2026-2027 Recipients

Congratulations to the six recipients of the 2026-2027 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.

FACULTY

Dr. Jason McCollom, Associate Professor of History and the Department Chair of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the MSU West Plains campus. Jason’s leadership at the Ozarks Heritage Research Center and the Ozarks Studies Symposium create opportunities to translate scholarship into shared civic endeavors.  Through archival development, podcasts, publications, and student-centered research, his work creates stories that speak to a widely diverse audience.  Committed to instilling leadership skills, cultural competence and civic responsibility to both students and the public, he is able to engage his students in public affairs and create pathways for positive impacts.  

Kaleigh Pickett, Assistant Director for the School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies. Kaleigh demonstrates strong leadership in Missouri State’s Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program by supporting districts and future educators through flexible, community-focused avenues.  She reinstated the MSU Student Council for Exceptional Children, created an educational assessment practicum at Greenwood Laboratory School, and helped develop EdCafe. Students praise her ability to simplify complex material, while colleagues highlight her significant role in strengthening and preparing the special education workforce for today’s diverse learning needs.  

Dr. Bill Sandel, Associate Professor and Assistant School Director for Outreach and Partnerships in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Dr. Sandel’s work has created safer communities across the state of Missouri and beyond.  As principal investigator for a series of Homeland Security grants, and the sole academic representative on the Task Force on Nonprofit Safety and Security, Bill has delivered nationally recognized active shooter training to civilians and agencies at no cost.  Creating the nation’s first academic course on active shooter events, students and colleagues praise his ability to inspire deeper personal engagement in order to serve and prepare a more informed and responsible community.  

STAFF

Dr. Nina Barudzic, Director of the Mary Jean Price Walls Student Resource Center.  Nina demonstrates strong dedication to academic success and student engagement through programs like ChaTea, Lunch & Learn, Heritage Month events, and the Leadership Institute. She mentors Engaged Citizen students, chairs the Student Opportunity Fund, and advises several organizations. Known for equal care in small tasks and large initiatives, she also teaches in TRIO Upward Bound and GEP, supporting first-generation and first-year student success.

Suzanne Mwengi, Academic Administrative Assistant III for the Center for Academic Success and Transition. Suzanne’s work is grounded in patience, intentionality, and a strong commitment to student success. Treating every student and individual with dignity and respect, she is known for her patient approach and belief that leadership empowers others. Her ethical, culturally aware leadership strengthens CAST’s mission. She also contributes to the Peace Corps and Peace Corps Prep Program, extending her service beyond campus and into the global community.

Darren Wienberg, Senior Academic Advisor for the Reynolds College Center for Student Success. Darren’s number‑one priority is simple: take care of the students. Recognized for simplifying complex processes, Darren developed a 24/7 online form that enables students to request major, minor, or certificate changes, reducing barriers and expanding access. His advising and systems-thinking expertise, supports ethical student development, streamlines institutional processes, and impacts outreach.