Alumni
William Woods University

Andre, of Fulton, Mo., lives with his wife, Kathy. He has three daughters, and is active in the community. As chief of detectives of the Fulton Police Department, Andre has an interesting and challenging job with the Fulton Police Department, for which he has worked since 1997. 

Upon completion of the undergraduate degree program through WWU's outreach program (summa cum laude), Andre decided to enroll in WWU's MBA program. The program design allows him to remain active in the community while also working full-time. He is an officer in the Fulton Rotary Club, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and many other volunteer posts. He is an adjunct instructor with the Missouri Sherriff's Training Academy and the University of Missouri Law Enforcement Training Institute. Andre has been a recipient of the City of Fulton's Employee of the Year Award.

Andre says, "Growing up in a military family, I traveled a lot. The love for travel is still in my blood, and I travel whenever I can. I love to hunt and fish and spend time with my family. I am a huge Missouri Tiger and St. Louis Cardinals fan and I enjoy seeing them in person. I am a Certified DARE officer, and I enjoy the interaction with the elementary children."

Andre, of Fulton, Mo., lives with his wife, Kathy. He has three daughters, and is active in the community. As chief of detectives of the Fulton Police Department, Andre has an interesting and challenging job with the Fulton Police Department, for which he has worked since 1997. 

Upon completion of the undergraduate degree program through WWU's outreach program (summa cum laude), Andre decided to enroll in WWU's MBA program. The program design allows him to remain active in the community while also working full-time. He is an officer in the Fulton Rotary Club, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and many other volunteer posts. He is an adjunct instructor with the Missouri Sherriff's Training Academy and the University of Missouri Law Enforcement Training Institute. Andre has been a recipient of the City of Fulton's Employee of the Year Award.

Andre says, "Growing up in a military family, I traveled a lot. The love for travel is still in my blood, and I travel whenever I can. I love to hunt and fish and spend time with my family. I am a huge Missouri Tiger and St. Louis Cardinals fan and I enjoy seeing them in person. I am a Certified DARE officer, and I enjoy the interaction with the elementary children."

Allison, of Blue Springs, Mo., lives with her husband, Jon Carenza '02. Alison owns her own studio Allison Carenza Photography, LLC in Blue Springs and the west bottoms of Kansas City, Mo. As she puts it on her website: Allison is a professional photographer in the Kansas City area who spends her days photographing maternity, newborn, boudoir, babies, children, families, weddings, and senior pictures. She loves working with people and feels honored with the responsibility to capture those fleeting moments, but especially likes that photography clients often become friends."

While at The Woods, Allison was active in Chi Omega sorority, CAB, Student Alumni Council, President's XX, and equestrian activities. Allison is a legacy, meaning she is a relative of a prior WWU alum. Her aunt, Martha Hutchens Cockerell '73, is an active alumna as well.

Allison says, "I had a lot of fun at WWU, but the lasting impression is really about the staff. I felt so close to the professors and administrators, I knew I could walk into their offices at any time and get the help I needed. I don't think I would be going for my dreams today if it weren't for the strong female role models, and Mr. Elliott, my photography teacher, he always made me feel so talented, even when I didn't."

Currently, Allison enjoys playing tennis (USTA and WTT), and was recognized as a USTA Heart of Missouri Recreational Player of the Year. She is a member of and blogger for the professional Kansas City network, "30 and Driven." Additional hobbies include, dressage, snow skiing, water skiing, and yoga.

Kathy serves as the director of girl development for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. She lives in St. Louis. Through her position with the Girl Scouts, Kathy has had many professional development opportunities, and she has participated in Leadership St. Louis sponsored by FOCUS St. Louis, Women in Leadership and Greater Missouri.

Since joining the staff in 1976, Kathy has had the opportunity to work at various levels of the organization helping girls grow into women of courage, confidence, and character. She has worked with adults helping them deliver outstanding leadership programs and grow in their community development skills. Her career with the Girl Scouts is a perfect match for her skills and interests especially because she is making an impact in the lives of girls and women while providing quality programs and activities. She leads a high-performing team of more than 27 in providing services and support to girls and adults involved in Girl Scouting. They also build and manage collaborations with corporate and community partners in program areas around financial literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and more. She was on the original team that created the April Showers personal care item drive. Since its inception in 1998, over 14 million personal care items have been collected and distributed to families in need. Kathy says "I like that I get to work with so many different adults ... and that through my work I, too, have grown and developed. It’s been an honor to be part of this council for the past 35+ years and a joy to have found a career (only my second job after graduating from William Woods) that has given and continues to give me opportunities to grow professionally and personally."

Kathy has a daughter, Molly Poe, and a granddaughter, Olivia Poe-Lucky. She enjoys her dog and cat. She is active in her community, including working with FOCUS St. Louis's Youth Leadership Program Advisory Board, FIRST (For Inspiration Robotics Science and Technology) Robotics Organization-Eastern Missouri Region, and the Challenger Learning Center Advisory Board. She is interested in historic neighborhoods, having lived in Soulard and Lafayette Square. She enjoys travel, cooking (ask her for her Mozzarella Tomato and Basic Sandwich recipe) and she works out daily.

On campus, Kathy was involved in her sorority, Alpha Phi. She was a member of the Y Big Sister Program, Student Life Commission, Panhellenic Council, Phi Beta, Janus, and more. Regarding her William Woods experience, Kathy says: "Attending William Woods really took me out of my comfort zone. That was a good thing. I came from a small town in Pennsylvania, and I’ll never forget the bus ride from the airport to Fulton. Wow. I remember being met by a couple of other freshmen from New Jersey who also lived in Smith Hall. I met one of my best friends, Susan Hausman Brunner (who is now deceased) on the bus, and we chatted all the way to Fulton. I lived in Smith Hall and pledged Alpha Phi during rush. I made so many great friends at William Woods--many I still see today. The education was solid, and there were many opportunities to do and learn more. It was and still is an affirming community. All in all I had a great experience."

Kathy says, "When I was in high school and coming of age the women’s movement was part of our culture. I was and still am a big advocate for women and equal rights and opportunities. When I attended William Woods it was still all-female. I liked that. On the other hand, I understand the need for change and I’ve learned throughout my life that being open to change is a really good thing because it opens your mind and soul to new possibilities. Like my decision to attend William Woods 40+ years ago. It gave me opportunities for personal growth, a new place to live and exposure to a wider variety of people."

Jerome Sally is a former Mizzou Tiger and (NFL) nose tackle who played professionally for seven seasons for the New York Giants, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Since the early 1990s, he has worked for the Columbia Public School District, and is now assistant principal at David H. Hickman High School, in Columbia, Mo.

Jerome earned his undergraduate degree in education at the University of Missouri, and his M.Ed. at William Woods University’s Columbia site.

Jerome is a native of Maywood, Ill., but now lives in Columbia with his wife, Debbie. He has two children, Micah and Raysha, the latter of which followed in her father’s footsteps and is teaching in the Kansas City area. Jerome enjoys bass fishing, golf, music, reading, and spending time with his family and friends.

Jerome spends much of his time mentoring current and former students. He, along with colleagues, saw a need for positive reinforcement at Hickman (home of the Kewpies) and initiated the “QP3” program. The three expectations outlined in QP3 implore “Q-P’s” to do three things: 1.) Achieve Academic Excellence, 2.) Demonstrate Personal Integrity and Responsibility, and 3.) Value Diversity. QP3 focuses on the major tenets of Hickman’s mission, and Jerome urges all members of their learning community to embrace these principles through behavioral change and activities.

Asked if he had any advice for students, he replied: "Stick to your principles, be ethical and consistent."

Valerie Shaw is executive vice president and retail director for the Central Missouri region of Commerce Bank. In her position, she is responsible for directing product roll-outs and implementing customer service and sales programs, small business banking, group operations, and the region’s real estate lending. Valerie manages the region’s $111.2 million dollar loan portfolio and $383.2 million in deposits.

Since 1980 when she joined Commerce, Valerie worked her way up from a teller to her current position, which she assumed in 2005. Among other distinguished awards, in 2010 Valerie received the Professional Excellence Award from the Columbia Daily Tribune during their Women in Business Awards Luncheon.

While working full time, she earned her bachelor of arts degree in business administration from Stephens College and her MBA from William Woods University.

Applying her leadership skills in the community, Valerie is a board member in the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, a member of Eastern Star, Kiwanis, Columbia Branch NAACP, NAACP MO State Conference of Branches, United Way Campaign, and trustee at Second Missionary Baptist Church, among many other things.

Valerie enjoys reading. She is the mother of two sons, grandmother of five, and great grandmother of one granddaughter.

David is a filmmaker who lives in Fulton, Mo. with his wife, Patty (Heppner) Anderson, '05 and their daughter. David is the senior vice president at a marketing/communications company based in Columbia, Mo. called Pure,  where he oversees the execution of all aspects of creative media for the company. Additionally, he serves as president of Arable Entertainment.

Among many other successful projects, David and his team produced a high-quality recruitment video for the William Woods University equestrian program in 2009. The video is featured on WWU's YouTube Channel.

In addition, David received director of photography credit for the film "Ten Hours a Week," which was filmed on location in Columbia, Mo. and features a cameo appearance by NASCAR driver, Carl Edwards.

On campus, David earned a bachelor's degree in communications. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) fraternity. David transferred to William Woods after attending Westminster College for a year. Karen Johnson, photo.

When he’s "on location," Stephen could be filming hunts anywhere in the world, including South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Alaska and all over the U.S. (approximately 30 states so far). He says there are "many heart-pounding moments on these unique trips/adventures across the globe." A life-long outdoor enthusiast, Stephen says his "dream job" would not be possible without the education he received at William Woods University.

Wanda has spent the majority of her career in education serving in several capacities in Columbia, Mo. After graduating from William Woods, she became an English teacher at Hickman High School, Columbia, and stayed in that position for 11 years. Since that time, Wanda served as Director of the Minority Achievement Program at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Principal of Smithton Middle School, and Assistant Principal and Principal of Hickman High School.

Wanda has been active in numerous professional associations and task forces. She served as a No Child Left Behind State Committee Member, and in numerous committees for the Columbia Public Schools, including the Achievement Gap Task Force, Facilities Committee, Career Ladder Committee, the Recruitment of Minority Teachers, and others. She was a facilitator of Middle School In-Service and Multicultural In-Service for the Columbia Schools, and was codirector of the Minority Intern Program.

In 2003, Wanda was named Outstanding African American Educator by the Minority Men’s Network. She has been recognized by the Fulton Branch of the NAACP and Educator of the Year by the Columbia Branch of the NAACP.

Following graduation from William Woods, Wanda earned Masters and Educational Specialist Degrees in educational administration and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri.

Wanda’s son, George Galbreath, is an art teacher in Atlanta, Ga.

Marsha, of Little Rock, Ark. began her service as an Assistant United States Attorney in May, 2006. She is the Project Safe Childhood (PSC) Coordinator for the Eastern District of Arkansas and most of her practice is devoted to sexual exploitation of children. This involves working with state and federal law enforcement to track down predators who produce, receive, distribute or possess child pornography and chat on the Internet to entice a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. Ms. Clevenger also makes community presentations regarding the protection of children to churches, schools, and other organizations.

Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Ms. Clevenger was the Senior Law Clerk for the late United States District Judge Stephen M. Reasoner. She also served as a law clerk to the late United States District Judge William R. Overton and to the late Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tom Digby.

Ms. Clevenger is a long-term volunteer member of Riverfest, an annual three-day festival located on the Arkansas River in Little Rock. The festival attracts visitors from surrounding states and has been featured in Southern Living Magazine as one of the best festivals to attend.

During her time at The Woods, Marsha completed an accounting degree and was a member of Chi Omega sorority. In 2004, she was honored with the Green Owl award by the WWU alumni association, and in 2007 she was awarded the Outstanding Service Award.

Karla lives in Columbia, Mo. Karla holds a BS degree from William Woods in business administration with minors in math and political science.

She is the Financial Officer for DeSpain Cayce Dermatology Center and Medical Spa. Prior to this, she served as Assistant Vice-President and Director of Personnel and Training at Boone County National Bank.

Karla is involved with various local community and service organizations including the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri, Advent Enterprises board of directors, Central Missouri Community Action, United Way, Speaking of Women's Heath, and Columbia Chamber of Commerce. She served on the Columbia Public Schools Board of Education.

She enjoys swimming, piano, cooking, skiing, and singing. John and Karla have two daughters, Caitlin and Ryanne. While at The Woods, Karla was active in the College Government Association, choir, Student Alumnae Council, Junior Senator, and was an Outstanding Freshman and Outstanding Senior.

Karla currently serves on the WWU National Alumni Association board.

Farris was born in St. Louis, Mo., and graduated from William Woods with a B.S. in education. She received her master's degree in educational administration from Missouri State University. A first-grade teacher until the birth of her first child, Farris has since devoted her life to raising her four children, enhancing her family businesses, and working for other causes pertaining to children and her alma mater. Farris accepted an appointment to the William Woods University Board of Trustees in October 2009.

During her time at The Woods, Farris was active in her sorority, Alpha Phi, arts organizations and recruitment of students.

She's an active volunteer and frequent officer in a number of organizations, including the Branson School District's PTO, president of Branson School District's Gifted Parents Association, Boys and Girls Club, Taneyhills Community Library and Forsyth Chapter of the Missouri State Teachers Association.

In addition, Farris serves as chief operating officer of her husband's law firm, the Farris Law Group. She has also launched other businesses for sale to new owners, such as her former restaurant, the French Hen Café and Coffee House.

An educational leader who has been active in the education community in Fulton, Mo. and now in Joplin, Mo., Jill is known across Missouri due to her work with the Missouri Service-Learning Network and national service programs such as AmeriCorps. Her background as a school-based national service program director came in handy when Joplin was struck by a devastating F5 tornado in May 2011.

"Since the hour after the storm, we, as a school district, have been reacting to a situation that is so far out of our normal routine," Jill said shortly after the tornado. "The initial response was to use our student information system to reach out to each and every family of the 7,500 students in the district. We worked for several days to account for 100 percent of our student population. While that work was going on, the surrounding communities and the nation began to send supplies to our families in need. I took over the management of our donations and distribution center starting the Monday after the storm. Previous training as an AmeriCorps director gave me some notion of the organization that would be required in this disaster situation.

"Within 36 hours we were a fully operational distribution center with a gymnasium serving as a warehouse. We had hand carts and pallet jacks from food service, the cafeteria providing meals for round- the-clock volunteers, our own donations phone line, and a complete stock of necessity items to distribute to the community.

We served several hundred families and provided them with items like clean underwear, food, safe shoes, cleaning supplies, chain saws, tarps, toys, household items, hygiene items, baby beds, car seats, you name it – we had it!

"The 2011-12 school year in Joplin, Mo. will be like none we have ever experienced. The usual things we can assume about budget, enrollment, student and staff health, the things we can always expect to expect, were literally blown out the window by a 250-mph wind. We are trying our best to be proactive and do whatever it takes to meet the needs of our community. Right now, that means ensuring that our students have a safe and stable place to go to school."

To help with long-term needs of the citizens of Joplin, Jill recommends following the Joplin Schools page on Facebook, There you can ask questions and keep up with the latest needs and make your contribution in the most informed way.

You are also invited to take the action described at the end of this riveting video from the storm.

Helen Geldbach of St. Louis, Mo. and her daughters, Hillary and Brooke Stewart opened the doors to Tigerlily Gifts and Monograms in April 2006. The boutique is located in Maplewood, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. The message at Tigerlily is "For Baby, For You, for Home, For Fun!"

This bright and cheery store offers just that: baby apparel, women's accessories, things for the home, and whimsical gifts.

Coincidentally, Kris Swanson Gentemann ('72) founded Tigerlily Gifts, too. Kris, who created Little White Dog Studio, a small company that sells hand painted gift items, paints and personalizes ceramic, wood, metal, and acrylic ware for many boutiques in St. Louis. Kris is an artist and does all the art work for Little White Dog. Tigerlily and Little White Dog Studio work together to make personalized gifts.

Debbie was one of two nurses who co-founded the Metrocrest Family Medical Clinic, a nonprofit clinic providing low-cost medical services to the uninsured and under-insured in the North Texas area. She remains on the board of that organization and volunteers at the clinic on a regular basis. Debbie is currently serving as chairman of the Texas Physician Hospital Advocacy Center, an organization supporting the physician-owned hospitals in Texas.

In 2009, Hay was honored by her alma mater with the Green Owl Award. Debbie has been married since 1980 to Stephen Hay, who attended Westminster 1974-75 and graduated from Southern Methodist University as an electrical engineer.

Michelle Linn Slizewski Hodge, of Tulsa, Ok., served as anchor of Good Morning Missouri on Columbia Mo.'s KMIZ from 1997-2010. She is a cum laude graduate of William Woods, where she served on the Student Alumni Council. Michelle has also served as an adjunct instructor of Broadcast Communication and has served as a member of the Alumni Board.

She is a supporter of The March of Dimes, and has been involved in the Partners in Education program at Mill Creek Elementary School. In addition she has served as an Ambassador for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Michelle was recently recognized as one of Columbia's 40 Under 40, for business success and volunteer leadership, and was chosen by readers of Inside Columbia magazine as "Best Morning News Anchor" in 2008.

Michelle is a St. Louis native and lived in mid-Missouri for more than a decade. She and her husband, a Southwest Missouri native, have four children. Michelle's work can be seen on Fox23 in Tulsa.

Cindy Dietrich Logan (’74) lives in Louisiana, Mo. Cindy holds an undergraduate degree from WWU in art with minors in secondary education and English. She also attended Webster University in Saint Louis, where she earned her MAT.

After 14 years working in public education, in 1997 Cindy began spending her time teaching private classes in her in-home studio space, running an antique paper business, and producing and showing her own artwork. For 5 years, she owned a shop in Hannibal, Mo.

Her website highlights her long list of awards and achievements and included numerous of her art works, some of which are for sale, including a pastel of Dulany Hall on the WWU campus.

Cindy enjoys spending time with her husband, Walter C. Logan II, and her children Benjamin, Bethany, and Blake and her grandchildren.

During her time at William Woods, Cindy was active in Alpha Phi International, serving as rush chair and social chair; Panhellenic; and art club. Now, Cindy is active with the Raintree Arts Council, Best of Missouri Hands, Hannibal Art Club, PEO Sisterhood, and First Presbyterian Church.

Cindy says of her William Woods experience that she had "a wonderful time, forming life-long bonds with some of my best friends," and credits the ties formed at William Woods with making her who she is today. Cindy believes "any experience is what you make of it."

Cindy currently serves on the WWU National Alumni Association Board’s Advisory Committee.

Lyons made her way from the Midwest to Hawaii in 1965 when her husband found his dream job doing group work inside a prison. She would find her calling as well at Child and Family Service.

During her 23 years with CFS, Lyons would establish its advocacy program and neighborhood services division before rising to the ranks of assistant director, executive director and eventually president-CEO when the nonprofit adopted a corporate model.

Lyons has spent her life striving to find justice for abused children."I don't need to be recognized - I'm just happy with my work and with the kids," Lyons says of this most-recent honor. "I feel very blessed to have a career you can love and work in all your life. It's truly a blessing."

Her pioneering work was recognized last month by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, which honored Lyons with the prestigious title of Living Treasure of Hawaii for 2010.

Additionally, she has received the 1996 Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation; the 2000 Kaanib ng Bayan Award, presented by former Philippine President Fidel Ramos; a 2002 recognition by Philippine President Gloria Arroyo for her work with the Innovative Out of School Youth Project; the 2003 Award of Excellence by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services; the 2004 Outstanding Community Leader and Advocate by the senate of the state of Hawaii; the 2004 Keeper of the Flame Award by Na Lolo Immigrant Rights and Public Interest Legal Center; and the 2006 UH School of Social Work Honoree Award.

Read more about Lyons in MidWeek of Honolulu. An audio recording of a December 2010 interview is available on Long Story Short, a PBS Hawaii program.

In 2012, Lyons was honored with the Alumni Award of Distinction by William Woods University in recognition of her lifetime of achievements.

Some content courtesy Sarah Pacheco of MidWeek of Honolulu.

Betty Brewin Magnusson is the first woman to be named Commodore of Monomoy Yacht Club in Chatham, Mass. Since the club's inception in 1937, all the commodores elected before her were men. Magnusson, the 25th commodore, brings to the club decades of experience on the water. Her first boating experience came as a student at William Woods.

"My first boating experience came when I was in college, when I took canoeing as one of my physical education courses," she recalled. "I loved canoeing. I learned how to empty a canoe, and what to do when you get in trouble," she remembers. Magnusson graduated from William Woods in 1949 and then Washington University School of Medical Technology and became a registered medical technologist.

Betty and her husband, Leonard Magnusson, joined the Monomoy Yacht Club in 1995 to gain more knowledge and experience from other sailors. Betty was elected secretary of the club in 1998 and from there worked her way up to full commodore. Betty currently serves on the board for the Council on Aging for the Town of Chatham and is Secretary of Pleasant Bay Community Boating, a non-profit organization that teaches sailing and rowing in Chatham.

Betty and her husband continue to sail whenever they can on their boat, a 37' Pacific Seacraft cutter which they affectionately named "Rejoice."

Matthew Mueller is the material planning coordinator for Vi-Jon Laboratories, Inc., in St. Louis, Mo. Matt was hired by Vi-jon after 7 months as a data analyst helping to implement their new computer system (SAP). Vi-Jon is a private label health and beauty manufacturer most commonly known for its Germ-X hand sanitizer products. Matt's worked as a material planning coordinator at Vi-Jon's Etzel Plant where he was in charge of supplying the plant with bulk materials, raw materials, and labels.

While attending William Woods, Matt was highly involved on campus. As a member of Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE), Matt served as historian, alumni chair and his junior year was elected external vice president. Matt was a member of President's Twenty and a University Ambassador.

Matt also served for two years as President of Phi Alpha Delta (WWU's pre-law fraternity). During his time at the woods, he competed as part for the William Woods Mock Trial Team in both Phi Alpha Delta and American Mock Trial Association Competitions. Competitions included events at Yale University, University of Missouri, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Missouri-Kansas City, and in Washington, D.C. and Dallas.

Romney Oualline Nesbitt of Jenks, Okla. has expanded her expertise in the arts to write a book on the practical aspects of the creative process. After years of successfully coaching clients through her private creativity coaching practice as well as her popular workshops and Tulsa Community College continuing education classes, Romney has created a book that will allow readers to develop themselves as their own personal creativity coach.

As an artist, writer and speaker, Romney has a personal understanding of the creative life but what she has to share about process of goal attainment can easily be applied to anyone in any field where creativity and idea crafting are requirements for success.

Written in an easy-going conversational style, Secrets from a Creativity Coachutilizes real-life situations from her coaching practice to guide readers through the most common creative challenges and solutions. Overcoming procrastination and creative blocks, moving beyond perfectionism and the power of discovering the "next right question" are just some of the challenges covered in Secrets.

William Woods University equestrian science graduate, Mary Marcum Orr achieved one of the highest honors in the American Saddlebred world when she won the 2008 Three-Gaited World’s Grand Championship title aboard CH Our Charming Lady. Read more at the American Saddlebred Magazine web site.

While at William Woods, Orr was an equestrian science major with a concentration in saddle seat riding. This means that she rode under the tutelage of professor of equestrian science and saddle seat instructor, Gayle Lampe, ironically a previous owner of Our Charming Lady.

Her husband, Evan Orr, was the first male to be accepted to WWU when the school became co-ed in 1997 and was the first president of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Though they were the best of friends throughout their college years, the pair soon realized after graduation in 2001 that their friendship was a great foundation for a relationship. They were married in 2004.

Today they are working together training horses at their successful barn, High Caliber Stables, in Greensboro, N.C.

Kristin earned a bachelor of social work degree with, a minor in Spanish while at The Woods, and she was also on the softball team. She later earned a master’s degree in social science administration at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Currently, she is a children’s book author.

Prior to having children, she worked for Child Protective Services (Department of Children and Family Services) in the greater Cleveland area and worked in medical social work in hospital, skilled nursing, home health care, and nursing home settings. She keeps her independent social work license current.

In March 2010, she published her first children’s book, "There’s a Lion on the Dance Floor", and has been promoting the book and giving presentations at elementary schools regarding the writing process. Her family is an integral part of why she wrote the book. She and her husband, Chris, have three children, Lauren, Zachary, and Ryan, (who was 3 at the time of publication).

Kristin is active in a variety of clubs and organizations related to her children, particularly a support group for caregivers of children who are missing a piece of their fourth chromosome. Her son, Ryan, has this disorder, called Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome. Her book is an attempt to teach children "how important it is to accept differences we see in others, that if we take the time to get to know someone we will likely have something in common and that nobody wants to feel left out."

Mark Penny earned a bachelor’s degree in education and social science from Arkansas State University at Jonesboro, Ark. He earned a master’s degree in education (secondary administration) from William Woods in 1998 while working full time. He also earned a specialist’s degree in administration in 2005 from The Woods. He is now pursuing his doctorate in education at WWU while serving as superintendent of the Moberly Public Schools.

Penny was a commencement speaker in 2008, shortly before assuming the role of superintendent. When addressing the graduates, he said, "The secret to any successful organization is its ability to build long-lasting, powerful relationships with people."

Beginning his career in Moberly as a seventh-grade social studies teacher in 1997, he became assistant high school principal two years later, and served as principal from 2000 to 2004. For the next four years, Penny served as assistant superintendent, with responsibilities for curriculum and instruction, staff professional development, managing the district's technology budget, coordinating federal programs, evaluating building level administrators, coordinating MSIP review and school improvement plans. In 2011, Penny was hired to assume the leadership at Lincoln County R-III school system in Troy, Mo.

Mark served as a member of the Moberly Area Chamber of Commerce, and also as an adjunct Instructor for William Woods University in the graduate education program.

A past president of the Moberly Kiwanis Club, member of the Moberly Rotary Club and Moberly St. Pius X Church, Mark is involved with the Moberly Area Soccer Association. He and his wife, Cassandra, have three children, Lizzy, Grant and Sydney.

A capable, proven leader, Diana has years of restaurant operations and franchise support experience with Arby's, most recently, and including service with Burger King Corporation, Mrs. Fields Brands and other well-known brands.

While at William Woods, Diana was an active member of the Chi Omega sorority. Diana enjoys biking and hiking with her husband, Mike Tao. "William Woods had a huge impact on my life. I hold very fond memories of my Woods experience that I will always cherish," Diana says.

Diana received the Distinguished Aluma award from the William Woods National Alumni Association in 2000. She has also served as a member of the alumni board and has been a member in the President's Club Giving Society. Diana joined the WWU board of trustees in 2011.

Steve Picker of Jefferson City, Mo. is an alumni of the WWU Graduate College MBA program. Steve is the executive director of the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors' Bureau. The purpose of the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau is to maximize the positive economic impact of visitor dollars to the community through effectively marketing the Jefferson City area as a desirable convention and tourism destination.

He is also the owner of Grandma's Cool & Zesty Salad Dressing. Steve's grandmother spent 23 years trying to re-create her mother's recipe. In 1957, she succeeded! From the 1960's on, Grandma wanted to market the dressing, but could not figure out how to make that happen.

Her grandson Steve was the answer to that question. Steve, having just completed the MBA program, applied his business acumen to get the dressing produced and on store shelves throughout central Missouri.

Steve says, "Grandma and I worked together to market her dressing until her passing in 2008. One of my favorite things Grandma always said was 'I had the recipe figured out but the one missing ingredient was my grandson.'"

Steve's grandma’s legacy will live on as her picture is on every bottle of Grandma’s Cool & Zesty Dressing.

The five years I spent at WWU were absolutely priceless. As an undergraduate student, I learned from some of the best in the equine industry; in the classroom and arena. I was able to gain real world experience through the leaderships positions I held in the Delta Chi chapter of Alpha Phi, my memberships in Order of Omega and President's Twenty and participating in campus events including Freshman Advantage, LEAD and equestrian events. During my last two years as a Graduate Assistant in the Equestrian Division at WWU, I was able to apply what I learned as an undergraduate and develop my skills as a leader. It is because of the excellent educational and leadership opportunities WWU offers its students, both in and out of the classroom, that I was able to enter the equestrian education industry upon graduation.

Joy Henson Primoli is currently stationed in Trier, Germany. A decorated Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, who returned to William Woods University to talk about "Law in the Wild Blue Yonder" as part of the Alumni Speaker Series in January 2009.

She spoke about her career path from paralegal to Air Force law. Graduating cum laude, Primoli attended Saint Louis University School of Law and earned a Juris Doctorate degree. Lieutenant Colonel  Primoli received her commissioning through the Direct Appointment Program, entering active duty in November of 2000. She completed commissioned officer training at Gunter Air Force Base, Alabama, in December of 2000. She attended the Judge Advocate Staff Officer course to train for her military legal career at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, from February through April 2001. She entered active duty in 2000 and, at the time of her presentation, served as a Deputy Staff Judge Advocate on the Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.

Since entering duty, she has received the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Medal.

Lieutenant Colonel Primoli is married to Lieutenant Colonel Chip Primoli, an Air Force Pilot. In their spare time, they enjoy reading, traveling, and SCUBA diving.

During her time at The Woods, Primoli was involved in her sorority, Delta Gamma.

Diane Jones (D.J.) Seif of Lee's Summit, Mo. owns a bakery that has been featured on a Food Network show. Not Just Desserts, the bakery, was featured for its popular caramel pecan pound cake.

The Food Network show, Road Tasted With The Neelys features Pat and Gina Neely as they hit the road to highlight some of Kansas City’s best foods.

Donnell Chambers, the pastry chef for Not Just Desserts, appeared in a segment on this show. After appearing on the Martha Stewart show, Chambers’ original orange pumpkin spice cake was the viewers' most requested recipe. He continues to make this cake at Not Just Desserts.

Diane and her husband, Vince, are prominent business leaders and successful entrepreneurs. After selling their contract medical research company in 2005, they wanted a new challenge and started a new enterprise company called DVA, Inc., named for family members Diane, Vince and Angela, their daughter.

Not Just Desserts is located in downtown Lee’s Summit, Mo.

She’s licensed and certified as a level 3 (intermediate) interpreter in Missouri and licensed at the equivalent level in Illinois. She’s working toward her national certification.

"The William Woods University Interpreter Training Program provides all the components to completely prepare you for a career as an American Sign Language interpreter. I learned everything I needed to become a certified interpreter in this challenging profession," Ashley says.

As an undergraduate, Kristen was active in dance, theatre, Panhellenic, and was a member of President's Twenty, Chi Omega sorority, and served as a junior admissions rep. She was recognized as the outstanding performing arts scholar at William Woods in 1991. Today, Kristen lives in Joplin with her husband, Judge Gregory Stremel, and two children, Lindsey and Alexander. She is an active volunteer and serves as the WWU Alumni Coordinator for the Joplin area.

Kristen earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from Missouri Southern University after graduating from William Woods with a bachelor's degree in performing arts. Kristen began working at St. John's Regional Medical Center in 2007 as a critical care nurse. St. John's suffered a direct hit from the F5 tornado that devastated Joplin on May 22, 2011. Since she was unable to work at the hospital in the aftermath of the tornado, Kristen became an active volunteer, reaching out to those affected by the tornado, including WWU alumni in the area. She continues to maintain her interests in theatre, dance, politics and raising her children.

To help with long-term needs of the citizens of Joplin, Kristen recommends donating to Mercy Health Foundation of Joplin, 2727 McClelland, Joplin, Mo 64804. You may contact Treva at 620.870.0168.