Northwest welcomes new employees for fall semester

Dr. Karima Alabasi joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of nutrition in the School of Health Science and Wellness. Previously, she conducted clinical studies related to nutrition-related health and disease and was a lecturer assistant at Alzawiya University’s Department of Nutrition. She has a doctorate degree in nutritional sciences from the University of Florida as well as a master’s degree in food science and a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from the University of Tripoli.

Kayla Bobbitt joined Northwest in July as a custodian with Facility Services.

Derrick Cessorsmo joined Northwest in August as a custodian with Facility Services.

Dr. Guanghou Chen joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of recreation in the School of Health Science and Wellness. Previously, he was a business development assistant with Beijing Johnson Controls Company and worked in global education and training at the University of Illinois. He has a doctorate degree in recreation, sport and tourism and sport management from University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana, a master’s degree in human geography and planning from Utrecht University, and a bachelor’s degree in tourism management from Beijing International Studies University.

Jessica Cook began work in August as a third and fourth grade teacher at Horace Mann Laboratory School.

Dr. Matthew Cook joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of biology in the Department of Natural Sciences. Previously, he taught at Washburn University. He has a doctorate in biomedical sciences from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a master’s degree in biology from University of Central Missouri and a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology from Missouri State University.

MaKayla Cross joined Northwest in August as a transcript specialist in the registrar’s office. She graduated from the University last spring with a bachelor's degree in applied health science and an exercise studies emphasis.

Christian Dixon began working with Northwest in May as a recruitment coordinator with the Office of Admissions. He graduated from the University in May with a bachelor’s degree in history.

Coltin Dorrell joined Northwest in August as a dispatcher with the University Police Department.

Dr. Angela Dorsey joined Northwest in July as a project assistant for curriculum and instruction with the Regional Professional Development Center. Her previous professional experience includes work as a mathematics teacher in grades 8-12, a mathematics curriculum coordinator for grades 7-12 and a curriculum advisor for grades K-12 in the St. Joseph School District as well as a math instructor at Missouri Western State University. She earned her doctorate degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a master’s degree in mathematics education from Northwest and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Missouri Western.

Sam Feenstra joined Northwest in April as a senior maintenance technician with Facility Services. He has worked in maintenance roles for more than 35, including in water and wastewater mechanical maintenance and electrical maintenance with supervisory roles at multiple companies.

Kari Frye joined Northwest in January as a secretary for the offices of Student Success and Scholarships and Financial Assistance. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences at Northwest, where she has been active with the Black Student Union and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Michael Gasque joined Northwest in June as a custodian with Facility Services.

Dr. Beth Gregory joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of professional education in the School of Education. Her previous experience includes teaching at Graceland University and Missouri Western State University as well as teaching at an elementary school. She has a doctorate degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master’s degree in teaching and learning reading from University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, both from Northwest.  

Dr. Amy Haddock joined Northwest in August as a music instructor at Horace Mann Laboratory School. She worked previously as a music and band instructor in St. Gregory Barbarigo School, the North Nodaway R-VI School District and the Tarkio R-1 School District in addition to serving Northwest as an adjunct instructor. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a master’s degree in music education from Northwest and a bachelor’s degree in flute performance from Mary Washington College.

Randy Hanson joined Northwest in February as a beef production technician in the School of Agricultural Sciences. Previously, he worked in heavy highway construction for 26 years, serving as a foreman and supervisor for infrastructure and highway projects in Missouri, Kansas and other states.

Polly Havard joined Northwest in August as an instructional aide at Horace Mann Laboratory School. She previously taught K-12 general music and directed choirs for 14 years in the Lone Jack School District. She has a bachelor’s degree from Northwest in vocal music education.

Dr. Amy Hillard joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of psychology in the School of Health Science and Wellness. Previously, she was an associate professor of psychology at Adrian College in Michigan and a postdoctoral fellow with the National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE program. She has a doctorate degree in social and personality psychology and a master’s degree in psychology, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology and social justice from Hendrix College in Arkansas.

Dr. Paul Hindemith joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of music. His previous teaching experience includes serving as an assistant professor of voice and music director at Missouri Western State University, interim professor of voice and coordinator of vocal studies at Georgia College and State University, instructor of voice and opera at Concordia College in Minnesota, interim professor of voice and opera at University of South Dakota, graduate instructor of voice at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, vocal music teacher at Omaha North High School, and teacher and clinician at Hindemith Vocal Studio. He has a doctorate in voice performance from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, a master’s degree in voice and opera performance from the University of Maryland-College Park, and a bachelor’s degree in voice performance from Southern Methodist University.

Christie Jackson joined Northwest in July as a facilitator for curriculum and instruction with the Regional Professional Development Center. She has 25 years as an educator, including as a K-3 teacher, instructional coach, a co-director of Prairie Lands Writing Project at Missouri Western State University, and most recently as a curriculum advisor for the St. Joseph School District. She has a master’s degree in assessment from Missouri Western and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and early childhood education from Northwest.

Tim Jackson joined Northwest in July as a driver for Northwest’s transportation unit. He formerly owned and operated Title Town Bar and Grill in Maryville.

Dr. Chanwoo Jin joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of geographic information science. Previously, she was an instructor at San Diego State University. He has a doctorate degree in geography from the University of California Santa Barbara/San Diego State University as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geography from Seoul National University.

Amanda Kabir began work in July as a resident director in Franken Hall. She came to Northwest with teaching experience in preschool, third grade and middle school English settings as well as student services roles at Southwestern Community College in Iowa. She has master’s and bachelor’s degrees in elementary education from Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Dr. Kyungjoong Kim joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of management in the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Business. His previous professional experience includes serving as a lecturer at Rutgers University as well as roles with Samsung Futures Inc., LG Electronics Inc. and Pantech & Curitel Inc. He has a doctorate degree in management from Rutgers, a Master of Business Administration in international business and strategy from Seoul National University, and a bachelor’s degree in international trade from Hongik University.

Hunter Lambdin joined Northwest in August as an assistant softball coach in the Department of Athletics. He previously was a baseball coach at Victor Valley Community College in southern California. He graduated from Northwest in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in recreation with a recreation and park management emphasis.

Dr. Jesse Lane joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of geography in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. Most recently, he was a visiting instructor at the University of North Alabama. His previous experience also includes teaching roles at the community college, high school and middle school levels in Alabama. He has a doctorate degree in geography from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as well as a master’s degree in geospatial science and a bachelor’s degree in social science secondary education from the University of North Alabama.

Justice Mang'anda joined Northwest in April as a counselor in Wellness Services.

Gene Martin joined Northwest in August as a painter with Facility Services. He has more than 30 years of experience in the painting and construction field. He has owned a business and was a journeyman painter in Kansas City for more than 10 years. 

Tanner McKinney joined Northwest in August as an officer with the University Police Department.

Thomas Merlot joined Northwest in August as director of the International Involvement Center. He previously was director of international student services at Missouri Valley College. He has a master’s degree in international relations from Webster University in St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Missouri Valley College.

Dr. Kyle Miller returned to Northwest in August as an assistant professor of mass media in the School of Communication and Mass Media. Most recently, he was an assistant professor of media and journalism at the University of South Dakota. Prior to that, he was an assistant professor at Northwest and an in-studio engineer with KLGA-FM and KLGZ-AM/FM in Algona, Iowa. He has a doctorate degree in mass communications from the University of Iowa as well as a master’s degree in communication studies and a bachelor’s degree in media and journalism from the University of South Dakota.

Dr. Mohammad Hasan Mobarok joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor in the School of Agricultural Sciences. Previously, he was an assistant professor of agribusiness at Culver-Stockton College in Missouri in addition to graduate research assistantships at the University of Missouri-Columbia and North Dakota State University. He has a doctorate in agricultural and applied economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master’s degree in agribusiness and applied economics from North Dakota State University as well as master’s and bachelor’s degrees in marketing from the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh.

Abha Niraula joined Northwest in February as a research librarian at B.D. Owens Library. She has a master’s degree in English and bachelor’s degrees in psychology and writing with a creative writing and publishing emphasis.

Jodie O’Brien joined Northwest in July as a well-being coordinator in Wellness Services. Most recently, she was a news anchor at KQ2-TV in St. Joseph. She has bachelor's degrees in religious studies and broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Gaige Olivero joined Northwest in April as an officer with the University Police Department. He also is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Northwest in applied health science with an emphasis in exercise science.

Dr. Oscar Perez-Hernandez returned to Northwest in August as an assistant professor of agricultural sciences in the School of Agricultural Sciences. His previous experience includes faculty roles at Montana State University, Northwest and University of Central Missouri as well as director of research and development at Spraytec Fertilizers. He has a doctorate in agronomy with a specialization in plant pathology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a master’s degree in plant pathology from Iowa State University and a bachelor’s degree in agronomy with a specialization in crop protection from Universidad Autónoma Chapingo.

Dr. Bao Pham joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. He previously was a curriculum developer and instructor at Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth in Maryland and an instructor at Louisiana State University. He has doctorate, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, all from LSU.

Tyra Pierson joined Northwest in July as a custodian with Facility Services.

Dr. Tina Pulley joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of health and physical education in the School of Health Science and Wellness. Her experience includes work as a faculty member at Wellspring Allied School of Health; student wellness director and adjunct assistant professor of health and wellness at Johnson County Community College; and a  kinesiology educator, health promotion consultant, curriculum developer, wellness coach, CEU provider and owner of InnergizeU in Overland Park Kansas. She has a doctor degree in education for health professions and a master’s degree in kinesiology, from A.T. Still University as well as a master’s degree in health education from Idaho State University and a bachelor’s degree in recreation management from Northwest.

Annie Punt joined Northwest in June as Greek life coordinator in the Office of Student Involvement. She graduated from Northwest in May with a bachelor’s degree in communication with a public relations emphasis.

Dr. Kally Roberts joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of professional education in the School of Education. Previously, she was an adjunct faculty member at Liberty University and The University of Texas at San Antonio and has provided leadership to teachers in pre-K-12 school settings in California and North Carolina. She also spent 12 years as an elementary and middle school teacher. She earned her doctorate degree in education-organizational leadership as well as a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Liberty University and bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and business administration from Tennessee Temple University.

Andy Schmidt joined Northwest in March as a secretary for the nursing program. He graduated from Northwest in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a cellular/molecular emphasis.

Dr. Julia Schmitz returned to Northwest in July as a facilitator for curriculum and instruction with the Regional Professional Development Center. Previously, she was director of special services in the Savannah R-II School District, a special education teacher in the St. Joseph School District and at Northeast Nodaway High School, and a fourth grade teacher at Nodaway-Holt Elementary School in addition to previous work with the Northwest RPDC. She has a doctorate degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia as well as a master’s degree in learning disabilities and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northwest.   

Ryan Shurvington joined Northwest in May as a recruitment coordinator with the Office of Admissions. He graduated in May from Northwest with a bachelor's degree in agricultural education and is pursuing a master's degree in teaching secondary agricultural at the University.

Morgan Skaith joined Northwest in July as a project assistant for curriculum and instruction with the Regional Professional Development Center. Most recently, she was an elementary teacher in the St. Joseph School District and taught third through fifth grades. She has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northwest and a bachelor’s degree in elementary and early childhood education from the University of Central Missouri. She is pursuing an education specialist degree in superintendency at Northwest.

Madeline Smith joined Northwest in April as a project assistant for curriculum and instruction with the Regional Professional Development Center. Previously, she taught fifth grade and math for grades six through eight in the Kirbyville R-VI School District. She has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a bachelor's degree in elementary education, both from Northwest.

Grace Stephens began work at Northwest in August as a career services specialist in Career Services. She graduated from Northwest in May with a bachelor’s degree in communication with a public relations emphasis.

Ann Stiens joined Northwest in August as an associate teacher at Horace Mann Laboratory School.

Dr. Will Sutton joined Northwest in August as an instructor of low brass and music theory. His previous experience includes teaching low brass and other music courses at Mott Community College, Saginaw Valley State University, Olivet College, State University of New York at Potsdam, Michigan State Community Music School and Flint Institute of Music. He has a doctorate in music performance as well as master’s degrees in music theory and music performance from Michigan State University in addition to a bachelor’s degree in music education and performance from SUNY Potsdam and an associate degree in performing arts with a music emphasis from Schenectady County Community College.

Anthony Tesiero joined Northwest in July as a resident director in Dieterich Hall.

Dr. Jacob Tuell joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor in the School of Agricultural Sciences. He has a doctorate in animal sciences with a meat science emphasis, a master’s degree in family and community health, and a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences with a products emphasis, all from Purdue University.

Jonathan Uhl joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of criminology. Previously, he was an instructor at Juniata College in Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania State University. He has doctorate and master’s degrees in criminology from Pennsylvania State University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminology from Cleveland State University.

Dr. Rachel Velarde joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of music. Her previous experience includes teaching at Grand Canyon University. She has a doctorate degree in vocal performance with a pedagogy emphasis and master’s degrees in vocal performance and vocal pedagogy from Arizona State University as well as a bachelor’s degree in music from Smith College in Massachusetts.

Haleigh Vest joined Northwest in May as an invoice and accounts payable clerk in the controller’s office. She previously was employed in the accounting department with Nucor LMP Steel Inc. in Maryville. She has bachelor’s degrees from Northwest in business management, marketing and agricultural business.

Dr. Ed Walton joined Northwest in January as director of library services and operations. He has more than 40 years of experience in public, corporate and academic libraries. Most recently, he spent 20 years as dean of library services at Southwest Baptist University. He has a doctorate degree in higher education leadership from Union University in Tennessee, a master’s degree in library science from the University of North Texas and a bachelor’s degree in religion from Dallas Baptist University.

Jermaine Watkins joined Northwest in June as coordinator of intramurals, club sports and recreation with Campus Recreation. Previously he serves as a graduate assistant of campus recreation at University of Louisiana Monroe and was a recreation director at Rikers Island Correctional Facility in New York. He earned a master’s degree with a concentration in public parks management at University of Louisiana Monroe and a bachelor’s degree in sport management at SUNY Cortland.  

Ronald Wendle joined Northwest in April as a groundskeeper with Facility Services.

Wade Whittington joined Northwest in July as a custodian with Facility Services.

Kelli Wilmes returned to Northwest as an instructor of foods and nutrition in the School of Health Science and Wellness. Previously, she has worked as a clinical dietitian with Aramark, a nutrition and health education specialist with the University of Missouri Extension and a clinical dietician and outpatient dietician with Clarinda Regional Health Center in Iowa. She has a master’s degree in nutrition from Texas Woman’s University and a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Missouri State University.

Sarah Winters returned to Northwest in August as a teacher at Horace Mann Laboratory School. Previously, she was an instructional aide at Northwest's Phyllis and Richard Leet Center for Children and Families, and she worked in education in California. She has a master’s degree in education studies from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree from University of California, Santa Barbara in history.

Dr. Ellie Yang joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor in the School of Communication and Mass Media. A native of China, she worked professionally as an online video editor in Hong Kong before coming to the U.S. She has a doctorate in mass communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a master’s degree in communication from Hong Kong Baptist University and a bachelor’s degree in communication from Fudan University.

Scott Yocom joined Northwest in August as textbook services manager. He was employed for the last 19 years with Barnes & Noble College and managed the Bearcat Bookstore. He holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation administration from Missouri Western State University.