NSU announces Dr. Tiffany Maher Legacy Award and Top Ten RiverHawks

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University (NSU) is pleased to announce the recipients of the Dr. Tiffany Maher Legacy Award and the Top Ten RiverHawks.

Ms. Lena Deere, director of student retention and success, is this year’s recipient of the Dr. Tiffany Maher Legacy Award. Deere has been with the university for 26 years, and her commitment to students is reflected in her work supporting and guiding them throughout their college journey to achieve their goals.

“I don’t view my role as a job, but as a meaningful opportunity,” Deere said. “To me, this recognition represents the countless hours spent collaborating with faculty and staff to support students. It reflects the time invested in listening to students, understanding their needs and celebrating their achievements.”

The Dr. Tiffany Maher Legacy Award is presented annually to a faculty or staff member who leads with positivity and has a lasting impact on the students at the university. The award is named in honor of Dr. Tiffany Maher, a devoted and beloved NSU professor who passed away in 2013. Maher was known for her fun-loving spirit and deep passion for her students.

The Top Ten RiverHawks recognize NSU faculty or staff who have made a similar impact on students. The following individuals were selected:

• Ms. Jaime Hurlburt, Information Technology Client Services Coordinator
• Ms. Amber Margarit, Media Studies Instructor
• Ms. Colleen Noble, Coordinator of Student Development
• Dr. Alex Cole, Assistant Professor of Political Science
• Dr. Lee Smith, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
• Dr. Beth Green-Nagle, Assistant Professor of Foreign Language
• Dr. Spence Pilcher, Professor of Chemistry
• Dr. Kaitlyn Scrapper, Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology
• Dr. Carolyn Cox – Associate Professor of Social Work
• Mr. Doyeop Kim, Assistant Professor of Health and Kinesiology

Deere and the Top Ten RiverHawks will be honored at an award ceremony on April 10, 2-4 p.m., at Second Century Square on the Tahlequah campus. The community is invited to attend and celebrate these individuals.

NSU President Rodney Hanley extended his congratulations to Deere and the other recipients.

“Dr. Tiffany Maher’s legacy is honored through a singular award recognizing one individual whose influence on students is both profound and enduring,” Hanley said. “This year’s recipient exemplifies that lasting impact, while our Top Ten RiverHawks, as a separate recognition, reflect the depth of talent across our campus—individuals who consistently go above and beyond to support student success.”

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