Monica Schibig, Respiratory Therapy program director and associate clinical professor in the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (CDS), will be leaving the university July 31 to be closer to family in St. Louis.

“Monica is a people person,” said Kathy Moss, CDS department chair. “She has used a vast network of professional connections developed over nearly three decades in respiratory therapy education to effectively lead the on-campus, online and satellite respiratory therapy programs at MU.”

Under Schibig’s leadership, MU’s programs received the Apex Recognition Award from the American Association for Respiratory Care, an award designating an elite group of programs that have demonstrated best practices in respiratory therapy (RT) education and patient safety.

“Monica may well be best known around the MU campus for her engaging pig lung demonstrations that draw attention to this vital organ and to the profession that manages it, often in life-threatening situations,” Dr. Moss said.

Jennifer Keely, Respiratory Therapy associate clinical professor, will serve as the interim director of the MU RT programs while a national search for the open position is conducted. A two-time Mizzou alumna, Keely has taught at MU for 13 years and recently engaged with important online teaching initiatives that benefit the program’s online presence.

Linda Weems will serve as the interim assistant director for the MU RT programs. As a faculty member with the MU RT satellite program at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Weems brings significant hospital-based management and teaching experience.