Newsmakers: Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2025

Education
College of the Ozarks hired Joseph Kennedy, Sarah Kenyon, Baylee McKinney, Danny McNamara, Kathy Miller, Matt Millsap, Holli Segura, Jason Steingraber, Josh Williams and Brian Wilson as new faculty at the start of the fall semester. An instructor of conservation and wildlife management, Kennedy has a bachelor’s from C of O and a master’s from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. With a bachelor’s from C of O, a master’s from the University of Arkansas and a doctorate from the University of Missouri, Kenyon was hired as an associate professor of agriculture. McKinney, who joined as instructor of culinary arts, has a bachelor’s from C of O and a master’s from Missouri State University. An associate professor of biblical studies, McNamara has a bachelor’s from Northland International University, a master’s from Grace Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theology and doctorate from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. A newly hired assistant professor of nursing, Miller has a bachelor’s and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas and a nursing master’s with an educator track from Liberty University and is currently pursuing her nursing practice doctorate at Liberty University. Millsap, who joined as an associate professor of history, has a bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Central Arkansas, as well as a doctorate from Baylor University. An assistant professor of theater, Segura has a bachelor’s from Missouri Baptist University, a Master of Arts from Fontbonne University and a Master of Education from MSU. Steingraber, who is serving as associate professor of education, has a bachelor’s from Northeast Missouri State University, a master’s from Truman State University, a master’s in education from MSU and doctorate in education from the University of Missouri. With a bachelor’s from C of O and Master of Fine Arts from Regent University, Williams was hired as an assistant professor of film and theater. An associate professor of agriculture education, Wilson has a bachelor’s and master’s in education from MSU, as well as an education specialist and education doctorate from Lindenwood University.

Law
Spencer Fane LLP hired Alden Smith as an associate attorney at its Springfield office. Smith has his bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri.

Nonprofit
Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc. named Josh Cotter, Barb Houser, Travis Liles, Judith Martínez-García and Louise Secker to new three-year terms on its board of directors. Cotter is an educator and director of Southern Missouri Technical Institute in West Plains; Houser is a shareholder at KPM CPAs & Advisors and leads the firm’s nonprofit practice; Liles is a director with Forvis Mazars Private Client; Martínez-García is an associate professor of languages, cultures and religion at Missouri State University and co-owner of Show Me Chuy; and Secker is a real estate professional in Joplin.