MARYVILLE, Mo. – Dr. Sue Myllykangas, associate professor of recreation in Northwest Missouri State University’s Department of Health and Human Services, was awarded the 2015 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education during a ceremony April 7 with Gov. Jay Nixon at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo.

The Governor’s Award is presented annually to an outstanding faculty member from each of Missouri’s four-year higher education institutions. The Northwest recipient is selected by its Dean’s Council from individuals in each of the University’s three academic colleges who receive the Dean’s Faculty Award for Teaching.

Northwest announced Myllykangas as its recipient of the Governor’s Award in September during the University’s annual Dean’s Faculty Award reception. Myllykangas, received Northwest’s Dean’s Faculty Award for Teaching in the College of Education and Human Services.

Myllykangas, who joined the Northwest faculty in 2005, has built a reputation for exhibiting an energy that excites students about their work. She also is a leader and innovator in her department by incorporating technology in the courses she teaches. Each summer, she teaches Exploring Recreation Resources, which includes a two-week trip to Colorado for the purpose of providing students with opportunities to visit and interact with agencies in the park and recreation field.

A motivated scholar, she regularly attends workshops and professional development opportunities. She also continues to secure grant funds for teaching, maintains certifications and serves on numerous university committees.