MSU honors six employees with Excellence in Public Affairs award

Three faculty members and three staff members at Missouri State University were honored for performing work that exemplifies the public affairs mission of the university.

The MSU Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Public Affairs is presented annually to recognize employees who demonstrate ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement on campus.

Each honoree receives $1,500 to fund research, professional development or initiatives that further public affairs efforts at MSU.

The honorees are as follows:

Nina Barudzic is director of the Mary Jean Price Walls Student Resource Center - Bear Cave.

Barudzic organizes initiatives, such as ChaTea events, lunch and learn programs, Heritage Month celebrations and the Leadership Institute. She mentors students and supports first-generation and first-year students through TRIO Upward Bound and the Engaged Citizen program.

Jason McCollom, associate professor of history and department chair of arts, humanities and social sciences at MSU-West Plains, is a leader in the Ozarks Heritage Research Center and Ozarks Studies Symposium.

MSU said through partnerships, archival work and student-centered research, McCollum connects academic work with public audiences in accessible and meaningful ways.

Suzanne Mwengi is an academic administrative assistant in the Center for Academic Success and Transition.

Mwengi guides first-year students, mentors employees and engages with the Peace Corps and Peace Corps Prep program.

Kaleigh Pickett, director of the School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies, is program director of Pathways for Paraprofessionals.

Pickett leads MSU’s registered apprenticeships program, supporting school districts and future educators. She reinstated the Student Council for Exceptional Children and helped develop key programs that strengthen the special education workforce, according to MSU.

William Sandel is associate professor and assistant school director – outreach and partnerships in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice in the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.

Sandel’s work focuses on translating research into community impact through statewide partnerships and training. He has helped deliver active shooter response training across Missouri and serves on advisory groups supporting community preparedness.

Darren Wienberg is a senior academic advisor in the Reynolds College Center for Student Success.

Wienberg developed an online form that allows students to request academic program changes at any time, improving accessibility and efficiency.