Dr. Geoff Akers, professor of engineering, receives The Mildred Letton Wittick Professional Achievement Award on May 10, 2025, at the 118th Commencement Ceremony at College of the Ozarks.

Dr. Geoff Akers, professor of engineering, received The Mildred Letton Wittick Professional Award on May 10, 2025, at the 118^th Commencement Ceremony at College of the Ozarks.

The Mildren Letton Wittick Professional Achievement Award honors faculty members for their professional accomplishments, which may include research, publications, performance, creative productions, and service to professional organizations.

Akers spent his recent sabbatical providing engineering support to Trans World Radio’s station in Guam (KTWR) last fall, which is a global media network of partnerships committed to taking God’s Word to all nations, tongues, and tribes ─ a reach of 190 countries on the ground and over 200 languages on air and online. His work with KTWR included maintaining and repairing high-power shortwave transmitters, antennas, towers, and support equipment, as well as developing materials for future station engineers.

Back in the States, Akers’ experience transfers into the classroom through stories providing context to theories covered in class, troubleshooting skills, and expertise with high-powered equipment. Additionally, he works with students to gain hands on experience with the National Society of Professional Engineers, College of the Ozarks chapter. They are fabricating acrylic parts for the antenna switch network, which will be installed in KTWR when he and his wife return this summer.

“Dr. Akers also developed an acoustic engineering capability at the College that has greatly improved numerous rooms around campus and in the community,” said Eric Bolger, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “His help was critical to the establishment of the C of O Engineering Program.”

For more information, please contact the College of the Ozarks Public Relations Office at (417) 690-2212.