NW Missouri Times

Dr. Elise Hepworth will serve as the next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northwest Missouri State University. Hepworth, currently assistant vice president and vice provost in the Office of Academic Affairs at Missouri Western State University, will join Northwest on September 9. She succeeds Dr. Mike Steiner, who retired on July 31.

“We could not be more excited to have Dr. Hepworth join our academic team,” said Northwest Provost Dr. Jamie Hooyman. “She is a true Bearcat and has a reputation for excellence. Dr. Hepworth will bring her vast experience in higher ed as well as her passion for student success. She is going to be a perfect fit for Northwest’s continued excellence.”

The dean of the College of Arts and Sciences serves as the College’s chief academic and administrative officer. Hepworth will be responsible for ensuring the College’s academic programs, research, faculty development, and student outcomes are of the highest quality while strategically allocating resources to advance the College’s mission. She also will have involvement in Northwest initiatives related to student enrollment, retention, graduation, assessment, and accreditation.

“I am thrilled to embark on this journey as the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northwest,” Hepworth said. “It is an honor to return to my beloved alma mater and give back what was provided to me as a young person discovering my own talents and skills. My goal is to champion innovation, support our talented educators, and enhance the educational experience for our students. Together, we will build on Northwest’s proud tradition and pave the way for future achievements and growth.”

Hepworth has served in her current role since 2020 at Missouri Western State University where she also held positions such as interim chair of the Department of Engineering Technology, interim dean of the College of Business and Professional Studies, and supported the Office of Assessment and Accreditation.

She joined Missouri Western in 2014 as a faculty member in its School of Fine Arts after teaching in Wayne State College's Department of Music from 2008 to 2014 in Nebraska. She has been a guest conductor, adjudicator, clinician for numerous choral groups throughout the region, holding memberships in several choral and music education associations.

Hepworth holds a graduate diploma in vocal performance from New Zealand School of Music; a Doctorate degree in vocal pedagogy from The University of Mississippi; a master’s degree in music education from University of Missouri-Kansas City; and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Northwest Missouri State University along with national certifications in Zoltán Kodály's pedagogies & Orff Schulwerk methodologies.

In 2009 she received recognition through Northwest Alumni Association's Young Alumni Award.