Southeast Missouri State University recognized outstanding faculty, staff, and student mentors during the 2025 Excellence in Advising, Student Success, and Teaching Celebration held Tuesday, April 22. The Awards celebrate individuals and teams who go above and beyond in supporting students, fostering innovation in education and advancing the University’s mission of academic excellence.
OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ADVISOR AWARDS
Each year, Southeast recognizes one professional advisor and one faculty advisor for their exemplary commitment to student success. These individuals are also nominated for the National Academic Advising Association’s (NACADA) Outstanding Advising Awards.
“Advisors often serve as students’ first and most consistent points of contact throughout their academic journeys,” said Amanda Eller, director of Academic Advising. “Bashair and Lori are student-centered advisors who are approachable and available to their students. They offer proactive support and build positive relationships with their students. They embody the core values of being a Master Advisor and are so deserving of their awards.”
Outstanding Professional Academic Advisor – Bashair Ahmad
Bashair Ahmad serves as an Academic Advisor in the Office of Academic Advising, where she is known for her supportive and student-centered approach. Her dedication helps students navigate degree requirements while building confidence and career readiness.
Outstanding Faculty Academic Advisor – Dr. Lori Mueller
Dr. Lori Mueller, instructor in the Department of Management, has long been recognized for her mentoring and advising excellence. In addition to this year’s advising honor, she was also named the OVC Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year, highlighting her exceptional impact on students, curriculum development, and community engagement.
PROVOST AWARDS FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE
Each year, SEMO honors faculty who have made outstanding contributions to teaching, mentorship, and research across a range of disciplines. These awards reflect the diverse and dynamic work taking place in classrooms, labs, and learning spaces across campus.
“These awards celebrate more than excellence in instruction—they recognize mentorship, innovation, and the passion our faculty bring to their work every day,” said Dr. Doug Koch, interim provost.
Excellence in Teaching Innovation – Dr. Sarah Dietrich
The Excellence in Teaching Innovation Award goes to a faculty member who demonstrates a keen awareness of the needs of students. She showcases how her teaching practice and program design promotes flexible and innovative learning. Sarah Dietrich is an associate professor in the Department of English.
Excellence in Experiential Teaching – Dr. Felipe Brito
The Excellence in Experiential Teaching Award goes to a faculty member who employs several high-impact practices in their instruction and fosters growth in students through an increased ability to learn and apply the knowledge, skills, and concepts needed for success. Felipe Brito is an assistant professor in the Department of Music.
Excellence in Student Mentorship – Dr. Suhair Amer
The Excellence in Student Mentorship Award is given to a faculty member who puts forth extraordinary efforts to increase student success through meaningful academic experiences. Suhair provides support and advising beyond the scheduling of courses and participates in professional development as it relates to student success. Suhair Amer is the assistant chair and professor in the Department of Computer Science.
Excellence in Supporting Undergraduate Research – Dr. Charlotte Cervantes
The Excellence in Supporting Undergraduate Research goes to a faculty member who instills an understanding and appreciation of research at the undergraduate level. Charlotte demonstrates that she has established a strong mentoring relationship with her undergraduate mentees and supports and challenges them with engaging research in their disciplines. Charlotte Cervantes is the program director and assistant professor in the Department of Allied Health, Kinesiology and Sport Sciences.
Excellence in Supporting Graduate Research – Dr. Lucas Kirschman
The Excellence in Supporting Graduate Research goes to a faculty member who helps build and develop research skills and a passion for research in graduate education. Lucas demonstrates excellence in supporting graduate research and establish strong mentorship relationships with students. Lucas Kirschman is an assistant professor in the Department of Biology.
Excellence in the Assessment of Student Learning – Dr. Sarah Kuborn
The Excellence in the Assessment of Student Learning Award is given to a faculty member who demonstrates best practices by developing meaningful assessments that lead to student success and that inform teaching practices. Sarah Kuborn is the interim chair and associate professor in the Department of Child and Family Studies.
Excellence in Online Teaching – Dr. Shawn Guiling
The Excellence in Online Teaching Award recognizes a faculty member who champions online learning. Shawn demonstrates breadth and depth of knowledge in online learning from the global perspective and the individual online course best practices. He also shows evidence of scholarship and research in the field. Shawn Guiling is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling.
Excellence in Student Recruitment – Dr. Nick Kenney
The Excellence in Student Recruitment goes to a faculty member who demonstrates extraordinary effort to attract and recruit students to apply for University admission or enroll at the University, exhibits ingenuity in devising novel methods and strategies to connect with prospective students or their families, is adept at developing innovative programming initiatives that result in heightened student enrollment, and demonstrates active involvement in various recruiting events and activities. Nick Kenney is the chair and professor of horn in the Department of Music.
OVC Outstanding Faculty Commitment to Student Success – Dr. Lori Mueller
The OVC Outstanding Faculty Award is given to a faculty member in each OVC member institution who has had an impact on students, who has contributed to the department, university, and curriculum development and has been involved in the community and with institutional service. Lori Mueller is an instructor the Department of Management.
Graduate Teaching Assistant Award – Hannah Witty
The Graduate Teaching Assistant Award is given to a graduate student who demonstrates excellence in teaching. The student must also be currently enrolled and have had teaching responsibilities at Southeast for at least two semesters. Hannah Witty is a graduate assistant with the Department of English.
SUPPORTNET STUDENT SUCCESS AWARDS
SupportNET Awards honor those who have made a lasting impact on student retention and academic support with SEMO’s early-alert and advising coordination platform.
SupportNET Recognition and Appreciation – Alicia Lincoln
The SupportNET Recognition and Appreciation Award recognizes a faculty or staff member for their excellent service to students and innovative contribution to the use of SupportNET. Alicia Lincoln is the candidate status and certification officer in Educator Preparation.
SupportNET STAR – Debbie Carter
The SupportNET STAR recognizes a faculty or staff member for notable advancement in the use of SupportNET for student success and retention. Debbie Carter is assistant director of TRIO/Student Support Services.
SupportNET STARS – Athletic Academic Services
The SupportNET STARS recognizes a team, group, or department for notable advancement in the use of SupportNET for student success and retention. Athletic Academic Services is dedicated to creating an environment that supports academic success for student athletes.