Meet Our Staff

Dr. Cleo Samudzi - Dean of the Missouri Academy
Dr. Sam Jennings II - Director of Student Development
Dr. Robert M. Theodore - Director of Counseling
Ms. Diana Schmitz - Director of Academic Affairs
Mr. Robert S. Bryant Jr. - Director of Enrollment
Ms. Dee Hibbs - Executive Secretary
Ms. Susan Smith - Secretary for Academic Affairs and Student Development
Ms. Pele Trump - Secretary for Enrollment
Ms. Beth Eppinger - Residential Counselor
Mr. Neal Davis - Residential Counselor
Ms. Cassie Hunter - Residential Counselor
Ms. Lisa Hamblen - Residential Counselor
Mr. Winston Mitchell - Residential Counselor
Mr. Jerry Fuentes - Residential Counselor
Mr. Egon Heidendal - Graduate Assistant
Mr. Brad Whitsell - Graduate Assistant

Dr. Cleo Samudzi, Dean of the Missouri Academy

Dr. Samudzi assumed responsibilities as Dean of the Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics and Computing on February 1, 2004. He is also the Director of the Honors Program at Northwest Missouri State University. Prior to joining the Missouri Academy, Dr. Samudzi served at the Missouri Department of Higher Education (DHE) with three primary responsibilities (August 1998 - January 2004). First, as Senior Associate for Academic Affairs and Planning, he had responsibilities in the area of academic program evaluation (i.e. the evaluation of existing degree/certificate programs, new degree/certificate programs, and degree/certificate program changes, submitted to the DHE by colleges and universities in Missouri). Second, Dr. Samudzi also served as the Commissioner's Associate for Life Sciences at the DHE. In this capacity, he worked closely with the commissioner of higher education in providing information and coordinating the state's life sciences initiatives. Third, Dr. Samudzi was the Director of the higher education component of the Title II federally funded Improving Teacher Quality Professional Development Program (formerly known as the Eisenhower Program).

Before joining the DHE, Dr. Samudzi was an assistant professor of biochemistry and chemistry at the University of Missouri-Columbia (1993-1998), and Associate Scientist in Molecular Pharmacology at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, Maryland (1989-1993). He has also served as a part-time adjunct professor of physics at Shepherd College, a 4-year public regional college in West Virginia (1991-1992), and a part-time biology and chemistry professor at the Community College for Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1983-1989). Dr. Samudzi received his B.A. (cum laude) in Biology and Chemistry from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota, and his M.S. (1983) and Ph.D. (1990) in biological sciences/crystallography from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Samudzi is married to Dr. Fungai Chanetsa. Dr. Chanetsa is a Scientific Review Administrator for the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Samudzi and his wife have two children: a son (Shingai) who is a senior at Carnegie Mellon University (in Pittsburgh, PA), and a daughter (Zoé) who is a sophomore at Maryville High School (Maryville, MO). Dr. Samudzi enjoys playing, coaching and watching the world's greatest game - soccer!

Dr. Sam Jennings II, Director of Student Development

As Director of Student Development, Sam is responsible for aiding in the development of the Residential Life program and providing direct supervision and support of the residential and activities staff and students. Additional responsibilities include maintaining and updating the Residential Counselor manual and Parent / Student Handbook, Student Development budget, MASMC judicial officer, and serving as a liaison to other Northwest departments.

In prior experiences, Sam has worked for Residential Life here at Northwest Missouri State University. Sam's experiences with Northwest have all been rewarding and fulfilling. Sam has also worked for the students of Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon and the students of Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho, both in Residence Life operations. Being a life-long learner, Sam has earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Capella University, M.S. in Education: Policy Foundations and Administration from Portland State University, and a B.S. in Mathematics from Lewis-Clark State College.

Having grown up in Idaho, the Midwest is definitely a change. Sam and his family have certainly enjoyed their sampling of what the Midwest has to offer and hope to continue broadening their experiences for quite some time.

Dr. Robert M. Theodore, Director of Counseling

Dr. Theodore has been the Director of Counseling for the Missouri Academy since October 2000. Originally employed for two years as a counselor to provide mental health services to Northwest students at the University Counseling Center, he was recruited by the Northwest Department of Psychology, Counseling and Sociology as an assistant professor of psychology, and taught graduate and undergraduate courses from 1987 to 1994. During his term as assistant professor, Dr. Theodore was also Interim Director of the Counseling Center for one academic year.

Although Dr. Theodore is now full time at the Missouri Academy, he occasionally provides consulting services for local agencies, such as, Maryville Public Safety and counseling services for individuals and families in Maryville and the surrounding area. Dr. Theodore was President of the Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association Board, and writes articles on ethics and mental health information for the Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association.

He received a BA in psychology, an MS in experimental psychology and a PhD in counselor education from the University of Wyoming. Dr. and Mrs. Theodore have five children, four boys and a girl and six grandchildren.

Ms. Diana Schmitz, Director of Academic Affairs

Ms. Diana Schmitz joined the Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics and Computing as Academic and Collegiate Advisor in August of 2001. At the Missouri Academy, Ms. Schmitz works closely with students regarding their academic progress and the college selection and application process. Additionally, she works with Northwest faculty, who teach the Missouri Academy students, to ensure open lines of communication on student progress. Prior to joining the Missouri Academy (June 1996 - August 2001) Ms. Schmitz served in the Provost's Office at Northwest Missouri State University as Administrative Assistant to the Provost. Responsibilities in the Provost's Office included, but were not limited to, process management for the academic sector, new faculty orientation, and coordination of summer school programs. Concurrently, she taught a Managerial Communications course, Freshman Seminar and advised approximately 60 students for the Marketing/Management Department at Northwest.

Ms. Schmitz received her Bachelor of Science (1994) and Masters in Business Administration (2000) from Northwest Missouri State University and continues to teach a course for the Marketing/Management Department.

Ms. Schmitz is married to Brian and has two children: a daughter (Beth) who recently graduated from University of Missouri Kansas City (School of Pharmacy) and is currently a staff pharmacist for Wal-Mart and a son (Drew) who currently attends Northwest Missouri State University studying Corporate Recreation/Wellness. Ms. Schmitz enjoys physical fitness, watching and playing sports, and spending time with friends and family.

Mr. Robert S. Bryant, Jr., Director of Enrollment

Robert has been with the Missouri Academy since the doors opened in August 2000. He is now in charge of both regional and state-wide recruiting as the Director of Enrollment. Robert is looking forward to the challenge and task of telling people about the Missouri Academy. Formerly a Residential Counselor, Robert played numerous roles and has been involved in many memorable Academy experiences. Robert enjoys the constant challenge of working with young people and considers the opportunity as an "education" all by itself.

Prior to coming on board at the Missouri Academy in August 2000, Robert was a Residential Counselor at the Arkansas School for Mathematics and Science (ASMS). In addition to his years of experience working with gifted teenagers at ASMS, he has also given many years of dedication to the Arkansas Boys State program. Robert was recently inducted into the 2006 Arkansas Boys State Hall of Fame and serves as the Dean of Counselors for the program. In the summer, Robert spends his time honing his skills and perfecting his craft at the Arkansas Governor's School (AGS). Rob has worked in several capacities for the program and currently teaches Social and Personal Development at Arkansas Governor's School. Rob also serves as the advisor for the Arkansas Governor's School Gospel Choir.

Aside from his work with the gifted and talented, Rob worked on the Congressional campaign for Warren Dupwe in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where he was an advisor and consultant on minority issues. Robert also gained experience as an announcer working as a disc jockey and production engineer for radio station KASU in Jonesboro. Rob graduated from Arkansas State University with a B.S. in Communications and a minor in Political Science.

Robert can usually be found near a basketball game or listening to music from his wide assortment of CDs. Rob's gift and talent as a public speaker has afforded him the opportunity to sit in many diverse and honorable circles. His favorite speakers include Bishop Noel Jones, Dr. Cornel West, Col. Howard Pierson, and Governor Mike Huckabee. Robert enjoys traveling and reading whenever he can find time.

Ms. Dee Hibbs, Executive Secretary

Dee Hibbs serves the Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics and Computing as Executive Secretary to the Dean. Her primary duties are to provide Administrative Assistance to Dean Samudzi, and to oversee and manage the budget and financial matters for the Missouri Academy.

Dee graduated from Texas A&M University in 1993 with a BS in Kinesiology, specializing in Sports Management. She joined the Missouri Academy in July of 2005 as the Secretary for Academic Affairs and Student Development. She then served as the Secretary for Enrollment, Counseling and Research, prior to her present position.

Dee and her husband Todd have four children between them. They enjoy cattle and horse ranching and the quiet of life in rural Sheridan, Missouri.

Ms. Pele Trump, Secretary for Enrollment

Pele joined the Missouri Academy staff in February of 2007 as the Secretary for Enrollment. Her primary responsibility is to provide support for the Director of Enrollment. Additional responsibilities include: making updates to the Missouri Academy website; planning the Annual Educator Appreciation Banquet, Public Information Meetings, and Preview Days; alumni correspondence; assisting with advertising duties; data entry of all applicants; and mass mailing.

Prior to her current job, Pele was the Project Secretary for Project PRISM , a math and science graduate program for math and science teachers, grades 4-8 at Northwest Missouri State University. Her primary responsibilities were: to provide administrative assistance to the project director; keeping track of the budget; producing financial reports; maintaining databases; liaising with the teachers; and managing the office.

Pele was also a member of the Missouri Academy staff from August 2000 - 2003. In her role as the Administrative Secretary for the Student Development, Pele's primary duty was: to provide administrative support to the Asst. Dean, Residential Coordinator and Residential Counselors. Additional responsibilities were: organizing the printing and distribution of the Missouri Academy Handbook; compiling the Student/Parent Directory; organizing the Student/Parent banquet; distributing of orientation materials and newsletter.

Before relocating to the United States, Pele also worked as an Executive Secretary to the Corporation Manager of Special Projects Division, an engineering and building department of the Samoan government. Her primary responsibility was: to provide administrative support to the Corporation Manager and senior staff. Additional duties were: arranging board meetings; taking minutes of board meetings and senior staff meetings; distribution of meeting materials; and translating for expatriate staff members.

Pele graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Office Information Systems in 1999. Pele, a native of Samoa, has four brothers and four sisters. Pele and her husband Frank share their home in Maryville with Doogie, their Australia shepherd, and Tanner the cat. Their two daughters Mele and Leone live in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ms. Susan Smith, Secretary for Academic Affairs and Student Development

Sue Smith joined the Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics and Computing in April 2006, as Secretary of Academic Affairs and Student Development. Her primary duties are to provide Administrative Assistance to Diana Schmitz, Director of Academic Affairs, and to Sam Jennings II, Director of Student Development. In addition, Sue schedules classes for incoming students, performs periodic grade checks throughout the school year, tracks budgets for both Academic Affairs and Student Development, and maintains student files.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Sue graduated from the College of William and Mary with a B.A. in History. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C. and worked as a Research Associate for Trade and Professional Associations.

Sue moved to Northwest Missouri in 1999, when her husband Dan accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Political Science at Northwest Missouri State University. She and Dan have 8 year old twins, Benjamin and Sarah, who keep them busy shuttling between sporting events and dance practices. In her spare time, Sue enjoys needlework, reading and singing. She is a member of the Third Place International Champion Kansas City Chorus of Sweet Adelines and Sings tenor in Optimistic, a barbershop quartet.

Mr. Neal Davis, Residential Counselor

Neal graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in the spring of 2003 and he joined the Missouri Academy shortly there after. He is now the RC on 2nd Floor West, and he is responsible for enriching the Academy students' personal, social, emotional and academic growth. His duties include creating a healthy and nurturing living/learning environment for the students, as well as planning and implementing educational, cultural, social, and recreational activities for the entire Missouri Academy.

Neal was born in Louisville, KY, (Go Cards!) but grew up in Cape Girardeau, MO. He is the oldest of three children, and his family still lives in Southeast Missouri area, just 20 miles south of Cape Girardeau. A Maryville resident since 1999, Neal is a huge St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Rams fan. Neal loves sports, movies, and games and in his free time, he can usually be found spending time with his friends, playing golf, going to movies, or just relaxing.

Neal has a degree in Broadcasting and a minor in Computer Science from Northwest. While working on his undergraduate degree, Neal gained valuable experience working with students from all over campus. He was a Biology tutor and Supplemental Instructor (SI) for the Talent Development Center for three years and he also worked with students as a Resident Assistant for two years. Aside from his work with students, Neal also worked on the air for KXCV/KRNW, the NPR radio station on the Northwest campus.

Neal is currently working on his Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership and hopes to continue working students for the rest of his career. He has a passion for helping students grow and develop into successful young adults and he plans to work at the Missouri Academy for several years to come.

Ms. Cassie Hunter, Residential Counselor

Cassie became a residential counselor for the Missouri Academy in 2006. She resides on 4th floor east. She previously was working as a counselor with teens that were delinquent in a residential setting and taught the kids life skills. While working there she was a basketball coach for the varsity girls' team.

Cassie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation in 2004 from the University of Northern Iowa. She was involved in many volunteer projects during college like Special Olympics, YMCA, and various summer camps.

Cassie grew up in Dougherty, Iowa. In her spare time she likes to be involved in sports, reading, church and family. She also likes to travel and relax on a beach.

Ms. Lisa Hamblen, Residential Counselor

Lisa hails from Michigan and is now proud to be living in the "Show Me" State. Starting her first two years at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), she instantly became interested in Residential Life. She was active in University Residence Association and enjoyed her volunteer experiences with Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, East Side Soup Kitchen, and other activities on campus.

Creating a great atmosphere through academic, social, and multicultural programming was one of her goals as Resident Assistant at SVSU. She promoted a positive sense of community and took these experiences when she transferred to Michigan State University (MSU). MSU kept her busy with intramural soccer and becoming a volunteer at Wexford Elementary School. Through her years at Michigan State University she was able to spend her summers in New Orleans, Louisiana; Memphis, Tennessee; Sandusky, Ohio.

Growing up in the "Great Lakes" State, Lisa enjoys going to the beach, traveling, music, watching Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel, sports (Go Detroit Pistons!), and hanging out with friends and family. She also loves soy milk and has one brother residing in Hawaii.

Ms. Beth Eppinger, Residential Counselor

Beth joined the Missouri Academy in August 2004 as a Residential Counselor for 2nd floor, east wing, of Cooper Hall. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She received a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Business Management. During her time at MN, she spent two years as a Community Advisor, otherwise known as a Resident Assistant, for first-year females. Beth was actively involved with the National Residence Hall Honorary, Campus Crusade for Christ, and the Parliamentary Debate Society while in school.

As a Residential Counselor for the Missouri Academy, Beth is responsible for nurturing the students' academic and social paths. Beth adores being a role model for the residents and enjoys sharing her passions with others. She is very active with student organization advising, including Model UN, community service trips and others. This means Beth is no stranger to planning and organizing. Beth grew up in a small town of thirty people in eastern South Dakota. Her parents and older sister live in Oklahoma, and her older brother resides in Minneapolis. You can usually find Beth watching movies, going to church, staying in touch with friends, or traveling across the country on another road trip. Currently, she is working on her MBA degree, but her main priority is dedicating her time to serving the students of the Missouri Academy.

Mr. Winston Mitchell, Residential Counselor

Winston joined the Missouri Academy staff in November 2006 as a Residential Counselor for the third floor, east wing. His involvement with the Missouri Academy is unique because he graduated (in spring 2000) from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and Arts - Arkansas' equivalent of the Missouri Academy. After graduating, Winston accepted a Presidential Scholarship from Grambling State University in Louisiana where he majored in Business Management. While at Grambling, he was a Residential Assistant, Supreme Court Chief Justice for the Student Government Association, and a student worker and recruiter for the Department of Enrollment. Upon graduating in the spring of 2004, Winston moved to Dallas, TX (Go Cowboys, Mavericks, and Rangers!) where he worked for Walgreens as an Executive Assistant Manager for two and a half years.

As a Residential Counselor for the Missouri Academy, Winston is responsible for creating a safe, structured living environment for students lo learn and grow. He is also in charge of implementing activities and programs that socially and/or educationally allow students to positively interact with one another while building academic and social skills. Along with the other five Residential Counselors on staff, Winston plays an intricate role in facilitating a family-like environment for students with the intent of making residential life at the Missouri Academy feel like a "home away from home."

Mr. Jerry Fuentes – Residential Counselor

Jerry was born and raised in Southern California his whole life. He started working with youth organizations at a very young age. He mostly worked at his church of other local non-profit organizations.

In 2002, he enrolled into Vanguard University of Southern California, Costa Mesa, CA. Jerry was heavily involved during his undergraduate years there. Many of his activities included: freshman orientation leader, Resident Assistant, University Activities Coordinator, acting in numerous plays, and participating in the Mr. VU pageant. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Youth Leadership Development with a Minor in Theater at Vanguard University, in May 2006. It was at this University that he decided to pursue a career in Residence life.

Jerry joined the Missouri Academy in August 2007. He is excited for the big move to Missouri. He hopes to learn as much as possible and have as many memorable moments as possible. His free time includes a lot of movie watching, sports of all types, keeping up on the Angels (go Halos), learning anything new, and just relaxing with good conversations.

Mr. Egon Heidendal- Graduate Assistant

Egon joined the Missouri Academy of Science, Math and Computing in August 2007.

In Fall 2001, Egon started his undergraduate career as a computer science major in The Netherlands. After one year he switched majors to Communication and Multimedia Design. During his junior year he decided to study abroad - he attended Northwest Missouri State University as an exchange student in the fall of 2005.

He then did an internship back in his home country at a small website development company called Aelmans iMedia. After his internship he studied abroad again at Northwest Missouri State University for two more semesters.

He graduated with Bachelor of Science in January 2007 from The Netherlands after completing one final internship working for the Dutch Government. In August 2007, he came to Northwest Missouri State University to pursue a Master’s Degree in Management of Business Administration.

Mr. Brad Whitsell- Graduate Assistant

Brad Whitsell graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in December 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and minors in Mathematics and Coaching. He joined the Missouri Academy family upon graduation in January 2008 as the Student Activities Coordinator. Brad is responsible for planning, organizing and evaluating student driven activities and events as well as coordinate all the clubs and organizations in the Academy.

During his undergraduate time, he was a member in Residential Life as a Resident Assistant for three years in the Tower Suites, a Peer Advisor for Freshman Seminar and a member of the National Residence Hall Honorary. He also kept busy with attending Northwest Bearcat athletic games, leadership conferences and the occasional studying of academics.

Brad is originally from the far away city of St. Joseph, Missouri. During what free time he has, he likes to run, play basketball, golf, bowl, watch movies, play video games and the internet! While working with the Missouri Academy, he is pursing his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership in the Elementary.