UMO Faculty Recognized
May 8, 2023
During an end-of-year luncheon, the University of Mount Olive recognized several faculty members for their outstanding service during the 2022-23 academic year.
School of Agriculture & Biological Sciences
Stephen Edwards –Dr. Edwards served as the faculty lead in organizing and administering an on-line training series providing professional development opportunities for high school science and agriculture teachers. Nearly 200 different teachers from 26 different states participated in the online workshops. Stephen was also instrumental in distributing over 500 coats and hats to needy children at Brogden Primary and Carver Elementary for Christmas through the Coats for Kids Project which is in its 15th year and is administered by the Collegiate FFA for which he is the co-advisor.
Heather Glennon –Dr. Glennon created the opportunity for students to host a forage field day. Over 60 students, educators, farmers, seed representatives and ag agency personnel attended the event. Students explained their field research and shared data and findings. This effort resulted in students participating in an internship poster presentation event coupled with a career fair.
Sara Lahman – Dr. Lahman is well-known for her work with STEM on the GREEN. This event introduces several hundred elementary students to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Through Dr. Lahman’s initiative, countless colleagues have become involved over the years with their own booths introducing discipline specific endeavors to these bright future college students. She is also the STEM coordinator for the newly acquired UMobile Laboratory and is taking this training on the road to middle and high schools across the state exposing youth to STEM education.
School of Arts & Sciences
Natalie Kemp – Professor Kemp was a long time faculty advisor to the Psychology Club and has been very active in recruitment through making community contacts. This past year, she was instrumental in coordinating multiple campus activities such as the Puppy Kissing Booth mental health activity, Pie in the Face fundraiser, and campus visit by former APA President Antonio Puente. Professor Kemp has had articles featured by area newspapers over the past couple of years was recently interviewed for the Telehealth Certification Institute website on the impact of COVID-19 on youth.
John Ryan – Professor Ryan serves as faculty advisor to the Future Law & Graduate Student Association (FLAGSA) that prepares students for the GREs and LSATs as well as the application process. He facilitates the Constitution Day event, serves as lead researcher with student assists on the Annual Rights Survey, and presides over the UMO Annual Mock Trial Experience where students prepare and present a live trial on campus.
Willie Wilcutt – Professor Wilcutt serves as faculty advisor to the Society, Law & Justice Association (SLJA) which received Club of the Year honors for their work with the homeless and the hungry. He facilitates numerous activities on campus such as the Women in Law Enforcement Panel Discussion, evidence gathering and processing exercises, leading the student detectives on the Mock Trial Experience, and the annual field trip where students participate in Simulation Training, experiencing real life scenarios as peace officers dealing with citizen encounters and active shooters.
Tillman School of Business
Ann-Marie Majeskey – Dr. Majeskey continues to make progress on here second doctorate, has participated in several student recruitment opportunities at Wayne Community College, actively recruits prospective business students on a regular basis through phone contact, and engaged in the Carver Elementary Reading Buddy Program.
Karl Reimers – Dr. Reimers volunteered to take on additional coursework to fill the void of a departing faculty member so that students would be able to complete their studies and graduate. He also developed a cybersecurity major and created the Cybersecurity and Gaming League where students meet twice a month to discuss advances in technology and compete in gaming competitions.
Waylon Woodall – Mr. Waylon Woodall, CPA regularly visits Wayne Community College to recruit students, participates in Accounting Society meetings with UMO students and hosts a career fair event titled “Meet the Firms.” He leads the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for Mount Olive residents. The program offers a valuable service to the community and provides UMO students with real world work experience and skills necessary for their careers after graduation.
