Sometimes we get so bogged down in day-to-day work and meetings that we forget there are many great things happening on campus. Over the last several weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to be reminded of some things that took me back to my academic roots.
Faculty members apply for tenure and promotions at specific times during their academic career following the tenure and promotions guidelines. For those who aren’t familiar, gaining tenure is a multi-year process requiring a lot of work. So, when we can let faculty members know their hard work has paid off, it’s exciting.
A breakdown of the recognition
I recently joined Interim Provost Dr. Tammy Jahnke and the deans of the colleges to deliver the good news of promotions to 54 faculty members.
- One new distinguished professor
- 18 new professors
- 20 new associate professors with tenure
- One new associate professor who had earned tenure earlier
- Five new senior instructors
- Eight new clinical associate professors
- One new clinical professor
A promotion of distinguished professor was awarded to Dr. Wafaa Kaf, from communications, sciences and disorders in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services. Promotion to the distinguished professor rank is the highest honor the university bestows on a faculty member. It’s intended to signify a select group of faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields as attested by national and/or international reputation. She joins 20 other distinguished professors at Missouri State.
Where were the promotions awarded?
- Five in the College of Business
- Three in the College of Education
- Five in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences
- Two in the Darr College of Agriculture
- Two in Libraries
- 25 in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services
- 12 in the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Congratulations to this fine group!
Master Advisor awards
I also attended the Master Advisor Reception last week, where the Curtis P. Lawrence Excellence in Advising awards were presented to staff member, Karmen Brewer; faculty member, Azaria Hogans and graduate advisor, Dr. Rhonda Stanton. Advising plays an important role in student success and retention. Thank you for your hard work and congratulations!
Lady Bears have a great season
Congratulations to Lady Bears basketball as they clinched their 15th Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championship on March 8. They share the title with Murray State University. And a big congrats to Coach Beth Cunningham for being named MVC Coach of the Year! What a great season for the Lady Bears.
Thanks for checking in. It’s a great day to be a Bear!
Biff