Meet the AVP and Directors

Nina BarudzicNina Barudzic, Ph.D.

Director, Student Resource Center
Pronouns: she/her/hers/herself/Dr.
NinaBarudzic@MissouriState.edu

 

 

Dr. Nina Barudzic serves as the Director of the Student Resource Center. Dr. Barudzic completed her doctoral studies in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Bowling Green State University and has been working the past four years in the Student Resource Center. She is extremely passionate about diversity, creating inclusive and equitable spaces and advocating for marginalized students. She enjoys "teaching and working on challenging projects that push the needle for students' success." In her free time, she plays tennis and enjoys time with her family and friends.

 

Ryan R.G. Reed, Ed.D PortraitRyan R.G. Reed, Ed.D.

Director, Access & Success Programs
Pronouns: he/him/his/himself/Dr.
RyanReed@MissouriState.edu

 

 

 

Dr. Ryan Reed serves as the Director for Access & Success Programs at Missouri State University. Dr. Reed's work focuses on providing support services and advising students who are participants in several Missouri State community partnerships, including the Kauffman Scholars, Wyman Scholars, College Bound, Boys and Girls Clubs, KIPP schools, and Big Brothers & Big Sisters students. Dr. Reed supervises the Bears Lead program and staff. Dr. Reed holds a Doctorate of Education in Instructional Leadership from Lindenwood University and a Master of Science in College Student Affairs from Eastern Illinois University. His research interests focus on first-generation, low-income, and urban students; education equality in access and affordability; student leadership development; and student conduct. Dr. Reed is housed in the Meyer Library room 109.

Nicholas HorneNicholas Horne, M.S.

Director, TRIO Upward Bound
Pronouns: he/him/his
NHorne@MissouriState.edu

 

 

Nicholas Horne directs the TRIO Upward Bound Program at Missouri State University. His leadership has fostered a strong 95% student retention rate. Notably, he successfully secured a $1.5 million renewal grant for the program and has worked collaboratively with Access and Success programs to create a TRIO scholarship for students to matriculate to MSU for post-secondary studies. Passionate about equitable education, Nicholas emphasizes community engagement, evidence-based advocacy, and relational leadership to empower students on their academic journeys. Nicholas holds a Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies – Governance and Policy Frameworks in Educational Administration. Elected President of his professional organization for 2025-2028, he previously served in key roles advocating for TRIO programs statewide, regionally, and nationally. When he's not championing student success, you can find Nicholas enjoying theater performances, taking camping trips, or exploring new restaurants around town.

Mary Ann WoodMary Ann Wood, M.S.

Director, Office of Public Affairs Support
MaryAnnWood@MissouriState.edu

 

 

Mary Ann Wood is the Director of Public Affairs Support within the Division of Student Affairs at Missouri State University. She has been serving in this position since 2006. Prior to this, she was the Director of Intersession/Special Credit Programs for ten years. As the Director of Public Affairs Support, Mary Ann coordinates and oversees the development of various activities that promote the university’s public affairs mission. These include the Public Affairs Conference, Public Affairs Talks, Democracy Week, the US Naturalization Ceremony, and other special events. Mary Ann also supervises the Excellence in Community Service Awards for staff and faculty, as well as the Board of Governors Excellence in Public Affairs Award. Mary Ann has a BS in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations/Promotion from Missouri State University and an MS in Student Personnel/Higher Education Administration from Kansas State University.