11-05-2025
Faculty, staff at Missouri State University lauded for showcasing public affairs mission
The Missouri State Board of Governors recognized six individuals — three faculty and three staff members — for their commitment to the university's public affairs mission.
Honorees received the prestigious Board of Governors' Award for Excellence in Public Affairs.
Presented annually, the award highlights faculty and staff who actively demonstrate the values of public affairs in their daily work on campus.
Each recipient is awarded an internal amount of $1,500 to support research, professional development or initiatives that advance their on-campus public affairs contributions.
The faculty winners include:
Gordana Lazic, assistant professor of communication, media, journalism and film, Reynolds College of Arts, Social sciences and Humanities;
Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi, associate professor of cooperative engineering, College of Natural and Applied Sciences;
Sarah Tipton, clinical assistant professor of elementary education and Internship Academy director, College of Education.
The staff winners include:
Campbell Keele, coordinator of transfer initiatives, Academic Advising and Transfer Center;
Alaina Smith, assistant director of access and success programs, student support and opportunity services;
Bart Tibbs, assistant director of transfer outreach and recruitment admissions, office of admissions.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Faculty, staff at MSU lauded for showcasing public affairs mission
