Employee Recognition | Human Resources

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Outstanding Staff Award

Since 2018, the Outstanding Staff Award annually honors two individuals for their achievements, service, leadership, and dedication to Southern Oregon University.

Recipients are honored in-person at the annual End of Year Celebration Breakfast. Each recipient receives a $750 honorarium and glass trophy. Awardee names are also engraved on a perpetual plaque displayed in Churchill Hall.

Criteria & Nomination

All current staff with a minimum of three years of continuous service at Southern Oregon University in a regular non-faculty position may be nominated. Previous recipients of the Oustanding Staff Award are ineligible for nomination.

Award recipients will be selected on the merit and strength of the following contributions:

Goes above and beyond to build relationships and assists colleagues and customers enthusiastically
Dedication and loyalty to work
Exhibits expertise in job performance
Demonstrates creativity, resourcefulness, and initiative
Displays consistent demonstration of one or more of the University’s values:
- Well-being and success of all learners
- Critical thinking, discovery, and engaged learning
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Creativity and collaboration
- Excellence, continuous improvement, and accountability
- A healthy, safe, and civil campus
- Economic vitality and environmental sustainability
- Improving our community, region, and world

To nominate a staff employee, complete the nomination form and submit to staffaward@sou.edu or hand deliver to Human Resource Services (Churchill Hall, Room 159) for the current year's nomination period.

2020 Outstanding Staff Award Nomination Form (Due by March 20, 2020, 5:00 pm)

2019 Recipients & Nominees

2019 Recipients
2019 Nominees

2019 Recipients

Congratulations to all nominees of this distinguished Outstanding Staff Award and thank you for your dedication and contributions to the University.

Roxane Beigel-Coryell and Bruce Beeler Roxane Beigel-Coryell (left) and Bruce Beeler (right)

Roxane Beigel-Coryell - Sustainability & Recycling Manager, FMP

Roxane has been instrumental in putting SOU on the sustainability map with her role as Sustainability & Recycling Manager. Her hard work over the past nearly ten years has resulted in numerous awards and recognitions for SOU, including Bee Campus USA, Tree Campus USA, Bicycle Friendly University and the AASHE Sustainability Award. Roxane’s passion for sustainability inspires others. Thanks to Roxane, some students have found their purpose. One graduating senior wrote: “The reason I have stayed at SOU is because of Roxane. Her commitment to sustainability, developing student leadership and serving as a mentor has changed my experience at SOU.” Another senior believes Roxane to be “...a real-life superhero.” Roxane has helped move SOU’s Strategic Plan forward as she pushes SOU to be more environmentally sustainable and engages the campus community to build an ecologically resilient bioregion. Please join us in honoring Roxane Beigel-Coryell!

Bruce Beeler - Painter, FMP

In his 18 years with FMP, Bruce consistently develops strong partnerships with students and housing staff. He’s knowledgeable, easy-going and never wavers in placing the needs of students first. During his many years working in residence halls, Bruce consistently attended training for Resident Assistants, Area Coordinators and student staff, leading them through understanding facilities-related needs for the halls. He brings the same ethic of engagement to his current work in Student Apartments & Family Housing. Bruce has a tremendous amount of knowledge and serves as a mentor to student workers. While not a traditional classroom setting, Bruce leads students by example, imparting a strong work ethic, compassion, and sternness when needed. As one of his nominators stated, “Working on Bruce’s crew is a four-credit course that never appears on a transcript.” Please join us in honoring Bruce Beeler!

2019 Nominees

To have been nominated for this award is an honor in itself, and this year’s nominees are listed below in alphabetical order:

Allyson Beck

Allyson Beck – University Housing, Assistant Director for Leadership, Retention, and Marketing

Gordon Carrier

Gordon Carrier - IT, Information Technology Consultant 3 (Computing Coordinator)

Robert (Rob) Casserly - Outreach and Engagement, Assistant Director of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Brent Cummings

Brent Cummings – Hannon Library, Library Technician 3

Helen Eckard

Helen Eckard - Theatre Arts, Administrative Program Assistant

Becca Evans

Becca Evans – Hannon Library, Library Technician 3

Bobby Heiken

Bobby Heiken – Athletics, Associate Athletic Director for Development and Marketing

Noah Hurley

Noah Hurley - University Housing, Assistant Director of Conference and Operations

Jennifer Jones

Jennifer Jones - Disability Resources, UCAM Program Coordinator/Interim Disability Resource Coordinator

Terry Knowles

Terry Knowles - Division Assistant for Social Sciences, Office Specialist 2

Ryan Lamana

Ryan Lamanna – (former) Business Services, Accountant 2

Willie Long

Willie Long – Student Recreation Center, Outdoor Program Coordinator

David Marshall

Dave Marshall – Stem, Chemistry, Chemist 3

Jesse Martinich

Jesse Martinich - IT, Information Security Officer & Infrastructure Services Manager

Josh McDermott

Josh McDermott – Athletics, Director of Sports Information

Bill McMillan

Bill McMillan – FMP, Custodian

Donny Nickelson

Donny Nickelson - Division of Undergraduate Studies, Academic Advisor, Recruitment, and Retention Coordinator

Susan O'Connor

Susan O'Connor – Hannon Library, Library Technician 3

David Raco

David Raco - IT, Information Technology Consultant 2 (Computing Coordinator)

Robin Williams

Robin Williams - Division of Business, Communication, and the Environment, Academic Advisor, Recruitment, and Retention Coordinator

2018 Recipients & Nominees

2018 Recipients
2018 Nominees

2018 Recipients

It is our pleasure to announce the winners of SOU’s inaugural Outstanding Staff Award. The award honors two employees nominated by their peers for their achievements, service, leadership and dedication to our university.

Rachel Jones

Rachel Jones – Division of Continuing Education, Director

of Pre-College/Youth Programs

Since joining SOU in January of 2015 as Director of Pre-College & Youth Programs, Rachel’s success and further development of existing programs has been phenomenal. Rachel developed a new vision for outreach to underserved populations, partnering with the Education Department to support enormous growth in Latino outreach programs and partnering with Native American Studies to develop a new vision for the Konaway-Nika Tillicum program. That growth has been made possible by the solid partnerships she cultivates with organizations who have entrusted our Pre- College & Youth Programs, to put together outstanding courses they depend upon to serve their students. This growth happens because she demonstrates repeatedly that she is competent, caring, trustworthy and runs effective programs. Additionally, while it’s her intelligence, hard work and vision for developing college pathways for thousands of our regional youth, it’s her heart and genuine warmth that inspires us all and reflects so well upon our university. Please join me in honoring Rachel Jones!

Debbie O'Dea

Deborah O’Dea - Financial Aid, Counselor - Program

Representative 1

Since joining SOU in January of 2015, Deborah has shown not only her commitment to supporting our students, but to the overall strategic direction of the university. Deborah has a collaborative, team-player spirit, and consistently looks for ways to get involved on campus both within her role as a Financial Aid Counselor, and through volunteer roles and professional development. Deborah consistently works with the Resource Centers across campus to create outreach opportunities and establish rapport with students so they feel the Financial Aid Office is a resource, not a barrier. Representing the institution in a positive light extends beyond the SOU campus, where Deborah regularly works with area high schools to provide education of the financial aid process to parents and students. Deborah was elected to the Oregon Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Executive Council as the Vice-President for Public Four-Year schools for the 2018-2019 year. Her commitment to SOU students is seen through her caring and compassion and how she seeks out ways to connect with students, whether it’s reviewing award letters at Raider Registration or helping carry boxes into the residence halls during Move-In Day. Students, staff and Faculty have come to know Deborah as a valuable resource and her commitment to student development and SOU as a whole is truly commendable. Please join me in honoring Deborah O’Dea!

2018 Nominees

To have been nominated for this award is an honor in itself, and this year’s nominees are listed below in alphabetical order:

Allyson Beck – University Housing, Leadership & Retention Coordinator
Roxanne Beigel-Coryell – FMP, Sustainability & Recycling Coordinator
Taylor Burke - Director of Student Support & Intervention
Leon Crouch – FMP, Assistant Director of Operations
Brandon Givens – Digital Media Center/Emerging Media and Digital Arts, Manager of the Digital Media Center
Sean Glassford – Marketing and Communications, Web Manager
Gwen Graybeal - Division & Music Program Assistant for the Oregon Center of the Arts, Office Specialist 2
Brady Hogan – IT, Information Technology Consultant 2 - Computing Coordinator
Terry Knowles - Division Assistant for Social Sciences, Office Specialist 2
Ryan Lamanna – Business Services, Accountant 2
Liesa Morrow-Bratcher - Honors College, Office Specialist 2
Mary Ann Neely – Raider Student Services, Information Technology Consultant 2 - Registration Systems Analyst
Michael Oxendine – FMP, Landscape Supervisor
David Raco – IT, Information Technology Consultant 2 - Computing Coordinator
Jane Reeder - Success at Southern, Coordinator
Bob Sexton – IT, Operating Systems/Network Analyst 2 - Lab and Student Computing Coordinator
Lisa Sherrill – Division of BCE, Administrative Program Specialist - Coordinator
Treasa Sprague – Division of Administration and Finance, Administrative Services Coordinator
Kay Swayder - Student Life, SU Building Manager - Administrative Program Assistant
Douglas Walborn - Student Life, Custodian
Hart Wilson - Center for Instructional Support, Instructional Designer/Support Specialist
Fela Winfrey - Hannon Library, Programming, Communication & Design - Office Specialist 2