Office of University Communications
Wall of Fame ceremony to honor dedicated former faculty, staff
Date: October 23, 2006
Contact: Thomas Lane
(417) 836-5886
The 2006 Wall of Fame Class includes: Dr. Kenneth Brown, Ralph K. Manley, Grace B. Palmer, Dr. J.N. Smith, Dr. Robert Trewatha and Max A. Wood. This class of dedicated individuals was approved during the Board of Governors meeting in May.
Those chosen for induction to the Wall of Fame by the selection committee were nominated by faculty, staff and students. Requirements for Wall of Fame nomination include working full time for the university for at least 10 years, with at least five years having passed since their last full-time employment at Missouri State. Those nominated must be known and respected by various segments of the campus community for their demonstrated character and integrity; their service must have resulted in meaningful change at Missouri State.
“The Wall of Fame is a designated location for the university to recognize and honor employees who have excelled at Missouri State University and significantly contributed to the success and positive collegiate experience of students,” said Thomas Lane, chair of the Wall of Fame committee, assistant dean of students and director of the Plaster Student Union. “Certainly Missouri State University has had many outstanding employees during its long history, and for that we should be proud. The intention of the Wall of Fame is to recognize those faculty and staff members who have had a significant impact on students and the institution.”
Information regarding each honoree is below.
Dr. Kenneth Brown, professor emeritus of accounting, began his career at Missouri State in 1970 as assistant vice president for finance. In the following 30 years, Brown served the university in numerous capacities: assistant to the president, executive director of the Missouri State University Foundation, associate director of planning and policy, and faculty member in the College of Business Administration (COBA). Brown was promoted to professor of accounting in 1988 and, according to Dr. Ronald Bottin, COBA dean, “He quickly developed an outstanding record in the areas of teaching, research and service.” Brown, a certified public accountant and certified government financial manager, has been active in local, regional and national professional and civic organizations.
Known for his unflinching enthusiasm, consummate smile and trademark phrase “I’m so excited, I could JUMP!” at public events, Ralph K. Manley, former Missouri State assistant professor of finance for 20 years and current Springfield city councilman, has made his mark on the Springfield community – from the university classroom to the public domain. Former students cite his ability to “kick start” every class and his treasure trove of “real world” insights as some of his many keys to encouraging students to succeed. One former student wrote that Manley told his classes “If you gave 105 percent in any endeavor you undertook you couldn’t fail.”
For 46 years, from 1912-1958, the late Grace B. Palmer was a driving force behind a flourishing Missouri State library system. For four decades she served as head librarian, overseeing a 10-fold increase in the library’s volumes – from 10,000 when she began to nearly 100,000 when she retired. During her tenure, she served as a delegate to the international convention of the American Association of University Women in Paris and Warsaw. Palmer influenced dozens of students to pursue careers in library science and was a role model for many. A world traveler, she was known for her work with international students. Palmer and her staff also established a popular library club, which included book discussions, guest lectures and social teas.
Dr. J.N. Smith served Missouri State University in the agriculture department from 1959 until his retirement in 1998. Smith initiated the successful Agricultural Business Program and the innovative Agricultural Industry Study, which provides an in-depth look at the operations and management of successful agricultural business firms in Springfield, Kansas City and St. Louis. Smith’s dedication to the vital agricultural industry and his students has led to numerous success stories. One former student wrote: “Dr. Smith provided me with not only an excellent understanding of economics, but also, and probably more importantly, an understanding of integrity.”
Dr. Robert “Bob” Trewatha called Missouri State University home for 32 years, from 1968-2000. He served as faculty member, head of the management department and associate vice president of academic affairs. An engaged and dedicated administrator, Trewatha worked tirelessly for the betterment of the university community – at home and around the world. He initiated many programs to advance the study of management, including the international management major, which introduced students to study tours abroad. Trewatha encouraged and directed students in numerous small business practicum and was heavily involved in the accreditation of the College of Business and the opening of Glass Hall.
A handshake from Max A. Wood meant the deal was solid. Wood was employed at Missouri State from 1969-2000 and served as the first director of auxiliary services and the first licensing coordinator, overseeing the conceptualization and creation of the university’s first trademarked logo. A comprehensive retail background led Wood to help transform the university’s once small bookstore into a nationally recognized operation with sales exceeding $1 million. Among dozens of accomplishments over his three decades in service at the university, Wood developed a textbook management system, initiated the first campus debit card system, created the first alumni clothing/souvenir catalog, and oversaw numerous capital projects.