Southeast Missouri State University recognized outstanding faculty, staff, and student mentors during the 2026 Excellence in Advising, Student Success, and Teaching Celebration held Tuesday, April 21. 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.
The awards highlight individuals and departments who demonstrate a strong commitment to student learning, mentorship and support, both inside and outside the classroom.
Outstanding Academic Advisor Awards
Each year, SEMO 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 play a critical role in guiding students from start to finish in their college experience,” said Amanda Eller, director of Academic Advising. “This year’s winners go above and beyond to ensure their students feel supported and heard. They are intentional in their outreach and dedicated to building trust with those they serve. Their commitment reflects the highest standards of advising, making them well deserving of this honor.”
Outstanding Professional Academic Advisor – Lexi Roeding
Among this year’s advising honorees, Lexi Roeding, peer advising coordinator and academic advisor, received the Outstanding Professional Academic Advisor Award. Her dedication helps students navigate degree requirements while building confidence and career readiness.
Outstanding Faculty Academic Advisor – Dr. Marissa Franke
Dr. Marissa Franke, instructor in the Department of Agriculture, was named Outstanding Faculty Academic Advisor. She is recognized for her commitment to mentoring students, providing thoughtful academic guidance and fostering meaningful connections that support student success both inside and outside the classroom.
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.
“We have truly outstanding faculty at SEMO,” said Interim Provost Dr. Doug Koch. “The passion and commitment they bring to their work is remarkable, and these awards highlight the profound difference they make in the lives of our students.”
Excellence in Teaching Innovation – Dr. Seong Nam Hwang
The Excellence in Teaching Innovation Award goes to a faculty member who demonstrates a keen awareness of the needs of students. Dr. Hwang showcases how his teaching practice and program design promotes flexible and innovative learning. Seong Nam Hwang is professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences.
Excellence in Experiential Teaching – Amy Herren
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. Amy Herren is an instructor and clinical supervisor in the Department of Communication Disorders.
Excellence in Student Mentorship – Dr. Kirsten LaMantia
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. Dr. LaMantia provides support and advising beyond the scheduling of courses and participates in professional development as it relates to student success. Kirsten LaMantia is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling.
Excellence in Supporting Undergraduate Research – Dr. Rachel Morgan Theall
The Excellence in Supporting Undergraduate Research goes to a faculty member who instills an understanding and appreciation of research at the undergraduate level. Dr. Theall has established a strong mentoring relationship with her undergraduate mentees and supports and challenges them with engaging research in their disciplines. Rachel Morgan Theall is a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics.
Excellence in Supporting Graduate Research – Dr. Fidel Atuo
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. Dr. Atuo demonstrates excellence in supporting graduate research and establish strong mentorship relationships with students. Fidel Atuo is an associate professor in the Department of Biology.
Excellence in the Assessment of Student Learning – Dr. Tamara Buck
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. Tamara Buck is chair and professor in the Department of Mass Media.
Excellence in Online Teaching – Dr. Shakirah Nakasagga
The Excellence in Online Teaching Award recognizes a faculty member who champions online learning. Dr. Nakasagga demonstrates breadth and depth of knowledge in online learning from the global perspective and the individual online course best practices. She also shows evidence of scholarship and research in the field. Shakirah Nakassagga is an instructor in the Department of Agriculture.
Excellence in Student Recruitment – Dr. Yvonne Randolph
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. Yvonne Randolph is an assistant professor in the Department of Management.
OVC Outstanding Faculty Commitment to Student Success – Dr. Scott Brandhorst
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. Scott Brandhorst is an instructor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling and director of the Jane Stephens Honors Program.
Graduate Teaching Assistant Award – Brianna Arnzen and Mylissa Williams
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 SEMO for at least two semesters. Brianna Arnzen is a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of English. Mylissa Williams is a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences.
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 student success platform.
Verona Lambert, student success manager, says the SupportNET Student Success Awards are a true reflection of just how dedicated SEMO faculty and staff are to their students.
“Utilizing SupportNET is one of the best ways we can support our students across campus,” said Lambert. “These are faculty and staff who use the platform to maximize academic support, identify needs early, and connect students with the resources that help them stay on track and succeed.”
SupportNET Recognition and Appreciation – Dr. Sally Carter
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. Sally Carter is director of Testing Services.
SupportNET STAR – Makaila Blaylock
The SupportNET STAR recognizes a faculty or staff member for notable advancement in the use of SupportNET for student success and retention. Makaila Blaylock is a professional academic advisor in Academic Advising.
SupportNET STARS – Department of Management
The SupportNET STARS recognizes a team, group, or department for notable advancement in the use of SupportNET for student success and retention. The Department of Management is dedicated to creating an environment that supports academic success for students.
These awards reflect SEMO’s continued focus on fostering meaningful student experiences through dedicated teaching, mentorship and support systems that contribute to student success and career readiness.
By connecting students with faculty mentors, academic advisors and support resources, SEMO continues to prioritize an experience-driven approach to education that prepares graduates to lead in their careers and communities.