Outstanding Staff Award | Human Resources

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. [Note: Faculty positions are ineligible for this program as they are recognized via the Distinguished Teaching, Distinguished Service, and Distinguished Scholarship awards.]

The 2023 Outstanding Staff nomination period was March 1-31, 2023, and is now complete. We look forward to your nominations in 2024. All questions may be directed to staffaward@sou.edu or by calling 541-552-8110.

Criteria and 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 Outstanding 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

The 2023 Outstanding Staff nomination period was March 1-31, 2023, and is now complete. We look forward to your nominations in 2024. All questions may be directed to staffaward@sou.edu or by calling 541-552-8110.

In the meantime, please see all of our previous years' recipients and nominees highlighted below.

2022

Recipients

DAmato Anna

Anna D'Amato - Executive Director - Student Health and Wellness Center

As the Executive Director of the Student Health and Wellness Center, Anna is known for tirelessly working to support students in their health and wellness needs as well as being an extremely caring supervisor of her staff. During the pandemic, Anna served as the university’s liaison with Jackson County Public Health and was instrumental in disseminating critical information as a member of the incident response team which ensured a safe learning and working environment for all. Anna is described by her peers as a flexible and resilient leader and a phenomenal team player with a “we, not me” style. Her character and worth ethic is to be admired and modeled.

Knowles Terry

Terry Knowles - Office Specialist 2 (Division Assistant) - Social Sciences

In her 30+ years with the university, Terry is described by her peers as indispensable, extraordinarily knowledgeable, and highly dedicated to the mission, vision, and core values of the university. She is referred to as “the rock of Taylor Hall” and when a challenge arises, the reoccurring phrase is “go ask Terry!” She is praised for always being two-steps ahead, extremely organized, and a diligent division assistant who goes above and beyond to help students and her colleagues in an unfailingly cheerful and positive way.

Nominees

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

Nicole Blodgett
Benefits Officer
Human Resources

Karen Bolda
Divisional Academic Advisor, Recruitment, and Retention Coordinator
Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University

Leon Crouch
Assistant Director of Operations/Acting Director of FMP
Facilities, Maintenance, and Planning

Tracey Culbertson
Assistant Director of International Student & Scholar Services
International Programs

Samantha Eaton
Advisor
Success at Southern/TRIO Student Support Services

Jane Hickinbotham
Stage Production Coordinator/Staff Technical Manager
Theatre Arts

Don Hill
Classroom and Media Services Manager
Information Technology

Katie Johnson-Noggle
Archaeological Research Assistant
SOU Lab of Anthropology

Ashley King
Purchasing Agent 2/Senior Purchasing and Contracting Specialist
Service Center

Willie Long
Assistant Director, Outdoor Programs and Climbing Center
Campus Recreation

Josh Lovern
Director of Budget & Planning
Budget Office

Mary Katie Marcotte
Office Specialist 2
Pre-College Youth Programs

Greg Martin
Graphic Artist III
Marketing and Communications

Mame Niang
Administrative Program Specialist
Business Services Bursar Office

Jason Piazza
Benefits Navigation, Communication, Outreach, and Financial Aid Office Support Manager
Financial Aid Office

Nancy Shough
Science Lab Preparator
Biology Department

Kay Swader
Administrative Program Assistant
Student Activities and Leadership/Stevenson Union Operations

2021

Recipients

David Raco - Operations Systems/Network Analyst 2 - Information Technology
Since his 2012 hire, David has served as a Computing Coordinator (Information Technology Consultant 2) and more recently as a System Administrator (Operations Systems/Network Analyst 2). David is known as an IT guru who is always available and constantly looking to the betterment of the campus. In addition to excelling in his profession, David is a member of the process improvement task force and recently took part in the design and implementation of the inaugural Staff Assembly which will give administrators and classified employees a voice in how the university is governed. David currently serves as the SEIU Local 503 Sublocal 084 President and his unique partnership with the university allowed for the quick application of the Oregon Work Share Program during the pandemic and prompt dissemination of critical information and resources to victims of the Almeda and Obenchain fires. David is a paragon of leadership, followership, and stewardship.

Robin Williams - Student Success Coordinator - Business, Communication, & the Environment
Since her 2012 hire, Robin has served as a Counselor in Success at Southern/TRIO Student Support Services and more recently as the Student Success Coordinator in the Division of Business, Communication, and the Environment. Her vast experience relating to and understanding the needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, coupled with her knowledge of academic advising and the Raider Registration program, has been instrumental in helping our students succeed and triumph in their endeavors. Robin was instrumental in implementing and marketing Navigate to the BCE student and faculty audiences. In addition to her many contributions to the institution, Robin’s volunteer work with the Ashland Independent Film Festival created a partnership where SOU students have numerous opportunities to gain experience, connect with the community, and take part in films that are committed to the diversity of human experience. Robin is known as a true team leader and supportive, selfless, servant leader who gives her all.

Nominees

Max Brooks
Career Prep Coordinator
Office of Career Connections

Anita Caster
Graduate Administrative Services Coordinator
Education, Health & Leadership

Anna D'Amato
Director of Student Health & Wellness Center

Edward Derr
Student Success Coordinator
Humanities & Culture

Miaya Dombroski
Placement Coordinator
Education, Health & Leadership

Helen Eckard
Administrative Program Assistant
Oregon Center for the Arts

Cindy Garboden
Registered Nurse 2
Student Health & Wellness Center

Brady Hogan
Information Technology Consultant 3
(Computing Coordinator)
Information Technology

Kristy Johnson
Head Athletics Trainer
Athletics

Terry Knowles
Office Specialist 2
(Division Assistant)
Social Sciences

Stephen Lanning
Operating Systems / Network Analyst 2
(System Administrator)
Information Technology

Josh Lovern
Director of Budget & Planning
Budget Office

Lizzie Parkhurst
Information Technology Consultant 2
(Alternate Technology Specialist)
Disability Resources

Josh Rolphing
Head Volleyball Coach / Assistant Atheltic Director for Compliance
Athletics

K.C. Sam
Distance Learning Specialist
Education, Health & Leadership

Jill Smedstad
Equity Coordinator for Sustainability & Basic Needs Resourcing
Student Life

Ulrich Somerauer
Operating Systems / Network Analyst 2
(Lab & Student Computing Coordinator)
Information Technology

Miranda Stiles
Senior Admissions Counselor
Admissions

2020

Recipients

Gordon Carrier
Information Technology Consultant 3
Information Technology
In his ten years with SOU and in his current role as Information Technology Consultant 3, Gordon Carrier has shown exemplary class and is a model figure for what an IT professional should be. Gordon is a self-motivated employee, good-natured, humble and a mentor to his peers. He’s highly respected for his knowledge and work ethic. He displays a deep dedication to the SOU mission and our campus community. He’s a team leader and right-hand man for many. As his director stated, “Gordon is adaptable, flexible and willing to do anything for anyone at any time. He’s one of the most giving people I’ve ever met. He wants to serve and see SOU people happy. The guy never has a bad day.” With an undergrad degree from SOU and currently working on his master’s at SOU, he’s one of our customers while working full time to support his SOU customers. In the words of his nominator, Brady Hogan, “He continues to outperform all expectations and is a model figure to mold oneself after. I continue to look to Gordon as a role model for what an IT professional looks like and I would like to thank him for helping me be a success at my job. Of all the IT techs I’ve worked with, in businesses large and small, I can honestly say that Gordon stands out above all.”

Hart Wilson
Instructional Designer
Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning
As an Instructional Designer for the Center for Advancement of Teaching and Learning, Hart Wilson’s work touches nearly every corner of the university. The ripple effects from that work touch the lives not just of SOU students and faculty, but of colleagues throughout the community, region, and the world through effective use of technology. The impact of Hart’s effort is felt now more than ever. She has been instrumental in easing SOU’s response to the tremendous challenge of transitioning all classes to remote learning in the face of a world pandemic. However, Hart’s invaluable contributions were obvious long before this.
Extremely creative and passionate about what she does, Hart’s commitment to excellence enables everyone she comes in contact with to elevate their work. She is meticulous about staying current with best practices, making her ready and able to support whatever needs arise. A born teacher, Hart is the person that well-educated people go to for her knowledge. She is confident and capable and wants everyone to achieve their full potential. She inspires faculty to accomplish things they did not think were possible. Her use of innovative strategies and big ideas help transform instruction and improve the learning experience for all SOU students.
The depth of her commitment to her work laid the groundwork to help SOU transition to remote learning this spring. Hart’s development of an online student orientation based on best practices for ALL students has proved very useful in our current situation.
Responsive is a word that comes up repeatedly in regard to Hart. She is always willing to make herself available, responds rapidly at all times of day or night, and always does so with professionalism and grace. In addition to her expertise and the high quality of her work, what shines through when talking with anyone about Hart is that she is a wonderful colleague on a personal level. Helping new members of the SOU community settle in, supporting her CATL team to be their best, providing tips on lap pools and mystery book recommendations, Hart enriches the SOU campus community in many ways.
As one colleague stated, “Her name is so perfectly suited for her; one of the biggest hearts you’ll encounter at SOU.”

Nominees

Kitty Cable
Information Technology Consultant 2 (Registration Systems Analyst)
Raider Student Services

Anna D'Amato
Executive Director
Student Health and Wellness Center

Helen Eckard
Administrative Program Assistant
Theatre Arts

Brady Hogan
Information Technology Consultant 2 (Computing Coordinator)
Information Technology

Paige Jensen
Administrative Program Assistant (OLLI Assistant)
DCE Outreach & Engagement

Ashley King
Purchasing Agent 2 (Senior Purchasing and Contracting Specialist)
Service Center

Terry Knowles
Office Specialist 2 (Division Assistant)
Division of Social Sciences

Josh Lovern
Director of Budget and Planning
Budget Office

Jim McNamara
Projects & Planning Manager
Facilities Management and Planning

David Raco
Information Technology Consultant 2 (Computing Coordinator)
Information Technology

Lisa Sherrill
Administrative Program Specialist (Division Assistant)
Business, Communication & the Environment

Patrick Stubbins
Executive Assistant to the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs
Office of the Provost

Jessica Valenzuela
Administrative Program Assistant (Evaluation Specialist)
Admissions

Robin Williams
Academic Advisor, Recruitment and Retention Coordinator (Student Success Coordinator)
Business, Communication & the Environment

Marvin Woodward
Multicultural Resource Coordinator
Student Life and Leadership

2019

Recipients

Roxane Beigel-Coryell
Sustainability and 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 and 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!

Nominees

Allyson Beck
University Housing

Gordon Carrier
Information Technology

Robert (Rob) Casserly
Outreach and Engagement

Brent Cummings
Hannon Library

Helen Eckard
Theatre Arts

Becca Evans
Hannon Library

Bobby Heiken
Athletics

Noah Hurley
University Housing

Jennifer Jones
Disability Resources

Terry Knowles
Social Sciences

Ryan Lamanna
Business Services

Willie Long
Student Recreation Center

Dave Marshall
STEM Chemistry

Jesse Martinich
IT

Josh McDermott
Athletics

Bill McMillan
FMP

Donny Nickelson
Undergraduate Studies

Susan O'Connor
Hannon Library

David Raco
IT

Robin Williams
Business, Communication, and the Environment

2018

Recipients

Rachel Jones
Division of Continuing Education
Director of Pre-College/Youth Programs
Since joining SOU in January of 2015 as Director of Pre-College and 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 and 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!

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!

Nominees

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