Few offices at Missouri State can boast that they employ two recipients of the Board of Governors’ Excellence in Public Affairs award – but the Center for Dispute Resolution can!
Both the CDR’s Director Dr. Charlene Berquist and Associate Director Heather Blades have now been honored with this recognition, which is awarded annually to only three faculty and staff members at Missouri State University for their distinctive work and accomplishments in support of the University’s Public Affairs mission.
CDR Director Dr. Charlene Berquist
In the spring of 2016 the Board of Governors awarded Dr. Charlene Berquist the Faculty Excellence in Public Affairs award for her outstanding work and accomplishments at the CDR.
As stated by the Board, “Dr. Charlene Berquist brings the public affairs mission to life through her visionary leadership, community collaborations, innovative programs and dedication to student success. Her programs in adult and juvenile restorative justice services, as well as mediation training programs through the Center, have brought national recognition to Missouri State University and Greene County. She has mentored future leaders and instilled the tenants of public affairs to an entire generation of conflict resolution providers.”
CDR Associate Director Heather Blades
In the spring of 2019 the CDR’s Associate Director Heather Blades was awarded the Board of Governors Staff Excellence in Public Affairs award.
The board noted that “Heather integrates public affairs in her training, advising, mentoring, and skillful diplomacy. She is integral to the development of innovative programs with the Greene County Juvenile Office, as well as a Northern Ireland study abroad course [co-led with Dr. Charlene Berquist] that explores the dynamics of conflict and peacemaking. She challenges her students and program members to bridge differences and to understand the power of cultural competency and community responsibility to create unlimited opportunities.”
Learn More About the CDR’s Public Affairs Work
Learn more about how the work of the CDR supports the Public Affairs mission of the University at https://www.missouristate.edu/cdr/Mission.htm. Find out how you can get involved or support this work at https://www.missouristate.edu/cdr/Donate.htm.