic and professional support, which is what I found in the Master of Business Administration program.”
Eight years after graduating, his WWU experience continues to impact his professional life.
“My top memories include presenting my Capstone Project, where I built a business plan for a new package logistics company, and the close relationships I developed with both faculty and peers,” Landor said. “The small cohort size and personalized attention made my William Woods experience truly memorable.”
“My experience at William Woods provided me with
a solid foundation in business administration, leadership, entrepreneurship, and a network of professionals,” he continued. “The practical training and mentorship I received was particularly beneficial.”
These days, the CEO of ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital is doing what he was meant to do – make a meaningful impact on patient care, staff development, and his local community. There are significant challenges to his lofty position to be sure, including balancing administrative responsibilities with the need to stay connected to day-to-day operations and patient care. But being able to witness the positive outcomes of his and his team’s work, including the high-quality care they provide to their patients, is truly gratifying.
As they saying goes, find a job that you love and you’ll never truly work a day in your life. Bryon Landor is living by that standard these days, and would love to see more young college students like he once was find themselves in the same enviable situation.
“Stay curious and open to new opportunities,” he tells today’s college students and young professionals. “Build a strong network, seek out mentors, and never underestimate the value of practical experience. And don’t forget to focus on developing both your technical and soft skills – both which are crucial to success in any field.”
Wise words for a healthy professional career, for sure.
“MY EXPERIENCE AT WILLIAM WOODS PROVIDED ME WITH A SOLID FOUNDATION IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, LEADERSHIP, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND A NETWORK OF PROFESSIONALS. THE PRACTICAL TRAINING AND MENTORSHIP I RECEIVED WAS PARTICULARLY BENEFICIAL.”
“Literally each class from my William Woods experience prepared me for this role, a role that I did not anticipate coming at the time.”
In 2020, Andrea Brayboy had already built an impressive career in policy analysis and administration through various government positions in the state of California. Serving as the lead policy analyst for the CalFresh program in San Bernadino County, the state’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), she had a unique capacity to influence and shape policy in the largest geographical county in the nation.
Little did she know that her responsibility and influence was about the get bigger, with an added boost from William Woods University.
“The pandemic hit, I was working remotely and my son was also home and taking his college courses remotely,” she recalls. “It made me suddenly have an urge to go back to school myself, and being familiar with William Woods, decided to check it out in terms of an online master’s degree.”
So why would a highly successful working professional in Southern California immediately think of The Woods when considering an advanced degree?
Turns out Brayboy had extensive roots at WWU. More about that later.
Two years later, Brayboy had what could only be described as a banner autumn. First, she landed her first executive position, and it was a big one – Branch Chief of the CalFresh program for the State of California, the single largest SNAP program in the U.S. Suddenly,
instead of serving in one county, she was now in the top position running the program for the entire state. CalFresh provides monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families, as part of the California’s Division of Social Services. And her decision to obtain her master’s from William Woods at that opportune time certainly played a role.
“I had never been an executive before, or worked in an executive capacity,” Brayboy remembered about applying for the plum position. “During the application process, I let them know that I was finishing up my masters and I know for a fact that if I did not have that on my resume, I never would’ve been considered for this position. So William Woods happened at the perfect time.”
Indeed. In October 2022, Brayboy began her new position as the CalFresh and Nutrition Branch Chief, overseeing 170 employees and providing program oversight to the state’s 58 counties. And two months later, she received her Master of Business Administration from William Woods.
It was an interesting turn of events for Brayboy. Even more interesting is where the story started, more than 50 years ago, and more than 1,700 miles away, in Fulton, Missouri.
Although Brayboy was born in California, both of her parents are Fulton natives and graduates of Fulton High School. The family moved to the Golden State while
seven months pregnant with Andrea. Long before that, her own mom Wanda Taylor ‘72 was a trailblazer, one of the first group of four African-American students to attend William Woods beginning in 1968 and graduating four years later.
“I knew about William Woods because it is my mom’s alma mater, where she was part of the co-hort of the first African-American women to attend what was then called William Woods College,” she said. “I also had a grandmother who worked at and retired from the Fulton State Hospital, another who was the first ‘Negro RN’ pinned out of the main hospital in Jefferson City, and a grandfather who worked at the brick plant in Fulton. So my background goes back a long way in Fulton and mid-Missouri.”
And how special was it for her mom to see Andrea end up getting a degree from her alma mater?
“I am still so appreciative of the people that I met, the relationships that I had, and the instructors whom I learned from and supported me, during my experience at William Woods,” said Taylor. “So naturally I was overjoyed when Andrea decided to attend William Woods, it is certainly special for us and her education and degree from there has definitely helped her in the position she has now.”
Brayboy echoes that notion.
“My leadership classes from William Woods helped prepare me for my current executive role, studying subjects like interpersonal relationship techniques, recognizing leadership styles, and government – business relations, among others,” she says. “Literally each class from my William Woods experience prepared me for this
role, a role that I did not anticipate coming at the time.”
So now Brayboy is well over a year into her prominent position, where her influence has never been greater.
“I love the responsibility that has been entrusted in me to serve the most vulnerable constituents within our state,” she said of leading CalFresh, which administers approximately $1 billion in benefits to more than three million California households a month. “I love the opportunities I get to inform federal policy through interactions with legislators, and the privilege of leading a team of about 170 professionals who are deeply committed and aligned with the priorities and mission of the California Department of Social Services.”
But of course, navigating the ship of the nation’s largest SNAP program certainly has its challenges, especially in a state as huge and diverse as California.
“We have diverse individuals, families and languages, not to mention varied geography, including rural, urban, desert country, coastal and mountain communities, it’s all here,” she said. “So how do you meet the needs of everyone who needs us in a state that is just so vast?”
“In a nutshell, the biggest challenge is how to take a program, with in some case outdated regulations, and adjust them to meet the ever-changing, dynamic state that California is.”
So yes, serving in such a position in a place like California, which is bigger than most of the world’s other nations, will always be a major challenge. But if anyone is fit to lead, it is Andrea Brayboy ’22. As you would certainly expect, as the proud daughter of a William Woods trailblazer and leader in her own right.
ALUM SPOTLIGHT
BY JOHN FOUGERE
Ask Mason Kramer about the experiences at William Woods University that most influenced the direction of his professional career, and the Los Angeles resident will cite two.
One was his time serving on the President’s 20 student liaison group, where among other tasks he was responsible for planning for the arrival of members of the WWU Board of Trustees for their visits to campus, including coordinating the logistics of their flight and hotel accommodations.
The other was when he took his first Woods Around The World trip, to South Africa, which is probably his most favorite and formative memory of his time at William Woods.
“Getting to explore a place so foreign to me at the time with a group of friends and professors was an incredible experience,” Kramer said. “It was something that allowed me to hone in on my love of travel and creating experiences.”
Together, the two experiences fit perfectly within his career trajectory. Kramer is the Sales ManagerAmericas for a unique company called OneFineStay, which provides luxury vacation rentals at some of the most desired locations around the world. Whether it’s spacious apartments, beachfront villas or countryside mansions, located anywhere in the world one can imagine (London? Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics? The Caribbean?), OneFineStay does all the planning to
find their clients an unforgettable option that is ideally located, beautifully designed and lavishly furnished.
“We’re a hospitality company providing a luxury rental portfolio focusing on opening doors to the finest homes and villas in the most desirable destinations and delivering one-of-a-kind service to guests, homeowners and travel partners, globally,” Kramer said. “I have an exciting responsibility of curating and delivering unforgettable experiences for our clients, with the goal of creating once in a lifetime trips.”
Sounds like a perfect combination for the one-time horse-obsessed young man from Kirkwood, Missouri.
Kramer chose to attend William Woods for the reason countless other Owls have through the years – horses. That, and the desire to study at a school where he would be known by his first name both socially and academically, that was also a reasonable driving distance from his home in suburban St. Louis.
“Having 200 plus horses in a five-minute walk from my bedroom was, and still is, a dream,” he remembered from his days at The Woods.
But there were other experiences during his time in Fulton that shaped his future. Such as rushing the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, which included serving as philanthropy chair where he got to indulge his growing passion for creating experiences, doing logistics, and budgeting. Or the great network of friends he established. Ultimately, his love of traveling and planning led him in a different direction, and he ended up graduating from WWU one year early, with his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Less than a week after graduating, he was off to the West Coast to explore his future and interview in his targeted cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Just one day after arriving in L.A., he was offered his first job as a Sales Administrator with OneFineStay, and was on his way to making a career out of his two passions.
These days, Kramer’s days are a blur of people management, creativity and strategy. As Sales Manager, his top responsibilities include analyzing sales data to uncover insights, creating amazing accommodation itineraries that resonate with his clients’ desires, and cultivating relationships with guests, luxury travel agents and corporate partners. His position comes with it a series of daunting challenges as well, including the need to be constantly innovating and exceeding the high expectations of his clients in what is a changing and highly competitive travel environment. Not to mention curveballs like economic fluctuations, political instability and unforeseen events like natural disasters or pandemics.
But passionate about his work he most definitely is. “My role involves developing and executing strategic sales plans to drive growth and elevate our brand’s presence in what is a competitive tier of the travel indus-
try, all of which I find extremely exhilarating,” he said. “Working closely with an awesome and dynamic team of other travel professionals who are passionate about emerging markets, forging top-tier vendor partnerships and an inspiringly high level of attention to detail.”
And don’t forget one of the best fringe benefits of his job – the travel for him, of course. Hey, someone has to sample these incredible venues before they can be marketed, right? Thus far, he has journeyed to London, Paris, St. Martin, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Costa Rica.
“Getting to experience most of our destinations first hand not only helps me to advise our clients better but also helps to create unforgettable experiences for myself as well,” Kramer said.
Ultimately, he hopes to one day see himself in an even bigger leadership position, leveraging his ongoing experience in the luxury travel and hospitality sector to manage a global team, where he can drive innovation and growth in the industry. His dream is to be seen as a visionary leader who made a significant impact on the luxury travel sector, while inspiring the next generation of professionals in the travel space.
His advice for upcoming professionals and college students, in addition to working on communication skills, networking and doing internships, won’t surprise you.
“TRAVEL! Go see places and cultures and try to understand the world from another perspective as often as you can,” he said. “Sign up for that next trip today, and book that flight!”
Spoken like the true travel professional he is.
“Working closely with an awesome and dynamic team of other travel professionals who are passionate about emerging markets, forging toptier vendor partnerships and an inspiringly high level of attention to detail.”
