State of the University Address and Chancellor's Awards
Friday, August 29, 2025
Touhill Performing Arts Center
10:30 a.m. Program, Lunch Reception to follow
All employees are encouraged to attend this important occasion and reception that follows. This is a wonderful opportunity to kick-off the new academic year and fellowship together as valued staff and faculty who transform the lives of our students and community every day. The State of the University Address from Chancellor Kristin Sobolik is an important and exciting annual event that updates faculty and staff on recent university accomplishments and future opportunities.
Livestream
2025 Chancellor's Awards for Excellence
COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND CREATIVITY
Katherine O’Daniels, PhD
Associate Teaching Professor,
Director of Gateway Writing Project
Educator Preparation & Leadership
College of Education
Nancy Robb Singer, PhD
Associate Dean
Educator Preparation & Leadership
College of Education
Shea Kerkhoff
Associate Professor
Educator Preparation & Leadership
College of Education
RESEARCH AND CREATIVITY
James O’Brien
Professor and Director of Undergraduate
Studies Chemistry & Biochemistry
College of Arts & Sciences
TEACHING TO A TENURED OR TENURE TRACK FACULTY MEMBER
Jill B. Delston, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Philosophy
College of Arts and Sciences
Matthew Henry
Associate Teaching Professor, Director of Percussion Studies
Department of Music
College of Arts and Sciences
TEACHING TO A NON-TENURE TRACK FACULTY MEMBER
Gwen Stubblefield, MSN, RN
Adjunct Professor
College of Nursing
SERVICE
Jerome E. Morris, PhD
E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Urban Education
Educator Preparation & Leadership
College of Education
ONLINE TEACHING
Umit Tokac
Associate Professor
College of Nursing
STAFF EXCELLENCE
Keri Jupka, MPH
Senior Research Associate
Office of Research
College of Nursing
Julie Mannarino, MHA
Associate Director
Missouri Institute for Mental Health
Blake Sutter
Assistant Director, Planning, Design, and Construction
Facilities
Dat Le
Senior Business Support Specialist
Education Academic Support & Administration
College of Education
Emily Eden-Hearn
Business Support Specialist II
Education Academic Support & Administration
College of Education
Angel Forsha, MBA, MHA
Associate Director of Clinical Operations
College of Optometry
GERALD AND DEANNE GITNER EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
Renata Sledge, PhD, LCSW
Assistant Professor
School of Social Work
2025 GOVERNOR’S AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
Andresa de Souza
Associate Professor, Applied Behavior Analysis Program Director
Educator Preparation & Leadership
College of Education
RETIREES OF THE YEAR
W. Howard McAlister, O.D., M.P.H.
Associate Professor Emeritus
College of Optometry
Lucinda “Cindy” Vantine
Director of University Events
University Advancement