NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University has recognized six faculty members for their achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service during the 2024-25 academic year. The awards were presented as part of the university’s annual Faculty Excellence Awards.

Dr. Tish Warner, a senior instructor of chemistry in the School of Natural Sciences, was named the university’s 2026 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education recipient. Warner joined Northwest in 2013 and teaches courses related to physical science and chemistry. The Governor’s Award is given each year by the Missouri Council on Public Higher Education to an outstanding faculty member from each of Missouri’s four-year public institutions. Recipients are selected based on criteria including effective teaching, advising, innovation in course design and delivery, service to the university and community, and commitment to high standards of excellence.

“Our faculty are the foundation of this University, and their dedication to teaching, scholarship and meaningful service uplifts our students every day,” said Northwest Provost Dr. Jamie Hooyman. “I am proud to recognize and congratulate those who have received awards this year. Their achievements exemplify what this University believes, which is excellence and staying focused on student learning.”

The Faculty Excellence Awards are open to all full-time faculty with Board of Regents-approved appointments at Northwest.

This year’s recipients include:

Adam Bochart, instructor of mass media in the School of Communication and Mass Media: Bochart is recognized for his strong commitment to student engagement beyond classroom instruction. He often spends additional time working directly with students on projects and productions. His mentorship helps students grow creatively and professionally.

Tish Warner, senior instructor of chemistry in the School of Natural Sciences: Warner receives high evaluation scores from students who praise her helpfulness and ability to explain complex concepts—especially notable since many non-science majors take her classes after negative experiences with science previously. One student commented: “I am not very fond of chemistry, but I need it for my degree. With that said, I love Mrs. Warner and have been more engaged with her teachings. She is super kind and uplifting while keeping her strong and funny personality. She is an excellent teacher and role model.”

Dr. Nina Adanin, assistant professor of recreation in the School of Health Science and Wellness: Adanin published six journal articles and gave 18 peer-reviewed conference presentations during 2024-25. She has developed new data analysis software through her research in statistical analysis methodology.

Dr. John Gallaher, professor of English in the School of Language, Literature and Writing: Gallaher published his eighth poetry collection “My Life in Brutalist Architecture” in 2024; he also contributed a poem inspired by Taylor Swift songs for an anthology published by Penguin Random House.

Kenton Wilcox, senior instructor of English in the School of Language, Literature and Writing: Wilcox has served eight years as faculty representative on Northwest’s Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), helping review student behavior reports weekly; he also serves on a local Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) working with University Police Chief Amanda Cullin.

Kelli Wilmes, instructor of nutrition and dietetics in the School of Health Science and Wellness: Wilmes advises students, sponsors campus organizations such as the Northwest Student Dietetic Association, manages accreditation efforts for her program area, serves as volunteer Head Start dietitian locally, among other roles supporting both campus life and community outreach.

Faculty awardees were selected from nominees representing both Northwest's professional schools as well as its former College of Arts & Sciences departments.