Meet the AVP and Directors - Student Support and Opportunity Services

Rabekah D. Stewart, Ph.D.

Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
Pronouns: she/her/hers/herself/Dr.
RStewart@MissouriState.edu

Dr. Rabekah Stewart serves as the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. Dr. Stewart's research is in the intercultural and career experiences of African-American women in leadership at predominantly white institutions; as well as minority student identity development on the college campus. Throughout Dr. Stewart’s career, she has served as a high school and college English instructor; and for the last 11 years as a TRIO professional. Her focus is on helping the underserved student and staff populations in higher education. As a leader in education access and attainment, she strives to create opportunities and support change initiatives for the betterment of all students.

In her spare time, Dr. Stewart loves to travel, attend cultural activities and events, listen to live jazz and R&B music, cook and bake new healthy recipes, and spend time with family and friends. Her quote to live by is, “If you always do what you’ve always done, then you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.” Keep moving forward!

Nina 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.

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 Horne, B.F.A., B.S., 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 Wood, B.S., 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.