Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) recognized 22 outstanding faculty members during its annual Promotion and Tenure Recognition Event on Aug. 20.
The event celebrated faculty members who have achieved tenure and/or promotion through the university’s rigorous review process.
“Earning tenure and promotion are significant milestones in the careers of university faculty,” said MSSU President Dr. Dean Van Galen. “The faculty we recognize today have demonstrated success in teaching, scholarship and service. They have demonstrated that they are effective educators and scholars and are committed to mentoring, engaging and supporting our students.”
The Missouri Southern Board of Governors approved the tenure of four faculty members and the promotion of 18 faculty members during its June meeting.
2026 Tenure and Promotion Faculty Honorees
Tenure
- Dr. Betsy Adelizzi —Justice Studies, Assistant Professor,
- Dr. Alicia Burris —Biology & Environmental Health and Safety, Assistant Professor,
- Dr. Angie Durborow —Teacher Education, Assistant Professor,
- Ms. Whitney Hamm —Spiva Library, Assistant Professor
Promotion
- Dr. Wendy Chrisenbery — Nursing, Associate Clinical Instructor
- Mrs. Kathrine Christian — Dental Hygiene, Professor
- Mrs. Kathleen Cowley — Nursing, Associate Clinical Instructor
- Mrs. Michelle Dawson — Management, Associate Master Instructor
- Mrs. Jannette Eldred — Social Work, Associate Clinical Instructor
- Dr. Tonya Heavin — Teacher Education, Associate Professor
- Dr. Jody Jensen — English, Associate Professor
- Mr. John Kilmer — Biology & Environmental Health and Safety, Associate Master Instructor
- Mr. Kyle McKenzie — Art & Design, Professor
- Mr. Brian Mehrens — Communication, Associate Master Instructor
- Mrs. Sherilyn Merritt — Dental Hygiene, Associate Clinical Instructor
- Dr. Amber Mintert — Art & Design, Professor
- Dr. Aaron Moore — Chemistry/Physics Sciences, Associate Master Instructor
- Ms. Melissah Perkins — Biology & Environmental Health and Safety, Associate Master Instructor
- Mrs. Stephanee Schiding — Kinesiology, Associate Master Instructor
- Dr. Nicole Shoaf — Justice Studies, Professor
- Mrs. Erin Taber — Emergency Medical Services, Associate Clinical Instructor
- Mrs. Jenifer Vieselmeyer — Teacher Education, Associate Master Instructor
The event is a Missouri Southern tradition that began six years ago and provides an opportunity for the university community to celebrate faculty accomplishments and reflect on their impact on students.
