Long-Time Employees Step into New Roles at Northwestern

January 29, 2024

Left to Right: Monty Herren, physical plant director; Ken Knabe Jr., assistant plant director; and Darcie Obermeier, custodial supervisor.

Three long-time Northwestern Oklahoma State University staff and Alva High School graduates stepped into new roles this year: Monty Herren, physical plant director; Ken Knabe Jr., assistant plant director; and Darcie Obermeier, custodial supervisor.

“It’s never boring; nothing is ever the same,” Herren said.            

Herren, who will have notched 20 years working for Northwestern in July, is grateful for the trade skills he’s acquired over the decades. His favorite spot on campus is the green space, which is a project he helped prepare and install, but it holds a fonder memory—finding a young Western Screech Owl during construction and raising it to adulthood.

Knabe couldn’t bring himself to pick a specific spot on campus as his favorite, but he didn’t hesitate when recalling his favorite memory across his 32 years as a Northwestern employee.

“Watching my daughter get her degree from Northwestern,” Knabe said.

Knabe’s daughter, Kayla Gilchrist, is currently working on her master’s degree from Northwestern and is planning to graduate in May 2024.

Obermeier started her almost 22-year career with Northwestern in the Student Center, and it remains her favorite spot to this day.

“I love seeing all the students and all the events,” Obermeier said. “I love the hustle and bustle.”

Although Herren, Knabe and Obermeier recognize the challenges and extra responsibilities that come with their new positions, they are determined to keep Northwestern running and a better place to live and work every day.

“Our main priority is to keep Northwestern well-maintained, clean and comfortable for our students,” Obermeier said.  

For more information about employment opportunities at Northwestern, visit https://www.nwosu.edu/employment.

-NW-

CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
sjdoherty@nwosu.edu, 580-327-8480