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Bloomington Council Staff Spotlight

Staff Spotlight

Staff Spotlight allows any IU Bloomington community member to acknowledge any IU Bloomington staff member for their contributions to our community. This process is for non-students and non-faculty as there are other ways to recognize the important work of those groups.

No contribution is too small or unimportant! If you see someone making a difference, we encourage you to nominate them so those contributions can be recognized.

Nominate a colleague!

Each month, Bloomington Staff Council selects three nominees to feature on the Staff Spotlight page, and selected nominees are also recognized in an email sent to all IU Bloomington staff not represented by a union.

December 2025

Robin Reynolds

Department: IU HR Employee Relations

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: I'd like to nominate Robin Reynolds for recognition because she consistently goes above and beyond in her role as an IU HR Employee Relations Consultant. Robin is the kind of colleague everyone hopes to have always willing to help, share her expertise, and offer a listening ear. She has a remarkable ability to navigate complex situations with clarity and grace, helping others find a clear path forward. What truly sets Robin apart is the kindness and humility she brings to every interaction. Her thoughtful approach makes a real difference, and her support is deeply appreciated.

Diana Jones

Department:Dining & Hospitality

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Diana truly functions as the heart of our operation at Forest Eatery. She always engages respectfully and warmly with our team. She thrives under pressure, maintaining a high energy level and setting a positive example for others. She honors her commitments, offering kind and constructive feedback, and by supporting her teammates. She excels in balancing administrative duties with on-boarding and supporting new staff. She regularly celebrates milestones, fostering a culture of appreciation. Diana builds strong relationships across departments and always gives credit where it is due.

Matt Harms

Department: Capital Planning and Facilities - Construction Management

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Matt is a tremendous partner in improving facilities across campus. As a construction manager he consistently ensures projects are completed to a high standard while meeting tight schedules to keep campus disruption to a minimum. Matt performs his work with professionalism and a cheerful attitude that makes tough situations better. Kudos to Matt for a being a wonderful example of the spirit of Indiana!

Jonathan Perez

Department: Bloomington Graduate School

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Jonathan has been with our office about 19 months and he had to immediately take a lead role with the Graduate Slate Admissions and Recruitment CRM system Implementation. He works late every day and in early every morning and he has managed a very complex process with grace. He rarely takes credit for the accomplishments and he deserves this recognition.

Greg Pearson, Building Support Services Director; Cheryl Hamm, Campus Services Coordinator; Ryan Arnold, Building Services team member

Department: O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs Building Support Team

Nominated by: Jack Rosswurm, Assistant Director of the Environment, Society, and Sustainability Institute

Nomination text: Not only do each of them carry out their duties adeptly, but they also do so with kindness toward their fellow O'Neill staff members. As a newer staff member who started over the summer, I have gone to them with questions about various events hosted by my unit, requests to borrow tables and carts, and more. They stand out for their willingness to help others, regardless of whether it's answering a question about mail or moving a staff member's entire office (as in my case!). The O'Neill Building Support Team is a shining example of what every IU staff member should aspire to be, and I thank them for their hard work.

Michelle Moore

Department: Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance

Nominated by: Anonymous & Reuben Lucas, Associate Professor, Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance

Nomination text 1: Since joining the department in 2024 as the Properties and Scenic Art Supervisor, Michelle Moore has quickly gained the trust and respect of students, staff, and faculty alike. As she guides graduate and undergraduate student employees in the scenic painting and prop making of the department's theatre and dance productions, she has shown herself to be knowledgeable, adaptable, kind, professional, and a dedicated teacher. Her enthusiasm for well-developed student learning outcomes extends into the courses on which she serves as adjunct instructor. Additionally, she has continued her own professional development by engaging in professional associations and attending professional trainings to strengthen her understanding of scenic art and properties. Michelle is a valuable and integral member of the department. Her many positive contributions to the department and the wider IU community are acknowledged and appreciated.

Nomination text 2: It is my pleasure to nominate Michelle Moore for the IU Bloomington Staff Council Staff Spotlight. As the Paint and Props Supervisor in the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance, Michelle exemplifies the values of dedication, creativity, and collaboration that define our campus community. Michelle is a passionate and tireless advocate for student success. Her ability to engage and inspire both undergraduate and graduate students sets her apart. Whether mentoring students through complex scenic painting techniques or guiding them in the art of prop construction, Michelle creates a learning environment that is both rigorous and supportive. Her work helps students build confidence. develop artistic skills and discover their creative voices. Michelle consistently demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of artistic excellence. Her contributions to departmental productions elevate the quality of our work and reflect her deep knowledge, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Michelle brings a collegial and generous spirit to every collaboration. Her positive attitude and team-oriented approach foster a productive and welcoming workplace for students, faculty and staff alike. Michelle is an invaluable member of our department, and a shining example of the impact IU staff can have on the academic and artistic lives of our students. I wholeheartedly recommend her for this well-deserved recognition."

Audrie Osterman & Jodi Baker

Department: Media School Communications Department

Nominated by: Paul Wright. Communication Science

Nomination text: Audrie Osterman and Jodi Baker are the quintessential example of strategic communications insight, planning, and execution. The content they produce for The Media School website and our various social media properties engages, delights, and informs. They are a model for our students to follow as they pursue their own professional communications journeys and we faculty are forever indebted for their tremendous and tireless promotion and support of our research and teaching efforts.

Elizabeth Kramer

Department: Environmental Health and Safety

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Liz is a joy to work with. I so appreciate her willingness to jump in when her expertise is needed and admire the wonderful rapport she has with our researchers. I really value the humor, thoughtfulness, and vast knowledge that Liz brings to table. She is an incredible resource for many and adds a breath of fresh air to the day-to-day. Liz is a powerhouse, and I'm grateful to work with her!

Carlie Greven

Department: Research Contracting, Office for Research Administration

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Carlie is a Contract Officer II and is the definition of going above and beyond. She participates in the hiring process within our group, putting candidates at ease and helping new employees feel valued and right at home. She seeks out opportunities to train new employees and is the first to jump in to resolve difficult dilemmas or carve paths forward in response to new issues. Carlie is a wealth of knowledge, a reliable colleague, and her light and pleasant personality lifts our team. Please select Carlie for a Staff Spotlight; she is a true asset to IU!

Kara Peterson

Department: Finance Shared Services

Nominated by: Keenan Mumma, Finance Shared Services

Nomination text: Kara Peterson leads our contracts and grants efforts in UITS with remarkable skill and vision. She is an incredibly strategic thinker who brings a breadth of experience from multiple levels of the university to her role. Kara consistently finds creative solutions that streamline processes and save time, benefitting the entire university.

While Kara may not describe herself as warm and fuzzy, she is truly the culture setter of our team. She ensures employees feel heard and understood, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. Kara also invests in the growth of her colleagues, working alongside them to develop their skills and supporting their future career aspirations.

Her combination of strategic insight, problem-solving creativity, and commitment to people makes Kara an invaluable leader and colleague, deserving of this recognition.

Kyle Richmond

Department: Radio/TV Services

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Kyle Richmond has been indispensable during the final renovation phase of Studio 6 in the Radio/TV Building, the Media School's largest video production facility. During a period when Radio/TV Services is navigating the loss of federal and state funding of public media and adjusting to reduced staffing, Kyle has stepped up with quiet determination and unwavering dedication to his colleagues and the mission of Radio/TV. He doesn't wait to be asked. He sees what needs to be done, takes initiative, and moves work forward.

In the past several months, Kyle has led the charge on restoring our studio's complex technical systems. He's led the installation, mapping and addressing, and integration of 60 new lighting fixtures, handled work area updates, rebuilt control pathways, cleaned up patching and cabling, and brought camera chains and audio connections fully back online. He's methodical, precise, and always looking for ways to improve both workflow and reliability. Through tackling a project of this scope and scale, Kyle has not only expanded his own skill set in the process, but has also assured that he has shared what he's learned with the rest of the team, strengthening our collective knowledge base.

Kyle is the kind of colleague who approaches every task with a can-do attitude. No job is too small, no challenge too large. He models calm professionalism, supports others without fanfare, and brings out the best in the people around him. In a year when resilience and resourcefulness matter more than ever, Kyle has embodied both.

Kyle is a graduate of Indiana University and has been an (full-time for about 8 years) employee of Radio/TV Services for over a decade, building a career that spans engineering, production support, and studio operations.

Jennifer Chaffin

Department: Human Resources, IU Libraries

Nominated by: Ilana Stonebraker, Head Sciences & Social Sciences, IU Libraries- Bloomington

Nomination text: I'd like to nominate Jennifer Chaffin, Director of HR for the IU Libraries. Jennifer's role is an incredibly challenging one balancing the day-to-day details that keep things running smoothly while also maintaining a big-picture perspective on what's possible and what's coming next. She has an extraordinary ability to anticipate challenges before they arise and to guide us through them with both clarity and care.

Kelly Cornett

Department: Vice President of University Relations

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Kelly Cornett is the type of co-worker that any team would be lucky to have. Kelly is reliable, friendly, and goes out of her way to help anyone who needs a hand. If you need something done, you know that Kelly is going to deliver every time. She is a friend to everyone and is welcoming to all. Kelly is a wealth of knowledge; and my motto is, "if you don't know what to do, ask Kelly!" VPUR is so much better because of Kelly Cornett!

Trina Pfaff

Department: Optometry

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Trina works in the optometry's school clinic. She tirelessly goes above and beyond for every single patient every time. Some people drive from several counties away just to get their glasses from her. Trina has been with IU for over 20 years and many alumni and retirees make it a point to come visit her when they come to town. She always has a positive attitude and a kind word for everyone. Trina is a great asset to the university and a blessing to everyone around.

Lisa Hamilton

Department: Career Exploration & Student Employment

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text 1: I am honored to nominate Lisa Hamilton for her outstanding contributions to career development and staff training. Lisa is a tireless advocate for our CESE staff and students, always leading with positivity, empathy, and a deep commitment to growth.

She is a natural developer of talent and a cheerleader for others. Her ability to connect students with meaningful opportunities and resources reflects her holistic approach to student success.

Lisa's collaborative spirit and campus-wide partnerships make her an exceptional colleague and leader. Whether she's mentoring a new staff member, guiding a student toward their goals, or collaborating across departments, Lisa brings a contagious generosity that makes people feel seen, valued, and supported. Her warmth and dedication leave a lasting impression if you know Lisa, you feel like you've known her forever.

Her work inspires us all to lead with heart, invest in others, and build a campus culture where everyone can grow towards their goals.

Nomination text 2: I want to recognize Lisa Hamilton for her extraordinary contributions on the Career Exploration & Student Employment team and within the Indiana University Bloomington community. Lisa is a tireless advocate for both students and colleagues, embodying excellence through her leadership in career development, staff training, and campus collaboration. Her work is both relational and strategic marked by empathy, positivity, and a commitment to growth that makes her a cornerstone of our student support ecosystem. Lisa's ability to make others feel seen, valued, and capable is unmatched. This year, she played a pivotal role in launching the inaugural Business Pathfinders cohort, a collaborative initiative between Business Pathways and CESE, showcasing her innovative spirit and dedication to pre-business student success. Lisa's unwavering support and genuine care empower those around her to step into their potential with confidence.

Randall Lent

Department: Libraries

Nominated by: Michael Courtney, Libraries

Nomination text: I have observed Randy in a wide variety of roles over the past 22 years, both in a public service sense dealing with library patrons as well as in a collegial sense, working closely with myself and other library employee colleagues. Randy is, without doubt, always helpful, insightful, extremely courteous, and approachable. His position in the Libraries is not likely an overtly enviable one overseeing the daily functionality of both the Libraries' circulation and security services presents the likelihood of conflict and stress daily in as much as it provides many positive experiences with patrons. Given the widely variable nature of such a position, we are fortunate that Randy has the enviable skill of reacting to potential crises effectively, efficiently, and swiftly, as well as the remarkable ability to prevent the potential escalation of problems as they inevitably arise. Randy has always remained calm and level-headed even in the most trying and challenging of situations (of which there have been many over the years).

Randy has always been the go-to person. Unquestionably, whenever a question or problem has arisen that dealt with circulation, security, or general public service issues, Randy is almost always, without fail, the person with the answer. He is quick to share his experience and advice while making you feel a part of the conversation. In as much as he has the answer, he also listens adeptly and fully analyzes a situation before offering a solution. He truly does embody the notion of collegiality. While years of experience have shaped his outlook and approach, he is not afraid to learn from new experiences or re-think past approaches to problem solving. I'm fully impressed with Randy's ability to continually assess and revise procedures to ensure that we are providing the very best public service possible. I have personally witnessed angry patrons at the circulation desk, often troubled by a bill or fine or other such issue, and can attest to how well-trained our circulation assistants and staff are at handling conflict as well as how available Randy is at any time they need his guidance. He makes patrons feel as though they are important and an active part of the conversation, which invariably changes a situation from one of conflict to one of reaching mutual understanding.

Elizabeth Bolyard

Department: Academic Engagement and Student Experience

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Elizabeth is never shy about exploring new ideas while keeping students front-and-center in the planning and execution of creative events. While the students only see the final result, the Walter Center team witnessed the building excitement after each conversation with employers and campus partners. As Elizabeth says you have to celebrate each little win and she does!

As a team member, Elizabeth brings bright energy to every conversation. Our External Relations office is known as the laughter hub in the Walter Center. Many coworkers will make their way into the room, citing a fear of missing out on the fun that is thanks to Elizabeth and her need to share joy with others.

“I take great pleasure in bringing opportunities to students and it brings me great joy to be in the presence of their energy. I love my job at IU and the opportunity to work at the Walter Center is like being home within my work.

Susan Langley

Department: Student Central

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text 1: I am nominating Susan Langley, Assistant Director at Student Central, because she is the heart of our team. Susan leads with compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to help others succeed, both our students and our staff. She has a gift for making people feel heard and supported, no matter how busy things get. Susan goes out of her way to offer guidance, encouragement, and perspective, and she's always the first to jump in and help when challenges arise. Her deep knowledge and calm presence create stability in even the most stressful times, and her kindness reminds all of us why we do the work we do. Student Central is a better place because of Susan's leadership, dedication, and the care she shows every single day.

Nomination text 2: Susan is a constant source of guidance and support for both students and staff. She has a real talent for navigating complicated policies and processes and explaining them in a way that makes sense. She's patient, clear, and always focused on making sure students feel heard and supported, especially when they're dealing with stressful or confusing situations.

What really makes Susan stand out is the positive, solutions-oriented atmosphere she helps create within Student Central. She's approachable, thoughtful, and the kind of person who's always willing to jump in and help a colleague when things get busy or challenging. Whether she's supporting new team members, helping connect information across departments, or stepping up during peak times, Susan leads by example with genuine care.

Her work ethic, kindness, and dedication to improving the student experience show through in everything she does. Student Central is truly a better place because of Susan's leadership and the way she consistently goes above and beyond for others.

Patty Tierney Hobart

Department: Center for Veteran & Military Students

Nominated by: Ryann Michelle Seifers Magness, Senior Assistant Director of the Center for Veteran & Military Students

Nomination text: Patty does a great job in all aspects of our work at the Center for Veteran & Military Students (CVMS). Her dedication to accurate and timely processing of GI Bill student enrollment certifications and ability to consistently create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, exemplifies our team values. Patty engages with students and our greater IU community with intentional empathy and compassion while continuously striving to increase her knowledge of the VA federal and institutional policies that impact our military-connected students. This approach provides holistic support for our students throughout their journey here at IU!

Patty pulls from her life experiences as a veteran as well as a parent of an IU ROTC student, who is currently using VA and state benefits for their education, to connect with everyone who comes through our doors. Patty's confident and consistent work paved the way for our recent processing improvements and a significant increase in outreach events over her first year at CVMS. I am grateful to have Patty on our team.

Katie Bates

Department: Intercollegiate Athletics

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Katie is an indispensable member of the IU Athletics staff. Her impact spans a wide array of critical areas, including fundraising, administration, the Cheer program and the IU Men's Basketball program. In addition, she serves as the department's liaison to a number of important campus offices and entities, including the President's Office and Board of Trustees. Not only is she excellent in all of these roles, but she also possesses an infectiously positive attitude that makes her joy to work with and to be around. She has a deep love for IU and is committed to making a positive impact in everything that she does.

Keith Roach

Department: Office of Development and Engagement, Kelley School of Business

Nominated by: Lana Spendl, Kelley School of Business

Nomination text: Keith exemplifies strategic dedication and relational excellence in every aspect of his role. As Associate Director of Alumni Engagement for the Kelley Office of Development and Engagement, he brings a consistently warm, engaged attitude to his work, whether he's answering questions at all hours, traveling for alumni events, or ensuring every detail is handled with care.

He organizes events with precision, connects meaningfully with alumni, and thoughtfully reviews scripts for leadership, all while keeping the success of the larger team front and center. Keith's reliability, emotional intelligence, and ability to represent Kelley with professionalism and warmth make him an invaluable asset to our development efforts. His sense of humor, deep thoughtfulness, and unwavering commitment make him not only a wonderful colleague but a true team player whose impact is felt across the Kelley community.

Genevieve Risner

Department: Eskenazi Museum of Art

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Genevieve juggles a huge number of responsibilities as the museum's marketing and communications manager -- everything from major press releases and communications for exhibitions, to engaging social media posts, to initiating and spearheading collaborations with organizations like the IU First Nations Educational & Cultural Center and the Eiteljorg Museum. On top of that, she is a leader at our museum in taking on student interns and training them in marketing and museum work with patience and enthusiasm.  Genevieve handles everything with humor and a collegial spirit, and is a wonderful representation of the museum's mission to be a welcoming environment to campus and beyond.

Dawn England

Department: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures

Nominated by: Asaad Alsaleh

Nomination text: I am pleased to nominate Dawn in recognition of her outstanding and enduring contributions to Indiana University. With her managerial skills, she has been serving IU since June 1998, working for the Wells Library, the School of Education, and the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs. She joined MELC in 2022, and since then, she has been a pillar of the department's operation. What sets Mrs. England apart is not only the breadth of her responsibilities but also the remarkable effectiveness with which she carries them out. She is consistently proactive, anticipating potential problems and offering practical solutions that save time and resources. Her efficiency and attention to detail allow faculty and students to focus on their academic work without administrative distraction. Mrs. England communicates with clarity and professionalism, fostering trust, stability, and confidence within the department. Mrs. England deserves recognition also for the positive, professional, and collegial atmosphere she cultivates. Her kindness, patience, and dedication make students and colleagues feel valued and respected.

Amelie Magaw

Department: IUPD

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Since joining IU, Amelie has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, initiative, and commitment to excellence. Her ability to remain courteous, helpful and enthusiastic in a high stress environment has significantly impacted safety and morale for the better. Beyond measurable outcomes, Amelie is a valued colleague who exemplifies values of integrity, collaboration, and excellence. She willingly fosters a positive work environment and daily goes above and beyond.

Jeremy Hackerd

Department: University Collections

Nominated by: Heather Calloway, University Collections

Nomination text: Jeremy exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated, visionary, and service-driven member of University Collections. As Assistant Director for Special Projects, he consistently elevates our work through his leadership in digitization initiatives, inter-campus collaborations, policy development, and exhibit curation. His deep historical knowledge, exceptional project-management skills, and commitment to institutional stewardship have strengthened University Collections' presence across IU and the broader community. Jeremy's contributions to major exhibits, policy revisions and development efforts demonstrate not only his technical expertise but also his passion for preserving and sharing IU's history. Jeremy's curatorial leadership on the Irsay Collection exhibit showcased his ability to blend deep research with engaging storytelling, resulting in an experience that resonated with campus and community audiences alike. His ongoing mentorship of staff and interns further amplifies his impact. Jeremy's work is thoughtful, strategic, and always mission-focused, making him an outstanding IU colleague.

Anne-Sophie Stringer

Department: Spanish & Portuguese

Nominated by: Department of Spanish & Portuguese Awards Committee

Nomination text: Since joining the Department of Spanish and Portuguese in June 2021, Anne-Sophie has become an indispensable member of our academic community providing exceptional support to graduate students, faculty, and staff; setting new standards for efficiency and transparency; and elevating the overall functioning and wellbeing of one of the university's largest graduate programs.

Exceptional Job Performance and Student Support

Anne-Sophie is the front door for our graduate program, supporting approximately 90 graduate students across three PhD tracks. She manages all degree milestones, admissions, records, fellowships, defenses, and committee processes with unfailing accuracy and care. Students consistently describe her as extraordinarily efficient, accessible, warm, and deeply supportive. Many note that she is the anchor of their graduate experience, helping them navigate everything from visas to credit issues to community-building events.

During the pandemic, Anne-Sophie was one of the few individuals on campus daily, ensuring continuity, connection, and wellbeing for a graduate community facing unprecedented challenges. She launched a Community Forum to combat isolation and later became a central member of the department's Bias and Wellbeing Committee. She continues to work on campus five days a week and is the primary organizer of graduate orientation, social events, mental-health programming, and gatherings that foster belonging and cohesion.

Innovation, Initiative, and Departmental Leadership

Anne-Sophie's ingenuity has transformed the operations of the Graduate Studies office and the department at large. Among her many innovations:

Creating streamlined e-docs, transparent timelines, and digital tracking systems for student progress and funding.

Developing the department's first automated Adobe-based SAA contract system, saving significant time for students, faculty, and staff.

Converting decades of paper files into a comprehensive digital archive.

Designing a master Excel system for donor-funded graduate support, enabling more strategic and transparent budgeting.

Producing recruitment materials, including a campus video and a widely used digital flyer for all program tracks.

Initiating and coordinating an inaugural Graduate Recruitment Day, now a permanent, successful annual event.

Aligning the annual recruitment visit with the graduate student conference, mutually enhancing the visibility and impact of both events.

Her exceptional organizational skills and vision also allowed the department to respond swiftly and effectively to recent external review recommendations, contributing meaningfully to long-term improvements in student progress and time to degree.

Collaboration, Mentorship, and Impact Beyond the Department

Anne-Sophie's professionalism, generosity, and collaborative instinct make her a trusted colleague among staff and faculty alike. Although her office is located near graduate students, she routinely checks in with other departmental staff, offering guidance especially on complex technological matters and fostering a spirit of teamwork.

In recognition of her excellence, Anne-Sophie was appointed lead coordinator for three additional language departments in the Global and International Studies Building. In this expanded role, she mentors other graduate services coordinators, leads regular meetings, assists with training on new university systems, and advises on the streamlining of procedures. She is widely admired among her peers and plays an important leadership role in ensuring consistency and quality across multiple units.

She also works closely with the Graduate School and College deans, contributing informed perspectives during meetings, responding proactively to new initiatives, and helping implement institutional changes efficiently and thoughtfully.

A Transformative Presence in the Department

Over seven years, Anne-Sophie has become one of the most effective and impactful staff members in the department's history. She brings exceptional judgment, creativity, dedication, and care to every aspect of her work. Her influence is felt not only in graduate student success and wellbeing but also in the strength of our undergraduate program, which relies heavily on graduate teaching. The ripple effects of her contributions extend far beyond our department.

It is no surprise that each year, multiple faculty and students independently urge us to nominate her for this award. With every passing year, her achievements, leadership, and impact only grow.

Conclusion

We are extraordinarily fortunate to have Anne-Sophie Stringer as part of our academic community. Her exemplary service, innovation, mentorship, and unwavering dedication make her one of the most deserving candidates for the Provost's Outstanding Staff Merit Award. We recommend her with the highest confidence and enthusiasm.

Esteban Mancheno Chiriboga

Department: Alumni Association

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Esteban is constantly a joy to work with and will always go above and beyond in his work. There are times when staff feels overwhelmed with their responsibilities and Esteban always steps in to help and relieve the burden on others. Esteban strives to make influential and positive relationships with all vendors and contract holders and ensures that our stakeholders, for every event, return happier than before they attended. When unknown circumstances arise at events, Esteban will always manage them with a level head, empathetic responses, and reassurance to the customer. In the time that I've worked with Esteban, I haven't seen him faulter. Very proud!

Posey Cohen

Department: Kelley School of Business Undergraduate Admissions

Nominated by: Jill Shimek, Kelley School of Business Undergraduate Admissions

Nomination text: In Posey's first year on Kelley's Undergraduate Admissions team, she has grown to be a welcoming member of the team. She asks important questions about processes, show initiative in enhancing our programming, and is conscientious is how she handles difficult situations. She encourages other team members and is thinking about how she can help enhance programs that are outside of her role.

Posey is particularly excited about growing the Kelley Women's Leadership Institute for high school students interested in business. Over this summer, while hosting the day long program four different times, she has been forming ideas on how to keep the students engaged after they complete the program while simultaneously preparing for the next program. Students are excited to keep in touch with Posey after the program ends, which speaks to her ability to connect with students and engage with them in their learning.

Andrea White

Department: Walter Center for Career Achievement, External Relations

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Andrea White for recognition as an outstanding staff member. As Director of External Relations at the Walter Center, Andrea leads the team responsible for cultivating and managing vital relationships with alumni and employers. Andrea brings a special combination of warmth, humor, and precision to her role. Her sharp attention to detail ensures that every initiative under her leadership is executed with excellence, including the recently launched Internship Accelerator, which is already making a big impact for students in the College. Andrea makes work better and more fun for everyone around her. We are grateful to have her at IUB!

Dave Burton

Department: Cox Scholars Program

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Dave Burton, Associate Director of the Cox Scholars Program, deserves recognition for his outstanding work in developing and executing Camp Cox, a multi-day overnight leadership retreat developed in partnership with LeaderShape. Camp Cox brought together Cox Scholars at Bradford Woods for an immersive experience focused on personal development, values-based leadership, and collaborative growth. Dave oversaw every aspect of the event and his attention to detail ensured a seamless and impactful experience where students gained new insights about themselves, stronger communication skills, and a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with purpose. Thanks to Dave's thoughtful planning and facilitation, Camp Cox became a cornerstone experience for scholars, blending logistics with purpose to create an environment where transformation could truly take root.

Darren Worth

Department: Dining

Nominated by: Olivia Pate

Nomination text: Darren goes above and beyond to create a welcoming, inclusive, and fun work environment while maintaining the highest quality standards. He constantly introduces creative recipes and new ideas, offering a variety of options for students and staff. His leadership was key to the successful opening of McNutt Dining Hall, and he's now bringing the same innovation and energy to the launch of Wright Food Court. Darren's positivity, creativity, and dedication make him an invaluable part of our university community.

Cici Bass

Department: Jacobs School of Music Dean's Office

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: It is with great enthusiasm and deep admiration that I nominate Cici Bass for the IUB Staff Spotlight. Cici is the Assistant to the Executive Associate Dean at the Jacobs School of Music, and her contributions to our school are nothing short of extraordinary.

Cici has been a cornerstone of Jacobs for many years and her institutional knowledge, professionalism, and unwavering dedication make her an irreplaceable asset to our community. She is the kind of colleague every team dreams of always ready to jump in, lend a hand, and make things happen with grace and efficiency.

Her role is expansive and critical: she coordinates the entire school's hiring process in partnership with the Executive Associate Dean, ensuring that every step, from approval routing to candidate visit details are handled with precision and care. She also plays a vital role in managing work visa issues for our international faculty, navigating complex procedures with expertise and compassion. These responsibilities require not only technical skill but also discretion, diplomacy, and a deep understanding of university systems all of which Cici embodies effortlessly.

Cici is a consummate professional courteous, reliable, and incredibly responsive. She brings warmth and positivity to every interaction, and her ability to juggle multiple high-stakes tasks while maintaining a calm and supportive demeanor is truly remarkable. She is a team player in every sense of the word, and her collaborative spirit uplifts everyone around her. She is trusted, respected, and admired by colleagues across the school, and her work ethic and integrity set a standard we all aspire to.

Nathan Morrison

Department: Facilities Operations

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Nathan Morrison is our lead for facilities at Kelley. In all the years that I have interacted with Nathan, he has never once shown frustration, anger, or not being able to help. Even during some of our busiest times in the building, Nathan will always say when he might be able to help with a request.

This semester in particular, even while being short staffed, Nathan has continued to be one of the kindest, helpful, level headed, and calm individuals we can ask for. Just last week, I needed a chair replaced in my classroom - without hesitation, the only question he asked was what kind of chair and which class room. "I will do it right now". Even when he is answering the same question seemingly for the 100th time in one day, Nathan does it in a kind way which I so appreciate.

Thank you, Nathan, for leading such a great team. And thank you for being such a great colleague!

Angela Lexmond

Department: Walter Center Teaching Team

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Angela leads the Walter Center's teaching team: that fantastic group of instructors who bring the philosophy of "Life Design" to life for our students. She is truly passionate about teaching students to use design thinking (a planning approach that provides students a toolkit of mindsets and methods for intentionally charting out their futures) to align their academic and co-curricular experiences with their long-term career aspirations. And she makes the whole process more fun, too! Her dedication, energy, and student-centeredness are unmistakable and should be celebrated.

Jana England

Department: Gill Institute for Neuroscience

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Jana is an invaluable asset to the program! She is always kind and helpful. She is very knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile or ten. We are very lucky to have her on our team.

Previously Featured Staff

November 2025

Ali Piovesan

Department: Accounts Payable

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Ali Piovesan is a truly great people-leader and colleague. She is quick to help, has incredibly sharp problem-solving skills, cares very much for the well-being and professional development of her team, and has an unmatched dedication to process improvement for the betterment of the university.It's nothing short of inspiring to see all she has accomplished!

Linda Fields

Department: IUB Early Childhood Education Services

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Linda Fields oversees the care and learning of some of the youngest IU students as the Director of IUB Campus View Child Care Center. Linda has a deep understanding of child development and sets a calm, observant, nurturing tone for the children, families, and her staff. Linda has been one of IUB's longest serving Center directors with a cumulative 18 years of service at CVCCC. She has guided the program through moving to a new location, implementation of the departments' internationally respected practice of Continuity of Care at CVCCC, as well as numerous unique scenarios of being housed in a university apartment complex (Oh, the stories she can tell!).

Linda excels at genuinely listening to a parent or teacher through a challenging situation, taking in the details, asking questions and considering them before offering guidance and suggestions. Linda is a mentor to the two other ECES Center Directors who often turn to her with a variety of questions.

Finally, Linda has a wonderful, sense of humor that often produces a twinkle in her eye and a signature, quiet chuckle.

UITS Student Outreach – Bloomington

Department: Digital Education Programs and Initiatives in the University Information Technology Services (UITS)

Nominated by: Julia Sanders

Nomination text: I am delighted and enthusiastic to nominate the IU Bloomington UITS Student Outreach team for their exceptional achievements and profound impact throughout the past year. This team exemplifies excellence, purpose, and heartfelt dedication, consistently going above and beyond to ensure every student feels welcomed, supported, and technologically empowered from their very first moments on campus.

Transformative Student Engagement

In 2025, the Student Outreach Team made an extraordinary impact by connecting with nearly 4,000 students and family members during New Student Orientation (NSO) and Welcome Week events. Each interaction—whether answering questions, explaining technology resources, or simply offering a friendly smile—helped demystify technology and instilled confidence in our students. Their approachable presence turned potentially daunting technical challenges into opportunities for meaningful connection and expert guidance.

Strategic Partnerships and Campus Integration

What truly sets this team apart is their unwavering commitment to collaboration. They have forged strong, strategic partnerships with the NSO and First Year Experience teams, the Groups Scholars Program, IU Bloomington Libraries, the IU Arts and Humanities Council, and numerous other student and academic organizations. These relationships enable the team to meet students wherever they are—whether in classrooms, at the Student Recreation and Sports Center (SRSC), in outdoor spaces, or at campus events. By embedding themselves in the daily life of IU Bloomington, they ensure students have access to the tools and support needed to thrive.

Heart, Professionalism, and Lasting Impact

The UITS Student Outreach Team brings heart to everything they do. They make technology approachable, listen deeply to student needs, and respond with empathy and expertise. Their work is foundational to student success, fostering a sense of readiness, belonging, and connection within the IU community. Their professionalism and enthusiasm inspire those around them and create a welcoming environment where every student feels valued.

Why This Team Deserves Recognition

This team’s achievements are not just measured in numbers, but in the lasting confidence and support they provide to our students. Their innovative approach, collaborative spirit, and heartfelt dedication make them truly deserving of this honor. I am proud to work alongside such an exceptional group and wholeheartedly recommend the IU Bloomington UITS Student Outreach Team for this award.

October 2025

Jenna Graham

Department: IMU Meeting & Event Services

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Jenna is an Event Coordinator at the Indiana Memorial Union. Many in the IMU would say that she has one of the brightest shining personalities in the whole building! She primarily works with student organizations, Union Board and the Student Involvement & Leadership Center, but also works with IU Departments, Weddings & Alumni Reunions, and a variety of others that host their events at the IMU. She always goes above and beyond to help students & clients plan, organize and execute successful and unforgettable events. Everyone I have spoken with has had absolutely amazing things to say about her and they can't wait to work with her again! She is such a treasure at the IMU!

Elizabeth McAdam

Department: Counseling and Psychological Services

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Elizabeth is one of the most pleasant, thoughtful, fun, and caring folks on our staff. She is supportive, willing to be a listening ear for anything, and is the best at showing her appreciation for her colleagues. Despite challenges, she perseveres. She works hard, harder than many, and with more intentionality than most. Elizabeth is a role model and willing to do a lot for her team and for the students that we serve. Your work does not go without notice and without appreciation!

Andrew Cook

Department: College of Arts and Science Recruiting

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Andrew is one of those rare individuals who quietly keeps an entire operation running smoothly. He is unfailingly dependable: always the first to step up when something needs to be done and the last to seek recognition for it. Whether he’s awarding scholarships to students, supporting recruitment efforts, or helping colleagues behind the scenes, Andrew approaches every task with thoughtfulness and integrity.

A hallmark of Andrew’s work is the care he gives to students. He is the one who makes time for phone calls, especially when conversations are hard or complicated. He listens, explains, and helps students feel seen and supported. Those small but significant acts of generosity (giving his time and presence) demonstrate how deeply he values the human side of our work.

Andrew brings that same generosity to his colleagues. He is constantly asking, “What can I take off your plate?” or reminding someone, “You’re already doing a great job!”, often just when they need to hear it most. Those moments of encouragement create a sense of trust and camaraderie on our team that is rare and deeply appreciated. He makes everyone around him feel capable and valued, simply by being the kind of teammate who genuinely wants others to succeed.

One of Andrew’s greatest strengths is his ability to communicate with honesty and calm. He has a natural presence in front of groups. His relaxed, authentic style immediately puts people at ease. Students and colleagues alike trust him because he is straightforward and sincere. He doesn’t overcomplicate things or rely on charm. He tells the truth, and he tells it well. That quality makes him not only an excellent presenter but also an effective representative of the College’s mission and values.

As a teammate, Andrew is a steady, grounding presence. He builds strong relationships across departments and works collaboratively without ego or pretense. He is respected by everyone who knows him because he embodies the kind of quiet leadership that keeps a team strong and focused on the work of serving students and advancing the College.

In short, Andrew is the colleague everyone hopes to have: reliable, kind, and guided by genuine purpose. It’s a privilege to call him both a colleague and a friend, and I’m grateful for the chance to recognize his work.

September 2025

Luke Chanley

Department: Academic Engagement and Student Experience

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Luke is an exceptional career coach whose dedication to student success and staff development consistently goes above and beyond. He has a remarkable ability to connect with students, offering guidance that is compassionate, impactful, and well-informed. In one example, Luke noticed a student at one of our events who needed extra guidance and immediately stepped in to provide on-the-spot coaching.

Beyond his work with students, Luke is a cornerstone of our internal community. He leads our professional development committee with energy and vision, ensuring staff have meaningful opportunities to grow. He’s always willing to take on a presentation or lend a hand at an event, making him an invaluable team player.

Luke’s contributions make a lasting difference and we’re lucky to have him on our career education team.

Sarah Chavez

Department: Financial Training and Communications

Nominated by: Laura Oxford

First nomination text: Sarah Chavez is an indispensable member of the Financial Training and Communications team. Her relentless dedication and deep expertise in procurement make her an invaluable resource—one whose contributions are both essential and deeply appreciated.
In addition to her outstanding work designing and recording comprehensive training sessions, Sarah consistently goes above and beyond to assist colleagues with complex and unique procurement challenges. Her depth of knowledge, resourcefulness, and professionalism make her a trusted advisor and a go-to problem solver. What truly sets Sarah apart is her unwavering kindness and generosity. She approaches every interaction with grace and a genuine desire to help, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that uplifts everyone around her. Sarah exemplifies excellence and embodies the spirit of teamwork. Her contributions have a lasting impact and deserve recognition across the IU community.

Amanda Wilson

Department: IU Fleet Services

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Amanda works tirelessly in support of her customers and most importantly her staff. Continuously going above and beyond, researching for just the right vehicle for the wide variety of departments on multiple campuses. For her staff Amanda provides them countless training and learning opportunities and the support they need to achieve their goals for now and in the future. Amanda is a valuable cornerstone to IU Fleet Services.

August 2025

Mary Clare Bauman

Department: Career Exploration & Student Employment

Nominated by:Anonymous

First nomination text: As Associate Director of Student Employment in the Office of Career Exploration & Student Employment, Mary Clare Bauman exemplifies visionary leadership and a collaborative spirit. She has tirelessly worked to transform student employment at IU Bloomington from a job support service into a high-impact practice that fosters academic and professional growth. Mary Clare is a dynamic problem-solver who tackles challenges head-on and brings the right people together to address complex issues. Her insightful questions help teams uncover root causes and model a culture of deep thinking and hard work. Through her leadership of the Student Employment Committee, she works to unite campus employers and develop resources to elevate student employment as experiential learning. She works tirelessly to empower students to pursue meaningful work experiences and to build a campus-wide culture of mentorship and professional development aligned with NACE career competencies. Mary Clare’s work is a cornerstone of IU’s commitment to “learning by doing” and reflects the values of excellence, innovation, and student-centered service.

Sarah Schmitt

Department: College of Arts & Sciences, Walter Center for Career Achievement

Nominated by: Sarah was anonymously nominated twice!

First nomination text: Sarah is an exceptionally thoughtful and dedicated colleague whose work strengthens ties within our College of Arts and Sciences community and highlights that community's role in helping our students pursue meaningful lives and careers. In just a few short months on the job, her talent for taking ideas that prompt our team to say, "Gee, that would be nice!" and turning them into well-formed and functioning realities became apparent. Now, after a year and a half as Associate Director of Career and Academic Integration, she is an indispensable fixture of the Walter Center for Career Achievement. Sarah constantly goes above and beyond to accomplish whatever needs doing with exceptional organizational skills and dedication to excellence. But somehow, she also finds time to ensure the work of her colleagues is recognized and celebrated, notably through the creation of the College's Career Advocate award and by helping our team earn recognition from multiple state-wide and regional professional associations. Sarah's work behind the scenes deserves a moment in the spotlight, too!

Second nomination text: Sarah is the very definition of going above and beyond. When something great happens in the Walter Center and it comes out of nowhere, you can bet Sarah is the one behind it. She works so hard to make sure everyone is seen and recognized for the great work they do, and she deserves it more than anyone.

ASL Program (pictured left to right: Emma Loveland, Pam Patton-Richards)

Department:American Sign Language (ASL)/English Interpreting Office

Nominated by:Anonymous

Nomination text:The ASL/English Interpreting Office provides outstanding communication access for the American Sign Language Program and the wider campus community. Serving eight Deaf faculty members and numerous students, staff, and visitors, the office manages a wide range of interpreting and translation services with professionalism, adaptability, and expertise. From classroom interpreting and event support to translation, captioning, and specialized projects, the team’s work ensures clear, effective communication across languages. Their dedication, thorough preparation, and seamless coordination make them an essential part of the university’s academic and operational success.

Brandi Liford

Department: Applied Health Sciences, School of Public Health

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Brandi is amazing both as a fiscal officer and the head of all of the fiscal managers in our school. Her capacity to keep everything running efficiently, accurately, and in an organized fashion is a cut above every other fiscal officer I have ever worked with.

Kevin Collins

Department: Optometry

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Kevin is Optometry's Financial Administration Leader, but more importantly he is an amazing leader for the Optometry team. His dedication to excellence and his compassionate leadership truly set him apart. Kevin encourages open communication and teamwork, ensuring that everyone feels valued and heard. His leadership style is inclusive and empowering, making him not just a supervisor, but a mentor and coach. You can clearly see the impact of Kevin's leadership by looking at the pride his employees take in their work and in being part of his team. Optometry is a better place to work because of Kevin.

Kim Seeber

Department: UITS Learning Technologies, eLearning Design & Services

Nominated by: Anna Greene, UITS Learning Technologies, eLearning Design & Services

Nomination text: Kim is an under-the-radar super star. She doesn't make a big deal of the major things she's accomplished, from fostering strong team cohesion and high morale during times of stress and unexpected changes to exceptional project management in a portfolio full of constantly shifting data and priorities with a huge helping of politics. Kim's warm demeanor and steady hand are well-known. What doesn't get highlighted as often are the challenges she faces and resolves before they become detrimental to the team and our mission. For that reason, I'd like to publicly highlight her.

Liz Smith

Department: Academic Advising, College of Arts & Sciences

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Liz Smith is a dedicate advising leader. She is caring and empathetic and has a problem solving mindset. She is highly supportive of advisors in and outside of the College. Liz has an impressive eye for details and thinks carefully through curricular and other issues. We, in advising, are lucky to have her on our collective team. The College and the campus are better off for her presence.

Amanda Ransdell

Department: Psychological and Brain Sciences

Nominated by: Jalyn Medley, Psychological and Brain Sciences

Nomination text: I am nominating Amanda Ransdell because although she is relatively new to the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, her impact has been both immediate and significant. A key highlight of Amanda’s performance is her exceptional customer service skills. She is always eager to help students, staff, and faculty. Her ability to address inquiries through phone, email, and in-person interactions showcases her professionalism and dedication to fostering positive relationships.

Another highlight of Amanda’s performance is her motivated attitude. She takes the initiative in monitoring office supplies, maintaining inventory, and seemingly always knows exactly where, or what, it is you are looking for. For example, I recently was looking for an envelope, and she immediately got out the supply of envelopes that included a smaller blank one, a larger blank one, a PBS branded one, a University-Internal one; you get the idea. Her attention to detail and ability to anticipate the needs of others is unmatched. In summary, Amanda has gone above and beyond in her role. I look forward to her continued success in our department.

Cindy Vance

Department: Optometry

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Cindy Vance, the Director of Student Administration for the School of Optometry, continually shows unwavering dedication to enhancing the student experience. It is truly inspiring. Cindy's commitment shines through in every initiative she undertakes, always putting students first while bringing a deep pool of knowledge and expertise to the table. She is an excellent teammate and carries herself with a caring and kind nature that makes everyone feel valued and supported. Plus, her sense of humor never fails to bring a smile to our faces, making even the busiest days enjoyable. Thank you for being such a wonderful leader and colleague!

Dede Borik

Department: Faculty & Academic Affairs

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Dede Borik is the Director of Academic Personnel Policies and Services for Academic Affairs. By nature, this area involves complex policies and procedures, which often can be confusing and intimidating. However, Dede's expertise and experience are truly invaluable for the departments that she supports. We don't know what we'd do without her guidance, especially when navigating complex situations. Dede is always an absolute joy to work with. She has a unique talent for transforming what could easily be very formal, complex matters into personable interactions. We are immensely grateful for all that she does, and we deeply appreciate her dedication and partnership. Thank you for being such a remarkable and indispensable part of IU, Dede!

Garry Bryant

Department: Bloomington Auxiliary Payroll

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Garry is an outstanding employee who is well respected by all peers and continually goes above and beyond to assure students and staff are paid accurately and in a timely way. Garry's patience in explaining processes and training new staff is recognized by all with whom he interacts. Garry's continuous willingness to help others, both at work and outside work, is to be commended. Garry maintains a free 'C-Store' in his office where many students and staff enjoy a daily pick-me-up. Both Auxiliary Payroll and the Residence Life department are fortunate to have Garry on their team.

Evan Duffey

Department: University Information Technology Services (UITS)

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Having Evan as an IT support person has been a true pleasure. His technical expertise, combined with his friendly and helpful demeanor, has been invaluable. Although Evan supports many other RCs on the Bloomington campus, he has established himself as a point person and a problem solver for IT support and has made a significant impact for our department. We really appreciate the work he is doing!

Allen Major

Department: Media School

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: He's team captain even when team captains here.

Delaney Littlejohn

Department: Financial Shared Services

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Delaney leads our auxiliary services group for UITS, overseeing two full-time staff members. Following a recent leadership transition, the expectations for her role and team have significantly increased. She has risen to the challenge by developing multiple business plans and successfully stabilizing financially struggling auxiliary groups—all while maintaining clear communication and fostering collaboration. Additionally, she has initiated efforts to streamline consolidated billing for our partners. Delaney's leadership, expertise, and communication skills have been instrumental in driving progress, and our team would not be where it is today without her contributions.

Thomas Schakel

Department: Faculty & Academic Affairs

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: I would like to nominate Thomas Schakel. Thomas consistently goes above and beyond in assisting departments with navigating the complex policies and procedures from the Academic Affairs office. His quick responses, insightful answers, and valuable recommendations are indispensable to our daily operations. Beyond his expertise, what truly sets Thomas apart is his exceptional attitude. He approaches every request with positivity and a willingness to help. I do not take his knowledge and assistance for granted!

Bryan Olson

Department: Psychological and Brain Sciences

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: As the Educational Resources Specialist and director of the department’s Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) program, Bryan consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, exceptional organizational skills, and a positive, customer-service-oriented attitude. Bryan's attention to detail and dependability have been invaluable to our department. Another great thing about Bryan is his commitment to the students he serves. Bryan is passionate about helping others learn. Many of the students in the UTA program have complimented Bryan in this regard. Having been with the department for many years, Bryan’s long-standing commitment to excellence is evident in all aspects of his work. I truly enjoy working with him because of his kindness, helpfulness, and consistent reliability.

PBS Academic Advising Team

Department: Psychological and Brain Sciences

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: The PBS Academic Advising Team plays a crucial role in supporting both our undergraduates and the broader mission of our department. With a keen attentiveness to the needs of students, they help guide individuals on their academic journeys while staying aligned with our commitment to unlocking the mysteries of the human brain and behavior. Their expertise ensures that students are well-prepared to apply their knowledge to positively impact the lives of people around the globe. The PBS Academic Advising team’s institutional knowledge is invaluable, providing support not only to students but also to faculty and staff. Despite managing the needs of numerous students, they do so with grace and efficiency, making their dedication and hard work truly admirable.

Eric Beckstrom

Department: Advising & Major Exploration Services

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Eric’s genuine care for students and other academic advisors alike is hard to miss, even to those of us working in completely separate units. It’s very visible that Eric is attentive in his interactions with students, sensitive to a wide diversity of their backgrounds and needs, and always ready to share the perfect resource (or a whole list of them!) with anyone who could benefit. His ongoing support and ability to champion students, especially those in transitional or unique situations, is exemplary. Eric also consistently works to better his practice and freely shares his tips and tricks with advisors across campus. Thank you, Eric!

Breon Tyler

Department: Financial Support Services, Hamilton Lugar School

Nominated by: Tavy Aherne, African Studies Program

Nomination text: Breon Tyler exemplifies a supportive, dedicated, highly knowledgeable colleague. She goes above and beyond to assist with issues, respond quickly to queries, and in every way make others' daily tasks easier. She has responded to questions after hours, offered suggestions for better approaches, and when a need is critical there is no one more willing to offer assistance. We are very lucky to have her in HLS Support Services.

Ernie Thompson

Department: Environmental Operations/Housing Operations

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Ernie is the EO/HO Supervisor over Read Residential center. Talking to Ernie for the first time, it is apparent of his love and loyalty for Indiana University. His office is a shrine to IU (and Taylor Swift). He treats everyone he comes in contact with the respect and care that they would want to be. His leadership (coaching) no doubt comes from his days playing football for IU and the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as his spiritual beliefs. His staff respects him, and it is obvious when you visit Read.

Read provides linen for all the residence centers during summer conferences. He has taken on this immense task as well as his building responsibilities with pride. Ernie has streamlined and organized the linen process to where it is a well-oiled machine.

Joy Kremer

Department: Luddy Graduate Studies Office

Nominated by: Patty Reyes-Cooksey, Luddy Graduate Studies Office

Nomination text: It’s a pleasure to nominate Joy Kremer for the IU Bloomington Staff Spotlight in recognition of her commitment to student success and her dedication to supporting our team in the Luddy Graduate Studies Office. Joy works closely with our MS Computer Science and MS Data Science students, many of whom are navigating complex academic expectations. She goes above and beyond to ensure they feel supported, especially when facing academic challenges. Joy takes the time to walk students through their options, offering clear and practical guidance that helps them stay focused and feel more confident in their path forward.

Cory Rutz

Department: Office for Research Development, IU Research

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: In my experience, every team at IU needs somebody who can connect the daily details and processes of our jobs to the big picture of what the university can and should accomplish. Cory is that somebody in our orbit. He has accumulated a great deal of practical wisdom from his long experience, which means he's seldom deterred by initial challenges and can remain solution-focused. He's an unselfish collaborator and a great brainstormer.

In addition to his deep knowledge of the institution and his expertise in grants and foundation work, Cory has a massive network of friendly connections. If you need to find somebody or something, Cory will not only have a suggestion, he will probably also have a relationship with the person in question. (This is supported by a great memory for what people are working on, when they worked together, and the choice humorous story about what was going on.)

Above all, Cory works to lift up his teammates both by celebrating successes and by relentlessly encouraging us to keep going, to keep being creative, and to bear in mind the value of our work. Cory is an outstanding leader on the Bloomington campus, and we benefit greatly from his presence.

Nicole Nickless

Department: Student Central

Nominated by: Megan Walton, Student Central

Nomination text: As our new Onboarding and Training Coordinator, Nicole has quickly become an indispensable part of our team. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, she ensures that we are all equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to serve our diverse audiences—prospective, current, former, and alumni students, as well as third parties. Nicole brings energy, clarity, and compassion to every training she leads. Whether navigating policy updates, onboarding new team members, or coordinating professional development opportunities, she does it all with a calm presence and a collaborative spirit. Her work helps us stay sharp, aligned, and student-focused. Nicole’s impact is already being felt across Student Central and beyond, and we are so grateful for her leadership and commitment to excellence. She truly embodies the values of IU Bloomington.

Lea Jones

Department: Office for Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy

Nominated by: Molly Weiler, Office for Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy

Nomination text: Lea (pictured on the far left with her peer educators and SVPVA staff) is a shining star in the Student Life team. She champions the ‘It's On Us’ workshop, a required workshop for all first-year students, and has put her heart and soul into it for the past 3 years as it transitioned from being optional to required. She has a strong relationship with her team of peer educators and prioritizes their feedback to help improve the program and make changes to it to better fit the needs of incoming students. She understands the necessity of forming robust partnerships with campus partners and goes above and beyond on a regular basis. We are lucky to have her on our team at the Office for Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy, and I am lucky to be able to work with her daily! Thank you for all you do, Lea.

Gretchen Handlos

Department: Graduate Accounting Programs/Finance Graduate Programs

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Gretchen is one of the most kind-hearted and hard-working people I have met, not just during my time at IU, but ever. As the Executive Director of two departments, Gretchen is a wealth of knowledge. Her understanding of the Kelley programs both undergraduate and graduate is superb, and it serves her colleagues well. If you have a question or need to talk through something, she is happy to make time. If you are in need of support, she is the one you want behind you. Her innate ability to make anyone feel at ease no matter the situation and her recall of students she’s worked with for the last two decades is nothing short of amazing. She is the kind of leader everyone wants, bolstering those around her to better themselves, making the work environment a place we want to be part of, and leading by example through her passion for people. Her dedication to IU and its people is something to truly be admired.

IU Global Office Services Team

Department: Office of the Vice President for International Affairs

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: IU Global recently established a small, centralized Office Services team to support the Office of the Vice President for International Affairs, located in the Ferguson International Center. Until now, the various offices that make up IU Global were scattered across campus and beyond. For the first time, we’re all under one roof—and that transition hasn’t been without its challenges. Moving into a shared space revealed a number of growing pains. We encountered duplicated efforts, missing processes, and new responsibilities—like space management and front desk coordination—that had never been clearly defined. I don’t think any of us anticipated just how much work it would take to bring everything together!

However, since the formation of the Office Services team, we’ve seen a remarkable transformation. What once felt like a group of strangers sharing a building now feels like a cohesive, collaborative workplace. The team’s efforts have brought structure, clarity, and a sense of community to our environment. Though they may not hear it often enough, I believe I speak for most of us when I say: we are truly grateful for the work they’re doing.

This dedicated group includes the following employees, along with several part-time office assistants not listed here. Christina Fidel, Director of Administration, Frank Christenberry, Senior Office Services Assistant, Kristin McCormick, Senior Office Assistant (part-time), Alex Potter, Lead Office Assistant (part-time), and Michele Stebbins, Lead Office Assistant (part-time).

Will Thompson

Department: Academic Engagement and Student Experience, College of Arts & Sciences

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Will Thompson is the cornerstone of Ernie Pyle Hall. Whether it's a problem with a classroom, a question about enrollment, or anything else, Will has the answer. Big requests and small all land on his desk, and he helps everyone with kindness, patience, and superhuman efficiency. Amidst the chaos, Will quietly saves the day, every day. I hope he knows how grateful we are!

Gina Vertrees

Department: Center for Rural Engagement

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Gina embodies what it means to do amazing work—not only through her efficiency and dedication, but in the way she uplifts everyone around her. Gina operates quietly behind the scenes, ensuring that every process is streamlined and every detail accounted for. Her work allows others to focus on their goals, knowing that the structure and support they need are already in place. That kind of behind-the-scenes excellence often goes unrecognized, but it is the very foundation of successful teams and projects.

What sets Gina apart even further is the energy and humor she brings to her role. She has a unique talent for transforming routine project management meetings into something people actually look forward to—often kicking things off with a clever, well-timed project manager joke. Her sense of humor brings lightness and connection to even the most complex discussions, helping colleagues feel comfortable, seen, and engaged.

Gina doesn’t seek the spotlight, but her work speaks volumes. She is the kind of person who makes everyone’s job easier and every project more successful. Her combination of technical expertise, dedication, and authentic personality makes her not only an invaluable team member but a joy to work with. In short, Gina Vertrees is a quiet powerhouse—organized, thoughtful, and refreshingly funny. She truly does amazing work, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.

Lilly Reed

Department: College of Arts + Sciences Recruitment Team

Nominated by: Maggie Sperry, Kelley School of Business Undergraduate Admissions

Nomination text: Lilly is the ideal coworker, friend, and student advocate. She is thoughtful, compassionate, hardworking, and warm. She truly cares about helping College students find their path and she has changed lives because of it. As the supervisor of the College Ambassador Program, she is a steady and reliable leader that the students can lean on. They go to her for advice and support because they know she will always show up for them. She does the same for everyone in her life! I was lucky enough to work with her for a few years and I learned so much from her. She leads by example - lifting others up, offering help without hesitation, and keeping calm in chaos. Now as a dear friend and campus colleague, she continues to be someone I look up to and admire. I hope everyone gets the chance to have a "Lilly" in their life.

Tanner Terrell

Department: Academic Engagement and Student Experience, College of Arts & Sciences

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Tanner Terrell is the Senior Director of Operations and Strategy for the Academic Engagement and Student Experience (AESE) team. He manages all aspects of Operations with kindness, grace, and good humor -- everything from building management to data assessment comes under his purview, and he is somehow really good at all of it. His too-often-unseen work impacts so many students' experiences in such a positive way. We are very grateful to have Tanner with the AESE.

Catie Sneath

Department: Musical Arts Center, Jacobs School of Music

Nominated by: Tom Kernan, Jacobs School of Music

Nomination text: Since arriving back at Indiana University in August 2024, Catie Sneath has brought a level of organization and clarity to the role of Director of Production in IU's lauded Musical Arts Center. Her work has allowed the Jacobs School of Music to complete even more ambitious projects. Her leadership of a team that includes technical direction, scene shop, carpentry, properties, paint, costumes, stage crew, electrics, wardrobe, etc. has all members doing their very best work as we produce world-class performances by JSoM students, partner on co-productions with the Metropolitan Opera, bring in film crews from WTIU to capture our spellbinding Nutcracker, and deliver services for long-standing partners of the university, from students at MCCSC schools to one of the world's largest harp competitions. A massive and complex operation is better and better, day by day, because of Catie's extraordinary leadership and character.

June 2025

Karla Lewis

Department: Academic Engagement and Student Experience (AESE), College of Arts & Sciences

Nominated by: Karla was nominated anonymously twice!

First nomination text: I'm nominating Karla Lewis, Event Services Specialist. Karla plays a pivotal role in the success of the College of Arts and Sciences' student programming through planning and executing large-scale annual events like Care Week, Senior Send Off, and the College Expo during Welcome Week, to the countless smaller programs that occur at the Walter Center throughout the academic year, Karla is the steady force behind the scenes who ensures every detail is thoughtfully managed. Her meticulous attention to space requisitions, logistics, and coordination transforms ideas into seamless, engaging events. Karla’s ability to juggle multiple priorities while remaining approachable, collaborative, and incredibly organized makes her an invaluable asset to our team. Her commitment to student engagement and her tireless work ethic do not go unnoticed!

Second nomination text: If calm, cool, and collected had a mascot, it would be Karla Lewis. As our Event Services Specialist, Karla is the behind-the-scenes powerhouse who makes the AESE shine. Whether she’s orchestrating a major conference with career professionals from across the country or ensuring students get their bagels and puppy cuddles during College Care Week, Karla does it all. Her colleagues describe her as the steady hand in the storm, the go-to problem solver, and the kind presence who makes everything (and everyone) better. Karla may not seek the spotlight, but her impact is impossible to miss.

Jill Romack

Department: Media School

Nominated by: Rebekah Leake, Media School

Nomination text: As our Career Services Specialist, Jill is an incredible resource to our Media School students, and she provides them with invaluable support in their job and internship search journeys through individual coaching appointments, group information sessions, and more. While Jill's student-facing work well deserves a spotlight, I'm nominating her today because Jill is an amazing colleague! Jill is always the first to volunteer to help with any additional projects to better support our students. She is always generous with her time, even with her impressive achievements in career services. Our team benefits so much from her knowledge, professionalism, and the kindness with which she shares both!

Michelle Willhoite

Department: Center on Representative Government (CORG)

Nominated by: Ann Byars, CORG

Nomination text: Michelle's title at CORG is Project Manager, but that is really just the beginning. When you walk into our office, her warm smile and exceptionally helpful attitude gives a peek at the can-and-will-do mantra Michelle possesses. A sign on her desk says "everything is figureoutable" and there isn't a question you can ask her that she can't find the answer to. When travelling to conferences, Michelle is a display booth pro, chatting/informing/connecting for hours on end. And, mind you, everything she does, she does while calm and organized. Pretty amazing, we are so lucky.

May 2025

Lucia Calderon

Department: IU Education Abroad

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Lucia is an incredible presence in our office! As a key member of the "Good Vibes" team, she takes the lead on inter-office engagement activities, fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Her role as IU Global's Wellness Ambassador further highlights her dedication to the well-being of her colleagues. Lucia is always approachable and ready to lend a hand. Whether you're looking for a lunch buddy, someone to brainstorm ideas with, or a volunteer for a special project, Lucia is the go-to person. Her enthusiasm and team spirit are truly inspiring, making her an invaluable asset to our office. Her ability to connect with everyone and her unwavering support make her a standout team player. Lucia's contributions have significantly enhanced our workplace culture, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team.

Joe Lueken

Department: Athletics - Sports Medicine

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Joe's dedication to IU Athletics for the last 32 years has made IU Sports Medicine a high-quality healthcare department that is well respected nationally. Not only does he put IU athletes health and safety first and foremost, his leadership over his athletic training staff and mentorship to them creates an environment where staff can achieve their own goals. He is a great leader; passionate about making his staff better practioners, helping navigate the highs and lows of the job and creating an incredible working atmosphere. He is always working to better the landscape in athletic training - here at IU and at the Big Ten level. Thank you for ALL that you do for the athletes and your staff!!

Jennifer Burns

Department: Financial Shared Services

Nominated by: Cody Hines, Financial Shared Services

Nomination text: Jennifer has been with IU since 2019 and consistently proven herself time and time again by not only being willing to assist others but pushing herself above and beyond the call of duty. She has been of huge impact to training and the success of our small, but mighty, team of fiscal staff as we continue to blossom and strive for excellence. I don't have the ability to thank her enough for the work she has done but I am hoping to give her a moment in the spotlight and say a formal 'thank you' on behalf of myself and the rest of our team.

April 2025

Ben Agan

Department: Office of Scholarships

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: I am pleased to nominate Ben Agan for his outstanding qualities and contributions he has made to Indiana University. Ben is an exceptionally hard-working individual who consistently goes above and beyond in his duties. His genuine care for his work is evident in the meticulous attention to detail he applies to every task.

Ben's dedication to incoming students is unparalleled; he is always striving for excellence and continuously seeks ways to improve and innovate. Moreover, Ben possesses a profound understanding of the deeper meaning of what a high education means and is always happy to share that with incoming students and current students. He recognizes that education is not merely about acquiring knowledge but also about fostering personal growth and contributing positively to society.

Ben's commitment to these values makes him a role model to all scholars on IU campus. his resilience, perseverance, and leadership potential further highlight his suitability for a Bloomington Staff Spotlight nomination. Ben's positive impact on IU campus is undeniable, and his qualities make him an invaluable asset deserving of recognition.

Stephanie Odaffer

Department: Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI)

Nominated by: Abby Henkel Roman, ERI

Nomination text: Stephanie is the finance manager for the Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI). She's one of those people who works quietly behind the scenes but has an enormous impact on our team and the success of our work! She's been at IU for over a decade but joined ERI about three years ago. Instantly I could tell she would be a joy to work with while possessing a thorough knowledge of everything to do with finance and administration at IU.

Stephanie manages to be responsive, efficient, thorough, and friendly at all times, even amid the frenetic pace of work at a busy research institute and in a stressful field like climate change! She's not my supervisor, but I can see how excellent she is at it, and her supervisees have nothing but praise for her. She always speaks up for what's right, even when it's hard. Stephanie deserves a shoutout for keeping steady as she keeps our team on track.

Marlys Barr

Department: Proposal Development Services (PDS)

Nominated by: Melanie Keller, PDS

Nomination text: Marlys has truly enviable organizational skills. Her spreadsheets are things of beauty and should be displayed in museums. She has worked tirelessly for more than three months to help submit a proposal that will benefit IU and humankind for years to come. She keeps a very large team of people on task, organized document submission across multiple institutions, attended multiple meetings each week and did it with ease. Not every team has a Marlys, but every team should! Her colleagues at PDS are grateful to have her on OUR team!

March 2025

Melissa Mundell

Department: Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

Nominated by: Jalyn Medley, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

Nomination text: Melissa Mundell is longtime IU employee, with all of her service being in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. She has seemingly done it all, from typing exams as an Office Services Assistant, to managing payroll as a Financial Administration Coordinator, to her most recent role of handling complex contracts and grants as our department's Contracts and Grants Specialist.

She is someone who students, faculty, and staff alike can count on for support. Her vast institutional knowledge is incredibly helpful. Melissa is pursuing her degree while working in a field that requires a great deal of understanding procedures, compliance, and other challenging aspects. She excels both professionally and personally.

Melissa's ability to adapt is truly remarkable. She takes tasks in stride and many say how pleasant she is to work alongside. She never makes you feel like a burden, even if you have a ton of questions. She is patient and takes the time to help anyone who asks.

Christin Correll

Department: Finance Graduate Programs

Nominated by: Kylie Smith, Graduate Finance and Accounting Programs

Nomination text: Christin is exemplary at student experience. She works hard to ensure that our business and non-business students integrate well and become one cohesive cohort. She encourages the students to give back to the community through volunteer work, such as our recent holiday food drive.

She endeavors to make our women feel empowered through outings and a new graduate women in business club, because she recognizes that it's hard to be a woman in finance. She cares about our students' mental health as they go through our program, and is working to create a mental wellness series this spring.

All in all, she strives to give our students all the support they could ever want to get through a tough program successfully.

John Summerlot

Department: IU Emergency Management and Continuity

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: When John isn't responding to emergencies at IU as part of the IU Incident Management Team, he is often holding training and preparation workshops for students, staff, and faculty on a wide range of topics include active shooter preparedness, emergency preparedness, de-escalation, and more. John also sends out timely weather briefings and is a "go to" source for staff having to make decisions about campus events and offices. In addition, he teaches search and rescue courses at IU for students, community volunteers, and first responders. John is also active in veteran/military issues on campus and knows a lot of IU history.

Recently during the Read Hall fire, he was at Read Hall for many hours afterwards into the very early hours of the morning. He coordinated the students getting what they needed from their room after the fire, made sure they had a place to stay for the night, drove a few of them around campus, and even gave out his phone number to them if they ran into any issues or had questions.

February 2025

Joanna Snyder

Department: Office of International Services

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Joanna Snyder at OIS is invaluable to departments and scholars with her expertise in employment visas. Somehow she is always able to respond to complicated questions very quickly, with a plethora of information and considerations. Numerous times in my career while working with her I have paused to think "How would we possibly get through this without Joanna!?" She is kind, helpful, unbelievably knowledgeable and truly compassionate to departments' and scholars' needs.

Andy Bruce

Department: Customer Service, Office of the University Controller

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Andy is a member of the UCO Customer Service team. This team supports pretty much every audience you can think of that might interact with IU. From payroll questions, to helping international students submit required tax paperwork, to directing anyone who calls or emails and just doesn't know where to start, this team does it all. Andy has always been an exceptional team member. He goes above and beyond to make sure he helps everyone he can, and researches answers when he doesn't already know them to make sure the student, faculty, or staff member gets what they need. He's friendly, professional, and a great person to work with. We're lucky to have him and thankful for all he does to support IU!

Sara Tharp

Department: Jellison Living Learning Center (JLLC), Kelley School of Business

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Since starting at the JLLC, Sara Tharp has been exceptional. Not only performing her job to the best of her ability, but what makes Sara special is her ability guide students, provide counsel, and be a constant backbone to our community. The opportunities our students get, and the daily functioning of this unit could not happen without her diligence. We are grateful for her and all she does to make the JLLC a true community. Thank you, Sara!

January 2025

Zac Auterson

Department: University Information Technology Services (UITS)

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Zac is excellent at his job: He is efficient and knowledgeable. He works to understand problems and then solve them. If the solution does not arrive immediately, Zac follows up in a timely fashion to resolve any outstanding issues. Given how much we rely on basic office technology to do literally anything, there is no way we could get by without Zac supporting us.

More importantly, however, Zac is kind and patient. The challenges of working in IT are canonical, and I'm sure Zac sees his share of problems that could be easily resolved if we all knew just a little bit more. (I'm equally sure Zac has forgotten more about IT in the last week than I have ever known....) No matter the issue I have had, however, Zac has taken it on with a laugh. It's always a pleasure to have him visit your office -- which is saying something, given that he often is coming to fix some frustrating problem. So beyond the fact that we need him, he makes both his job look easy and the office space feel a bit lighter, easier, and more productive.

Thank you for your hard work, Zac.

Krystie Herndon

Department: Academic Advising, College of Arts & Sciences

Nominated by: Angus Burke, Financial Training & Communications

Nomination text: Krystie is a tireless advocate for the students she works with as an academic advisor, and does amazing work as a colleague to her assigned departments. Her commitment to her students led her to pursue a Ed.D. part-time while working full-time as an advisor, excelling at both her studies and in her role as an advisor. Whether it's students, faculty, fellow advisors, or staff, Krystie builds a special connection with people, makes them feel valued, and has a genuine interest in them as human beings.

Wendi Tai (pictured right) and Heather Rathbun (pictured left)

Department: Kelley Undergraduate Advising

Nominated by: Kelley Academic Senior Advisors on behalf of the whole advising team

Nomination text: Wendi and Heather oversee the Kelley Undergraduate Academic Advising Department. Their leadership is unmatched. It is thoughtful, calm, caring, organized, inclusive, and results in a harmonious and productive team. We could not be more grateful for their overwhelmingly positive influence and direction in our office.

December 2024

Katherine Devich

Department:O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

Nominated by: Juliet Roberts, Financial Training & Communication

Nomination text: Katherine is the glue that holds SPEA together. She provides exceptional care to all students, including international students who rely on her for patient, friendly, and dependable support. Katherine’s role involves frequent communication with students to guide them through IU processes. I’ve seen her messages while troubleshooting with her, and it’s clear she maintains a professional yet warm tone, taking student concerns seriously. For instance, she once picked up a student from the airport to ensure they reached their next destinations safely, whether it was an on-campus event or lodging.

She often works directly with visiting international students, and she always handles them with the utmost empathy and care. She is keenly aware of the potential stressors an international visitor might experience and she does everything in her power to mitigate that stress. I’m confident that her direct involvement with these visiting scholars greatly improved each student’s impression of IU and experience here on campus.

My team, the Financial Training team within IU Finance, has had the pleasure of working with Katherine as a student in our training programs. She consistently offers valuable feedback that helps improve our offerings. Katherine even volunteered for a pilot program for a new IU payment method we ran this fall, providing insightful, actionable advice we could trust. When she identifies potential issues with our systems or resources, she reports them thoughtfully, always with the IU community’s best interests in mind.

Additionally, she volunteers for various local non-profit events, often encouraging colleagues to join, which highlights her team spirit and kindness. Her attention to detail and drive for knowledge are evident in her work. She processes student business expenses meticulously, creating clear audit trails and asking questions when necessary. She always attends our Office Hours and brings great questions and advice to share with other attendees. These reflections of Katherine summarize why she makes an exemplary member of the IU community.

Michelle Bartley-Taylor

Department: IU Center of Excellence for Women & Technology

Nominated by: Jeannette Lehr, IU Center of Excellence for Women & Technology

Nomination text: As Director of the IU Center of Excellence for Women & Technology, Michelle is a true champion for women at Indiana University, demonstrating a remarkable blend of passion, expertise, and empathy. Her deep knowledge of gender equity issues in the tech industry, along with her commitment to advancing IU’s role in addressing these challenges, is truly inspiring. She is deeply invested in the success of our students and is a powerful advocate for their growth and development.

Beyond her commitment to our students, Michelle prioritizes the professional growth and well-being of her staff. She has implemented performance reviews designed not only to track progress toward the Center’s goals but also to ensure that all team members feel valued, heard, and supported. Michelle’s regular outreach to staff highlights her genuine concern for job satisfaction, fostering an environment where both performance and fulfillment are paramount. Her leadership embodies two essential qualities: a relentless drive to advance the mission of the Center and a profound care for her team.

Michelle continually seeks innovative ways to further our objectives while also celebrating team milestones and encouraging camaraderie among staff. Her efforts to enhance our connections, both within the Center and across the broader IU community, reflect her commitment to inclusivity and support. I believe it is crucial to recognize and honor leadership that prioritizes both the mission of the university and the well-being of its staff. Michelle exemplifies the type of leadership that we should aspire to cultivate in our work environments and her staff and community appreciates her very much!

Fruzsi Szabo

Department: KISI - Kelley Institute of Social Impact

Nominated by: Alex Martens, Kelley School of Business

Nomination text: Fruzsi was recently promoted to Assistant Director within the KISI office at the Kelley School. She always goes above and beyond in helping fellow staff, and students. Recently, she led KISI's Social Impact Fair which led to dozens of students attending to learn about issues we face, and how our student groups are helping fix the problem. She's extremely kind, and is always a great help!

November 2024

Tara Holbrook

Department: Luddy Informatics

Nominated by: Ann McCranie, Isray Institute

Nomination text: Tara wears many hats, both as a Program Manager for an NSF AccelNet-MultiNet project in which she has handled the many logistics for about 50 long-stay international exchanges of graduate students and early career around the world. Many Fellows come from or come to IU for their visit, but most don't, so she has had to navigate all kinds of challenges with visas, funding, travel, and programmatic issues since 2019. Tara is very patient, detail-oriented, and reliable in this work and keeps all the rest of the project team in line and organized. We could not do it without her. She also is the primary administrative support for a group of informatics faculty associated with the Center for Complex Networks and Systems Research and is the "nerve center" for those faculty. Tara has been with IU for over 15 years now, and chances are, if she doesn't know the answer to something, she knows who will have the answer. She's a great team player.

Amanda Lueck

Department: Academic Advising, College of Arts & Sciences

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: As an academic advisor, Amanda is a caring and determined advocate for students. She works diligently to make sure that her advisees receive the most useful information, understand the variety of options they have, and are connected to resources across campus that will improve their experience in Bloomington, academic and otherwise. She supports her colleagues unfailingly, collaborating generously and communicating well. She always answers questions helpfully and excels at sharing her deep knowledge of academic policy. Her knowledge helps the advisors around her succeed in their jobs while her kind and humorous presence in the office brightens their days. Bloomington is a better place to work because of Amanda.

Missy Deckard

Department: Borns Jewish Studies Program

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Missy has been with the program for close to 40 years. She has done it all and seen it all. Currently with staff adjustments she is tackling the responsibilities of two positions. She does it cheerfully and with aplomb. I appreciate her deep knowledge of the program and guidance.

October 2024

Alison Stake

Department: Undergraduate Education

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: As the Student Services Coordinator in Undergraduate Education, Alison is responsible for directly helping staff and students in several offices on a daily basis: Academic and Major Exploration Services, Career Exploration & Student Employment, Health Professions and Prelaw Advising, and Undergraduate Education Records. Her duties are too expansive to list! She is incredibly organized and manages the demands of her role with an unparalleled attention to detail, professionalism, and kindness. She is a beloved member of the team in Undergraduate Education.

Abigail Gschwend

Department: Kelley Direct

Nominated by: Kylie Smith, Graduate Accounting and Finance Programs

Nomination text: Abigail is tireless in her efforts to improve diversity in the Kelley Direct Online MBA Program and to provide amazing support and resources to KD students. She was instrumental in creating partnerships with FORTE and ROMBA, organizations that provide great resources and funding for female and LGBTQ+ MBA students. She's also presented at several conferences to share inclusive recruitment and retention ideas with other universities.

Carissa Bullman

Department: University Enrollment Services

Nominated by: Anonymous

Nomination text: Carissa is a wealth of knowledge and is an integral part of the UES Student Records team. She is very easy to work with and is a compassionate supervisor. She truly cares about our Student Records team, individually and collectively, and cares about the people in the offices with which ours intersects. The work she does for IU positively impacts so many areas across all 9 IU campuses. If Carissa doesn't know the answer, she will either find it or knows the right person to point one to in order to get the assistance needed. Her 20+ years of Registrar knowledge and dedication to a job well done is priceless and we couldn't ask for a better representative for UES Student Records than Carissa. I am so thankful for who she is and all she does.