Northwest Missouri State University has announced the retirements of four faculty members who have dedicated a combined 97 years of service to the University.

Faculty retiring from Northwest during the current academic year are:

• Dr. Rebecca Dunnell, professor of music in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, 22 years of service, effective Aug. 12, 2024
• Dr. Matthew Symonds, professor of health science in the School of Health Science and Wellness, 22 years of service, effective May 31, 2024
• Dr. Richard Toomey, associate professor of chemistry in the Department of Natural Sciences, 25 years of service, effective Aug. 31, 2024
• Dr. James Walker, professor of marketing in the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Business, 28 years of service, effective Dec. 11, 2023

During its March 21 session, Northwest’s Board of Regents approved the granting of emeritus status to each of the four faculty members upon their retirements. The title of emeritus faculty is conferred upon nominated faculty who meet guidelines for years of service and have accumulated distinguished and exemplary contributions to the University.