Faculty and advisors from the University of Missouri have returned from the 2016 UPCEA Central Region Conference (Oct. 17–19) in Indianapolis with awards for their outstanding leadership, excellence in advising and innovative programs.
Mizzou Online Assistant Director for Research Terrie Nagel received the 2016 John L. Christopher Outstanding Leadership Award in recognition of her service to UPCEA and to students.
Nagel had the support of Steven VandenAvond, Northern Michigan University vice president for extended learning and community engagement. “Terrie is tireless in her work,” he wrote in his letter of support.
She is productive, efficient and unwavering in her commitment to doing what is good for students and for the profession [of professional, continuing and online education]. … Terrie simply focuses outward on what others need and what will lead to “the greater good.”
The UPCEA 2016 award for Excellence in Advising went to Sandra Sites, online program coordinator for the Department of Education, School and Counseling Psychology in MU’s College of Education. Sites was chosen for having provided outstanding leadership and service as an advising professional.
Sites received numerous recommendations from former graduate students, including Carlos Blanco, a professor at St. Louis Community College.
Sandy went far beyond her duties as an advisor to the program … . From assisting me to select classes and providing pertinent information regarding course and scheduling changes, to offering me guidance regarding my educational program, Sandy provided me complete, individualized attention to promote my success … .
The UPCEA 2016 award for Innovative Programs went to MU’s master of public health program. Instructor Jenna Wintemberg accepted the award on behalf of the School of Health Professions.
Programs considered for the award were evaluated on cost effectiveness, quality, diversity and contribution to adult and continuing education – factors highlighted in the nomination letter:
The MPH program at the University of Missouri is preparing the next generation of leaders in one of the most needed and growing fields in the United States and around the world. Students learn the skillsets needed to make a lasting impact in a number of areas, such as infant health and safety, the aging population, international travel and commerce, antibiotics resistance and geopolitical threats … Moreover, distance and campus students are able to collaborate and exchange ideas through innovative and technology-rich classrooms.
About UPCEA: The University Professional and Continuing Education Association is the leading association for professional, continuing, and online education. Founded in 1915, UPCEA serves more than 400 institutions, including most of the leading public and private colleges and universities in North America. UPCEA also builds greater awareness of the vital link between contemporary learners and public policy issues.