College of Health Sciences announces 2026 faculty and staff award recipients

Bridge Builder: Wei Du

Wei Du does far more than respond to requests — he builds relationships, removes barriers and makes collaboration feel easy.

As the Medical Laboratory Science faculty prepares to launch the new program at the Keene Street Medical Center campus, he has been there every step of the way. His nominator wrote that he treats their problems like they are his own. “If something is not working, he does not just give instructions. He comes over to our space across town and walks through things.” 

Core Values: Debbie Betz

Managing the scheduling of approximately 100 course sections each semester with precision, Debbie Betz is a trusted source of guidance throughout the college. One colleague shared, “She responds with wisdom, patience, and a level of kindness that never makes us feel like a burden.” 

In addition to her operational excellence, she supports new staff through onboarding efforts and fostering connections as chair of her department’s social committee.

Dean’s Service Award: Sarah Anthony

Sarah Anthony has become a constant source of guidance, problem-solving and steady support for faculty, students and staff. Her nominator described her as having “crammed a lifetime of expertise into her brain — and still manages to be completely composed.”

Her patience, kindness and sense of humor make her an invaluable resource, and she consistently lifts others up and strengthens a culture of appreciation and teamwork.

Early Career Award: Janell Stormo

Janell Stormo balances numerous high-level responsibilities while advancing the mission of the College of Health Sciences in meaningful, lasting ways. Over the past year, she took on a highly complex accreditation process while still managing her full teaching load, maintaining her scholarly work, and fulfilling her service commitments. 

Because of her work, students in the Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound program can enter the workforce fully credentialed, reinforcing our reputation for producing practice-ready professionals. Her nominator noted that this was “not just another milestone,” but a step that “enhances the program’s academic integrity, accountability, and long‑term stability.”

Excellence in Clinical Service: Dani Adams

Through cutting-edge clinical trials and public education screenings, Dani Adams provides direct patient care and leads “pioneering work” with “transformative potential for mental health treatment.”

Her nominator describes an ability to inspire clinical curiosity and competence in future practitioners, and students praise her constructive feedback. Beyond the classroom, her groundbreaking work in psychedelic‑assisted therapy places Missouri at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field serving individuals with treatment‑resistant depression, PTSD and anxiety. 

Excellence in Education – Early Career: Rebbecca Fenton

Since joining the College of Health Sciences in 2023, Rebbecca Fenton has taught more than seven undergraduate and doctoral courses and earned a reputation for creating rigorous yet supportive learning environments.

One student wrote, “Her course structure emphasized a rich blend of creativity, logic, and meaningful reflection.” Another said, “She does not simply present material — she sparks curiosity and creates structure that supports authentic learning.” 

Excellence in Education: Jenna Wintemberg

Jenna Wintemberg is an exceptional educator whose influence is felt immediately in the classroom and after students graduate. Teaching across departments and degree levels, she integrates real-world public health practice into engaging, discussion-based learning environments. Through curriculum leadership, mentorship, and credential‑preparation coursework, she prepares students not just to graduate, but to thrive as professionals. 

Students describe her courses as “transformative.” One student shared, “I left every class feeling energized and ready to tackle countless problems in the world,” while another said, “I changed my major because of her influence.”

Excellence in Mentoring: Kristin Flynn Peters

After more than 14 years of mentoring at Mizzou, Kristin Flynn Peters has become a trusted source of guidance on many paths to academic and professional success. Her support does not end at graduation: alumni and junior faculty all describe a mentor who remains available, invested and actively helpful as they navigate their careers. 

Here’s what one of her students said about her mentorship: “I would not be in this position without her unwavering belief in my potential.” Another shared that she “saw me not as a student with a disability, but as an individual with a unique perspective and valuable life experience.” 

Exemplary Staff Award: Jean Griffith

Jean Griffith supports two departments, making it look effortless every step of the way. From taking notes in faculty meetings to managing room reservations, coordinating work orders, running Scantrons through rain or shine, opening doors, decorating spaces, and even bravely tackling the mysterious smells that occasionally arise in clinic – she does it all with a smile and sense of humor. 

Her nominator wrote that her “work strengthens every layer of our mission as she supports student learning, enhances community engagement, and ensures our programs operate smoothly and professionally.”

Faculty Engagement: Mansoo Yu

Mansoo Yu exemplifies faculty engagement at the university, national and international level through his commitment to leadership, mentorship and meaningful community impact.

As a faculty member in the Department of Public Health and the School of Social Work, his engagement extends far beyond campus. It includes serving as co-PI on a CDC-funded project to promote health in rural Missouri, leading an international study abroad program, acting as an external promotion reviewer for 22 universities, serving on multiple editorial boards, co-editing books with colleagues in South Africa and Belgium, and not only being a visiting professor in Korea, but also bringing Korean scholars to Mizzou.  

Spirit of Belonging: Audrey Schutte

In under two years, Audrey Schutte has made an immediate, lasting impact within the college. Her role at the college centers on creating meaningful experiences for faculty, staff, alumni, donors and campus partners. Whether planning large events or adding thoughtful personal touches, she consistently creates opportunities that bring people together.

Her nominator emphasized that “it’s the little details” that set her apart — the small, thoughtful elements that collectively build a culture where people feel seen, included and valued.  

Lewis and Clark Discovery – Early Career: Jennifer First

In a short time, Jennifer First has authored 45 peer-reviewed publications, generating more than 1,600 citations. She has secured more than $4 million in competitive funding from agencies including the National Science Foundation, NOAA, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture — a testament to both the rigor and real-world importance of her research. 

Not only has her work advanced the understanding of the mental and behavioral impacts of disasters, but it has also shaped national practice and made measurable improvements in community safety and well-being.

Lewis and Clark Discovery – Excellence: Ashley Givens

Since joining Mizzou, Ashley Givens has built an impressive body of work while taking on significant administrative leadership roles. Her research has revealed critical insights into trauma among justice-involved populations and has fundamentally shaped how corrections departments understand and respond to individuals under their supervision.

Through collaborative, community-engaged research, Givens is helping drive systems-level change that will benefit communities for years to come.