NSU names 2025 Model the Way honorees

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Four Northeastern State University employees were named recipients of the 2025 President’s Model the Way award. This award is given to two faculty members and two staff members each year to celebrate their service to the institution. The honorees were recognized during the Employee Recognition event this spring.

The 2025 President’s Model the Way faculty honorees are Dr. Jessica Martin, dean of the Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions and professor of chemistry and Dr. Jennifer Edwards, professor of sociology. Staff honorees are Kristen Keyser, admissions record specialist in the Graduate College, and Marcey Mitcham, Sr. coordinator of Student Disability Services.

Martin has been employed at NSU for 19 years. As dean of the Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions and a professor, she works to support her colleagues and students on each NSU campus, ensuring they feel heard. Her nominators described her as leading by example with compassion and dedication, and by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where both students and colleagues feel empowered to succeed.

Edwards has been with NSU for 22 years. Her nominators described her as having a profound and positive, life-changing impact on students, colleagues and the wider community since joining the institution in 2003.

Keyser has been part of the NSU team for eight years. Keyser’s nominators described her as extremely diligent and conscientious. They added that she fosters an inclusive, welcoming environment and is always willing to go the extra mile.

Mitcham has been with the institution for 13 years and is known for her unwavering commitment to student success. Her nominators described her as consistently going above and beyond to support students, always willing to listen, to problem-solve and lend a helping hand. They added that her reliability, positive attitude and dedication to doing what is best for students makes her a model for others to follow.

“This award recognizes the unrelenting commitment of NSU employees,” NSU President Rodney Hanley said. “NSU’s mission of positively transforming the lives of our students through higher education is bolstered by our employees’ efforts and passion. It is our honor to celebrate them.”

Recipients were recognized during the Employee Recognition event on April 17. Each honoree receives a $1,000 check from the NSU Foundation and will have their names, photos and bios displayed on a plaque that will reside in the Administration Building on the Tahlequah campus.

###