Student Association Presents the First Cohort of Mustang Impact Awards

Published Wednesday, November 26, 2025

The 2025 Mustang Impact Award Cohort

The SMSU Student Association hosted the annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Breakfast on Monday, November 24, 2025. This year, the breakfast included a short program recognizing the first cohort of Student Association Mustang Impact Recipients! This is a student-nominated recognition presented to eight selected faculty members.

The award was created to recognize faculty and staff for their outstanding contributions to the SMSU community and for the profound impact they have on the lives of our students. The certificates read “Your compassion, dedication, and commitment embody what it means to be a true Mustang.”

The first cohort of Mustang Impact Awards and statements from their nominations included:

Jenifer Goblish, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, “Her kindness and presence have made a real impact on my time here.”
Amanda Sieling, Associate Professor of Justice Administration, “She has made my experience at SMSU worthwhile.”
Mary Ellen Daniloff-Merrill, Professor of English, “She listens with care and makes everyone feel comfortable in her classroom.”
Jess Bentley, Director of Residence Life, “She makes campus feel more welcoming and inclusive no matter who you are.”
Tetta Askeland, Assistant Professor of Entertainment and Theatre Arts, “She pushes us to think creatively and sup ports us every step of the way.”
Amber Kinner-Alahakoon, Assistant Professor of Social Work, “She always supports me and helps me grow as a person. She makes me feel seen.”
Kris Cleveland, Professor of Exercise Science, “She truly believes in her students and pushes us to be the best we can be.”
Benjamin Anderson, Associate Professor of Psychology, “He is really one of the reasons that I stayed at SMSU. I get to graduate because of him.”

The closing video featured messages of gratitude from SMSU Students. The dedication, guidance, and care of these eight individuals make SMSU a place where students feel supported, encouraged, and inspired. The Mustang Impact Awards were made possible by the student nominations and votes to recognize those who go above and beyond to strengthen the SMSU campus community.