issue 17 summer 2017 · 2018-05-30 · - 1- issue 17 summer 2017 neo president’s partners provide...

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- 1 - ISSUE 17 Summer 2017 NEO PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS PROVIDE TRAVEL FUNDS FOR NATIONAL WRESTLING TOURNAMENT AND TEAM GEAR PARTNERS SUPPORT FACULTY-STAFF, COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS PROVIDE DONATION TO SUPPORT NEO FOOTBALL COACHES AND STUDENT- ATHLETES PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS SUPPORT NEO’S LOVE’S CUP COMPETITION TEAM NEO PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS SUPPORT STUDENT STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO KEEP NEO BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE PARTNERS PURCHASE NATIONAL TOURNAMENT GEAR FOR LADY NORSE PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS HONOR TOP THREE STAFF MEMBERS PARTNERS SALUTE FACULTY DAWN SMATHERS HONOR BY THE JOPLIN REGIONAL BUSINESS JOURNAL MABON CAMPUS IMPROVEMENT AWARD SPONSORED BY PARTNERS PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS MEMBERSHIP The President’s Partners provided $3200 in funding for the third and penultimate edition of “From Lead and Zinc to Blue and Gold.” All three publications have been a labor of love for Director of Library Services and Head Archivist Sloane Arana and will be treasured by alumni and friends for decades. Thanks to the generous funding from the President’s Partners, portions of our history are preserved in these booklets to tell the wonderful story of NEO. Jennifer Walker, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation “From Lead and Zinc to Blue and Gold” is a celebration of NEO through the years and volume three covers 1970 to 1994. This volume includes the tenure of Presidents Dr. Creech, Dr. Wright, and Dr. Carroll. Although there were several challenges during this period, from floods to Members of the Creech family were presented a bound version of the first three volumes of “From Lead and Zinc to Blue and Gold” for their continued dedication to NEO. (From left): Mike Shannon, Jay Creech, President Jeff Hale, First Lady Donna Hale, Guest Speaker John Lomax, Public Information Coordinator Jordan Adams. (Bottom Row): Dan Creech, Jan Shannon, Dorothy Creech, Jim Creech, Pat Creech. P.2 P.3 P.4 P.5 P.6 P.7 P.8 PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS MAKE GENEROUS $3200 DONATION TO PRESERVE NEO HISTORY THIS ISSUE Continued page 2 Dear President’s Partner: Summer classes have concluded at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and the 2017-18 academic year is quickly approaching. Classes at NEO resume on August 21 and the year promises to be filled with excitement, engaged students, and proud alumni returning to their alma mater. The fall semester will kick off a historic time on our campus. A few of the upcoming highlights include: This year’s incoming students will be the first to reside in the new Quad Housing constructed on the south end of campus. The new facility will house nearly 85 students and feature suite-style accommodations with a private restroom, accessible parking, and modern security features. Ag students will be the first to experience hands-on learning in the new Animal Science Lab located at the Synar Farm. The new facility will allow an indoor/outdoor learning area to aid in the study of sheep, cows, and hogs. NEO will implement an Honors Program to enhance the educational experience of high-achieving students. Students accepted into the Honors Program will benefit from challenging course work and service-learning opportunities, as well as receive scholarship funding and on-campus housing privileges. Students arriving on campus will benefit from a completed $2.5 million fiber-optic upgrade that will enhance and accommodate the demanding tech needs of our faculty and students. As you can see, the faculty and staff at NEO remain determined to serve students and provide a college experience that is second to none – despite continued devastating state funding cuts. Just as important as the dedication of our employees is the support from our alumni and friends. Throughout this past year, the President’s Partners have generously supported more than $50,000 in campus projects and initiatives. These are projects that directly impact students. As we prepare to welcome a new class of Norseman, I want to thank you for your loyal support of the President’s Partners and invite you to campus to see for yourself the difference you are making at NEO! GO GO NEO! Dr. Jeffery L. Hale President Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College

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Page 1: ISSUE 17 Summer 2017 · 2018-05-30 · - 1- issue 17 summer 2017 neo president’s partners provide travel funds for national wrestling tournament and team gear partners support faculty-staff,

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ISSUE 17 Summer 2017

NEO PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS PROVIDE TRAVEL FUNDS FOR NATIONAL WRESTLING TOURNAMENT AND TEAM GEAR

PARTNERS SUPPORT FACULTY-STAFF, COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPPRESIDENT’S PARTNERS PROVIDE DONATION TO SUPPORT NEO FOOTBALL COACHES AND STUDENT-

ATHLETES

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS SUPPORT NEO’S LOVE’S CUP COMPETITION TEAM

NEO PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS SUPPORT STUDENT STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCEPRESIDENT’S PARTNERS SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO KEEP NEO BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE

PARTNERS PURCHASE NATIONAL TOURNAMENT GEAR FOR LADY NORSEPRESIDENT’S PARTNERS HONOR TOP THREE STAFF MEMBERS

PARTNERS SALUTE FACULTY DAWN SMATHERS HONOR BY THE JOPLIN REGIONAL BUSINESS JOURNALMABON CAMPUS IMPROVEMENT AWARD SPONSORED BY PARTNERS

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS MEMBERSHIP

The President’s Partners provided $3200 in funding for the third and penultimate edition of “From Lead and Zinc to Blue and Gold.”

“All three publications have been a labor of love for Director of Library Services and Head Archivist Sloane Arana and will be treasured by alumni and friends for decades. Thanks to the generous funding from the President’s Partners, portions of our history are preserved in these booklets to tell the wonderful story of NEO.”Jennifer Walker, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation

“From Lead and Zinc to Blue and Gold” is a celebration of NEO through the years and volume three covers 1970 to 1994. This volume includes the tenure of Presidents Dr. Creech, Dr. Wright, and Dr. Carroll. Although there were several challenges during this period, from floods to

Members of the Creech family were presented a bound version of the first three volumes of “From Lead and Zinc to Blue and Gold” for their continued dedication to NEO. (From left): Mike Shannon, Jay Creech, President Jeff Hale, First Lady Donna Hale, Guest Speaker John Lomax, Public Information Coordinator Jordan Adams.(Bottom Row): Dan Creech, Jan Shannon, Dorothy Creech, Jim Creech, Pat Creech.

P.2

P.3

P.4P.5

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P.7P.8

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS MAKE GENEROUS $3200 DONATION TO PRESERVE NEO HISTORY

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Continued page 2

Dear President’s Partner:

Summer classes have concluded at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and the 2017-18 academic year is quickly approaching. Classes at NEO resume on August 21 and the year promises to be filled with excitement, engaged students, and proud alumni returning to their alma mater.

The fall semester will kick off a historic time on our campus. A few of the upcoming highlights include:

• This year’s incoming students will be the first to reside in the new Quad Housing constructed on the south end of campus. The new facility will house nearly 85 students and feature suite-style accommodations with a private restroom, accessible parking, and modern security features.

• Ag students will be the first to experience hands-on learning in the new Animal Science Lab located at the Synar Farm. The new facility will allow an indoor/outdoor learning area to aid in the study of sheep, cows, and hogs.

• NEO will implement an Honors Program to enhance the educational experience of high-achieving students. Students accepted into the Honors Program will benefit from challenging course work and service-learning opportunities, as well as receive scholarship funding and on-campus housing privileges.

• Students arriving on campus will benefit from a completed $2.5 million fiber-optic upgrade that will enhance and accommodate the demanding tech needs of our faculty and students.

As you can see, the faculty and staff at NEO remain determined to serve students and provide a college experience that is second to none – despite continued devastating state funding cuts.

Just as important as the dedication of our employees is the support from our alumni and friends. Throughout this past year, the President’s Partners have generously supported more than $50,000 in campus projects and initiatives. These are projects that directly impact students.

As we prepare to welcome a new class of Norseman, I want to thank you for your loyal support of the President’s Partners and invite you to campus to see for yourself the difference you are making at NEO!

GO GO NEO!

Dr. Jeffery L. HalePresident Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College

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P R E S I D E N T ’ S P A R T N E R S . . . I M P A C T I N G C A M P U S A N D T H E C O M M U N I T Y

tornadoes and everything in between, NEO and the students, staff, and faculty are shown to be resilient in the face of adversity, while they flourish in times of plenty. The third edition was presented to the family of former NEO President Dr. Creech as part of the 2017 Founders’ Day festivities. The former NEO First Lady Dorothy Creech and several family members joined the ceremony. The booklet also covers some of NEO’s greatest leaps forward, from establishing the NEO Development Foundation, which now distributes over $135,000 in scholarship funding each year to the development of distance education in the 1970s and 80s, and the transition of the Licensed Practical Nurse program into the Associate Degree Nursing Program. If you would like to receive a copy of “From Lead and Zinc to Blue and Gold,” please contact the NEO Foundation Office at 918-540-6115.

Continued from page 1 | President’s Partners Make Generous $3200 Donation to Preserve NEO History

The President’s Partners made a $1000 donation to the NEO Wrestling program to help offset travel to Council Bluffs, Iowa for the 2017 NJCAA Wrestling National Championship. In addition to helping with the travel expenses, the Partners also provided the wrestlers with matching team shirts. NEO produced two individual wrestling national champions at the national competition. Ten NEO wrestlers under Coach Joe Renfro and Assistant Coach Dennis Siegmann placed third

NEO PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS PROVIDE TRAVEL FUNDS FOR NATIONAL WRESTLING TOURNAMENT AND TEAM GEAR

NEO Wrestlers take time out from practice before the national tournament to show off their new team shirts purchased by the President’s Partners.

“I cannot thank the President’s Partners enough for their support. Our wrestlers sported the shirts with a lot of school pride at the National Tournament. At many of our home matches, several of the Partners were in the stands cheering on the team this year, so I truly appreciate all the support given to us throughout our season.”NEO Head Coach Joe Renfro

as a team and nine of the ten wrestlers placed in the top eight, with five placing in the top five in their class. Shawn DeShazer, a red shirt freshman physical education major from Wichita, Kan., was NEO’s first national champion at the event, winning the 133-pound class 10-6 over Iowa Central’s Zak Hensley. Wyatt Jordan, a freshman agri-business major from Collinsville, Okla., defeated Clackamas’s Dillon Ulrey 6-2 in the 165 pound class to earn his national title.

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The President’s Partners supported many great initiatives during the 2017 spring and summer semesters. From funding the prestigious Love’s Cup Competition and the annual Mabon Award to supporting NEO Athletics travel to National Tournaments and student scholarships, your support has been very evident on campus.

Since its inception in 2009, the President’s Partners have funded nearly $400,000 in projects. This funding is critical to the success of so many programs and initiatives on our campus – especially in this challenging economic environment. As members of this elite program, you play a partnership role with our students, faculty and staff that is greatly appreciated.

As support for the President’s Partners grows, I would like to welcome our newest Partners, Mr. and Mrs. Stan Beesley.

Thank you for your continued support of NEO A&M College. As a Partner, your generosity will help ensure that our students receive a great education and experience college life at its best. If you know of someone who would make a great addition to the Partners, please contact the Foundation Office at 918-540-6250.

I hope you enjoy this issue of President’s Partners’ Preview and take great pride in the many projects that you have helped support.

Sincerely,

Jennifer WalkerExecutive DirectorNEO Development Foundation

P R E S I D E N T ’ S P A R T N E R S . . . I M P A C T I N G C A M P U S A N D T H E C O M M U N I T Y

Jennifer WalkerExecutive DirectorNEO Development

Foundation

The President’s Partners supported NEO’s presence at the Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce Employee Extravaganza on April 27. Funding from the Partners was used to purchase 35 tickets so NEO employees could take part in the annual event – and win the honor of most employees in attendance. This year’s event was themed “Mad Hatters” and was held in the showplace of Buffalo Run Casino. In addition to several faculty members, employees from more than 12 departments across campus enjoyed a night of food, fun and fellowship. Demonstrating their true festive spirit, many NEO employees dressed up with their best “mad hats.” One of the largest crowds in recent history, more than 700 employees from businesses throughout Ottawa County attended the Employee Extravaganza. In addition to entertainment, the event included a dinner catered by NEO Sodexo, games, and numerous door prizes.

The President’s Partners recently provided $3000 in funding to the NEO football program to upgrade technology at the Crossland Complex. The support was used to purchase five new computers and a flat screen television to assist coaches and student-athletes.

“Technology is a huge part of what we do on a daily basis. Our Student Athletes constantly need on computers to do homework and print. As coaches all video is now online. We upload video every day, meet and evaluate on our computers and TV screens. With this gift The President’s Partners have allowed us to work and operate at Championship level and made a huge impact on our quest to #StayGolden.” Clay Patterson, Head Coach

NEO Football will host their first home game on Saturday, September 2 at 6pm against New Mexico Military Institute. The game has been designated Military Appreciation Night and will feature a special halftime performance to honor the men and women of our armed forces. Active and retired military personnel will receive free admission to the game with ID.

PARTNERS SUPPORT FACULTY-STAFF, COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS PROVIDE DONATION TO SUPPORT NEO FOOTBALL COACHES AND STUDENT-ATHLETES

(Front row): Jamie North, Shawnna Edwards, Sky Pendergraft, Jeanie Pettus(Back row): Kendra Cummins, Ruth Coyne, Amanda Arnold, Angie Gleaves, Cindy Bigby

(From left): President’s Partner Chuck Chesnut, Cordale Grundy, Darwin Thompson, Head Coach Clay Patterson, and Judge Hartin

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P R E S I D E N T ’ S P A R T N E R S . . . I M P A C T I N G C A M P U S A N D T H E C O M M U N I T Y

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS SUPPORT NEO’S LOVE’S CUP COMPETITION TEAM The President’s Partners provided $1500 in funding to support NEO’s team in the highly competitive 2017 Love’s Entrepreneur’s Cup competition – and the team didn’t disappoint with an impressive third place finish. Competing in the Small Business Division against non-research campuses, two-year colleges, and private universities, NEO competed against 30 other entries, including those put forth by Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, Oral Roberts University, and the Oklahoma Christian University. The third place finish earned the NEO team a $5,000 prize for their business plan for a unique dining experience called “The Social Niche.”

“I am very proud of the NEO team. To compete against four-year universities and finish in the top three says a lot about their hard work and the outstanding guidance of Calvin Becker, team advisor. This team represented NEO very well.”NEO President Jeff Hale

The finish marks the third time in five years that NEO has placed in the top three and the first top three finish for Advisor and Business Instructor Calvin Becker. “The team had to give their presentation and pitch to two sets of judges and had to field some tough questions, but they hit a grand slam,” said Becker. “I think that was a key aspect that separated them from the other schools and even from some of the teams we’ve had in the past. Both days that they had a Q&A session, they were extremely good at answering the judge’s questions.” The team was led by Sophomore Travis Hins, a Business Administration major from Miami, Okla. He was joined by Sophomore Business Administration Technology/Accounting Major James Bowman of Kansas, Okla., Computer Science

Photo from left: Calvin Becker, Mike Ferry, Travis Hins, Hannah Stephens, James Bowman

Major Mike Ferry of Miami, and Hannah Stephens, a Business Administration major from Vinita, Okla. Team members enroll in an exclusive course, where members are hand-selected by Becker. The class focuses on the competition, but also instructs students in creating modern and attractive business plans. During the competition, teams submit written plans, which are judged by a panel of investment and business experts. Eight teams are selected to give oral presentations and only six teams are selected to compete for the top three spots. During the oral presentation, the format is similar to the popular television show “Shark Tank,” where students will give a pitch and then field tough questions from judges. The team pitched “The Social Niche” as a unique twist on the usual dining experience. While many restaurants will carry sports on big-screen televisions, “The Social Niche” takes advantage of the connected world and displays social network feeds on television screens. Guests can order their food through an app, which would allow them to customize a burger for a sit-down meal or pay for a wrap if they have to grab their meal to-go. “This project required a lot of time and effort when it came to running the financials,” said Bowman. “It wasn’t just some hypothetical problem; we were running actual projections and developing a business plan that focused on profit and expansion. At times, it would have been nice to have a lighter course schedule, but we were able to work hard, juggle our other commitments, and put together a really solid plan.” The restaurant would also modernize the ‘plate peeking’ practice so guests can see what other people in the restaurant are having and if it looks like a good meal option. Guests could snap a photo of their meal and post it to the televisions throughout the restaurant. The proposed site would be across the street from NEO and cater to college students and nearby Miami High School students, as well as the general population of Miami. For more information about the Love’s Cup competition or to discuss becoming an investor for “The Social Niche”, contact Calvin Becker at [email protected].

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The mission of NEO A&M College includes a call to learning, service, and leadership in a global society. For graduating sophomore Nathanael Flocchini, this will included a ten-day study abroad program to China through the International Scholar Laureate Program. The NEO President’s Partners recently donated a stipend to Flocchini that will cover a portion of his program fee. “I plan to go into full-time ministry and this program seemed like the perfect way to understand how foreign affairs, diplomacy, and business relations work in another country,” said Flocchini. “Whether I end up in missions abroad or ministry in the United States, it is important to have a better understanding of life and my relationship with the world.” Flocchini will join a delegation of students in a ten-day international relations and diplomacy program. Beginning in Beijing, he will travel to Hangzhou and Shanghai to meet with foreign policy experts, government officials, and cultural staff. During these visits, Flocchini will also attend a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to witness China’s diplomatic efforts with North Korea and Taiwan. The group will engage in tourism as well and visit historic sites like the Great Wall of China. “The President’s Partners are proud to support Nathanael’s opportunity to study abroad,” said Jennifer Walker, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation. “Education extends beyond the walls of the classroom and this experience should help shape Nathanael for his future career in ministry.” Flocchini earned an invitation to the program through his membership in the Mu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and his academic performance at NEO. PTK is the oldest international honors program in the world for two-year colleges, consisting of over 1,250 chapters. The Mu chapter of PTK recently earned a five-star chapter honor. “I am very grateful to the Mu chapter of PTK, Dr. Hale, and the President’s Partners,” added Flocchini. “Their generosity will help me gain newfound perspectives and supplement my passion to reach foreign countries through mission work.”

NEO PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS SUPPORT STUDENT STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE

P R E S I D E N T ’ S P A R T N E R S . . . I M P A C T I N G C A M P U S A N D T H E C O M M U N I T Y

Nathanael Flocchini receives a check from President’s Partner Mark Rasor to help offset the cost of a ten-day study abroad program to China through the International Scholar Laureate Program.

It takes dedication and a lot of work to keep a college campus looking beautiful and safe. In appreciation for all the efforts on our campus, NEO hosted a luncheon to honor and thank the men and women of the Maintenance Department and Campus Safety. Landmark employees, responsible for cleaning and maintaining the grounds, also joined in the celebration, which was held on July 25th in the Calcagno Family Ballroom To show their support, the President’s Partners provided $750 in funding to honor three employees who have “gone the extra mile” the past year. Employees received a check for $250 for their efforts. Employees honored as part of the fourth annual event were Bill Prewett and Dave Harkin from the Maintenance Department and Eric Pfeffer from Campus Safety.

“I would like to thank the President’s Partners for funding these awards for our employees. Bill and Dave take great pride in their work and make NEO a better place for everyone – especially our students.”Physical Plant Director Steve Grimes

Campus Safety Director Mark Wall agreed, “Eric is a dedicated officer who takes campus safety very seriously. He makes the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors his top priority, and is very deserving of this award.”

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO KEEP NEO BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE

Eric Pfeffer

Dave Harkin

Bill Prewett

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NEO A&M COLLEGE PARTNERS SUPPORTING NEO

The Lady Norse Softball team qualified for a trip to the NJCAA Division 1 National Tournament, and the team and coaches traveled in style with help from the President’s Partners. A generous donation from the Partners provided the team with matching tournament shirts.

“I am very grateful for all of the support the Partners have given the softball program, as well as all of NEO Athletics. Several of the Partners are loyal fans of NEO Softball and attend many games throughout the season to cheer on the girls.”Eric Iverson, Head Coach

The team headed to St. George, Utah to compete in the tournament, which began on May 17. Finishing the season with a 42-8 record, the Lady Norse entered the tournament ranked number 17. After battling against the most elite teams in the nation, the Lady Norse finished the tournament eighth overall. “Overall I was extremely proud of the way we played,” added Iverson. “It’s quite an accomplishment to make back-to-back trips to the national tournament and do as well as we did.” NEO won their third straight District B-Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference title with a 28-4 overall mark. While winning their eighth straight game during the past two regionals, the Lady Norse have won nine total regional crowns during Iverson’s 21-years as head coach at NEO.

The President’s Partners sponsored $1500 to fund three prestigious honors at the Annual Service Award Ceremony held on May 8th in the Calcagno Family Ballroom. As part of the celebration, employees were treated to a luncheon served by NEO Sodexo. On behalf of the President’s Partners, Dr. Hale presented Keeley Adams with the “Get on Board” new staff award; Sandy Shults with the Outstanding Staff Award; and Coach Jim Rowland with the Outstanding Coach Award for 2016-17. Each employee received a certificate and $500. Outstanding faculty was also honored at the event. Faculty awards were sponsored with Dobson funding. Dr. Dawn Smathers received the New Faculty Award; Dr. Jeff Birdsong was presented with the Faculty Distinguished Service Award; and Adam Compton was honored with the Dobson Excellence in Teaching Award. “It is very generous of the President’s Partners to honor our outstanding staff members with a cash donation,” said Jennifer Walker, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation. “These are employees who went above and beyond throughout the entire year to see that our students received a top notch education and had a great experience at NEO.” The event also recognized employees who had completed five, ten, fifteen, twenty, and thirty years of service at the College, as well as honored seven employees who had announced their retirement. Dr. Jeff Hale and Dr. Bethene Fahnestock also recognized the Faculty Association and Staff Association Presidents for their dedication during the academic year. This year’s retiring employees included: Kyle Kennon, Postmaster; Nancy Kennon, Clerk Admissions Office; Ruth Sutton, Nursing Instructor; Matt Mayfield, Physics and Math Instructor; Sherry McCurley, Director of the Adult Learning Center; Mike Neal, Forestry/Wildlife Instructor; and Randy Jones, Chemistry Instructor. The retirees collectively had 172 years of service to NEO.

PARTNERS PURCHASE NATIONAL TOURNAMENT GEAR FOR LADY NORSE

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS HONOR TOP THREE STAFF MEMBERS

Before heading out to the NJCAA Division 1 National Tournament in St. George, Utah, President’s Partners Mark Rasor, Carol Calcagno and David Thomas presented the team and coaches with matching NEO tournament shirts.

Sandy ShultsJim RowlandKeeley Adams

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NEO A&M COLLEGE PARTNERS SUPPORTING NEO The President’s Partners supported Dr. Dawn Smathers honor as part of the Joplin Regional Business Journal’s (JRBJ) Salute to Health Care by purchasing a table at the prestigious banquet held at the Ramsey Event Center in Joplin. Dr. Smathers serves as the Director of NEO’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program. NEO President Dr. Jeff Hale served as the emcee for the event. The seventh annual Salute to Health Care was held on March 30 to honor area health care professionals. “Dr. Smathers continues to be an effective leader on campus and in the medical community,” said Dr. Hale. “We are very fortunate at NEO to have her on faculty. Dawn is very deserving of this recognition.” Dr. Smathers was nominated for her excellence as an educator and program director. In her work, she is focused on the changing nature of the industry and of classroom needs. To adapt, Dr. Smathers focuses on teaching her students to adopt an evidence based approach for the care they provide. “In health care, we are being challenged to prove why the interventions we perform are actually helpful for the patient. The focus has shifted more to an evidence-based practice and students need to learn how to research diagnoses or therapy interventions in order to best serve their clients,” said Smathers. “Education techniques are also shifting from traditional lecture-style classrooms

PARTNERS SALUTE FACULTY DAWN SMATHERS HONOR BY THE JOPLIN REGIONAL BUSINESS JOURNAL

Dr. Dawn Smathers was honored at the Seventh Annual Salute to Health Care Event hosted by the Joplin Regional Business Journal. Dr. Jeff Hale served as the emcee of the evening.

to interactive classrooms that focus on active learning. This is crucial for PTA students because their education must include not only learning the information, but also learning the hands-on skills necessary in their career.” Dr. Smathers worked in the industry for over a decade before deciding shift her focus to educating future physical therapist assistants. While maintaining her work on an as-needed basis, she has served as

the full-time instructor since 2012 and was named the director of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program in 2016.

“I’ve always enjoyed the opportunity to work with someone to become more independent after an accident, injury, or birth defect. Our national organization states that ‘every PT or PTA is an educator’ and I apply that to my patients as well as my students. I enjoy the interaction that occurs in the classroom and I love to see how my students’ lives change as they work in health care.”Dr. Dawn Smathers, Director of NEO’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program

The NEO PTA program is a highly competitive program with a 100 percent board pass rate and a 100 percent employment rate within six months of graduation for students who have passed the board exam and are seeking employment as a PTA.

NEO Ag students hosted a ribbon cutting for the new Animal Science Facility at the eighth annual Founders’ Day on March 24. The new facility will allow students an indoor/outdoor learning area to aid in the study of sheep, cows, and hogs. As part of the celebration, Jennifer Walker, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation, announced the English Department as the winner of the James Mabon Campus Improvement Award. English Instructor Jan Williams submitted the proposal that won $2000 toward the department’s project to improve technology in the English/Reading Lab. The President’s Partners funded the award. The NEO Foundation also funded the second and third place projects which included CASA Coordinator Ryan Orcutt’s Library/Administration building access ramp beautification project and Taylor Graham’s Agriculture proposal for cattle mats also received partial funding.

MABON CAMPUS IMPROVEMENT AWARD SPONSORED BY PARTNERS

The Mabon Award was formally presented during the 2017 Founders’ Day Celebration at Synar Farm by Mabon family members Dr. Clark Osborn and Jane Osborn. From left: Jennifer Walker; Dr. Clark Osborn; President’s Partner Jane Osborn; President’s Partner Dr. Bethene Fahnestock; Dr. Lesli Deichman; and NEO President Dr. Jeff Hale.

“The President’s Partners have been generous to fund the winning Mabon Campus Improvement Award for the past eight years for a total of nearly $20,000,” added Walker. “The winning proposals have all been projects that directly impact student, faculty and staff.”

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Partners’ Preview Issue 17Winter 2017

Mr. & Mrs. Alex AcupanMr. & Mrs. Stan BeesleyMr. & Mrs. Tom BerryMs. Annette BlackMrs. Jessica BolesMr. & Mrs. Tom BomfordMr. & Mrs. Chuck BowmanMrs. Carol CalcagnoMr. & Mrs. Norm CarnettMr. and Mrs. Jordan CashMr. & Mrs. Chuck ChesnutDr. and Mrs. Joe ChouteauMr. & Mrs. Jim ConardMr. & Mrs. Casey CookMs. Carmen CouchMr. & Mrs. Jim CouchMr. & Mrs. Art CousatteMrs. Becky Bowman CustredDr. Leslie DeichmanMr. & Mrs. Doug DollMr. Scott DonaldsonMr. & Mrs. Cy ElmburgDr. Bethene FahnestockDr. and Mrs. Mark FolksChief & Mrs. John FromanMs. Kathy Shamel FuhsMs. Nancy GeeMr. Charles GlasscockRep. & Mrs. Larry GlennMr. Art GoadMr. & Mrs. Steve GwartneyMr. & Mrs. Brent HackettMr. & Mrs. Sid HackwellDr. & Mrs. Jeff HaleMr. & Mrs. Joe HallMr. & Mrs. Bobby HayesMr. & Mrs. Buff HighlandMr. & Mrs. Jack HornerMr. & Mrs. Tim IngramMr. & Mrs. Jason IshmaelMr. & Mrs. Erik JohnsonMr. & Mrs. Curtis JurgensmeyerMr. & Mrs. Pat JurgensmeyerMr. & Mrs. Terry JurgensmeyerMrs. Virgil JurgensmeyerMs. Sally KelleyMr. and Mrs. Rob KimbroughMr. & Mrs. Renick Kreeger

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS MEMBERSHIP CONTINUES TO GROW To date the Partners have contributed nearly $400,000. The impact of this team of donors is evident on our campus. Thank you to the following:

Mr. & Mrs. Dean KruithofMr. & Mrs. Jessie LangstonMr. & Mrs. Dick LillardMr. & Mrs. Todd McClainDr. & Mrs. John McFerronDr. & Mrs. Clark McQuiggMrs. Anna MilliganMr. & Mrs. Chuck NealMr. & Mrs. Bill OsbornDr. & Mrs. Clark OsbornDr. & Mrs. Matt OsbornMr. William OsbornZ. Jane Mabon OsbornMr. & Mrs. Donne PitmanMr. Mark RasorMr. & Mrs. Barry ReynoldsMr. Clay RoblyerMr. & Mrs. Dan Rotelli Mr. & Mrs. Stacey Satterwhite Mr. & Mrs. David SlattonMr. & Mrs. Larry SmithMr. & Mrs. Robert L. SmithMr. & Mrs. Charles StonerMs. Virginia SwansonMr. Mark SwansonMr. & Mrs. David ThomasMr. & Mrs. Paul ThomasMr. & Mrs. Steve TurnboMr. & Mrs. Bill Turner Mr. & Mrs. Toby TylerMr. Rick Vandaveer Mr. & Mrs. Marcel WaltherMr. & Mrs. Jack WimerMs. Sally Whittenberg Ms. Ann WilleyMs. Phyllis WorleyMr. Mike Youngwirth

CORPORATE PARTNERSJ&M FarmsIntegrisChaptersSecurity BankCoca-ColaWalton Family FoundationRamona Munsell and Assoc. Frank Fletcher Toyota of Joplin