On May 4, Lindenwood University’s Staff Council and Faculty Council co-hosted the 2023 Faculty and Staff Awards and Recognition Ceremony in J. Scheidegger Theater. The event also was livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

The annual ceremony spotlights work anniversaries, retirements, and those who have gone above and beyond to advance Lindenwood’s mission.

Senior Associate Athletics Director Tom Wagganer was awarded the Real Experience. Real Success. Award. This award recognizes a staff member who significantly impacted their department, maintained a high level of productivity, and demonstrated leadership qualities, among other things.

William “Zeke” Chism received the Rookie of the Year Award. Chism, who works in the Bursar’s Office, demonstrated excellence in overall job performance, provided significant contributions to the Bursar’s Office, and went above and beyond to assist others.

College of Science, Technology, and Health Office Manager Whitley Huxhold received the Lindenwood Staff Service Award. This award is given to a staff member who provides service to and promotes the University.

College of Arts and Humanities Office Manager Dr. Elaine Ragland won the Behind-the-Scenes Award, which is given to a staff member who does not work directly with the student population but still carries out Lindenwood’s mission and provides quality service.

Madison Shaw won the Student G.E.M. Award. Working with the Student Involvement team, Shaw demonstrated initiative and creativity to Lindenwood students throughout the year. Nominations for this award are submitted by students.

Elvin Cruz received the Q2 Moment Award; Justin Barton received First Year Impact Award; and Dr. Kate Tessmer received OVC Outstanding Faculty Award.

Faculty awards also were announced during the ceremony. Dr. Suzanne Stoelting received the Lindenwood Service Award, which is presented to a full-time faculty member who exhibited the highest level of service or promotion to Lindenwood.

The Scholar of the Year Award was given to Dr. Joy Peluchette for exhibiting the highest level of professional scholarship. 

Dr. Holly Karraker took home the Emerson Award for Teaching Excellence. This award is presented to a faculty member who demonstrates the best combination of innovation, student-centeredness, and effectiveness as a teacher.

The President’s Scholar Teaching Award went to Dr. Howard Wall for effectively merging professional with effective teaching skills.

Phil Gill was presented with the Lindenwood Adjunct Teaching Award. This honor is given to a faculty member who displays the best combination of teaching innovation, student-centeredness, and effectiveness as a teacher.  

Dr. Ana Schnellmann received the First Year Impact Award. This award is given to a faculty member whose instruction, advising, service, or other activities made a positive impact on first-year students.

RISE Awards recognize four faculty members who have achieved excellence in implementing two of the RISE pillars in their courses. This year’s winners included Dr. Erin Martin, Darren Marhanka, Kali VanBaale, and Jesse Yarger.

The RISE Innovator Award was presented to Dr. Trenton Olsen for his exceptional creativity, problem-solving, or innovation in implementing the RISE pillars in his courses.

Dr. Joseph Steineger won the Professor of the Year Award. This honor is given to a faculty member nominated by the student body who made a significant positive impact on students.

The Faculty Advisor and Mentor of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Annette Najjar. This award is given to a faculty member who was nominated by the student body who made a significant positive impact on students through advisory meetings and commitments to students.

Lindenwood President Dr. John Porter presented Karin May with the President’s Distinguished Service Award – the highest honor handed down – after she went above and beyond to serve the University.