Source: Carla Jones, 785-532-7305, cjones@k-state.edu

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

GOING THE EXTRA MILE: FACULTY, STAFF RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE AND COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS

MANHATTAN -- Three Kansas State University employees have earned a Putting Students First Award for outstanding work with students.

The award recognizes faculty and staff, particularly in the Division of Student Life, who go the extra mile in advising, teaching and service to students. Recipients are nominated by peers, supervisors and students.

This year's winners are: Bernard Pitts, assistant vice president and executive director of the K-State Student Union; Deborah Kohl, coordinator for community development, Jardine Apartments; and Robin Mosher, instructor of English.

"This award shines a light on the best and brightest of our campus faculty and staff in the Division of Student Life for dedicated service," said Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students. "I can think of no better way to say thank you on behalf of our students."

Carla Jones, assistant vice president and senior associate dean of student life, leads the Student Life Staff Development Committee, which chooses the recipients of the award.

"We're proud of the efforts of these tremendous leaders and servants. Our students are lucky to have them as mentors and role models," Jones said.

Pitts has served as executive director of the union since 1995. He has guided the union in its four tenets of service, programs, leadership and community. His goal has been to make the union be the living room to the campus for all students with meeting space for informal and formal gatherings for K-State's some 450 student organizations.

In her role as coordinator for community development with the Jardine Apartments, a part of K-State housing and dining services, Kohl is known for involving students of every background. She mentors students through K-State's Guide to Personal Success program. She also has administered surveys to shape housing practices and help student staff better serve residents of K-State housing.

Mosher has taught English for more than 30 years at K-State. She is known for putting students first by tailoring her lessons to students' intellectual needs, spending hundreds of hours in student conferences and writing numerous letters of recommendation for students.