Aug. 29, 2025
Janice Clawson, a program coordination assistant at the University of Missouri, recently received the IDEA Staff Excellence Award. IDEA is a consortium of 20 accredited universities from across the country that offer online courses, degrees and certificates in agriculture and human sciences. Four of Mizzou’s human sciences programs and three agriculture programs are offered as a part of the consortium. Students enrolled in an IDEA program can take courses from other member universities while maintaining their student status at their “home” university. The award is given to recognize the best practices and innovative ideas that support students in pursuit of online education.
Clawson received the award at the 2025 IDEA annual meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, earlier this year. The recognition includes a $2,000 cash award. She was nominated by her peers at Mizzou, who praised her dedication to students, creativity in refining processes and her commitment to IDEA’s mission.
Clawson wasn’t alone in her recognition from IDEA. Ashley Lester and Michelle Mathews, both associate teaching professors in Mizzou’s Department of Human Development and Family Science, were recipients of the Great IDEA Award.
“Working with such an amazing group of people is truly inspiring,” Clawson said. “Their dedication to our students drives me every day.”
Her drive is one her peers feel similarly inspired by. No doubt Clawson will continue to inspire — and be recognized for — that same dedication to Mizzou’s students.
Mizzou Online Boilerplate
The University of Missouri (Mizzou) has invested heavily in online education since launching its online learning platform in 2012. Mizzou Online has since become a leader in online education, delivering the same world-class education students expect. Students have access to an ever-growing catalog of degree and certificate programs. Each of these programs opens doors for the curious to explore opportunities and experiences that will elevate their careers and empower them to excel.
