4 faculty, staff recognized with Dean’s Compass Awards

The College of Arts, Communication and Social Sciences at Northwest Missouri State University recently honored four of its faculty and staff members who embody the University’s core values related to collaboration, respect and integrity, and excellence.

Dr. Elise Hepworth, the dean of its College of Arts, Communication and Social Sciences, initiated the Dean’s Compass Awards last year and presented the awards again during the University’s academic unit planning and development meetings in January.

“Our faculty and staff are the driving force behind student success in the College of Arts, Communication and Social Sciences,” Hepworth said. “Recognizing them isn’t just a gesture — it’s a celebration of the passion, expertise and heart they bring to their work every day. They are the ones who create a welcoming culture, inspire excellence and truly makes Northwest a magical place to learn and grow.  And for this, I am deeply grateful to them as fellow colleagues.”

Any full-time faculty or staff member whose employment responsibilities are housed within the academic schools of the College of Arts, Communication and Social Sciences is eligible for nomination.

The award recipients and summaries of their nominations are provided below. One individual from each of the four schools comprising the College was recognized.  

	Tom LaPann, associate professor of art, School of Fine and Performing Arts LaPann has dedicated thoughtful and sustained time to examining the art program curricula. He has played a key role in setting in motion a plan to contemporize degree programs, ensuring they reflect industry demands and 21st-century trends, while keeping the best interests of Northwest students at the forefront. Additionally, he took on the majority of responsibility for developing program recruiting materials, which required both precision and a deep understanding of Northwest’s academic offerings. His willingness to shoulder this work speaks to his strong sense of responsibility and commitment to institutional excellence.
	Marla McCrary, office manager, School of Communication and Mass Media McCrary is a cornerstone of the Northwest community and has served as the office manager for the School of Communication and Mass Media for more than 25 years. She has become far more than an administrator and is a steady compass for students, faculty and staff, bringing a genuine spirit of care and professionalism to her work. She is exceptionally skilled in her role. She is sharp, detail-oriented and remarkably adept at managing the complex demands of a busy academic office. Her knowledge, efficiency and keen eye ensure that everything runs smoothly — often behind the scenes but never unnoticed by those who rely on her.
	Dr. Ildi Olasz, associate professor of English, School of Language, Literature and Writing Olasz contributes continuously and meaningfully to recruitment and retention while modeling community engagement. Beyond her formal committee service, she consistently demonstrates a deep dedication to supporting colleagues and students in ways that matter. Whether it is a school event, a visiting writer’s reading or a student presentation or social, Olasz’s presence makes a powerful difference at Northwest. Her consistent participation speaks volumes to her colleagues and sends a clear message to students that their work and experiences are valued.
	Randi Rogers, office manager, School of Humanities and Social Sciences Rogers demonstrates unwavering positivity and genuine commitment to going above and beyond in service to others, greeting everyone with a smile and a willingness to help. She is a constant source of encouragement and calm, even in the midst of challenging situations. Her patience and good humor make her a trusted and approachable presence for faculty and staff. She also is an incredible problem solver and advocate. She looks out for faculty in meaningful ways, ensuring they receive proper travel reimbursements, reminding them of every eligible expense and often completing the necessary forms herself to ensure nothing is missed or submitted late.