Lt. Ken Gullett of the Department of Public Safety lives by his own motto, which earned him the Southeast Missouri State University Employee of the Year Award for 2010.
Violet Lashmet approaches her work each day as the primary custodian in Crisp Hall with the philosophy that it’s important to “let the kids know you care about them.”
Sr. Administrative Assistant, School of Extended Learning/ School of Polytechnic Studies
Cheryl Reinagel, of Kelso, Mo., is the senior administrative assistant for the School of Extended Learning & School of Polytechnic Studies. Although her duties and responsibilities have evolved throughout the years, her work philosophy has remained the same.
Teena Reasoner, assistant director for fraternities and sororities at Southeast Missouri State University, is dedicated to her job and her students—so much that she often has to remind herself to take time to relax.
When Christie Renner graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1994, she was the first in her family to ever receive a college diploma. Being a first generation graduate, she says, has caused her to realize how important education really is.
Karen Walker, director of financial aid at Southeast Missouri State University, has been told she was raised with a German work ethic. She was not quite sure what that meant until she researched it, but others, by observing her at work, would know it’s a good thing.
Since Randy Carter began working at Southeast in 2006, he has helped countless students resolve issues and make smart decisions regarding their schooling.
Many students arrive on campus not knowing what they want to do after graduating, and most students don’t know the what, when, where, and how’s of the internship process. Joyce Hunter, Southeast Missouri State University experiential learning coordinator (or “internship guru,” as she likes to call it) eliminates that confusion for students everyday.
As a child growing up in a military family, honor and duty was instilled in Kenny Mayberry’s life. Now Kenny carries those virtues into his job as a lieutenant with the University Police at Southeast.
Ellen Farrow of Jackson, Mo., enjoys the best of both worlds. As the River Campus Box Office manager, she experiences the consistency of accounting but also the ever-changing pace of theatre.
Being an operations director at a large arena is not an easy task, but Jim Barbatti, operations director at the Show Me Center, can make his job look effortless.
“If you change one child every year into a better person, that is a lot to contribute,” is the philosophy Jackie Wortmann follows in her career at Southeast Missouri State University.
Nolan Brunnworth is the director of corporate relations/associate director of development for the Harrison College of Business, where he connects businesses and alumni with Southeast Missouri State University.
As senior admissions counselor, Brandi Brooks jokes that it means she is the “old” counselor. However, don’t be fooled by the job title and her sense of humor. Brandi essentially acts as a “cheerleader” for Southeast, among many other things.
Proper lighting, sound equipment and video work are all fundamental to a fine arts performance. That’s why Jeff Lovett, Southeast Missouri State University’s new technical director for the Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts, is essential to every department located at River Campus.
Danielle Alspaugh is a Redhawk at heart and in action. She is in her ninth year at Southeast. After completing both her bachelor of science and master of arts degrees here, she decided to stay at Southeast to assume the role of associate director of admission for operations as well as coach of the Southeast Sundancers.
Oliver Groseclose, affectionately nicknamed “Ollie,” has worked steadily at the University’s Power Plant as a plant operative repairman since April 1, 1961, making him the longest-working employee at Southeast Missouri State University.
An admissions web counselor in the Office of Admissions at Southeast, Lenell Hahn says her job is never boring. On any given day, Lenell will visit high schools in the area, including Cape Central, Notre Dame, Jackson and Saxony Lutheran, to inform students of the outstanding opportunities Southeast has to offer.
All students dream of the day Julie Grueneberg will watch them walk across a stage, whether they realize it or not. As assistant registrar for graduation, Julie is responsible for determining who is eligible for graduation. An advocate for helping students graduate since 1989, Julie has assisted over 20,000 students in her years at Southeast as the assistant registrar for graduation. With so many varied odd jobs involved with her position, Julie’s life is never boring, and she has a knack for getting things done creatively.
Trying to decide on a major can be one of the most challenge experiences for today’s college student. Mishea Culbreath, advising coordinator for the Harrison College of Business, is in the business of guiding students towards admission into the College.
“Success is helping others be successful,” said Judy Buck, director of Sikeston Area Higher Education Center (SAHEC) in Sikeston, Mo. This is a motto she lives by each day when she walks into her office. Judy says the ability to help students overcome obstacles so they can continue to move forward with their education provides the greatest satisfaction and feeling of success.
“I enjoy when I can help students find a major that fits their career goals and interests,” Amanda Eller says. “It is very satisfying to help a student work through making the important and sometimes difficult decisions concerning their college education, and after they make the decision, it is one they are happy with.”
Marsha is fulfilling her dreams and goals by being able to impact the community she lives in. “Having the opportunity to earn a University degree in a rural area such as Kennett makes so much difference in so many lives,” Marsha said. “I get to be involved and watch this close up on a daily basis. It is very satisfying at the end of the day!”
As Assistant Director for Operations Gretchen supervises the student employee staff, oversees operation of the Information Desk and ID Services, supervises University Scheduling, works with Chartwell's to maintain the food production equipment and coordinates maintenance of the University Center with Facilities Management. Additionally, she coordinates summer camps and conferences for the University and works with the rest of the University Center staff to provide programming, services and spaces for the University community.
Every college freshman can attest to the difficulties of deciding on a major. Dana Daniel, coordinator of academic advising for the School of University Studies and Academic Information Services at Southeast Missouri State University is there to lend a helping hand. Dana began working as an academic advisor in 2002 and oversees academic advising for undeclared students who are assigned to the University Studies Advising Center (USAC).
