Jon Stemmle and Colleen Cutts honored with O.O. McIntyre and Amy Lenk Awards from Missouri School of Journalism

Colleen Cutts, Jon Stemmle

The Missouri School of Journalism has announced the recipients of its 2025 annual awards for teaching and staff excellence. Professor Jon Stemmle has been awarded the prestigious O.O. McIntyre Professorship for Teaching Excellence, and Colleen Cutts, Scholarship & Finance Coordinator, has received the Amy Lenk Staff Excellence Award.

Both awards were presented during the School’s monthly faculty meeting in May.

O.O. McIntyre Professorship for Teaching Excellence

Jon Stemmle [L] and David Kurpius
Jon Stemmle [L] and David Kurpius

The O.O. McIntyre Professorship for Teaching Excellence recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates long-term teaching excellence, a national or international reputation, and meaningful service to both the Missouri School of Journalism and Mizzou.

This year’s honoree, Professor Jon Stemmle, exemplifies these criteria through his broad and impactful contributions to journalism education. His teaching spans undergraduate and graduate levels in both traditional and online formats, with particular excellence in online instruction. Over the years, Stemmle has launched new courses, expanded the School’s national reputation, and supported student success through club formation and leadership.

Student work under Stemmle’s guidance has received recognition at the local, regional, and national levels. He is also a campus leader in the integration of artificial intelligence into journalism education, having authored works on the subject and championed interdisciplinary collaboration and grant opportunities. Known as a generous mentor and peer collaborator, Stemmle has had a remarkable impact on faculty and students alike.

“Although I’ve only been with the University for a short time, I’ve already felt and seen his remarkable impact,” said one nominator. “He’s an amazing mentor and sounding board, whose excellence is evident both inside and outside the classroom.”

Amy Lenk Staff Excellence Award

Colleen Cutts [L] and David Kurpius
Colleen Cutts [L] and David Kurpius

Established in honor of longtime staff member Amy Lenk, this award recognizes a staff member who demonstrates exceptional professionalism, initiative, collaboration, and a commitment to innovation and service. The award is supported by the Hogle School of Journalism Endowment Fund.

Cutts was praised by colleagues as a transformational leader and effective communicator who “exemplifies adaptability—not just by responding to change, but by leading it.” Nominators described her as a clear communicator and active listener whose “natural curiosity, sharp intellect and calm, solutions-oriented mindset make her an invaluable asset.”

Her work spans all levels of the School—students, staff, faculty, and administrators—and she is known for building meaningful relationships that drive collective success. In her role overseeing scholarships, Cutts has helped transform the program into a model of fairness, integrity and collaboration.

“She is deeply aligned with the mission of the Missouri School of Journalism—not only in her work, but in her values and daily interactions,” a nominator said. “Her leadership ensures that our scholarship program not only honors student achievement, but also strengthens our shared sense of purpose.”


Past Winners of the O.O. McIntyre Professorship

  • 2024: Mark Horvit
  • 2023: Laura Johnston
  • 2022: Yong Volz
  • 2021: Holly Higginbotham
  • 2020: Amanda Hinnant
  • 2019: Jeanne Abbott
  • 2018: Margaret Duffy
  • 2017: Elizabeth Brixey
  • 2016: Jennifer Rowe
  • 2015: Earnest Perry
  • 2014: Rita Reed
  • 2013: John Schneller
  • 2012: Mary Kay Blakely
  • 2011: Jackie Bell
  • 2010: Glenn Leshner
  • 2009: Betty Winfield
  • 2008: Brian Brooks
  • 2007: Stacey Woelfel
  • 2006: Steve Weinberg
  • 2005: Lynda Kraxberger
  • 2004: David Rees
  • 2003: Jan Colbert
  • 2002: Byron Scott
  • 2001: Sandy Davidson
  • 2000: Zoe Smith
  • 1999: Mike McKean
  • 1998: Ron Naeger
  • 1997: Lee Wilkins
  • 1996: George Kennedy
  • 1995: Don Ranly
  • 1994: Daryl Moen
  • 1993: Keith Sanders
  • 1992: Won Chang
  • 1991: Rod Gelatt
  • 1990: Ed Lambeth
  • 1989: Dale Spencer
  • 1988: Paul Fisher
  • 1987: Ernest Morgan

Past Winners of the Amy Lenk Award

  • 2024: Stephanie Southey
  • 2023: Kim McCollum
  • 2022: Kristina Bradley
  • 2021: Lamar Henderson
  • 2020: Tami Custard
  • 2019: LaDora Rogers
  • 2018: Ernest Zhang
  • 2017: Cheryl Spang
  • 2016: Nancy Stockett
  • 2015: John Meyer
  • 2014: Shubhaga Jalisatgi
  • 2013: Warren Mayer
  • 2012: Cheri Cherry
  • 2011: Sarah Smith-Frigerio
  • 2010: Pat Muck
  • 2009: Nina Johnson
  • 2008: Elizabeth Hardt
  • 2007: Colin Kilpatrick
  • 2006: Justin Giles
  • 2005: Kathleen Edwards
  • 2004: Anita Ryan
  • 2003: Kimberly Townlain
  • 2002: Helen Pattrin
  • 2001: Pat Cloyd
  • 2000: Sue Schuermann
  • 1999: Barbara Gilpin
  • 1998: Marcia Easley
  • 1997: Martha Pickens
  • 1996: Kathy Sharp
  • 1995: Lisa Barnes
  • 1994: Noor Azizan-Gardner
  • 1993: Amy Lenk
  • 1992 Doris Barnhart
  • 1991: Rhonda Fallon

Updated: May 14, 2025

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