Karen Albright is an instructor for the RN to BSN program in the School of Health Science and Wellness. Previously, she was a nursing instructor in the LPN program at Bates Technical College in Tacoma, Washington, and she has worked as a women’s health nurse practitioner in Kansas City, Missouri; Portland, Oregon and Tacoma, Washington. She is a doctoral student with a specialization in nursing education at Capella University, and she has a master’s degree in nursing with a specialization in women’s health from Kansas City, Missouri, and a bachelor’s in nursing from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. 

Appi Alla joined Northwest in February as a senior project manager in Facility Services. He has 29 years of professional experience, working most recently at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania as director of campus design and construction. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from College of Engineering in Waltair, India, as well as a master’s certificate in project management from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and the “Institute for Facilities Management” certificate from the Association of Higher Education for Facilities Officers.

Jessica Anderson is a dietetic internship director for the foods and nutrition: dietetics program in the School of Health Science and Wellness. Previously, she was a dietitian for MOSAIC Life Care, the Nodaway County WIC Program, and the Texas A&M Diabetes Program. She has a master’s degree in applied health sciences and a bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition: dietetics, both from Northwest.

Dr. Robert Arndt is an assistant professor of biology in the Department of Natural Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in ecology at Indiana State University and a bachelor’s degree in biology at Eastern Michigan University.

Lori Atkins is an art instructor at Horace Mann Laboratory School. Previously, she was a K-12 art instructor in the Buchanan County R-IV School District. She has a master’s degree in instructional technology from Northwest and a bachelor’s degree in art education from Missouri Western State University.

David Barger is a custodian in Facility Services.

Jack Bilbo is a technical director and performance facility manager in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. His previous experience includes serving as technical director for the Dwight Edgewood Project, part of Yale Repertory Theatre Youth Programs in New Haven, Connecticut, as well as experiences in set and sound for Bridgeport Free Shakespeare in Connecticut; set and props for Utah Musical Theater Festival in Ogden, Utah; and acting at Yale Cabaret in New Haven. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Rhonda Billings is a custodian in Facility Services.

Caleb Booth joined Northwest as a hardscape groundskeeper in Facility Services in January. He received his bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Northwest and previously was employed at the Maryville Country Club.

Melanie Buford is an associate teacher and America Reads coordinator at Horace Mann Laboratory School. She previously taught kindergarten and elementary school grades in St. Joseph and Oregon, Missouri; and in Waterloo, Iowa. She has completed graduate studies at the University of Northern Iowa, and she has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina.

Dr. Leticia Cabrera is an assistant professor of biology in the Department of Natural Sciences. She has a Ph.D. in botany from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree in biology from The National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Dr. Shih-Hsien Chuang is an assistant professor in the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Business. He has a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a master’s degree in applied economics from the University of Houston and a bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Christopher DiLoreto is an assistant professor of physics in the Department of Natural Sciences. He has a Ph.D. in physics with an emphasis on computational physics as well as bachelor’s degrees in math and physics education and physics and high technology co-op from the University of Windsor. He earned a master’s degree in physics with an emphasis on computational biophysics from the University of Guelph.

Dr. Travis Dimmitt is an assistant professor in the School of Education. Dimmit’s professional experience includes work as 6-12 principal and social science teacher for North Nodaway R-VI schools as well as an educational consultant at the Northwest Regional Professional Development Center. He has his Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia as well as a master’s degree in secondary educational leadership and bachelor’s degrees in history and journalism from Northwest. He also serves as director of the Wesley Foundation campus ministry at Northwest.

Ronda Driskill is an instructor of animal science in the School of Agricultural Sciences. Previously, she has worked as a commercial beef specialist with ADM Animal Nutrition in Creston, Iowa; a nutritional consultant with J&RD Enterprises in Creston; and a nutritionist and sales representative at Red Star Feeds in Corning, Iowa. She has a master’s degree in animal nutrition from Iowa State University and a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Northwest.

Melissa Evans joined Northwest in May as administrative specialist to the president and secretary to the Board of Regents. For the last 26 years she served as the chief administrative officer for United Electric Cooperative in Maryville.

Barbara Fox is a custodian in Facility Services.

Adam Gonzales is a coordinator of diversity and inclusion in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. He comes to Northwest from Amarillo, Texas, where he worked in political and community advocacy for LGBTQIA citizens as a member of the Board of Directors for Equality Texas. He is a graduate of Conception Seminary College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy.

Marc Gordon was named head coach of the Bearcat soccer team during the winter. He had been director of soccer and head women's coach at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas, since 2010. Before that he was a head coach with the Pride Soccer Club in Colorado Springs, Colorado; athletics director and men's soccer coach at Holy Names University in Oakland, California; and he helped start men’s and women’s programs while serving in multiple roles at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kansas, and earned his master's degree in sport management and administration from the United States Sports Academy.

Allyson Graham is a Missouri Career Pathways regional consultant and career advisor at the Regional Professional Development Center. She previously was a college and career advisor at Benton High School in St. Joseph, Missouri. A native of Hamilton, Missouri, she earned her bachelor’s degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations at Missouri Western State University.

Carolyn Hall joined Northwest in July as a project assistant at the Regional Professional Development Center. She has 18 years of experience in education as a special education teacher, elementary classroom teacher and middle school science teacher. She was most recently the elementary and middle school principal and special education director for the Mound City (Missouri) R-II School District. She received her master’s in education leadership and her bachelor’s in elementary education and learning disabilities, both from Northwest.

Gavin Halm is an assistant professor of art in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. He earned a Master of Fine Arts at the University of California Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts in visual arts at the University of California San Diego.

Greg Hansen came to Northwest in January as assistant vice president of student affairs for campus recreation. He has 26 years of experience in managing recreation programs and facilities in campus and community settings, including work as the director and public information officer at the North Kansas City Community Center and the first intramural coordinator at Southeast Missouri State University, where he oversaw intramural facilities, including the aquatic and fitness centers. He has a bachelor’s degree in physical education for K-12 and a master's degree in athletic administration and education, both from Northwest.

Haley Harrill is an instructor of mathematics. She earned a master’s degree in applied mathematics at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she helped develop a quantitative reasoning course and was a supplemental instructor and an instructor for college algebra. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and Secondary Education Certification at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri.

Ann Heidendal is a financial assistance counselor in the Office of Financial Assistance. She previously was an accounting and human resources assistant for the Midwest Assistance Program in Maryville. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Northwest.

Fred Hendrix is a University police officer. A graduate of North Nodaway High School in Hopkins, Missouri, he spent the last three years working in the Department of Corrections and joined the Marine Corps Reserve last year.

Dr. Bronson Herrera is assistant professor of political science in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. He received his Ph.D. and master’s degree in political science from the University of Kansas and bachelor’s degree in political science from Brigham Young University-Idaho.

Dr. Heather Hill is an assistant professor of writing in the Department of Language, Literature and Writing and director of the Writing Center. She earned a Ph.D. and master’s degree in English with an emphasis on language and rhetoric from the University of Washington, and a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis on literature and language from Western Washington University.

Cody Hoepker is a pellet plant operator in Facility Services.

C.J. Holthaus is an instructor of language, literature and writing. She has a master’s degree in English from Northwest.

Addae Houston joined Northwest in April as assistant women’s basketball coach. He comes to Northwest after serving as head coach of the women’s basketball team at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa, where he also was an advising coach for TRIO students and tutoring coordinator for individual or small group sessions. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwest while playing two seasons with the Bearcat men’s basketball team and began his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the Bearcat women in 2006.

Dr. Vince Hustad is an instructor of biology in the Department of Natural Sciences. He has a Ph.D. in plant biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in biological sciences from Eastern Illinois University.

Dr. Jay Johnson is associate provost for academic operations and development. He comes from Fontbonne University in St. Louis, where he served as dean of the Eckelkamp College of Global Business and Professional Studies and associate professor of business. Previously, he taught marketing and directed Master of Business Administration programs at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, and at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas; served as the business management department chair at North Central Missouri College in Trenton, Missouri, and managed his family farm in Gallatin, Missouri. Johnson has an Ed.D. in educational leadership from the University of Missouri-Columbia, an MBA from William Woods University, and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Truman State University.  

Dr. Roger Johnson is an assistant professor of animal science in the School of Agricultural Sciences. Previously, he was director of applied genetics at Choice Genetics USA in West Des Moines, Iowa; director of pork quality at Smithfield-Farmland Foods in Denison, Iowa; and manager of meat science at DEKALB Swine Breeders in DeKalb, Illinois. He has a Ph.D. and master’s degree in animal science from South Dakota State University and a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Illinois.

Allison Kemper is the accounting manager in the controller’s office. Previously, she worked at Michael Foods Inc. in Lenox, Iowa, as a plant cost accountant. She earned both her MBA and bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northwest.

Helen Konstantopoulos returns to Northwest as the membership development and events coordinator for KXCV/KRNW radio. She spent the last year teaching high school math at West Nodaway High School. Previously, she taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and was an adjunct instructor in the School of Education at Northwest. Her 20 years of professional experience also includes teaching ESL in Greece and restaurant management. She earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education with endorsements in mathematics and German from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her master’s degree in education degree from Northwest.

Holly Kunkel is a custodian in Facility Services. She joined Northwest in January after working for the Association of Group Homes in Maryville.

Tom LaPann is an assistant professor of art in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. He earned a Master of Fine Arts in studio art with a concentration in sculpture at Louisiana State University and bachelor’s degree in art education from SUNY Buffalo State College.  

Jared Larson is admissions representative focusing in the Iowa region for the Office of Admissions. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2016 and his master’s degree in sport and exercise psychology last spring while working as a graduate assistant for the Bearcat volleyball program.

Dr. Damon Leiss returns as an instructor in the School of Health Science and Wellness. Previously, he was an assistant professor at Emporia State University where he also was an assistant football coach. He also worked as camp director at Camp Alexander in Emporia, Kansas. He has a Ph.D. in instructional design for online learning from Capella University as well as a master’s degree in health, physical education and recreation and a bachelor’s degree in general studies with emphasis in physical education and psychology from Emporia State.

Dana Mallett is a counselor in Wellness Services. Her professional experience includes work in higher education as well as community-based mental health agencies, while her therapy interests include alcohol and substance abuse counseling, issues related to depression and anxiety, and working with veterans. She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in human and community resources, both from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point as well as a master’s in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Brooke McAtee is an instructor for the RN to BSN program in the School of Health Science and Wellness. Previously, she served as a tenured faculty member in licensed practical nursing and associate degree nursing programs at North Central Missouri College, where she also was dean of nursing and health sciences. She has experience practicing in obstetrics and has taught numerous courses, including as an adjunct instructor at Northwest. She is a doctoral student with a specialization in nursing education at Capella University, and she has a master’s degree in nursing University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Colin McDonough came to Northwest in July as assistant athletics director for media relations. Previously, he was assistant director for athletics communications at the University of Northern Iowa, where had worked since 2005. He also spent time as an assistant director of athletic communications and media relations at the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Akron. He earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwest.  

Joni McDonough is an international specialist in the Office of Admissions. She comes to Northwest from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where she was a split office coordinator for marketing and communication and information technology services. She also worked in the newspaper industry as a copy editor for 13 years. A native of Maryville, she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwest.

Amy McLarren became the coordinator for systems and processes in Residential and Auxiliary Services in July. She was employed previously at Missouri Western State University and Southern Arkansas University. She has a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University and a master’s degree from Southern Arkansas.

Shadoe Miller is a University police officer after completing the law enforcement academy at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Previously, he was a community support specialist at the Family Guidance Center for six years and received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northwest.

Becky Moore is an instructor of early childhood education in the School of Education. Her previous experience includes work as director and as a preschool teacher at the University School for Young Children Child Development laboratory school and as an adjunct faculty member, all at Southeast Missouri State University. She is pursuing her Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and has a master’s degree in human environmental studies and a bachelor’s degree in human environmental studies with an emphasis in child development and family studies, both from Southeast Missouri State.

Dr. Trevor Meyer is an assistant professor of rhetoric and composition in the Department of Language, Literature and Writing. He earned his Ph.D. in English at the University of South Carolina with a master’s degree in English and bachelor’s degrees in English-liberal arts and philosophy from the University of Northern Colorado.

Dr. Eric Mosier is an assistant professor in the School of Health Science and Wellness. He earned his Ph.D. in exercise physiology, a master’s degree in exercise science and a bachelor’s degree in history, all from the University of Kansas, where he served as a primary instructor and assistant instructor.

Naga Sai Narne is a database administrator in the Office of Information Technology. Previously, he was employed by CVS Health Dallas, where he worked on data warehousing and business intelligence applications. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Northwest.  

Bryan O’Neal is a first and second grade associate teacher at Horace Mann Laboratory School. Previously, he served as a graduate assistant for third and fourth grades at Horace Mann. He has master’s degrees in education leadership K-12 and special education with bachelor’s degrees in elementary education 1-6 and special education K-12, all from Northwest.

Kelley O'Riley is a secretary in Wellness Services. Her past employment includes work as an administrative assistant for the city of Maryville for three years, and she was the medical office manager of Wellness Services for seven years. She earned has a professional secretarial certificate from DAVEA Career Center in Addison, Illinois.

Dr. Renee Oyotode-Adebile is an assistant professor in the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Business. She has a Ph.D. in international business with a finance emphasis from Texas A&M International University, Master of Business Administration degrees in international business and finance from University of New Orleans, a Maitrise degree in business management and a university diploma of professional accounting and finance from Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

Simone Page is a dispatcher in the University Police Department. Previously, she worked in the fields of early childhood development and customer service. She has a bachelor’s degree from Northwest in mass media with a video production emphasis.

Valerie Pierce is a project assistant at the Regional Professional Development Center. She has 36 years of teaching experience and spent the last seven years at Mid-Buchanan R-V School District as the A+ schools coordinator and curriculum and instruction director. She earned her bachelor’s degree in vocational home economics at Northwest and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Central Missouri.

Hillary Pritchett is a custodian in Facility Services.

Jake Robinson is a library circulation specialist at the B.D. Owens Library. He graduated last spring with his bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Northwest, where he also worked in Residential Life and Auxiliary Services as a resident assistant and assistant complex director.

Rebecca Rosario is a hall director in Franken Hall. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Courtney Rosenauer is a University Police officer.

Rachel Roush is a financial assistance counselor in the Office of Financial Assistance. A native of Maryville, she graduated from Northwest last spring with her bachelor’s degree in psychology and worked in the financial aid office for the last three years as a student employee. 

Jackie Runde joined the Northwest staff in June as a billing and collections coordinator in the bursar’s office. She spent the last two years as a marketing and sales coordinator at Sleep’s LLC in Bedford, Iowa. She has a bachelor’s degree in interactive digital media with a new media emphasis from Northwest.

Zach Schneider was named assistant men’s basketball coach in May. He spent the last year as a graduate assistant with the basketball program as well as the Student-Athlete Success Program. He graduated from Northwest in 2017 with his bachelor’s degree in business management after a four-year playing career during which he was part of four MIAA regular season championships, two MIAA tournament championships, four NCAA Sweet 16 Appearances and Northwest’s 2017 NCAA Division II national championship team in addition to being a MIAA Scholar-Athlete during his senior season.

Chris Scroggins is a financial assistance counselor in the Office of Financial Assistance. Previously, he worked for Team Rubicon, leading disaster response operations throughout the United states. He earned bachelor’s degree in comprehensive crisis response at Northwest and served four years as an infantry assaultman in the Marine Corps and completed tours to Iraq.

Morgan Shaw is an admissions representative in the Office of Admissions. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwest last spring in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry. As a student, he worked in the offices of Residential Life, Auxiliary Services and Student Affairs as well as a student ambassador.

Dr. Stuart Sprague is an assistant professor in the School of Agricultural Sciences. He comes to Northwest from Kansas State University, where he was a graduate teaching assistant in its Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources. He earned his Ph.D. in horticulture and a bachelor’s degree in horticultural science from Kansas State.

Brittany Stegeman is a complex director for Hudson and Perrin residence halls. Most recently she was a residential life coordinator at Young Harris College in Georgia. She also has worked in career services at Metropolitan Community College in Nebraska, in residential life at College of Saint Mary in Omaha. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Lincoln University in Missouri, where she worked in admissions and recruitment, and a master’s degree in counseling with an emphasis on student affairs in higher education from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where she worked in multicultural affairs.

Julia Tannehill is a transfer specialist in the Office of Admissions. Before coming to Northwest, she was a paralegal for more than 24 years, most recently at Ritchie, Soper & Schutt, LLC, in St. Joseph, Missouri. She has an associate degree in legal studies and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a legal studies emphasis, both from Missouri Western State University.