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 nomination period for 2024 closed March 29, 2024 at 5:00 pm. We look forward to your nomination next year. Please direct questions 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.
Criteria and Eligibility
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 (reference recipient section below).
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
- References who can support the nominee's accomplishments, characteristics, and experience.
2024
Recipients
Karinda Decker
Financial Aid Director
Karinda began her SOU career in January 2015, as a Program Rep 1. She was promoted to assistant director of Financial Aid in July 2019, and to director of Financial Aid in November 2023. She is “an example of excellence” and “doesn’t know how to do a subpar job,” according to two of her references in the Outstanding Staff Award process. Karinda always considers the needs and point-of-view of her customers – SOU students – and won’t hesitate to tackle difficult situations to lighten the burden on financial aid recipients. Her job became more complicated this year with the federal government’s updates to FAFSA, but she is creative in using the limited resources of her office and has made the necessary adjustments to make the FAFSA process understandable for students.
Jennifer Jones
University Coaching & Academic Mentoring (UCAM) & Disability Support Coordinator
Jennifer was hired at SOU in July 2012 as an academic coach and mentor, and has held positions including co-director of the Office of Disability Resources and University Coaching & Academic Mentoring. She has served since February 2023 as coordinator of Disability Resources and UCAM. She has built the UCAM program from the ground up, and it has grown and flourished, providing the accommodations that students in the program need. Jennifer has put SOU on the map for students with different learning styles, and involves both students and their families when making presentations about SOU in her travels around Oregon and the West Coast. She is an eager collaborator, has built solid relationships with instructors across campus and is always “a welcoming force” in her office, one of her references said.
Nominees
- Staci Buchwald
- Director of University Housing
- University Housing
- Angela Decker
- Senior Producer
- Jefferson Public Radio
- Iain Graalum
- Campus & Mail Operations Supervisor
- Facilities, Management & Planning
- Michael Greata
- RVTV Operations Manager
- Digital Media Center
- Javier Hernandez
- Locksmith
- Facilities, Manangement, & Planning
- Aaron Hettman
- Locksmith
- Facilities, Management, & Planning
- Greg Martin
- Senior Graphic Designer
- Marketing & Communications
- Brian Nordahl
- Officer
- Campus Public Saftey
- Zac Olson
- Executive Director
- Admissions & Recruitment
- Lisa Sherrill
- Division Coordinator/Administrative Program Assistant
- School of Science & Business
- Patrick Smith
- Human Resources Generalist
- Human Resource Services
- Miranda Stiles
- Associate Director of Outreach & Engagement
- Admissions & Recruitment
2023
Recipients
Ashley King
Service Center Manager
Ashley has been the Service Center Manager since July 2022 and effortlessly leads a team of seven employees. Her prior service to SOU included roles as an Office Specialist 2 and a Purchasing Agent 1 & 2. Her unique experience allows her to consistently demonstrate expertise and service excellence to customers across the entire campus. Ashley is in the second year of a two-year term serving as the Staff Assembly Chair. Her innate diplomatic style, tact, and ability to reach common ground have brought a strong voice to this shared governing body. Her colleagues describe her as a mentor, trainer, and one who empowers.
Stacy Shaver
Academic Resource Officer
As the Academic Resource Officer in the Office of the Provost, Stacy is known as an invaluable problem solver who balances the needs of faculty and enhances all communication with business partners. Among other things, her Banner expertise, attention to detail, organizational abilities, and wealth of institutional knowledge make her the liaison for academic resources. Provost Walsh said, “We love having Stacy as a colleague. Her personality combines the perfect blend of sass, sparkle, and good old-fashioned common sense.”
Nominees
- Kim Andresen
- Marketing & Box Office Manager
- Oregon Center for the Arts
- Mark Badowsky
- Assistant Coach
- Athletics - Track & Field
- Michele Barlow
- Assistant Director
- Human Resources
- Staci Buchwald
- Director
- University Housing
- Anita Caster
- Program Advisor/Education
- Education
- Todd Doriguzzi
- Campus Public Safety Officer
- Campus Public Safety
- Michael Greata
- RVTV Government Meeting Operator
- Digital Media Center
- Bobby Heiken
- Associate Athletic Director/Development & Marketing
- Athletics
- Paige Jensen
- Administrative Program Assistant
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
- Connie Lynn
- Administrative Program Assistant
- Pre-College Youth Programs
- Angel McDonald
- Office Specialist 2
- Psychology
- Karen Menzie
- Library Tech 3
- Hannon Library
- Taliah Mortensen
- Administrative Program Assistant
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
- Brian Nordahl
- Campus Public Safety Officer
- Campus Public Safety
- Linda Powell
- Administrative Program Assistant
- Small Business Development Center
- Matt Roberts
- Sergeant
- Campus Public Safety
- Chelsea Rose
- Director
- SOU Laboratory of Anthropology
- Ulrich Sommerauer
- Operating Systems/Network Analyst 2
- Information Technology
- Matt Stillman
- Associate Vice President/Registrar
- Enrollment Management
- janelle wilson
- Associate Dean of Students
- Office of the Dean of Students
- Christopher Young-Hammond
- Assistant Director
- University Housing
2022
Recipients
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.
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
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David Raco - Operations Systems/Network Analyst 2 - Information Technology
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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.
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Robin Williams - Student Success Coordinator - Business, Communication, & the Environment
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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
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Gordon Carrier
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Information Technology Consultant 3
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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.”
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Hart Wilson
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Instructional Designer
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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
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Roxane Beigel-Coryell
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Sustainability and Recycling Manager
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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!
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Bruce Beeler
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Painter
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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
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Rachel Jones
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Division of Continuing Education
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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!
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Deborah O'Dea
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Financial Aid, Counselor
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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