Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) faculty and staff gathered Jan. 24 to recognize their peers who had reached milestones in their service to the university during the annual Employee Recognition Luncheon.
University officials recognized several staff members who have reached one of the five-year milestones of service to the university during the past calendar year. They also recognized faculty members who received appointments, promotions or tenure, as well as faculty and staff members who retired during the past year.
Staff recognitions
Staff members reaching service milestones included:
- Five years: Elijah Abdullah, Dakota Bates, Michael Gwaltney, Alma Harris, Donna Monticelli, Stacy Parsons, Trish Smith and David York.
- Ten years: Wayne Cahoj and Dr. Angela Totty.
- Fifteen years: Krista Lair.
- Thirty years: Christina Kerley.
- Thirty-five years: Melissa Jett.
To be recognized with a service award, employees must have worked full-time at the university and reached a five-year milestone by Dec. 31. The years of service are determined on a calendar year (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31). Employees with five years of service receive a framed certificate and gift card. Employees with 10 or more years of service receive a certificate and gift card.
Faculty recognitions
Faculty members receiving appointments included:
- Rocky Long, director/instructor of music
- Joanna Patillo, instructor of nursing
- Ashlee Smith, instructor of nursing
- Jennifer Strong, instructor of nursing
- Misty Walton, instructor of nursing
Faculty members receiving promotions to the rank of assistant professor of nursing included Jessica Banning and Sheila Rather.
Lacey Campbell, assistant professor of nursing, received tenure.
Full-time ranked faculty members must apply for promotion at the appropriate time as stated in the annual Academic Work Calendar and in accordance with evaluation procedures outlined in the Faculty Handbook. The Reappointment, Promotions and Tenure Committee determines their eligibility for promotion and makes a recommendation to the vice chancellor of academic affairs.
When a full-time ranked faculty member is hired, he/she is given a probationary period. The ranked faculty member must apply for tenure the year prior to the last year of the probationary period or it will result in no appointment for the year following the probationary period.
Retirees
University employees who retired during the past year included:
- Sheila Barton, director of workforce development
- Thora Broyles, preparatory math specialist
- Barbara Caton, assistant professor of nursing
- Bobbi Dykes, laboratory and stores supervisor
- Dr. Kip Rugutt, professor of chemistry
- Dr. Kathy Morrison, professor of political science
- David White, associate professor of business
Part-time Employee of the Year
University officials also recognized the 2024 Part-Time Employee of the Year, bus driver Troy Wiesner. The annual award recognizes part-time employees who provide exceptional work and dedication to Missouri State University-West Plains. Recipients contribute to the university’s success in a significant way by doing their job with passion every day.
Wiesner, who has worked for MSU-WP since January 2022, was described as a “transportation genius!” by one nominator. “He provides superior service and unwavering commitment to our university community. Troy ensures the same and efficient transport of students, faculty and staff. His meticulous attention to safety, cleanliness, and vehicle readiness consistently exceeds expectations.
Troy’s reliability, professionalism, and positive demeanor foster trust and make everyone feel valued. His contributions go beyond his role, ensuring the smooth daily operations of our university,” the nominator said.
