2025-2026 Recipients

Congratulations to the six recipients of the 2025-2026 Board of Governors’ Excellence in Public Affairs Award. Three faculty and three staff were chosen for their accomplishments in integrating the public affairs mission into their academic and on-campus professional work. The Governors recognized each awardee with a plaque and $1,500 internal funds to be used toward advancing their professional public affairs work and projects.

This year’s six recipients are all outstanding examples of how Missouri State’s public affairs mission can, and does, affect the lives of our students, campus colleagues and members of our local and global communities.

Dr. Gordana Lazic, assistant professor of Communication, Media, Journalism and Film in the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.  As Director of the Public Speaking Course, Dr. Lazic reimagined one of the university’s largest service courses to align with the institution’s public affairs mission. The course now emphasizes critical thinking, ethical communication, and civic engagement, reaching nearly every student and fostering skills essential for workplace success and relational competence. Her work in teaching, research, and service reflects a deep commitment to cultivating ethical, culturally competent and engaged university citizens.

Dr. Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi,  associate professor in the Cooperative Engineering Program for the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.  The public affairs mission serves as a guiding light in all aspects as a professor, researcher and mentor in advancing AI in biomedical applications. Her local and international visibility for mentoring female and underrepresented minorities in STEM is helping build the next generation of transformative leaders in their fields. As a student commented, “Dr. T leads by example pushing us students to rise higher, support one another and lead with purpose and conviction.” 

Sara Tipton, Clinical Assistant Professor, Internship Academy Director and Elementary Education Program Coordinator for the College of Education. Cultural humility is the core belief that drives Sara’s approach to practicing and modeling public affairs with our Missouri State students, institutional partnerships and authentic community engagement. Using the mission as the center of her work versus a set of ideals to reference, Sara has expanded the Internship Academy into a national award-winning program, forged new strategic partnerships and created policy changes to help remove financial barriers for students.

Campbell Keele, Coordinator of Transfer Initiatives.  Public affairs is at the heart of Campbell’s work when  helping new transfer students navigate the process and explore their new home with Missouri State.  She consistently exhibits ethical leadership through student advising, mentoring and community engagement.  Her involvement includes Staff Senate, Living Learning Communities, Bear Power as well as other organizations where she encourages students and staff to take the opportunities available to integrate public affairs into their academic and personal lives. 

Bart Tibbs, Assistant Director of Transfer Outreach & Recruitment Admissions.  For over 20 years, Bart has been actively recruiting future Bears…explaining how the Public Affairs Mission benefits them as students, future employees, and ultimately as global citizens who value integrity and seek to include diverse voices.  He is often found building student and campus leadership connections through Bear House Calls, the Transfer Bears Living and Learning Community, Fountain Day, the Staff Bear Connection Mentor program and many more.

Alaina Smith, Assistant Director of Access and Success programs. Alaina could not be here today so her nominator, Armani Eason, will be accepting the award on her behalf. Alaina’s ability to connect people, foster meaningful partnerships, and inspire engagement embodies the public affairs mission.  Her work with the Bears Lead program, various campus committees, and ongoing dedication to the academic and personal success of students is ensuring students recognize their role as active citizens and shaping a better world.   Her accomplishments extend as a Staff Senator, member of the Bear Lauch Advisory Group and advisor for Sister Circle.