Northwest welcomes new employees for fall semester

Renee Abbott began her employment this fall as a research librarian for instruction and reference in the B.D. Owens Library. Previously, she was a part-time faculty member for the University of Arkansas-Grantham, where she taught composition and technical writing. She has a master's degree in English and a bachelor's degree in English education from Northwest.

Carla Ackley arrived at Northwest in July as the assistant director of the International Involvement Center. Most recently, she was employed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency and before that spent 10 years with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and 12 years in higher education enrollment management. She has a master's degree in educational counseling from East Central University in Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree in agribusiness from East Texas A&M University.

Jay Albright joined Northwest in July as a project assistant for curriculum and instruction at the Regional Professional Development Center. He recently retired after 28 years in education, which included 10 years as a band director, eight years as a middle school principal and 10 years as a school superintendent. He earned master's and education specialist degrees in educational leadership from William Woods University, and he has a bachelor's degree in education from Missouri Western State University.

Goldie Barnes began this fall as a visiting instructor of nutrition and dietetics in the School of Health Science and Wellness. Her professional experience includes work as a registered dietitian and licensed dietitian. She has a master's degree in nutrition and a bachelor's degree in food and nutrition with a dietetics emphasis, both from Northwest.

Maggie Bears joined the University in February as an office manager in the School of Fine and Performing Arts. Previously, she was employed as an assistant property manager with HERE Kansas Apartments and as a lead human resources assistant for the University of Kansas Memorial Unions. She earned bachelor's degrees in classical humanities and creative writing at the University of Kansas, and she is an alumna of Northwest's Upward Bound program.

Dr. Jennifer Bernatis came to Northwest this fall as an assistant professor of biology in the School of Natural Sciences. Her previous experience includes serving as a faculty member and executive director of health, humanities and science at Barton Community College, as a faculty member and chair of health, human performance and recreation at Dodge City Community College and as an assistant professor of biology at Chipola State College in Florida, in addition to working as a field biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. She earned her Ph.D. in interdisciplinary ecology, fisheries and aquatic science from the University of Florida and a master's degree in organismal biology from the University of Nevada. She also has a master's degree in exercise physiology and nutrition and a bachelor's degree in exercise science, both from Fort Hays State University.

Dr. Rose Blanchard joined Northwest's faculty this fall as an assistant professor of biology in the School of Natural Sciences. She is an invasive species biologist specializing in the integration of geometric morphometric analyses with field-based methods to investigate the invasive potential of introduced freshwater fish. She received her Ph.D. in ecology and conservation biology from Texas A&M University and a bachelor's degree in biology from Berry College in Georgia.

Bryan Boesen began work at Northwest this fall as an assistant football coach for quarterbacks in the Department of Athletics. He served the previous two years as a recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach at the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota. He also spent two seasons as a running backs coach at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Kas Brady joined the Northwest staff in April as an international student services specialist in the Office of International Affairs. He graduated from Northwest in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Rachel Brown came to the University this fall as an instructor of public health in the School of Health Science and Wellness. She has spent most of her professional career teaching students of all ages and has experience in coalition building, leading health improvement initiatives and fostering partnerships that advance community health. From 2020 to 2023, she worked in a public health agency and led the COVID-19 response in communities. She has a Master of Public Health degree from A.T. Still University and a bachelor's degree in educational studies from Western Governors University.

Kylee Cockerham joined the Northwest staff this fall as a wellness educator in Wellness Services. Previously, she worked on wellness-related initiatives in a hospital setting and in a chiropractic clinic, where she gained experience with preventative care and the interconnectedness of overall health. She graduated from Northwest in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in applied health science and aging studies.

Lindsey Coe began her employment at Northwest in June as a records specialist in the Office of the Registrar.

Lisa Craig arrived at the University in July as a project assistant for curriculum and instruction for the Regional Professional Development Center. She retired in May from 30 years in education, including 29 years with the Stanberry (Missouri) R-II School District, where she was a business instructor and a 7-12 principal. She has a master's degree in secondary leadership and bachelor's degrees in secondary business education and office information systems, all from Northwest.

Travis Cronk joined the Northwest staff this fall as a groundskeeper in Facility Services. He was previously employed with Service Lube and is from Maryville.

Treyton Farley began his employment at the University in March as a maintenance technician in Facility Services. He was employed previously with Maryville Parks and Recreation.

Sarah Fellah came to Northwest in March as a transfer academic advisor in the Office of Academic Success and Retention.

Lillie Filger began her employment this fall as a part-time assistant softball coach in the Department of Athletics. She graduated from Northwest last spring with a bachelor's degree in agricultural business.

Cody Garner joined Northwest's staff in May as a technology specialist in the Office of Information Technology. He was a technology support assistant at Northwest for the last four years, before completing his bachelor's degree in computer science last spring.

Dr. Max Gerhart arrived this fall as a lecturer of music in the School of Fine and Performing Arts. He has served on the faculties of Missouri State University, Southwest Baptist University, and Truman State University. He is the principal tubist of the Springfield (Missouri) Symphony Orchestra and the Topeka (Kansas) Symphony Orchestra in addition to appearing with musical acts and ensembles including the Kansas City Symphony, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Leslie Odom Jr., the Violent Femmes and "Weird Al" Yankovic. He has a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Kansas, a Master of Music from University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Music from Ohio University, all in tuba performance.

Owen Graham started his employment in May as a financial assistance coordinator in the Office of Financial Assistance. He completed bachelor's degrees at Northwest in computer science and music in 2024, and he is pursuing a master's degree in applied computer science at the University.

Alissa Hays began work this fall as an officer in the University Police Department.

Cody Ingold joined Northwest this fall as an assistant track and field coach in the Department of Athletics. He had served since 2019 as the head track and field and cross country coach at Missouri Western State University, having joined the staff as an assistant coach in 2017. Before that, he was the men's cross country and track head coach at St. Gregory University in Oklahoma, and he was an assistant coach at William Penn University in Iowa and at Doane College in Nebraska and Dana College in Nebraska. He graduated from Doane College with a bachelor's degree in physical education.

Cade Johnson arrived this fall as an officer in the University Police Department.

Andrea Kirt joined the Northwest staff in March as a registrar services specialist in the Office of the Registrar. She earned a bachelor's degree in forestry recreation from Southern Illinois University.

Braeden Lhamon began his employment in July as a resident director in the Office of Residential Life. He graduated from Northwest last spring with a bachelor's degree in computer science.

Philip (Tianzhu) Li joined Northwest in March as a computer software and programming specialist with the Learning and Teaching Center. He has a master's degree in computer science from Boston University and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Victoria.

Timmy Long arrived in May as the coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life in the Office of Student Involvement. Previously, he served as a graduate assistant for Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Central Missouri, where he completed a bachelor's degree in public relations and strategic communication.

Maeve Mandrick returned to Northwest in July as an instructional technology support specialist in the Learning and Teaching Center. Previously, she was employed with Northwest for 17 years, first as a student and then as a professional staff member in the Office of Information Technology. She has a bachelor's degree in interactive digital media from Northwest.

Chelsea McDonald arrived in July as an administrative specialist in the College of Education and Human Services. Previously, she was employed at Missouri Western State University as an administrative assistant in the Department of Nursing and as a cashier in the business office.

Gavin McGough came to Northwest in May as the news director at KXCV-KRNW.

Tanner McKinney joined the University this fall as an officer with the University Police Department.

Mason Meier began his employment in February as the assistant tennis coach in the Department of Athletics. He completed his bachelor's degree in sport management at Northwest in 2024.

Michelle Miller joined the University this fall as a specialist with Northwest Online and the Learning and Teaching Center. Her previous employment includes 16 years at the University of Central Missouri, mostly as a library assistant. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Central.

Nathaniel Miller began his work at Northwest this fall as a custodian with Facility Services. He is a native of Maryville and previously worked at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg.

Emily Minton began her employment in April as director of enterprise applications in the Office of Information Technology. She worked for the last 13 years with Mosaic Life Care in its information technology department, most recently as the director of enterprise applications. She has master's and bachelor's degrees in business administration, both from Northwest.

Dr. Vaishnavi Nagarajan joined the faculty this fall as an assistant professor of biology in the School of Natural Sciences. Most recently, he was a postdoctoral researcher with the University of Kansas, where he earned a Ph.D. in molecular, cellular and developmental biology. He has a Bachelor of Technology degree in biotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology in India.

Dr. Luke Novack began this fall as an assistant professor of criminology. He completed his Ph.D. this year in sociology at the University of Colorado-Boulder, where he also earned a master's degree in sociology. He has a bachelor's degree in sociology and biological sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Carla Peery came to Northwest this fall as a part-time art teacher in the Horace Mann Laboratory. Previously, she taught art for 12 years at all grade levels in the Jefferson C-123 School District. She has a bachelor's degree from Northwest in art education.

Breanne Poston arrived at Northwest in June to become director of Horace Mann Laboratory School and the Leet Center.

Dr. Niels Proctor joined the faculty this fall as an assistant professor of biology in the School of Natural Sciences. He has served in a post-doctoral role in the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University, as a visiting instructor for botany and local flora at State University of New York in Cobleskill and as an adjunct instructor of evolution at State University of New York in Albany. He has a Ph.D in forest resources and conservation from the University of Florida, a master's degree in horticulture and agronomy from University of California-Davis and a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Oregon.

Ashley Scanlon began work this fall as a first- and second-grade teacher in the Horace Mann Laboratory School. She has 13 years of experience in education, including five years in the St. Joseph School District and seven years in the Platte County School District. She has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Missouri State University.

Cole Schmidt began in June as a dispatcher with the University Police Department.

Alan R. Schulte began this fall as a part-time school nurse for Horace Mann Laboratory School and the Leet Center. His previous experience includes work in behavioral health and orthopedics at the former St. Francis Hospital in Maryville and in various capacities with the Missouri Army National Guard for 25 years. He is a licensed professional nurse, which he obtained at Northwest Technical School.

Dr. Crissy Suits joined the faculty this fall as an assistant professor of health and physical education in the School of Health Science and Wellness. She previously was the health and physical education program director and a faculty member at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota in addition to work as a member of the education dissertation faculty at Oakland City University and the health and physical education faculty at Ball State University in Indiana. She has an Ed.D. in adult, higher and community education and a master's degree in physical education teacher education, both from Ball State University. She earned her bachelor's degree social work at Indiana University.

Haley Swatzell joined Northwest in July as a project assistant with the Regional Professional Development Center. She spent eight years as a school counselor in both rural and urban schools and served as the coordinator of counseling services in Springfield (Missouri) Public Schools. She has a master's degree in school counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology, both from Missouri State University.

Christy Tapps transitioned in June to become assistant vice president of health and well-being in Wellness Services. Previously, she was employed with Mosaic Life Care, serving Northwest as an athletic trainer since 2016 and as director of sports medicine in 2024. With professional experience spanning collegiate athletics, clinical care and wellness program leadership, she has a master's degree in health and human performance from Oklahoma State University and a bachelor's degree in sports medicine and athletic training from Missouri State University.

Dr. Matt Thomas joined the faculty this fall as an assistant professor of political science in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Previously, he was an instructor and graduate teaching assistant at the University of Alabama, and he was an adjunct instructor at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. He earned his Ph.D. and a master's degree, both in political science at the University of Alabama; he has a master's degree in human development and leadership, a Master of Public Administration degree and a bachelor's degree in political science, all from Murray State University.

Ezra Thompson joined the faculty this fall as a lecturer of art in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. As a painter, his work has been exhibited at venues in the northeast region of the United States and his work was selected recently for the White Columns Curated Artist Registry. He has held residencies at the Vermont Studio Center and Aljira Emerge in Newark, New Jersey, and he was granted the American Scandinavian Foundation Fellowship and a Rothenberg Fellowship for projects in Copenhagen and Berlin, respectively. He also has served as a curatorial intern at the Whitney Museum of American Art and as a conservation assistant at the Frick Collection's Art Reference Library in New York City. He has a Master of Fine Arts degree and an advanced graduate certificate in art history and philosophy from Stony Brook University in New York and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Cooper Union in New York City.

Rion Towery joined the faculty this fall as a lecturer of theatre in the School of Fine and Performing Arts. He is a professional director, choreographer and performer with more than 20 years of experience in the theatre and performing arts industry. He has toured the United States, Romania, Morocco and Costa Rica as a singer, dancer, stuntman, choreographer, theatre educator and masterclass teacher. In addition to performing in numerous commercial and musical productions, he has performed alongside artists including Beyoncé and worked for Walt Disney World. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in directing from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and has a bachelor's degree in music from Centenary College of Louisiana.

Amber Vogel began her employment this fall as a part-time instructional aide for preschool in the Phyllis and Richard Leet Center for Children and Families. Her previous professional experience includes nine years of work in classrooms and eight years supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. She holds a bachelor's degree in child and family studies from Northwest Missouri State University and an associate degree in early childhood from North Central Missouri College.

Brandon Weihs joined the faculty this fall as an assistant professor of geography. He comes to Northwest with experience as a research scientist and headquarters fellow with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service and as an affiliated scientist with the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He has a Ph.D. in geography and geospatial science from Kansas State University as well as a master's and bachelor's degrees in geography from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Jason Weir began this fall as an officer with the University Police Department. Previously, he was employed as a law enforcement officer in Iowa, in addition to experience as lead security in a mental health facility and as a correctional officer with the Missouri Department of Corrections at medium and maximum security prisons.

Nikki Welch began work in May as geotechnical services GIS analyst in Geo-Tech Services.

Emily Wiederholt began work in May as an office manager in the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Success.

Molly Wolyn began work this fall as an international student success and outreach coordinator in the Office of International Affairs. She is a recent graduate of the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, where she majored in Chinese and food science and worked as a student ambassador at its Chinese Language Flagship Center.