Staff Awards

Staff Excellence Awards

The Staff Excellence Awards Committee will select six outstanding staff members to receive Staff Excellence Awards each year. The awards are intended to show appreciation for and recognition of staff contributions to Missouri S&T. The awards will be given to staff members who have made significant contributions to the university through a combination of job performance, relationship with their associates, and dedication to Missouri S&T.

The Staff Excellence Awards have three categories:

  • Bridge builder – A person who works to link two groups of individuals together for the common good.
  • Student-centric – A person who is focused on the student’s perspective and helping students in any way they can.
  • Excellence in work – A person who always goes above and beyond for their department or the university. Has exceptional skills and knowledge in their job. Is always professional, respectful and kind.

Nominee eligibility

  • Staff members must be employed (full-time or part-time) for a minimum of three years at Missouri S&T.
  • Members of the Staff Excellence Awards Committee are not eligible.
  • Employees who have won the award within the past five years are not eligible.

Criteria for nominations

Nominations must detail how the staff member demonstrates excellence in work, being a bridge builder, or maintaining a student-centric focus.

Nomination deadline

Friday, April 12, 2024

Nominate here

Outstanding Newcomer Award

The Staff Excellence Awards Committee will select at least one staff member to receive an Outstanding Newcomer Award each year. The award is intended to show appreciation and recognition for a staff member who is new to campus and making an impact. The award will be given to a staff member who has made significant contributions to Missouri S&T as a new staff member hired within the last two years.

Nominee eligibility

  • Staff members must be employed (full-time or part-time) and have been hired at Missouri S&T within the last two years. 
  • Members of the Staff Excellence Awards Committee are not eligible.
  • Employees who have won the award previously are not eligible.

Criteria for nominations

All new staff (full-time or part-time) are considered based on a combination of job performance, relationship with their associates, and dedication to Missouri S&T.

Nomination deadline

Friday, April 12, 2024

Nominate Here

Outstanding Faculty Award

The Staff Excellence Awards Committee will select at least one faculty member to receive an Outstanding Faculty Award each year. The award is intended to show appreciation for and recognition for a faculty member who is actively engaged in supporting staff across campus. The award is to acknowledge a faculty member who promotes the values of the campus and staff and is an outstanding member of the campus community.

Nominee eligibility

  • Faculty members must be currently employed (full-time or part-time) at Missouri S&T.
  • Members of the Staff Excellence Awards Committee are not eligible.
  • Faculty who have won the award within the past five years are not eligible.

Criteria for nomination

Nominations must detail how the faculty member actively supports, relates to, and advocates for staff.

Nomination deadline

Friday, April 12, 2024

Nominate here

Jan Buhlinger Spirit Award

This award was started by Staff Council in memory of Jan Buhlinger, a former S&T employee who constantly displayed optimism and enthusiasm for Missouri S&T. This award is given internally to a current Staff Council member (and voted on by current council members) based on their Missouri S&T spirit. The Staff Council President will send a survey to council members to vote. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

When are nominations open?
Spring 2024 nominations will open Monday March 18, and close Friday, April 12.

Who can submit nominations?
Any staff member, faculty member, or student at the university may submit nominations, except for current members of the Staff Excellence Awards Committee.

Selection process:
The Staff Excellence Award Committee will review nominations and make recommendations to the Chancellor for final approval.

Awards ceremony:
The awards will be presented during the opening ceremony on Staff Day at the Havener Center on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

Previous Award Winners

Excellence Awards
  • Nina Eickhorst, business support specialist for the registrar’s office.
  • James Gunn, custodian in facilities services.
  • Brandon Guth, sergeant for the University Police.
  • Jason Cox, senior research specialist in the Center for Infrastructure Engineering.
  • Julie Parker, assistant registrar for the registrar’s office.
  • Jacqueline Meinecke, assistant director of Kummer Student Programs.
Jan Buhlinger Spirit Award
  • Joni Matlock, finance and accounting analyst for the College of Engineering and Computing
  • Jacquelyn Sansone, fiscal manager for the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Newcomer Award
  • Simran Bhatia, student service coordinator for student well-being.
  • Mark Evans, business support specialist II in student involvement.
  • Emma Lowe, associate director of doctoral recruitment in admissions.
  • Brianna Reddick, data analyst II for the vice chancellor of Finance and Operations.
  • Jill Tanner, director of digital marketing in marketing and communications.
Outstanding Faculty Award
  • Dr. Shannon Fogg,’ professor of history and political science and interim associate dean of academic affairs for the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Excellence Awards
  • Amy McMillen, director of the S&T Advising Center
  • Jeannie Werner, office support assistant III for civil, architectural and environmental engineering
  • Dedie Wilson, experiential learning specialist in academic support
  • Nancy Winterburg, business support specialist II for biological sciences
  • Roger Younger, computer engineer in electrical and computer engineering
  • Latesha Zach, fiscal manager for the College of Engineering and Computing
Jan Buhlinger Spirit Award
  • Megan Fowler, business support specialist II in the College of Engineering and Computing
Newcomer Award
  • Rob Bussell, senior admissions counselor for the Chicago region
Outstanding Faculty Award
  • Dr. Diana Ahmad, Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor of history emerita
Excellence Awards
  • Cindy Welch-Assistant Director of Admissions

Cindy strives to serve students and their families. She is an excellent communicator and always finds ways to show students that S&T is attainable and affordable. She is willing to think outside the box and try different approaches to projects.

  • Erica Long-Senior Academic Advisor in Menchanical & Aerospace Engineering

From answering questions about curriculum to questions about internships/co-ops, career advice, transitioning to graduate school, and sometimes just about life, Erica masterfully helps students navigate each component of their undergraduate career in our department.

  • Jerry Tichenor-Research Technical Services Supervisor for Electrical & Computer Engineering

Jerry seeks out opportunities and volunteers for tasks that improve the operation of the department for both research and teaching. I am impressed with his interest in our students and with his willingness to assist whenever there are needs. He is not the typical laboratory manager; he is an active partner in meeting our educational mission.

  • John Held-Director of Planned Giving in University Advancement

John is unwavering in his passion for building inspirational relationships with S&T alumni and friends. John is the fiercest donor advocate I know, and adeptly parlays alumni connections into transformational gifts that ensure our university's continued growth and prosperity.

  • Joni Matlock-Finance and Accounting Specialist for CEC

Despite growing duties, shrinking staff numbers, and covering the responsibilities of others, Joni consistently delivers outstanding work and meets all of her critical deadlines. She is highly collaborative, regularly helping anyone in the department when she can, and even puts their needs before her own when it’s the right thing for them or the department.

  • Kurt Pritchett-Expert System Support Analyst for IT Help Desk

Kurt is exactly as his official title for the university calls him.....he is an EXPERT at his job of fixing my computers and an EXPERT at interpersonal relations. He NEVER, EVER makes me feel like I'm "dumb" and he can fix EVERY single computer problem in about 30 seconds. Kurt has been instrumental in bringing the helpdesk through a period of great upheaval.

  • Misty Fulliam-Business Support Specialist II in Teacher in Education

Misty is always focused on the students and creates a warm, welcoming environment in the office. She gets to know individual students and their stories; this motivates her to reach out to them when scholarships are available or when other opportunities arise.  Misty has taken on additional responsibilities without complaint because she is dedicated to the department’s mission of producing quality teachers for the region.

  • Patricia Robertson-Administrative Assistance in GGPE

I can honestly say that I can think of no other staff member that exemplifies excellence more than Ms. Robertson does. She has served S&T for more than 40 years in various roles, and in each position, she consistently sets the standard for competence, friendliness, and reliability.  She never forgets that we are here to serve students, and she is well-liked by both students and faculty. We would be lost without her.

  • Renee Stone-Accountant for Miner Alumni Association

Renee has a big heart and is fueled by helping others flourish and succeed. At her very core is the desire to help others. She is the epitome of kindness, sincerity and selflessness. Going above and beyond is part of her everyday life and she never expects any recognition or praise for her sincere acts of kindness. She is a ‘fixer’ to the nth degree and will stop at nothing to help others.

  • Shawn Wiles-Police Corporal for University Police

Shawn goes out of his way to make a positive impact in the lives of staff and students, and to show them kindness. He would give the shoes off his feet (he has literally done that) to help someone out for nothing in return. His dedication to S&T and the campus community is apparent in the way he acts and treats people around him.

  • Simone Waldon-Strategic Partner in Human Resources

In addition to being effective in the performance of her regular duties, Simone is always willing to step in and assume additional responsibilities, learn new things, and serve as role model for new HR staff and student employees. She has a welcoming demeanor with genuine concern for each and every individual, which is apparent in her interactions with others as she assists them with their questions or issues.

  • Wendy Estes-Strategic Partner in Human Resources

As needs arise, Wendy acts with agility and efficiency while continuing to produce work of the highest quality and demonstrating utmost respect while serving our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. She is someone who can think through issues and ask critical questions about whether something is in the best interest of an individual, a department, or the University.

Jan Buhlinger Spirit Award
  • Amanda Kossuth-Academic Advisor in S&T Advising Center
Newcomer Award
  • Angelica Nuno-Finance and Accounting Specialist for CEC

Angelica naturally works to improve whatever systems she is interacting with, by first listening to others, soliciting opinions, and cooperating to optimize. She does this while maintaining a positive outlook regardless of the varied challenges, all of which she takes in stride.

Outstanding Faculty Award
  • Dr. Daryl Beetner-Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Beetner consistently goes above and beyond in everything he does, including his advocacy and support for staff, dedication to the university, collaborative efforts, teaching duties, research responsibilities, and more.

Excellence Awards

  • Cindy Barton, office support assistant in admissions
  • Jason Birdsong, custodian in custodial and landscape services
  • John Chaplin, carpenter in design, construction and space management
  • Pam Crabtree, administrative assistant in physics
  • Keri DeGraffenreid, senior student support specialist in admissions
  • Misty House, program and project support coordinator for the provost’s office
  • Elaina Manson, office support assistant in computer science
  • Doug Roberts, chief of University Police

Newcomer Award

  • Kimberly Courtney, senior operations support technician for parking operations
Outstanding Faculty Award
  • Dr. Suzanna Long, chair and professor of engineering management and systems engineering
Excellence Awards
  • Tina Alobaidan, administrative associate I in mining and nuclear engineering
  • Joe Boehm, building services supervisor in the Havener Center
  • Bobbi Jo Davis, building maintenance custodian lead in student affairs
  • Jeffrey Heniff, research engineering technician II in the Rock Mechanics and Explosives Research Center
  • Barbara Palmer, office support associate in the office of the provost
  • Jennifer Pratt, executive assistant in sponsored programs
  • Jody Seely, office support assistant III in civil, architectural and environmental engineering
  • Debra Wielms, grants and contacts specialist in sponsored programs
  • Lisa Winstead, senior secretary in the Intelligent Systems Center

Jan Buhlinger Spirit Award
  • John Cook, student recruitment specialist in admissions
Excellence Awards
  • Misty Daniels, manager II of business administration in fiscal services
  • Siiri Gilness, senior office support assistant in student affairs
  • Rhonda Grayson, business support specialist II in computer science
  • Virginia Hauck, custodian in facilities services
  • Gavin Jewell, media producer I in global learning
  • Lisa Olds, office support assistant IV in University Police
  • Carolyn Pridgeon, custodian in the Havener Center
  • Tina Reagan, student support specialist II in student life
  • Sammatha Wilcox, student support assistant II in career opportunities and employer relations

Jan Buhlinger Spirit Award
  • Joe Boehmbuilding services supervisor in the Havener Center