Gina McNeese Receives Distinguished Faculty Award

On Thursday, Gina McNeese was named a 2026 Distinguished Faculty Award recipient at Northwest Missouri State. She attended Sheridan High School and later Worth County. She served as a lifeguard at the Grant City Pool.

In 1983 and in 1994, Gina got degrees at Northwest. In 1994, she became the Physical Education teacher for Horace Mann and a Physical Education instructor for Northwest.

She has mentored and supervised scores of Physical Education students learning within the elementary environment at Horace Mann. From 1995 to 2018, she directed the Kip Kittens gymnastics program at Northwest.

 

Northwest to Create Center for Rural Health

Northwest Missouri State University President Dr. Lance Tatum on Thursday announced the institution is taking aim at filling a gap and helping to train Missouri’s next generation of healthcare workforce by establishing a Center for Rural Health.

Tatum presented tentative plans for the center to Northwest’s Board of Regents during a Thursday morning work session, speaking to a vision he has held since arriving at the University in 2023.

“The University recognizes a critical opportunity to address growing healthcare workforce needs across rural Missouri and the surrounding region,” Tatum said. “With strong student interest and increasing community demand, Northwest is advancing plans to expand our allied health programs and strengthen our industry partnerships, helping us to ensure that rural communities have the healthcare professionals and leadership necessary for a healthier future.”

The Center for Rural Health at Northwest will serve as an interdisciplinary hub dedicated to training healthcare professionals and improving health in rural and underserved communities through academic innovation and program delivery. It also will serve as a resource to foster collaboration across disciplines and champion avenues for research.

“Part of our mission is to be good partners to the communities we serve in northwest Missouri,” Tatum said. “There are countless opportunities how this institution – through its facilities, through its level of talent and expertise, and just through its involvement – can serve Nodaway County, Maryville, and the broader region and state.”

Emphasizing the high need for nurses, Tatum pointed to data collected by the Missouri Hospital Association that shows the northwest Missouri region possesses a nursing vacancy rate of 12.1 percent while the state average is 10.1 percent. The University’s geographic location positions it well to be a nursing provider, not just in Missouri but to neighboring states also. 

Further, Northwest has admitted more than 2,100 pre-nursing students since 2019. Those students, however, can only complete general education and prerequisite nursing courses at the University before they must transfer to another institution to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

That convergence of interest and need creates the opportunity for Northwest to be a leader in healthcare fields while developing a strong workforce pipeline, innovative academic pathways and strengthened industry partnerships. A new four-year nursing program at Northwest will anchor the center, Tatum said, utilizing the expert faculty and resources it already possesses with its accredited RN-BSN and MSN program offerings.

Northwest could launch the center as soon as 2027.

“The workforce needs of northwest Missouri related to healthcare are real, and they are staring us directly in the face,” Tatum said. “Our vision is based on an opportunity we see through increased demand in existing programs that we already offer at Northwest.”

 

Step Afrika to Perform at Northwest January 28th

The highly-energetic, immersive dance group, Step Afrika! will return to Northwest Missouri State University as part of the Identity365 program hosted by the Center for Engagement and Community Connection and the Student Activities Council (SAC).

The performance begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, in the Mary Linn Auditorium at the Ron Houston Center for Performing Arts. It is free and open to the public.

“Learning about identity – your own and others’ – helps people better understand different perspectives and interact more thoughtfully with those around them,” Dr. Shay Malone, Northwest’s assistant vice president of institutional excellence and global engagement, said. “These events create shared experiences that spark conversation, build empathy and strengthen connections, making them valuable for anyone who wants to grow, learn and be part of a more connected community.”

Founded in 1994, Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, traditional African dances and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation promoting stepping as an educational tool for young people, teamwork, academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding.

In addition to touring about 50 colleges each year, the dance company headlined former President Barack Obama’s Black History Month Reception in 2016 and performed at the White House’s first-ever Juneteenth celebration.

”Events like Step Afrika! use energy, rhythm, storytelling and humor to help audiences learn about culture and identity in a way that feels accessible and engaging, not academic,” Malone said.

Identity365 is a year-long celebration of the vibrant experiences, backgrounds and cultures that shape Northwest. Through collaboration with student organizations, faculty and staff, Identity365 offers opportunities to explore and honor varied identities, foster greater understanding, community and connection.

SAC plans and administers activities for Northwest students to contribute to a more well-rounded social, recreational and cultural life for the campus and community. The student-led organization organizes late-night activities and events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, movies and comedians.

 

Shantel Farnan Co-Authors Textbook for Special Ed Teachers

Dr. Shantel Farnan, an associate professor of professional education at Northwest Missouri State University, has co-authored her first textbook, “Special Education in Today’s Diverse Classroom: Meeting the Needs of Students with Exceptionalities.”

With the goal of preparing future educators to foster trust and promote equity in their classrooms, the textbook provides additional resources for instructors such as realistic examples, lecture notes, case studies and class activities. The book is published by Plural Publishing Inc.

“No matter what type of teacher someone is going to be, they’re going to have diverse learners,” Farnan said. “They’re going to have students with disabilities in their classrooms. We really wanted to make sure that they were well equipped.”

To cement common teaching methods, the introductory-level textbook includes high-leverage practices and evidence-based practices.

Farnan collaborated on the textbook with Dr. Ruby Owiny, an associate professor in the College of Education at Minnesota State University, Mankato, due to their shared passion for special education. The pair swapped ideas for writing a potential textbook while meeting during a Teacher Education Division conference, where they had been members of the Small Special Education Programs Caucus for more than a decade.

“We knew that this is ultimately what we wanted to get out into the world — to ultimately affect those pre-K through 12 students in schools by getting this to future teachers through their universities,” Farnan said. “We wanted something that was focused on student needs, the diversity of those needs and practical strategies that could be used to meet their needs.”

The all-encompassing textbook discusses the entire spectrum of diagnosed disabilities from gifts and talents to those twice exceptional, which refers to individuals who are considered gifted and have a disability.

“We don’t want to just look at the students’ disabilities,” Farnan said. “We want to look at all the things that make them who they are and make them exceptional in every way.”

The authors also focused on implementing real-life vignettes to bring authentic voices to all children and students. Through far-reaching marketing, they want any university to be able to use the textbook without having to plan additional lessons.

“Real students and real families are really important to drive the strategies because these situations have happened and show how can we provide what these students need in our schools,” Farnan said.

Farnan joined the Northwest faculty in 2011 after serving as special education director in the Maryville R-II School District and teaching special education at Eugene Field Elementary School in Maryville and the Northeast Nodaway R-V School District in Ravenwood. In addition to teaching coursework related to special education, her research and scholarly interests are focused on collaboration, high-leverage practices, profession-based learning, collaborative scholarship and diverse field experiences.

Farnan is a Northwest alumna with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education, a master’s degree in educational leadership with an elementary education emphasis and an education specialist degree with an emphasis in superintendency. She earned her doctorate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in educational leadership and policy analysis.

Opinion -- KXCV Invites Listeners to Participate in Annual Fund Drive

Northwest Missouri State News Release

Northwest Missouri State University’s National Public Radio affiliate, KXCV-KRNW, will host its annual fund drive Saturday, Oct. 4, through Friday, Oct. 10, with a goal of increasing financial support and raising awareness for its informative programming.

While memberships begin at $65, the radio affiliate emphasizes that any amount of support is crucial to assisting with its operations and offering the quality programs that listeners have long associated with NPR and local listeners.

The theme of this fall’s fund drive is “Be a Big Deal,” underscoring the need for listener and community support amid decreasing federal funding.

“It’s going to be important if we can have a good, solid, successful fund drive to be able to fund the programming that our listeners have come to expect and love,” John Coffey, KXCV-KRNW’s station manager, said. “It’s a service that nobody else has in this region – to be able to provide news content that’s not available in any other radio station around, not only with the national and international programming that we offer but also support our local news. We are one of the very few stations in the region that still offers in-depth local news coverage, and that’s very important to our listeners.”

Launched in 1971 as the first full-powered public radio service in Missouri, KXCV (90.5 FM), a 100,000-watt NPR affiliate, provides in-depth news, informational programs and music. All of KXCV’s programming emanates from the Northwest campus, while a sister station, KRNW (88.9), founded in 1993, extends the radio programming across most of the northern 25 percent of Missouri, including KKWK in Cameron.  

As the flagship of the Bearcat Radio Network, KXCV produces all Northwest football and basketball broadcasts and game feeds to commercial radio affiliates throughout the four-state region. KXCV-KRNW programming also is accessible online at www.kxcv.org and via its Bearcat Public Media App.

Additionally, many NPR stations, including Northwest’s KXCV-KRNW, serve as a valuable arena for students to gain profession-based experience and build strong skills for future careers in broadcasting, reporting or even business.

“We want people to realize that not only are we a big deal with everything that we provide and the values that we establish, but listeners and members are also a big deal,” said Hannah Staggs, KXCV-KRNW’s membership development and events coordinator.

The radio station also will partner with Planet Sub in Maryville from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, where 20 percent of sales will go to KXCV-KRNW.

For donations exceeding $250, or by pledging 20 per month, contributors become a “Sustaining Member” and can receive a KXCV-KRNW-branded hoodie.

People who wish to donate can give online by visiting www.kxcv.org/pledge.

For information about KXCV-KRNW and supporting public radio through a membership, visit www.kxcv.org or call 660.562.1163.

 

Northwest Launches New Series of Speakers, Events

The Center for Engagement and Community Connection at Northwest Missouri State University is offering a new event series this fall, titled “Identity 365,” as a yearlong celebration of the vibrant experiences, backgrounds and cultures that shape Northwest.

The series launches with speaker Thomas Sanchez on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Then, former Northwest football player Tony Miles with deliver a lecture on Friday, Oct. 3.

“Through Identity365, we aren’t just recognizing heritage months,” said Dr. Shay Malone, Northwest’s assistant vice president of institutional excellence and global engagement. “We’re celebrating the various backgrounds, identities and perspectives of our students every day of the year. Everyone is welcome to take part in these programs that highlight the strength of our Bearcat community.”

More details about upcoming events are provided below. All Identity 365 events are free of charge and open to the public. 

Tony Miles 

6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, in the Charles Johnson Theater at the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building 

Miles made history as a standout wide receiver and kick returner, helping the Bearcat football program win back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championships in 1998 and 1999. He went on to an eight-year career in the Canadian Football League, winning the 2004 Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts and is a member of Northwest’s M-Club Hall of Fame as well as the MIAA Hall of Fame.

A co-author of “When The Walls Speak: Fathers Restoring Generational Confidence,” Miles teaches and coaches football and track at University High School in Waco, Texas, where he continues to inspire the next generation of student-athletes.

Miles will discuss what motivates him and how he overcomes adversity.  

Dr. Tori Zeiger

Noon Monday, Oct. 13, in Student Union Meeting Room D

Zeiger, an osteologist and Native American Graves and Repatriation Act coordinator for the St. Joseph Museums, will teach attendees about the historical artifacts Native American tribes use to identify one another and how to bead bracelets. 

Party for a Purpose: Silent DJ Party

9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, in the Student Union Ballroom 

Northwest students are invited to attend this event, combining music and community impact. Guests can dance to their choice of live DJ channels while contributing non-perishable food items to support the Bearcat Food Pantry.

 

Northwest to Hold 9/11 Stair Climb Event

Northwest Missouri State University is commemorating lives lost during the events that transpired on 9/11 with its annual stair climb.

The stair climb will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, at Bearcat Stadium. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees must sign a waiver to participate in the 2,071-step challenge, which may be completed individually or in groups of two to five people.

Participants can register at Bearcat Stadium on the evening of the event.

Northwest’s Emergency and Disaster Management Club, the 1-129th Field Artillery of the Missouri National Guard and the Maryville Fire Department are partnering in support of the event.

Travis Surprise, an instructor of emergency and disaster management at Northwest, is serving as this year’s master of ceremonies and helping to organize the event.

“The value of this event is to learn our history, so it’s never repeated,” Surprise said. “We learn why 9/11 is so important and understand the physical exertion that was needed that day to save the lives they were able to save. We can teach the younger generation what happened that day and what came from those terrorist actions.”

The Maryville Fire Department will start the event with a bell ceremony and a moment of silence.

The Memorial Bell Tower, located at the center of the Northwest campus, will chime at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m. and 10:03 a.m., marking the times that each of the four planes crashed on 9/11.

Additionally, Northwest will play footage of the events of 9/11 on the Bearcat Stadium video board.

On Sept. 11, 2001, militants hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States, flying two planes into the World Trade Center’s twin towers in New York City, a third into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. A total of 2,996 people died during the attacks, including 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York City police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers who were attempting to evacuate the buildings and save others who had been injured.

 

Nationally Known Educator to Visit Northwest

Northwest Missouri State University will again welcome to campus this fall a veteran educator whose humorous videos have gained him a vast social media audience.

Gerry Brooks, a longtime friend of Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum and first lady Jill Tatum, will appear at the University for a lecture, beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, in the Charles Johnson Theater at the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building.

Tickets are $16 and available for purchase by visiting bearcatsports.com and clicking the tickets tab at the top of the website.

All proceeds will be directed to support the University’s Pay It Forward Fund, which provides assistance to Northwest students who are struggling financially and engages them with resources to be successful financially, socially and academically.

The doors at the Fine Arts Building will open at 1 p.m., and Brooks will be available for a meet-and-greet and photos until 1:45 p.m.

Brooks has been an educator for 20 years, beginning as a third-grade teacher in Palm Bay, Florida. He has since gained experience as an intervention specialist and administrator, including 12 years as an elementary principal. He resides today in Lexington, Kentucky, with his wife, Kelly.

After using humorous videos to encourage his staff, Brooks has become a nationally known encourager for teachers by sharing his videos and experiences through social media and speaking events.

Brooks has earned a reputation as a voice for teachers with his passion to lead others to be responsible for their personal climate and culture in the workplace. He seeks to help administrators successfully lead staff in a positive and constructive manner, and his book, “Go See the Principal,” outlines strategies for taking on that responsibility.

 

Author Aimee Bender to Visit Northwest April 3rd

Northwest Missouri State University’s Visiting Writers Series continues this spring with a short story author and novelist known for her unique style of magical realism and emotional depth.

Aimee Bender will visit Northwest and present her work from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3, in the J.W. Jones Student Union Boardroom. She also will participate in a panel for the Northwest Day of Writing on April 4. The events are free and open to the public.

“Bender will share the power of fiction to break down barriers, both personal and cultural, and show us how stories can speak to the most profound and confusing aspects of our lives,” Daniel Biegelson, the series director and senior instructor of English, said. “Ultimately, I hope she’ll remind us that storytelling can be a tool for transformation — one that reaches back to our collective past while looking ahead to our future.”

Bender’s latest book, “The Butterfly Lampshade,” was published in 2020 and deepens the exploration of memory, perception and the surreal.

Her other novels include “The Girl in the Flammable Skirt” (1998), which was a New York Times Notable Book and spent seven weeks on the Los Angeles Times’ bestseller list; “An Invisible Sign of my Own” (2000); and “Willful Creatures” (2005), which was nominated by The Believer as one of the best books of the year. Her 2010 novel, “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake,” won the Southern California Independent Booksellers Association Award for Best Fiction and an Alex Award. “The Color Master” (2013) also was a New York Times Notable Book.

Her work has been published by Granta, GQ, Harper’s Magazine, Tin House, McSweeney’s and The Paris Review. Her stories have been heard on Public Radio International’s “This American Life” and “Selected Shorts.”

She also is involved in Imagination Workshop, a social project that fosters artistic expression among people with special needs and mental disabilities. She has received two Pushcart Prizes and multiple nominations for the Tiptree Award and the Shirley Jackson Award.

Bender earned her bachelor’s degree in literature and creative writing from the University of California San Diego and a master’s degree in fiction from the University of California, Irvine. She teaches creative writing at the University of Southern California.

The Visiting Writers Series is designed to enrich Northwest’s educational mission while promoting the values of community, civil discourse and self-expression. Kawasaki Motos Manufacturing Corporation, Green Tower Press and the Department of Language, Literature and Writing sponsor the series.

The series concludes with Maya Angelou Award Winner Jamel Brinkley on Friday, April 18.