Nathan Patton Archives - Reynolds College Blog

Missouri State University’s Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) celebrated its fifth annual Judy Awards May 6, 2026, at The Old Glass Place.

The event honors the legacy of Judith Enyeart Reynolds by recognizing the achievements of faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends within the RCASH community.

Once again, Associate Dean Jake Simmons opened the ceremony. Announcing this year’s award winners were hosts Dr. Julia Troche and Dr. Perry Mears. Dean Shawn Wahl presented the Dean’s Awards.

Student groups earn Dean’s Champion and Distinction honors

Among this year’s Dean’s Champion Award winners were two student groups who have upheld Missouri State’s public affairs mission while demonstrating academic excellence.

Winners included the Missouri State Model United Nations team, along with their sponsor, Dr. Ashley Leinweber. The ARKTOS Saxophone Quartet, along with their sponsor, Dr. Matthew Tracy, were also recognized.

The Dean’s Award of Distinction honor went to the Missouri State Pride Marching Band, along with its directors and sponsors: Dr. Brad Snow, John Sullivan, Maxine Sullivan, Chris Church, Amy Perkins, and the band’s Drum Majors.

Dean’s Legacy Awards recognize English faculty

This year, the Dean’s Legacy Awards went to three retiring faculty members from the Department of English: Dr. Linda Moser, Tracy Dalton and John Turner.

Dalton and Turner recognized as outstanding senior instructors

Wahl honored Tracy Dalton and John Turner for their efforts as senior instructors.

The pair received the award because of “the long-term impact they have had in defining the rank of Senior Instructor,” Wahl said. Their legacy, he noted, has been “defined by innovative pedagogy and a commitment to service.”

“They have enhanced the academic environment for both faculty and students alike through exemplary teaching and service,” Wahl said.

Moser’s “visible and profound” influence praised

The third Legacy Award recipient was Dr. Linda Moser, professor of English and former department head.

“Linda is the kind of leader who never needed to announce her presence to be felt,” Wahl said. “As department head of English, she led from within—by example, with care and with a humility that made everyone around her better.”

Wahl expressed admiration and gratitude for Moser’s research, teaching and leadership accomplishments.

“Linda, you have left a legacy here that will endure,” Wahl said. “You are an example for how leaders can build a culture of trust, respect and excellence.”

Esteemed alumna Susan LaBarr honored

This year’s Dean’s Award for outstanding alumni went to Susan LaBarr.

LaBarr earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music and the Master of Music in Music Theory from Missouri State University. She studied with now emeritus professors Dr. Peter Collins and Dr. John Prescott. She also sang in the Missouri State Chorale under the direction of Dr. Guy Webb.

Now, LaBarr is not only an editor at Walton Music, the premier publishing house for choral music, she is also a highly sought-after composer, having recently completed a composer-in-residence assignment at Carnegie Hall in New York.

“Her compositions are performed by all-state choirs, Grammy-winning professional choirs, school, church, and community choirs and everything in between,” Wahl said when announcing LaBarr’s award. “Aside from her incredible musical ability, perhaps the greatest attribute that everyone always talks about is her kind heart and genuine care for those people around her.”

Awards commemorate Reynolds’ legacy

Named in honor of Reynolds, a dedicated staff member and role model for many years in the English department, the Judy Awards cover a variety of contributions to the college, ranging from traditional awards in teaching, research and service to those that recognize collaboration and other efforts that highlight the pillars of the University’s public affairs mission.

Except for the Dean’s awards categories, winners were nominated either by their peers or self-nominated, then selected by representatives from each academic department serving on the Judy Awards selection committee.

Faculty member Nathan Patton wins second year in a row

CMJF Assistant Professor Nathan Patton won Best of Festival and Best of Competition for his original television series pilot, “All These Lonesome Graveyards.”

“I’m sincerely honored to have one of my screenplays named Best of Competition and Best of Festival for the second year in a row,” Patton said. “I deeply appreciate the BEA for the recognition and more broadly for being a place that media faculty and, even more importantly, students can share their work.”

In 2025, Patton’s “L.O.T.U.S.” won BEA’s Best of Festival for original television series pilot, while “Orientation” won Best of Competition for feature narrative.

Student screenwriter Cooper Johnson nabs top award

Cooper Johnson’s “Bandit” won “Best of Festival” in the student scripting competition. “Bandit” also placed first in the original television pilot series category. Missouri State went on to sweep the top awards in that same category. Arden Dickson placed second for “Go Figure,” and Evalee Lowrey placed third for “Freaks.”

According to its press release, BEA awarded 19 faculty and student works for its “Best of Festival” Award honor. Both Patton and Johnson are among that elite group, and they will be honored at BEA’s 24th annual ceremony in Las Vegas on April 19. They will have their works screened during the event and will receive a cash award of $1,000 from the Diana King Memorial Endowment.

Habert and Upp place in multiple categories

Meanwhile, Emma Habert placed in two different categories. “This is Gonna Tickle” won third place in scriptwriting, and “The Will of the Mare” earned an Award of Excellence in the film and video category.

In addition, Tristan Upp earned honors in three different categories. Upp placed third individually in the narrative feature category for “Over Our Heads.” Along with Kim DeBold, Upp tied for second place for sound engineering and production with “Dawg Pound.” Finally, in collaboration with Caelan Baker, Brooks Beattie and Matthew Mulac, Upp garnered an award of excellence in multimedia sound design for “The Dog Salesman.”

CMJF continues winning legacy

CMJF department head Dr. Deborah Larson praised the group for their achievements, noting that Missouri State will maintain its position as the most highly awarded screenwriting program in the country for the sixth year in a row.

“Congratulations on your accomplishments and the quality of work that you do,” she said. “Winning 12 screenwriting awards and four production awards makes a statement that maintains a visibility nationwide of excellence in our programs. CMJF and MO State are proud of you.”

Judy Awards presented at fifth annual ceremony, honors outstanding achievements