Members of the Northwest Movers and Shakers pose for a photo after helping move a new staff member's belongings into her new home recently. The group of Northwest faculty and staff comes together regularly to assist new University employees with the moving process. (Submitted photo)

April 4, 2019

‘Movers and Shakers’ helping new employees feel welcome

By Grace Niemeyer, communication assistant

A group of Northwest Missouri State University employees and friends are easing the moving process for faculty and staff who come and go from Maryville.

Jeff Bradley, a senior instructor of natural sciences, and his wife, Gina, Northwest’s former event coordinator, organized the Northwest Movers and Shakers in 2015 when new geology faculty members were moving to Maryville.

The couple sent an email to other employees and, after receiving a positive response, created a Facebook group to grow the movement.

“It instantly took off once we did that,” Jeff Bradley said. “People started jumping on board and joining.”

The page has more than 160 members, with approximately 10-12 people helping with each move. It is open to all Northwest faculty, staff and community members who want to offer a helping hand or need help moving.

The Movers and Shakers help ease new employees into the Northwest community and provide a way to connect with new faculty in other academic areas.

“No one’s committing to anything, you’re just agreeing to be part of a group that can be called on, and if you’re available, great – but if not, no pressure,” Bradley said. “It’s a neat feeling to help people. When we help them move they are very appreciative. You can tell they’re surprised to see this turnout.”

Assistant Professor of Finance Dr. Renee Oyotode Epse Adebile received help from the group when her family moved across town.

“I was really happy and surprised to see my colleagues show up and help me move in,” Adebile said. “I really appreciated their help.”

Dr. Deborah Toomey, an assistant professor of business, is an active member of the group. She said the ultimate goal is to make Northwest faculty and staff feel welcome.

“One of our most dramatic moves was that Cassie Tavorn was concerned about how she was going to be able to move out of her apartment and into a home,” Toomey said. “The group came in, packed the whole place up and moved it to another location within hours. Cassie was floored by the work.”

Tavorn, the director of Northwest’s TRIO programs, said having the group help her move was “amazing.”

“Everyone made me feel like a part of the Northwest family,” Tavorn said. “They all were from different departments on campus, but the personable and inclusive spirit was warm and inviting. This group was instrumental in settling my spirit in knowing I made the right choice to move and work here.”