Northwest welcomes new employees for fall semester

Clay Awsumb began this fall as an assistant professor of criminology in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. His previous professional experience includes roles as a lecturer at the University of Tennessee at Martin, an adjunct instructor at Rend Lake College and an adjunct instructor at John A. Logan College. He has master’s and bachelor’s degrees in sociology from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and an associate degree in digital photography from Harrington College of Design in Chicago. He is pursuing a doctoral degree in sociology at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Theo Bartolomeo arrived at the University in July as an assistant baseball coach. He worked two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Charleston in West Virginia after four years at Central Michigan University, where he advanced to director of baseball operations. He also has served as a scouting and general manager intern for the Bourne Braves and as an assistant coach for the Wareham Gatemen, both in Massachusetts. He has a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan in sport management and is pursuing a master’s degree in strategic leadership from Charleston.

Alyssa Beattie came to Northwest in April as an office manager in Wellness Services. She had been employed as the chief deputy recorder in the Andrew County Courthouse and previously worked for 10 years in healthcare as a billing and insurance Coordinator as front desk coordinator.

Britain Bray began this fall as an assistant professor of art in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. She has served as a graduate teaching assistant of art at Washington University in St. Louis and a freelance designer creating social media graphics, album covers and animations for a variety of clients. She has a master’s degree in illustration and visual culture from Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in studio art with an illustration emphasis from the University of Central Missouri.

Cale Brubaker joined Northwest in May as an assistant men's basketball coach. He spent the past three years as an assistant coach at Ottawa University-Arizona after five seasons at The University of Texas at San Antonio as a video coordinator. He earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from The University of Texas at San Antonio and a bachelor’s degree in history from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Kansas.

Mackenzie Campbell began this fall as director of student accommodations and accessibility in the Office of Title IX and Equity. She spent the last five years as an eighth-grade special education teacher at Maryville Middle School. She has a master's degree in K-12 educational leadership and a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education: cross categorical, both from Northwest.

Dr. Hung Cao began work this fall as an instructor of finance in the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Business. He previously was a graduate assistant at the University of Memphis and a lecturer at National Economics University in Vietnam; he also worked as a credit risk analyst at the Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam. He has a Ph.D. in finance and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Memphis as well as a master’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Northampton in England and a bachelor’s degree in banking and finance from National Economics University.

Dr. Keli Cheng joined Northwest this fall as an assistant professor in the School of Computer Science and Information Systems. She has a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Missouri—Columbia with a master’s degree in computer science and bachelor’s degrees in mathematical science and computer science from the University of Memphis.

Elizabeth Cline came to the University in March as an alumni and communications specialist for alumni relations in the Office of University Advancement. She had been employed for the previous two years at Missouri Valley College as a marketing and communication specialist and director of alumni relations. Prior to that, she was a Spanish teacher at Benton High School in St. Joseph, Missouri. She has bachelor’s degrees from Northwest in organizational communication and Spanish.

Tim Conover arrived at Northwest in February as a technician at the Recycling Center.

Maddie Crawford began work in June as a recruitment coordinator in the Office of Admissions. Previously, she was a high school social studies teacher in the South Harrison R-II School District in Bethany, Missouri. She has a bachelor’s degree in social science education from Northwest.

Mike Creason returned to Northwest in July as a groundskeeper in Facility Services. He had been a member of the Bearcat baseball coaching staff since 2003. He has a master’s degree in recreation administration and a bachelor’s degree in corporate recreation, both from Northwest.

Lathan Croy joined Northwest in July as head women’s golf coach in the Department of Athletics. He had served as a student assistant and graduate assistant for the Bearcat golf team since arriving at Northwest in 2020. He has a master’s degree in applied health and sport sciences and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Northwest. He earned an associate degree in arts and teaching from North Central Missouri College.

Hadley Douglas began her employment at the University in March as coordinator of fraternity and sorority life in the Office of Student Involvement. She graduated from Northwest in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in human services.

Sara Eckstein joined Northwest in March as a circulation specialist for stacks and facility maintenance in the B.D. Owens Library. Previously, she was employed with Evolve as a content writer. She has a bachelor’s degree from Northwest in creative writing and publishing.

Kathleen Euler joined Northwest this fall as a part-time instructional aide at Horace Mann Laboratory School.

Mark Falke came to Northwest this fall as a counselor in Wellness Services. He had been employed for the last nine years as a middle school counselor and spent three years as a high school science teacher. He has a master’s degree in guidance and counseling and a bachelor’s degree in biology education, both from Northwest.

Sheena Fletchall joined the University in March as a custodian in Facility Services.

Joey Fredrickson joined Northwest this fall as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. He worked previously as a strength and conditioning coordinator at Lee’s Summit West High School in Missouri. He has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a focus in exercise science from the University of Central Missouri and is pursuing a master's degree in applied health and exercise science at Northwest.

Kyleigh French joined Northwest this fall as a campus tour and visit assistant in the Office of Admissions. She completed her bachelor’s degree from Northwest in human services in 2023.

Kyle Frerking joined the University in July as an assistant athletic trainer in the Department of Athletics. He comes with student clinical experiences at the University of Kansas Orthopedic Clinic, William Jewell College, Southwest Baptist University and Northwest. He earned his master’s degree in athletic training this year from University of Saint Mary in Kansas, and he has a bachelor's degree in social science from Northwest.

Samantha Fugate joined Northwest in July as a University Police officer. Fugate was previously employed with the Missouri Department of Corrections and is attending the Missouri Western State University Law Enforcement Academy.

Ryan Gent returned to Northwest in April as an assistant football coach in the Department of Athletics. Most recently, he served as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at South Dakota Mines and previously was a wide receivers coach at Abilene Christian. He earned a master’s degree in sports administration from Northwest while serving as a graduate assistant and coach with the Bearcat football program, and he has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Iowa State University, where he was a quarterback for four years.

Madi Glass came to the University in February as an international specialist in the Office of International Affairs. She previously was employed with The Navigators campus ministry. She has a bachelor’s degree in from Northwest in mass media: multimedia journalism.

JMychal Grau began employment with Northwest in June as the director of equipment operations in the Department of Athletics. Before joining Northwest as a graduate assistant coach in 2022, he worked at the University of Northern Iowa as an offensive quality control assistant coach for the Panther football team. He completed his master’s degree at Northwest last spring in applied health and sport science, and he earned his bachelor’s degree in movement and exercise science at Northern Iowa.

Emily Gutierrez joined Northwest this fall as a wellness educator in Wellness Services.

Mahammad Hajiyev began employment at Northwest this fall as an international student success and outreach coordinator in the Office of International Affairs. His previous experience includes working as an event organizer and budget manager at the Baku Education Information Center and teaching at Barattson, both in Azerbaijan. He earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems last spring from Northwest, where he served as a resident assistant and teaching assistant.

Tammy Hamilton joined Northwest this fall as a custodian in Facility Services.

Amanda Harris began employment at the University in February and is an accounting manager in the Office of the Controller. She was previously employed with the city of Maryville as a venue coordinator at Mozingo Event Center. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing from Northwest.

Ragan Hartley joined Northwest in April as a custodian in Facility Services. She worked previously with Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Aaron Hayes began this fall as a resident director in the Office of Residential Life.

Stephen Henggeler joined Northwest this fall as a custodian in Facility Services.

Dr. Sammy Holloman joined Northwest this fall as an assistant professor of music in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. She has worked previously as a part-time lecturer at Missouri State University and at West Virginia University as well as a graduate teaching assistant at West Virginia University and at the University of Kansas. She has a doctoral degree in flute from West Virginia University, a master’s degree in flute performance from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Music Education from Kent State University in Ohio.

Amy Hoyt began work this fall as a recruitment coordinator in the Office of Admissions. She spent the last six years in agronomy and seed sales roles with United Farmers Cooperative and Beck's Hybrids as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Northwest in agronomy.  

Joy Huddleston came to Northwest in March as a circulation specialist for billing and course reserve at the B.D. Owens Library. She was previously employed with the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments. She has a master’s degree in creative writing and a bachelor’s degree in applied advertising, both from Northwest.

Anthony Jandron joined Northwest in June as head baseball coach in the Department of Athletics. He previously served as an assistant coach at Illinois State, Central Michigan, Northwood University in Michigan and the College of DuPage in Illinois. He has a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Northwood and a bachelor’s degree in business administration at St. Norbert College in Wisconsin.

Michael Johnson returned to Northwest this fall as the vice president of university advancement and executive director of the Northwest Foundation, resuming a role he served in at the University from 2011 to 2018. Most recently, he was director of gift and estate planning at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. From 2004 to 2011, he was employed with the University of Northern Colorado Foundation in the roles of assistant vice president of alumni and donor relations and then as vice president of development alumni and donor relations. His previous experience also includes director of alumni relations at Northwest and operations manager of Northwest’s NPR affiliate KXCV/KRNW. He has a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from the University.

Kyra Kamp began her employment in May as a geotechnical services GIS analyst in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. She graduated from Northwest last spring with bachelor’s degrees in geography with a GIS emphasis and in geology with an environmental emphasis.

Matthew Keeley joined Northwest in May as head men’s basketball coach in the Department of Athletics. He spent the last seven years as head coach at Ottawa University Arizona and previously was an assistant coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Kansas from 2009 to 2017; he also spent time as an assistant coach at Washburn University. He has a master’s degree in leadership and management and a bachelor’s degree in secondary business education, both from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Kansas.

Garrison Kennedy began his employment in May as a student rights and responsibilities coordinator in the Office of Office of Student Involvement. He graduated from Northwest with a bachelor’s degree in general studies and is pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communication at the University. 

Dr. Eunjin Kim joined Northwest this fall as an assistant professor of art in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. Previously she was employed as a public elementary school teacher in South Korea, as an art and art education teaching assistant at Pennsylvania State University, and as a diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging graduate assistant at the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence at Penn State. She has a Ph.D. in art education from Penn State with a master’s degree in elementary art education and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in elementary art education and painting from Gyeongin National University of Education, South Korea.

Christopher Komorech returned to Northwest in March as an advisor and coach in the Office of Academic Success and Retention. For the last six years, he has served as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Language, Literature and Writing. His professional experiences also include teaching high school English and serving as director for the Wesley Foundation at Northwest. He has a master’s degree in English from Northwest and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from McKendree University in Illinois.

Gregg Krumme joined Northwest this fall as an instructor of biology in the Department of Natural Sciences. Previously, he was an assistant teaching professor at Park University as well as a lecturer and lab coordinator at State Fair Community College and at Missouri State University. He has a master’s degree in biology with an environmental education emphasis from Missouri State University with bachelor’s degrees in natural sciences and English from Missouri Western State University.

Kaylin LaMaster began her employment at Northwest in May as a purchasing coordinator in the Office of Purchasing. She graduated from Northwest in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in financial computing.

Henry Lickteig joined the University this fall as a coordinator of intramurals club sports and recreation. He previously was an assistant director of residence life and student activities and a director of club sports and intramurals at Peru State College in Nebraska. He also worked as a director of fitness at Anytime Fitness. He has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Peru State College.

Nathan Limbaugh joined Northwest this fall as a lecturer of geology in the Department of Natural Sciences. He previously was an instructor for the mineralogy lab, igneous and metamorphic petrology lab and field geology courses at the University of Alabama. He has a master’s degree in geology with an emphasis in igneous petrology and geochemistry and a bachelor’s degree in geology and geophysics with a geochemistry emphasis, both from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Laura Linville arrived at Northwest in June as a transcript specialist in the Office of the Registrar.

Julie Love Smith joined Northwest this fall as an instructor of mass media in the School of Communication and Mass Media. Her previous experience includes work as an adjunct professor in communications at Avila University in Kansas City, in communications and development at St. Joseph Catholic Academy and as an assistant professor of journalism and mass communications at Benedictine College in Kansas. She has a master’s degree in communications and a bachelor’s degree in English with a writing emphasis, both from Missouri Western State University.

Brenda Lutz came to Northwest in March as assistant athletic director of business and finance in the Department of Athletics. She was employed during the previous eight years at Peru State College in Nebraska, where she was a project coordinator in its athletic department. She has a master’s degree in organizational management with bachelor’s degrees in secondary education and in computer management and information systems, all from Peru State.

Kenzie Martin began employment at Northwest this fall as an academic support coordinator for student-athlete success in the Office of Academic Success and Retention. She graduated from Northwest last spring with a bachelor’s degree in human services.

Lilly Masters joined Northwest in May as a dispatcher in the University Police Department.

Jennifer McCoy joined Northwest in February as a coordinator of residential life systems and processes in the Office of Residential Life.

Dr. Cheryl McIntosh joined the University this fall as an assistant professor of management in the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Business. In addition to her 12 years of management experience, she most recently was a member of the faculty at Missouri Western State University and previously taught at The University of Texas at Arlington. She has a Ph.D. in business administration-management from The University of Texas at Arlington, a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Dallas and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brigham Young University–Hawaii.

Taylor Merrill began her employment this fall as head spirit coach in the Department of Athletics. She came to the University after employment as a school counselor and parent educator with the Maryville School District, in addition to serving as a dance coach at Maryville High School. She also is a dance instructor and studio manager at A Step Ahead Dance Company in Maryville. An alumna of the Bearcat Steppers, she has a master’s degree in guidance and counseling and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, both from Northwest.

Dr. Luke Monroe joined Northwest this fall as an assistant professor of chemistry in the Department of Natural Resources. He was previously a postdoctoral researcher studying atmospheric aerosol particles at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He has a Ph.D. and master’s degree in chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Towson University in Maryland.

Raven Morris came to Northwest in July as an admissions specialist in the Office of Admissions. She was employed during the last 10 years as a dispatcher with the Taylor County (Iowa) Sheriff’s Office. She has an associate degree from Iowa Western Community College.

Dr. Umair Mughal began at Northwest this fall as an assistant professor in the School of Computer Science and Information Systems. He has a Ph.D. in computer science from Tennessee Technological University, a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Inha University in South Korea and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology in Pakistan.

Bob Nash joined Northwest’s Regional Professional Development Center in February as a project assistant for curriculum and instruction. Previously, he was employed with the St. Joseph School District for 26 years as a high school social studies teacher, a secondary social studies coordinator and a K-12 curriculum advisor; he also was an assistant football coach and head tennis coach. He has a Specialist in Education degree in school administration from William Woods University, a master’s degree in teaching from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Missouri Western State University.

Nicholas Nelson joined Northwest this fall as a hardscape specialist in Facility Services.

Garrett Nimmo began work at the University in April as an assistant athletic trainer in the Department of Athletics. Previously, he was an assistant athletic trainer at Washburn University in Kansas. He has a master’s degree in athletic training and a Bachelor of Science degree, both from Central Methodist University.

Neil Novak joined Northwest in April as an assistant football coach in the Department of Athletics. He spent the last three seasons at Wayne State College in Nebraska and previously coached at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Kansas. He has a master’s degree from Northwest in applied health and sports science and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Black Hills State University in South Dakota.

Sami Novak joined Northwest this fall as a third and fourth-grade instructor at Horace Mann Laboratory School. Now in her eighth year of teaching, she previously taught third grade in Fairfax, Missouri, fourth grade in Kansas City, Missouri, and sixth-grade science and reading in Wayne, Nebraska. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Black Hills State University in South Dakota and is pursuing a master’s degree at Northwest in curriculum and instruction. 

Dr. Paul Okello arrived at Northwest this fall as an assistant professor of agricultural sciences in the School of Agricultural Sciences. He was a research associate and a graduate research assistant in the Department of Horticulture, Agronomy and Plant Science at South Dakota State University as well as an associate at BASF Plant Science in Ames, Iowa, and a laboratory and greenhouse assistant at Iowa State University. He has a Ph.D. in plant science from South Dakota State University, a Master of Business Administration from the Swiss School of Management in Rome and a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management from Egerton University in Kenya.

Maria Pimenova joined Northwest this fall as an assistant professor of art in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. She has worked as a teaching assistant in the Department of Visual Arts and Art History at Florida Atlantic University as well as a freelance graphic designer and a design intern at Moscow State Pedagogical University and at Nouvelle Etoile in Russia. She has a master’s degree in graphic design from Florida Atlantic University and a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Moscow Pedagogical State University.

Hailey Roach joined Northwest in May as a dispatcher in the University Police Department.

Taylor Rogers joined Northwest in April as an assistant athletic trainer in the Department of Athletics. He spent the last two years as the head athletic trainer at Sulphur Springs High School in Texas. He received his master’s degree in athletic training at the University of Nebraska-Kearney and his bachelor’s degree in exercise science at Creighton University in Nebraska.

Dr. Kyle Ryan came to Northwest this fall as an assistant professor of health and physical education in the School of Health Science and Wellness. He served as a graduate teaching assistant and the University of Northern Colorado, where he also was a head coach of strength and conditioning. He also was a professor of kinesiology and a professor of statistical research methods at Peru State College in Nebraska. He has a Ph.D. in sports and exercise science from the University of Northern Colorado with a master’s degree in kinesiology and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Humboldt State University in California.

Faith Sanders joined Northwest in June as a recruitment coordinator with the Office of Admissions. Previously, she worked as a personal banker at Southern Bank in Maryville. She graduated from Northwest with a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing.

Nicolas Sepulveda joined Northwest in June as an assistant volleyball coach in the Department of Athletics. He recently completed a two-year graduate assistantship with the men's volleyball program at William Penn University in Iowa. He earned his master’s degree in sports management at William Penn and a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science at Judson University in Illinois, where he competed in men’s volleyball for four years.

Shelby Shelton joined Northwest this fall as a music lecturer in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. An active performer, composer and educator, she previously served as assistant director of athletic bands at Cumberland University in Tennessee and has worked with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps’ percussion section for the past five seasons. She also has instructed numerous bands and ensembles, including the Sacramento Mandarins, Madison Scouts, George Mason Indoor Percussion, Music City Drum Corps and James Madison Marching Royal Dukes. She performed for three seasons as a member of the Tennessee Titans Blue Crew drumline. She has a master’s degree in music performance with an emphasis in percussion and a post-baccalaureate degree in music education from Middle Tennessee State University with bachelor’s degrees in music performance and English literature from Lindenwood University. She is pursuing a doctoral degree in percussion performance from James Madison University in Virginia.

Callie Smith began work at the University in April as a senior accountant and financial analyst in the Office of the Controller. She has more than three years of experience in the public accounting industry, serving clients through tax preparation services, business compilations and annual audits. She earned her bachelor’s degree in public accounting from Northwest.

Rebekah Snyder joined Northwest this fall as an instructor of chemistry in the Department of Natural Sciences. Her previous experience includes work as a science teacher at Clinton High School in addition to teaching preservice teachers and working as a research assistant at the University of Missouri. She has a master’s degree in molecular and cellular biology with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Missouri—Kansas City. She earned an associate degree in math and science from Northwest and is pursuing a doctoral degree in science education at the University of Missouri.

Zachrey Snyder joined Northwest this fall as an associate teacher at Horace Mann Laboratory School.

Linda Standerford returned to Northwest in June as a career services coordinator in Career Services. She had been employed at Nodaway County Services in Maryville since 2015 as a service coordinator, program manager in behavior services and human resource generalist. She worked for Northwest from 1995 to 2013 in roles including coordinator and office manager for the Talent Development Center, Enhanced Freshman Seminar instructor and administrative secretary in the Counseling Center. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Northwest in speech communication with an emphasis in organizational communication.

Dr. Rebecca Tachie joined Northwest this fall as an assistant professor of sociology in the School of Health Science and Wellness. She has served as a graduate teaching assistant and lecturer at the University of Akron, as a teaching and research assistant at South Dakota State University, and as a field officer with the Network for Community Planning and Development in Ghana. She has a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Akron in Ohio and a master’s degree in sociology from South Dakota State University with bachelor’s degrees in economics and sociology from Cape Coast International University in Ghana.

Daryle Tucker began employment at Northwest in June as an assistant women’s basketball coach in the Department of Athletics. He spent the previous two seasons as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Wayne State College in Nebraska and eight seasons before that as the head women's basketball coach at Northland College in Wisconsin. He also has held basketball coaching roles at Green Mountain College in Vermont, Southeastern University in Florida, University of North Dakota, Southeastern Louisiana University, Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College and Georgia Southwestern State University. He has master’s degrees from North Dakota in educational leadership in higher education and from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Atlanta Christian College.

Rebecca Vierthaler joined Northwest this fall as a part-time instructional aide at Horace Mann Laboratory School.

Stephanie Welch joined Northwest in May as a graduate records specialist in the Graduate Office.

Jayne White joined Northwest this fall as an instructor of public health in the School of Health Science and Wellness. Her professional experience includes work as a public health nurse and a public health nurse manager with the Andrew County Health Department as well as a director of clinical and emergency operations. She has master’s degrees in healthcare administration and in public health from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri.

Grace Wilken joined Northwest this fall as a Tower Suites resident director with the Office of Residential Life. For the past eight years, she was employed with Blitt & Gaines, P.C., as a clerical assistant for its Illinois office and most recently in St. Louis as a paralegal for its Missouri and Kansas offices. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Saint Louis University, where she also worked as a resident advisor and desk worker.

Eleesa Wilmes began her employment this fall at Northwest as a generalist and employee recruiter in the Office of Human Resources. She previously was employed with United Electric Cooperative in its human resources department and quality assurance. She received her bachelor’s degree in merchandising at Northwest and is pursuing a master’s degree in human resources at the University, in addition to completing the Society for Human Resource Management-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification in 2023.