NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University has recognized three employees for their contributions to the academic community during its annual Academic Impact Awards. The awards, now in their fourth year, were presented at a gathering of staff and faculty involved with academic affairs.

Kat Falke, associate director of academic success and student retention, was acknowledged for her work in building stronger relationships with community colleges, updating transfer agreements, and creating clearer pathways for degree completion. She played a key role in simplifying transfer orientation advising and supported the growth of Online Professional programs by developing an advising program. Additionally, she conducted detailed reviews for student-athletes to clarify their academic plans.

Dr. Becky Moore, associate professor in the School of Education, received recognition for her national reputation in teaching educators and counselors about strategies to support students affected by trauma. Moore has collaborated with school districts and provided webinars for fellow professors. She is known as a resource students turn to during times of personal difficulty and works closely with campus health services.

Ronda Sigman, administrative specialist serving both the College of Arts, Communication and Social Sciences as well as the College of Business, Math and Technology, was honored for her support during transitions involving new deans and administrative staff. She also coordinates documentation across campus offices and ensures daily operations run smoothly within Academic Affairs.

"Falke has successfully strengthened community college relationships, updated transfer agreements and created clearer pathways for students to complete their degrees. She actively connects with counselors and faculty across partner institutions, championing programs like the Bachelor of Applied Science. She collaborated to streamline transfer orientation advising, making the process simpler and more satisfying for both faculty and students.

She also built a strong advising program to support the rapid growth of Online Professional programs and conducted thorough reviews for many student-athletes, clarifying their degree completion plans. Through her work and dedication, Falke has advanced access, strengthened connections and driven student success across at Northwest."

"Moore is nationally recognized for excellence in teaching educators and counselors about effective strategies to support student learning despite the impact of trauma. She has partnered to teach strategies with numerous school districts and provided webinars for hundreds of professor-peers.

She impacts students’ lives and is an advisor students call when they are in the hospital and their parents are not available, or when they struggle with mental health. Moore is an excellent supporter of all students and a skilled partner for campus health services at Northwest. Her work inspires, positively impacts and retains students."

"Sigman provides remarkable work and support to administration and faculty, particularly in navigating the onboarding processes of new deans and several new administrative support staff. She also assists with the complex transition of academic units, coordination and communication of documents between multiple campus offices, giving attention to detail in the day-to-day operations of Academic Affairs.

Her invaluable contributions make Northwest a great place to work and a transformative institution to educate our students."