Northwest welcomes new employees for fall semester

Bikash Adhikari began work at Northwest in August as a computer software and programming specialist in the Learning and Teaching Center. Previously, he worked as a systems analyst and learning management system administrator at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, and he was a lab assistant conducting liquid chromatography at Albaugh LLC in St. Joseph, Missouri. He has a master’s degree in applied computer science and a bachelor’s degree in ACS-accredited chemistry, both from Northwest.

Dr. Onema Adojoh joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of geology in the Department of Natural Sciences. He previously was a visiting assistant professor with earth, environmental and planetary sciences at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He also was an adjunct professor and research associate with the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Science at Lincoln University. He has a Ph.D. in environmental science and geology from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, a master’s degree in petroleum geology from the University of Benin in Nigeria and a bachelor’s degree in applied geology from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Nigeria.

Dr. William Alderman joined Northwest in August as a music lecturer in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. Previously, he taught percussion at Bridgewater College in Washington as well as Lee University in Tennessee, Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia and Kalamazoo College in Michigan. He has a Doctor of Musical Arts in percussion performance and pedagogy from James Madison University in Virginia as well as a master’s degree from Ithaca College in New York and a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, both in percussion performance.

Mark Aubuchon arrived at Northwest in June as director of residential life in the Office of Residential Life. For the last 13 years he was director of housing at Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri. Prior to that, he was director of housing at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri, for six years. He has a master’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri—St Louis and a bachelor’s degree in special education from Saint Louis University.

Dr. Kayode Ayinde began work at Northwest in August as an assistant professor of mathematics and statistics in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. His previous professional experience includes work as a professor of statistics at Federal University of Technology in Nigeria, in addition to visiting professor and postgraduate external examiner roles. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria and a master’s degree from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, both in statistics.

Dr. Mahesh Bashyal joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of agricultural sciences in the School of Agricultural Sciences. Previously, he was a postdoctoral associate of weed science at University of Florida. He earned a Ph.D. in agronomy at the University of Florida as well as a master’s degree in agriculture with an agronomy concentration at Northwest and a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Tribhuvan University in Nepal.

Dr. Michael Bay began work at Northwest in August as an assistant professor of biology in the Department of Natural Resources. His previous professional experience includes work as chair of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at East Central University in Oklahoma, where he also was a professor of biology. He also has served in public affairs with Navy Medical Forces Support Command, as a medical entomology and environmental science officer in Dallas, and as a medical entomology officer in the Army Reserve. He has a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Arkansas as well as a master’s degree from Sam Houston State University in Texas and a bachelor’s degree from Cameron University in Oklahoma, both in biology.

Sherry Bay joined Northwest in August as a T-K teacher at the Horace Mann Laboratory School. Previously, she was an instructional aide for 11 years in Ada, Oklahoma, and a kindergarten teacher for eight years. She has a bachelor's degree in counseling from East Central University in Ada and is pursuing a master’s degree at Northwest.

Dr. Casey Bell joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of marketing in the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Business. He served the last 19 years as an adjunct faculty member at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph and is president and owner of Consolidated Insurance Agents in St. Joseph. He has a Doctor of Business Administration in marketing from University of Missouri—St. Louis, a Master of Business Administration from Northwest and a bachelor’s degree in management from Missouri Western.

Dr. Jeff Blackford began work at Northwest in August as an assistant professor of professional education in the School of Education. His previous professional experience includes work as a superintendent of schools, adjunct instructor, high school principal and K-12 physical education and health teacher. He has an Ed.D. in PK-12 education administration from the University of Missouri—Kansas City as well as an education specialist degree in superintendency, a master’s degree in secondary educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in middle school with science and business specializations from Northwest.

Kate Caniglia began work at Northwest in June as a recruitment coordinator in the Office of Admissions. She graduated from Northwest this summer with a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education.

Lacy Carlson came to Northwest in March as a custodian with Facility Services. She was previously employed with Walmart.

Dr. Sheng (Mark) Chai began work at Northwest in August as an assistant professor of computer science and information systems. He served last year as an assistant instructor in the Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Prior to that he was a postdoctoral fellow at York University’s Research Lab for Information Retrieval and Knowledge Management in Toronto. He has a Ph.D. in computing from Queen's University in Ontario and a master’s degree in information systems and technology from York University.

Dr. Kelly Claycomb began work at Northwest in August as an assistant professor of nursing in the School of Health Science and Wellness. She previously served as a director and coordinator of nursing programs at North Central Missouri College in Trenton. She has a Doctor of Nursing Practice in educational leadership from Post University, a master’s degree in nursing education from Western Governors University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.

Deanna Clayton began work at Northwest in January as a dispatcher with the University Police Department. She completed a master’s degree in data analytics at Northwest this summer and has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Park University in Parkville, Missouri, with a certificate in terrorism and homeland security.

Brianna Colvin came to Northwest in March as a custodian with Facility Services. She was previously employed at Oak Pointe of Maryville.

Keatley Cotter started work at Northwest in January as a resident director in the Office of Residential Life. She graduated from Northwest in December with a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education.

Lucius Creamer began work at Northwest in May as a geotechnical services coordinator within the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. He graduated from Northwest last spring with a bachelor’s degree in geography with a geographic information science emphasis.

Tanya Dalrymple joined Northwest in July as a project assistant for curriculum and instruction with the Regional Professional Development Center. She worked as a middle school educator in the St. Joseph School District during the last 16 years, including 13 as an eighth grade science teacher and the other three as a behavior interventionist for grades 6-8. She has a master’s degree in learning assessment and a bachelor’s degree in middle school education, both from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.

Erin Dillon-Smith began work July 5 as a project assistant for curriculum and instruction with the Regional Professional Development Center. Previously, she taught first, second and third grades in the St. Joseph School District and was a fifth grade teacher at Cathedral Catholic School in St. Joseph. She has a master's degree in curriculum and instruction and a bachelor's degree in elementary education, both from Northwest.

Dr. Kaitlin Epperson began work at Northwest in March as an assistant professor of agricultural sciences in the School of Agricultural Sciences. She has worked previously in the fields of cattle reproduction, immunology, herd health and animal sciences. She has a Ph.D. in physiology of reproduction from Texas A&M University as well as a master’s degree from South Dakota State University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri—Columbia, both in animal science.

Dr. Daniel Ess joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of agricultural sciences in the School of Agricultural Sciences. His previous professional experience includes faculty roles in agricultural and biological engineering at Purdue University, totaling 27 years, as well as in agriculture technology at Moberly Area Community College in Missouri and in biological and agricultural engineering at the University of Missouri—Columbia. He earned both a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in agricultural engineering at Virginia Tech University and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering at the University of Missouri—Columbia.

Cassie Farrell began work in May as a facility services specialist in Facility Services.

Cammi Faustli arrived at Northwest in January as a custodian with Facility Services. She is a graduate of Northeast Nodaway High School. 

Kirby Filley came to Northwest in February as a carpenter with Facility Services.

Christopher Guess joined Northwest in May as an assistant women’s basketball coach within the Department of Athletics. He spent the last 32 years as a high school basketball coach in Iowa at Centerville, Glenwood, Ottumwa and Waukee schools, leading Waukee High School to two state championships. He was inducted into the Iowa Basketball Hall of Fame and a National Coach of the Year finalist in 2022, and he was the 5A State Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2021. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, and has a business education certificate.

Juno Hallock began work at Northwest in April as a library circulation specialist in the B.D. Owens Library. She graduated from Northwest in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and publishing.

Kenneth Hanna came to Northwest in April as a groundskeeper with Facility Services.

Kyle Hansen began work at Northwest in January as a fleet and small engine mechanic with Facility Services. He was previously employed with BB Diesel Performance.

Patty Harris began work at Northwest in July as an admissions and student success assistant in the Office of Financial Assistance.

Daniel Harrison arrived at Northwest in May as an associate athletic trainer for football within the Department of Athletics. He worked for the previous six years at Carson-Newman University, serving the last two as the head football athletic trainer. He earned his bachelor's degree in athletic training at Towson University in Maryland.

Dr. Jason Holderieath began work at Northwest in August as an associate professor of agricultural sciences in the School of Agricultural Sciences. Previously, he was an assistant professor of agricultural business at Louisiana Tech University, a teaching assistant and instructor of record for agricultural and enterprise analysis at Colorado State University, and an adjunct professor of economics at Central Methodist University. He has a Ph.D. in agricultural and resource economics from Colorado State University as well as a master’s degree in agricultural economics and a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management, both from the University of Missouri—Columbia.

Scott Jones arrived at Northwest in August as an assistant professor of computer science in the School of Computer Science. Previously, he was an instructor of business education at Fort Hays State University. He also served at Leavenworth High School in Kansas as a business education instructor, marketing education program coordinator and coordinator of its Career and Technical Education division. In addition to pursuing a Ph.D.in curriculum and instruction and career and technical education at Kansas State University, he has an education specialist degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Missouri—Kansas City, master’s degrees in educational administration from the University of Kansas and in curriculum and instruction from University of Missouri—Kansas City, and a bachelor’s degree in marketing education from the University of Missouri—Columbia.

Dr. Mariliz Kastberg-Leonard began work at Northwest in August as an assistant professor of political science in the Department of Humanities and Social Science. Previously, she was an instructor and teaching assistant at University of Georgia as well as a teaching assistant at Purdue University. She has a Ph.D. in political science at the University of Georgia as well as a master’s degree in American politics and a bachelor’s degree in political science, both from Purdue University.

Dr. Alicia Kershaw joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of professional education in the School of Education. Her 29 years of professional experience includes work as a seventh grade special education and reading teacher and as an elementary classroom teacher, literacy coach, reading specialist, interventionist and special education teacher. She also has served as an adjunct language and literacy instructor at the University of Missouri—Kansas City, Park University and Northwest. She earned a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction and urban leadership and policy studies in education from the University of Missouri—Kansas City and has a master’s degree in reading from Northwest as well as bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and psychology from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.

Emylee King came to Northwest in August as a project assistant for curriculum and instruction with the Regional Professional Development Center.

Dr. Stephanie Krauth began work at Northwest in June as assistant vice president of Title IX and equity in the Office of Title IX and Equity. Her previous professional experience includes work as associate vice president for student engagement at Texas Woman’s University and as vice president for student life at Westminster College in Missouri. She earned her doctorate degree in educational leadership and policy studies from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in history from Truman State University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Simpson College in Iowa.

Michael Logan began work at Northwest in August as an officer and investigator with the University Police Department.

Vishnu Maddineni came to Northwest in August as a database software engineer in the Office of Information Technology. Previously, he worked as a lead software developer with Nestor Technologies. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Acharya Nagarjuna University in India.

Dr. Shay Malone arrived at Northwest in July as assistant vice president of diversity and inclusion in the Office Diversity and Inclusion. Previously, she was director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and a diversity officer for the student affairs and academic support units at the University of South Carolina. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, she also served as assistant director of leadership development and intercultural affairs at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, and she was a program coordinator for the multicultural center and international student affairs at Webster University in St. Louis. She has an Ed.D. in higher education administration from the University of Alabama as well as a master’s degree in media communications with an emphasis in public relations and a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in writing, both from Webster.

Joel McCormick began work at Northwest in August as an associate professor of recreation in the School of Health Science and Wellness. He taught previously at Chowan University in North Carolina, South University in Georgia, University of Florida and Lynchburg College in Virginia, in addition to employment with the city of Lynchburg and the Virginia Department of Parks and Recreation and military service with the Virginia Army National Guard and U.S. Navy. He has a Ph.D. in natural resource recreation from the University of Florida, master’s degrees in sociology from Longwood University in Virginia and in outdoor recreation from Aurora University in Illinois, and bachelor’s degrees in psychology and philosophy from Christopher Newport University in Virginia.

Dr. Hunter McFall-Boegeman arrived at Northwest in August as an assistant professor of chemistry in the Department of Natural Sciences. Previously, he was an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Minnesota Morris. He has a Ph.D. in chemistry and a certification in college teaching from Michigan State University, and he earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at the University of Minnesota Morris.

Dr. Sarah McFall-Boegeman came to Northwest in August as an assistant professor of chemistry in the Department of Natural Sciences. Previously, she was an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Minnesota Morris. She has a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Michigan State University, and she earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and forensic science with a chemistry emphasis at the University of Minnesota Morris.

Gabriel Mura began work at Northwest in August as a junior software developer in the Office of Information Technology.

Andrew Murphy joined Northwest in July as an esports coordinator and coach with Campus Recreation. He completed his bachelor’s degree last year in cinematic and performing arts at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, and he is pursuing a master’s degree in sports and fitness management at Missouri Western.

Cyrenus Noah began work at Northwest in February as a custodian with Facility Services. He was previously employed with the La Plata R-ll School District in Missouri.

Katelyn Noble started at Northwest in June as a transfer advisor in the Office of Academic Success and Retention. Previously, she was an agriculture instructor in the Worth County R-III School District in Missouri. She has a bachelor’s degree from Northwest in agricultural education.

Cherokee Odle began work at Northwest in May as a custodian with Facility Services.

Amanda Otis began work at Northwest in April as a secretary at Northwest-Kansas City. Previously, she was a lead receptionist at Encompass Medical Group in Kansas City. She has a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in history from Park University and an Associate of Arts degree from Metropolitan Community College.

Katie Parman began work at Northwest in August as a full-time registered nurse with Wellness Services. She has worked in a variety of health care settings, including at Mosaic Life Care and Community Hospital in Fairfax, Missouri, and most recently with Vaccines for Children. She earned her Licensed Practical Nurse and associate degrees from North Central Missouri College in Trenton and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Northwest. 

Dr. Stacey Passalacqua arrived at Northwest in August an assistant professor of communication in the School of Communication and Mass Media. She served the last eight years as an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Texas in San Antonio. She also has teaching experience at James Madison University in Virginia and Rollins College in Florida. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Arizona, a master’s degree in communication studies at Purdue University and a bachelor’s degree in communication studies at University of California, Santa Barbara.

Dr. Jennifer Patterson came to Northwest in July as a project assistant for curriculum and instruction with the Regional Professional Development Center. Previously, she worked in the St. Joseph School District as an elementary principal, social studies curriculum coordinator, instructional coach and classroom teacher in grades four through six. She earned an Ed.D. degree in educational leadership at Baker University as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership at Northwest and a bachelor’s degree in education at Missouri Western State University.

Kevin Pitts began work at Northwest in August as director of Horace Mann Laboratory School and the Phyllis and Richard Leet Center for Children and Families. For the last 19 years he was principal at Maryville Middle School. Prior to that, he was an assistant principal at Maryville Middle School, an elementary school principal in Bethany, Missouri, and a teacher at the former Washington Middle School in Maryville. He has master’s and bachelor’s degrees in education from Northwest.

Johnathan Riley came to Northwest in January as a recycling center technician with Facility Services.

Cody Schniedermeyer began work at Northwest in May as an accounts receivable coordinator with the Office of Student Account Services. He recently graduated from the University of Missouri–Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in sport management.

Madeline Shaffer started work at Northwest in August as a resident director in the Office of Residential Life. For the last three years she was a teacher in the Kansas City area. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in reading, both from Northwest.

Stephanie Smith began work at Northwest in January as a campus tour and visit assistant with the Office of Admissions. Previously, she was a child protective specialist with the state of Kansas. She has a bachelor’s degree in human services from Northwest.

Dr. Sara Sony arrived at Northwest in August as an assistant professor of mathematics and statistics in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Previously, she was a mathematics teacher and AVID tutor at Winnetonka High School in Kansas City as well as an adjunct faculty member at Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley. She also taught mathematics with Harmony Science Academy Public Schools in Texas and Fem College Entrance Schools in Turkey. She earned her Ph.D. in applied mathematics and curriculum and instruction and a master’s degree in mathematics, both at University of Missouri—Kansas City; she has a master’s degree in functional analysis in mathematics from Gaziantep University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Abant Izzet Baysal University, both in Turkey.

McKenna Staples began work at Northwest in May as a graduate records specialist in the Graduate Office.

Teonia Starks began work at Northwest in July as a recruitment coordinator in the Office of Admissions.

Daniel Stigall started work at Northwest in July as a resident director in the Office of Residential Life. He graduated from the University last spring with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Travis Surprise joined Northwest in August as an instructor of emergency and disaster management in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. His previous professional experience includes work as a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor at Benton High School in St. Joseph, Missouri; a civil affairs senior army instructor at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and a U.S. Army drill sergeant in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He has a master’s degree in strategic studies and a bachelor’s degree in strategic studies and defense analysis, both from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont.

Destiny Switzer began work at Northwest in August as a resident director in the Office of Residential Life. She graduated from the University last spring with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural Science.

Dr. Lance Tatum began work June 1 as Northwest’s 11th president. He previously was senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Troy University in Troy, Alabama, where he began as a faculty member in 1998. He also served Troy as vice chancellor of its campus in Montgomery, Alabama; vice chancellor for its Global Campus; dean of the College of Education; and chairperson of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion. He earned his Ph.D. in sport management at Florida State University as well as a Master of Science in Education degree in foundations of education and a bachelor’s degree in physical education, both from Troy University.

Dr. Jacob Tengelsen arrived at Northwest in August as an assistant professor of psychology in the School of Health Science and Wellness. He previously served as an adjunct professor of introductory psychology at the University of West Georgia and as a professor of introductory psychology and professional development and interpersonal relations at West Georgia Technical College. He has a Ph.D. in  psychology from the University of West Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brigham Young University in Utah.

Faith Thompson began work at Northwest in January as student involvement coordinator in the Office of Student Involvement. She graduated from Northwest last spring with a master’s degree in school counseling and earned her bachelor’s degree in human services at Northwest in 2021.

Laura Underhill joined Northwest in August as an instructor of biology in the Department of Natural Sciences. Previously, she was a biology lab supervisor and adjunct instructor at Gadsden State Community College in Alabama. She has master’s and bachelor’s degrees in biology from Jacksonville State University in Alabama and an associate degree in computer science from Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri.

Dr. Melissa Van Buren arrived at Northwest in May as an employee wellness coordinator in the Office of Human Resources. Previously, she maintained a private practice in Costa Rica and prior to that was a nutritionist with Audacity Life Integrative Health and the Food as Medicine Institute in Portland, Oregon. She currently operates Northwest Naturopathy LLC in Maryville. She has a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree and a master’s degree in nutrition from the National University of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland as well as a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Truman State University.

Congwen Wang arrived at Northwest in June as a research librarian for electronic resource management at B.D. Owens Library. He has master’s degrees in informatics and in library science as well as a bachelor’s degree in history, all from Emporia State.

Dr. Jill Watkins began work at Northwest in July as a project assistant for curriculum and instruction with the Regional Professional Development Center. Her professional experience includes work as a middle school and high school English language arts teacher; an instructional coach, blended learning coach, and teaching and learning coach at the secondary level; a district-level instructional technology facilitator and director of academics; a college-level instructor; an A+ coordinator; and a principal at the elementary and high school levels. She has an Ed.D. in education from William Woods University in Missouri, an educational specialist degree in superintendency from Northwest, a master’s degree in secondary leadership and administration from Northwest, and a bachelor’s degree in English and education from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.

Matt Wendelberger started work at Northwest in July as an assistant strength and conditioning coach with the Department of Athletics. He completed his master's degree in applied health and sport sciences at Northwest last spring and has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Fort Hays State University.

Adam Whiteside joined Northwest in August as an assistant professor of communication in the School of Communication and Mass Media. His previous professional experience includes work as an adjunct instructor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, McKendree University in Illinois; and at St. Louis Community College—Wildwood. He has a master’s degree in applied communication studies and a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, both from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and he is pursuing a doctoral degree in communication and information studies at Kent State University in Ohio.

Tierry Wilmes joined Northwest in July as a maintenance technician with Facility Services. He was employed previously with Fastenal in Maryville as a supply chain associate.

Alexander Zimmerman arrived at Northwest in August as an art lecturer in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. Previously, he was a graphic design, digital media and drawing instructor at San Diego State University. He has a master’s degree in graphic design from San Diego State and a bachelor’s degree in fiber arts from the University of Washington.