The New Faces at NEO

Miami, Oklahoma – Tuesday, August 31, 2010 –NEO A&M President Dr. Jeff Hale announces the addition of eight new faculty members.

Physical therapist assistant and instructor Becky Acupan, of Miami, Okla. earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Oklahoma’s Health Science Center in 1992. Acupan has two children, Andrew and Sara, and is married to Alex Acupan.

Prior to NEO, Acupan worked at the North Carolina Spine Center, and she has 10 years of experience as a staff therapist at Integris Baptist Regional Health Center where she is still on staff. Acupan is certified in mechanical diagnosis and therapy with a diploma from McKenzie Institute International in Madison, Wis.

Acupan completed a rigorous, 11-week residency in Minneapolis, Minn. for the treatment of mechanical spine conditions. Currently, there is only one other therapist in the state of Okla. who has earned this diploma.

“I chose this field of work after my best friend was in an accident resulting in paraplegia. She had many stories of her rehabilitation that interested me. I knew then that I wanted to actively help people with physical impairments,” Acupan said. “Another option is teaching, and when the position was available at NEO, I thought that it would be a perfect fit. “

Math instructor Steve Dixon, (not pictured) graduated with his master’s degree in mathematics from Pittsburg State University, and obtained his bachelor’s from Missouri Southern State University, (MSSU) in Secondary Ed-Math. He previously taught math at Carl Junction High School, Mo. and was a dual-credit instructor for Crowder College.

Dixon and wife Shannon have two children, Cade and Cole, and reside in Wyandotte, Okla.

Business and technology instructor, Scott Donaldson, graduated from MSSU with two bachelor’s degrees; business education and business administration.

Donaldson and his wife Jennifer have one child, Sydnee, and live in Galena, Kan. Donaldson is currently working toward his master’s degree in business education, and commutes to Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan.

Donaldson taught business education at Carl Junction High School and worked as an adjunct, business instructor at Crowder College, in Webb City, Mo., prior to joining NEO faculty.

History instructor Rusty Hawkins, (not pictured) has experience teaching at West Texas A&M University, Clarendon College, Texas, and Wayland Baptist University in Clovis, N.M. and Plainview, Texas.

Hawkins holds three degrees pertaining to the study of United States history. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Texas A&M University, and obtained his doctorate from Texas Tech University. A doctorate is the highest degree awarded by universities.

Hawkins is married to his wife Heidi, and they have two children, Hadley and Howdy.

Agriculture instructor Chelsie Huseman, has an extensive background in the equine industry and has worked and conducted research at Timber Creek Veterinary Hospital, which is a highly specialized equine clinic located in Canyon, Texas.

Huseman has her master’s degree in agriculture and animal science and her bachelor’s in the science of agribusiness/equine industry and business from West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas. Huseman attended Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne, Wyo. where she earned an associate’s degree in equine science.

She was also a graduate assistant and worked directly with the women’s equestrian team at West Texas A&M University.

Huseman and her husband Jason reside in Miami.

Lee Johnson, assistant basketball coach for the Golden Norse and former Norseman himself, is a native of Broken Arrow, Okla. He graduated high school in 2004 and later received a scholarship to attend NEO. Johnson earned his B.S. in health and physical education from Northeastern State University. While at NSU, Johnson gained experience by working under Larry Gipson until 2009, when he began coaching in the Broken Arrow School District.

Math instructor Erin Kellogg, graduated from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kan., with both her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in mathematics.

Kellogg previously taught college algebra at Pitt State for three semesters. She and her husband Zane still reside in Pittsburg, Kan.

Shannon Sample, instructor of biological science, graduated from MSSU with her B.S. and B.S.E. in biology education.

Sample has previously taught science at Seneca High School, Mo., Webb City High School, Mo., and Carl Junction High School, Mo.

Sample and husband Jeff have two children, Taylor and Jace, and live in Miami, Okla.

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