NW Missouri Times

The University Police Department at Northwest Missouri State University recognized two employees and introduced a new team award during the institution’s fall All-Employee Meeting on Wednesday.

Timothy Carlyle, director of infrastructure services in the Office of Information Technology, received the Monica C. McCollough University Police Department Service Award. Carlyle was honored for his 24 years of service and his role in maintaining essential communication, security, and support systems for the university.

“His day-to-day work represents the backbone of the department’s ability to serve and protect the Northwest community,” his nominees wrote. “His quiet dedication, technical skill and commitment to continuous improvements have made a lasting impact on the department’s effectiveness and its ability to meet the evolving needs of the campus.”

Kenton Wilcox, senior instructor of English in the School of Language, Literature and Writing, was presented with the Raymond L. Ottman University Police Department Community Service Award. Wilcox has served as a faculty representative on both the Behavioral Intervention Team and Sexual Assault Response Team. He has also contributed to mental health initiatives through various university committees since joining Northwest in 2000.

“His legacy of service continues through consistent, thoughtful engagement in initiatives that directly support the mission of UPD and the well-being of the Northwest community,” his nominees wrote. “His approach is collaborative, solution-focused and deeply rooted in the values of safety, respect and care.”

This year also marked introduction of a new honor: The Clarence Green Jr. Team Culture Award. The award recognizes teams that foster collaboration by leveraging each member’s perspective through open dialogue to build trust and drive engagement.

The McCollough Award is named after Monica McCollough who worked for University Police from 2002 to 2014 as student dispatcher, full-time dispatcher, and office manager. She implemented programs such as safe transportation for students and Santa Cops program benefiting local families.

The Ottman Award honors individuals involved in volunteer programs or outreach centers who demonstrate leadership that inspires others toward positive change. It is named after Raymond Ottman who served with University Police for 15 years before becoming police chief at another institution.

Clarence Green Jr., namesake for this year’s new team award, served Northwest Missouri State University from 1996 until retiring in 2024—including roles as university police chief, vice president of culture, interim president during 2022-23 academic year—and now serves as dean at North Central Missouri College’s Savannah campus.