Every year, Newman University recognizes employees who have reached milestones in their careers at Newman.
The following individuals reached a five, 10-, 15-, -20, or 30-year work anniversary as of Dec. 31, 2022.
Newman University is grateful for each and every staff, faculty and administration member. Working together, they help students who graduate from Newman to be empowered to go on and transform society.
Celebrating five years at Newman
Amy Arrington, welcome center manager
“Amy has been a wonderful asset to the Admissions team in so many ways,” Director of Admissions Christy Hawks said.
“Over the last five years, Amy has been the welcome center manager with the primary responsibility of scheduling and coordinating all campus visits for our future Newman Jets. She is diligent and meticulous in creating the best possible campus visit for each individual student. She has recently transited into a new role as an admissions processing analyst where her attention to detail is greatly appreciated. We love her podcast recommendations, expertly curated Spotify playlists for recruitment events, and her creative ideas for various age group visits.”
Sandi Bush, transcript analyst
“During my time at Newman, Sandi has exemplified a dedication to students that is beyond her position,” Registrar Lori Gibbon said.
“Her detailed approach to ensuring accuracy and compliance with a number of areas is often overlooked. Our students, faculty and staff rely heavily on her expertise for all things degree audit, evaluating transfer credit and ensuring their veteran benefits are utilized and reported appropriately. Sandi is a valuable member of the Registrar’s Office and I am proud to work alongside her.”
Justin Crumley, assistant men’s bowling coach
“Justin has been a great representative of Newman University,” Bowling Coach and Director of Athletic Advancement Billy Murphy said.
“He has given great leadership and been a great mentor to our athletes in the bowling program.”
Trisha Jester, mail center and course materials manager
“Trisha handles multiple areas on campus and always offers that can-do attitude,” Vice President for Finance and Administration Tony Beata said.
“She is a team player who never hesitates to help someone or take on new tasks. She is an excellent example of great customer service and those who have the pleasure of working with her continually have wonderful things to say towards both her as a person and as an employee.”
Jeskan McGovern, instructor/ clinical coordinator of the radiologic technology program
“Jeskan is an outstanding asset to our team,” Director of the Radiologic Technology Program and the Allied Health Programs Jeff Vaughn said.
“He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in teaching labs, didactic radiology courses and all the computed tomography courses. He also continues to press forward in his own educational journey and completed his master’s of public administration in 2021.”
Jose Montes, custodian
“He is an excellent Newman employee who is dedicated to the faculty and staff in his assigned building, Sacred Heart Hall,” Custodial Services Supervisor Scott Stardy said.
“He knows everyone and everyone knows him. Jose has gained a lot of experience over the years and has become indispensable at Newman. He is always on time, works very hard, follows up on assigned tasks, and anyone who has ever spoken with him knows that he has excellent communication skills. His big smile, friendly attitude and over-the-top willingness to help others makes Jose a pleasure to work with.”
Emily Simon, assistant director of Campus Ministry and The Honors Program
“Emily has served Newman University over her five years in the archives, the library, Campus Ministry, the Honors Program, the Gerber Institute and on many committees,” Newman Chaplain Father Adam Grelinger said.
“I have witnessed her deep dedication to the university and our students as she continues each year to innovate, be present to students, and go beyond what is required of her. She is a model alum who has used her gifts to transform Newman University into a better place.”
Deon Smallwood, groundskeeper
“Deon has groundskeeping in his blood with many years of experience,” Stardy , the custodial services supervisor, said.
“Prior to working at Newman, Deon worked in the Wichita public system as a groundskeeper. One need only look at the well-trimmed trees and shrubs around the campus to see how dedicated Deon is to his job and to Newman. Additionally, Deon can repair small engines and other groundskeeping equipment. He also empties the outside trash receptacles located around campus. When there is a need, Deon can be a ‘jack-of-all-trades.’”
Tiffany Webster, outreach student success coordinator
“Tiffany is an amazing asset to the outreach education program and Newman community,” said Interim Dean of the School of Education and Social Work Jessica Bird.
“She goes above and beyond to help our students and faculty. Tiffany embodies the mission of the university and truly is a recruitment, retention, and graduation specialist.”
LeAnn Wittman, assistant professor of the School of Social Work
“You have been a valued and important member of the Social Work department,” Associate Professor of Social Work and Interim Director of the Master of Social Work Program Yelando Johnson said. “We are so happy for you and congratulate you on this milestone as a member of our team.”
Celebrating 10 years at Newman
Alonzo Baker, custodian
“Alonzo is more than the Night Supervisor at Newman; he has been my right arm since he was hired,” Stardy said.
“He has overseen the duties and responsibilities of seven to eight custodians working in various Newman buildings for 10 years. He is dedicated to the Newman community, the students, his job and to his family. His years of experience and his commitment to Newman have made him a real asset to me. Alonzo is well-liked and respected by his co-workers. The night shift runs smoothly because of Alonzo and his leadership.”
Ryan Huschka, associate professor of chemistry
“Dr. Ryan Huschka is continuously engaging students in and out of the classroom, using the latest teaching resources, such as PHET, an interactive simulation tool for science and math,” Dean of School of Arts and Sciences/ Professor of Mathematics Lori Steiner said.
“As chemistry club faculty sponsor, Ryan started the very popular annual Nano Day with the 100 billion nanometer dash as one of the events. Ryan directs Newman University STEM Outreach Programs and most recently built a catapult with some STEM students. He generously offers his time serving on committees and is currently serving as co-president of Faculty Senate. Ryan has been involved in grant writing and is currently working on an NSF STEM grant.”
Nancy Iverson, assistant controller for finance and administration
“As the longest-tenured member of the Business Office, Nancy has been integral to the strength and stability of the office,” Beata said.
“She brings insights and institutional knowledge that’s relied upon almost daily. As a soon-to-be graduate of Newman’s MBA program, we look forward to her continued steady influence as a dedicated double alumnus here at Newman.”
Michael Mooney, SQL systems administrator
“Michael has worked his way up from being a part-time SQL programmer at Newman University to being our full-time SQL systems administrator,” Chief Information Officer Icer Vaughan said.
“He is a hard worker who works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our SQL server-based systems and other data processes working 24/7. We truly couldn’t do what we do without him.”
Melissa Smith, instructor of the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program and academic fieldwork coordinator
“Melissa has been a strong advocate for supporting campus-wide student emotional and mental health needs with OTA students sharing how much they appreciate her caring for their well-being,” Associate Professor and Director of OTA Nancy Dahlinger said.
“In addition to her mental health efforts, she pioneered bringing interdisciplinary, simulation training with nine other health care professional programs (such as pharmacy, audiology, social work, nursing and physician assistant) to the OTA program. She is also widely known for her infectious energy and positive can-do attitude.”
Celebrating 15 years at Newman
Toni Bittle, custodian
“She is a dedicated, hardworking, dependable and friendly employee who is well-liked by Newman faculty and staff,” Stardy said.
“She cleans three campus buildings every day and will still offer to help others when needed. She is flexible and can adapt her cleaning routine when the needs of the students require her to do so. Toni interacts well with the students at Beata Hall and knows most of them by name. Her fun attitude and pleasant smile make Toni a real joy to work with.”
Joshua Papsdorf, director of the graduate theological program and Gerber Institute and associate professor of theology
“Josh has done an outstanding job leading the Gerber Institute for Catholic Studies,” Dean of Catholic Studies, Interim Dean of Business and Associate Professor Father Joseph Gile said.
“He is a valued colleague and friend to all in the school. He enjoys the respect and friendship of many faculty members across campus. He is an excellent instructor in the classroom, especially for our seminarians taking our ‘Great Books’ sequence of courses.”
Scott Stardy, custodial services supervisor
“Scott is a shining example of a supervisor. He’s always there for his team, providing the support they need as individuals and as employees,” Beata said. “He takes pride in his work and the work of his team. He’s quick to respond and always ready to pitch in where needed. His years of experience and his dedication to Newman make him an invaluable member of our community.”
Celebrating 20 years at Newman
Mike Duxler, associate professor for the School of Education and Social Work
“Congratulations on achieving this anniversary with us,” Johnson said of Duxler’s commitment to Newman. “Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our program. We know you have worked hard for this accomplishment and we truly appreciate your dedication. Thank you for being such a valuable member of our team.”
Celebrating 30 years at Newman
Susan Orsbon, associate professor of biology
“Susan Orsbon teaches anatomy in our state-of-the-art cadaver lab and is responsible for maintaining the lab,” Steiner explained.
“Newman is the only private Kansas school with a cadaver lab. Susan teaches anatomy not only to our students, but also to University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita students. She provides our students with hands-on experience working with a real human body. Additionally, she gives anatomy lab tours to anyone interested, including approximately 500 high school students per semester. Her passion and dedication are clearly evident.”
Debbie Strickert, associate professor of nursing
“Debbie has dedicated much of her nursing career to the development of students to be quality registered nurses,” Director of Nursing Teresa Vetter said.
“She previously taught at both the St. Francis School of Nursing and St. Mary of the Plains School of nursing prior to beginning at Newman in 1992. She has been involved in the development of hundreds of nurses throughout the years. Debbie has maintained a strong connection to the clinical practice community and continues to share her expertise in diabetes through the Ascension Healthcare system. Debbie has been a faculty sponsor for the Nurses Christian Fellowship club on campus for several years and this has helped support students developing holistically as nurses and to support one another during the program. Debbie’s time at Newman has been a good example of living the mission of the University.”
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