Missouri Western State University presented university awards to nine faculty and staff members and honored 12 employees who have retired or will retire during this academic year at the 2013 Awards and Retirees’ Recognition Reception on April 30.

The Missouri Western State University Foundation presented the following awards:

  • Presidential Citation Award for Service to Campus Colleagues – Carol Criss, music
  • Presidential Citation Award for Service to the University – Tom Williamson, Craig School of Business
  • Presidential Citation Award for Service to Students – Kristen Neeley, admissions
  • Award for Teaching Excellence – Dr. Susan Carter, music; Dr. Beverly Payne, Craig School of Business; Dr. William Russell, health, physical education and recreation
  • James V. Mehl Award for Outstanding Faculty Scholarship – Dr. Catherine Kendig, philosophy
  • James J. Scanlon Staff Service-Leader Award – Jen Trotter, athletics
  • James J. Scanlon Faculty Service-Leader Award – Dr. Cary Chevalier, biology

Missouri Western also honored 12 retirees with a combined 218 years of service to the university. They include:

  • Cheryl Baldwin, nursing
  • Dr. Barbara Eddins, education
  • Karen Elifrits, President’s office
  • Rick Gilmore, accounting services
  • Jim Hoffman, admissions
  • Dr. Larry Lawson, Craig School of Business
  • Sandy Rogers, Student Affairs
  • Dr. Ken Rosenauer, English, foreign languages and journalism
  • Bobby Sollars, physical plant
  • Terry Smith, information technology
  • Tom Smith, athletics
  • Myron Unzicker, athletics and health, physical education and recreation

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.