June 26, 2024
Recipients of May Staff Spotlight Award selected
Kristine Frey, research assistant in the animal sciences and industry department; Sun Johnson, custodial specialist for Vet Med Support Services; Gina Nixon, business manager for Agricultural Research and Extension Business Services; and Heather Wagoner, executive director of communications and marketing at K-State Salina, have been selected as the May recipients of the Staff Spotlight Award.
The Staff Spotlight Award highlights staff members — university support staff and university professional staff — each month for their service to the K-State community.
Frey's nomination noted, "Kris has been providing leadership for the K-State Dairy Teaching and Research Center. Her more than 15 years of experience at the dairy have enabled her to step into this leadership role and ensured continued operation of the facility. As a result of Kris' dedication, the facility has continued to operate at nearly the same number of animals as it has historically and ensured that research and teaching activities are able to continue at a high level. Without strong leadership at the dairy like what we have with Kris, the ability to teach students and conduct research related to the state's fastest growing agricultural industry would be greatly reduced."
Johnson has been honored for "her efforts to keep our building spotless! She works tirelessly, and our work environment is clean and welcoming as a result. She worked very hard this semester to make sure that our College of Veterinary Medicine buildings were in top shape for our recent accreditation visit. She is an exemplary custodian. She is always cheerful, helpful and responsive. Sun is so hard-working and does a great job training new custodial staff members. She has shown a willingness to do extra work, such as coming in early to strip and wax floors. She has placed small, cheery decorations up at holiday times."
Nixon was recognized for "helping navigate contract terms for bidding a new web-based customer interface for University Printing. When this system is selected and implemented, it will revolutionize how campus customers can submit, track and pay for orders at University Printing. By providing a web-based order system, customers can get real-time estimates on many print jobs and approve real-time proofs of routine work such as business cards and envelopes, which will expedite the production time and reduce manual steps that could introduce errors. With more than 25 years of service, Gina is one who still looks for new ways of doing business and how we can position the department operationally and financially for greater success in the future. Rarely is her answer 'no,' but 'not that way, let's try this instead.'"
Wagoner's nomination stated that "her commitment to her role at K-State Salina and to the university is unmatched by most of her peers. Heather is the biggest team player. She is always quick to jump in to help and consistently volunteers for campus functions. In the past month, Heather has volunteered for and/or led the Salina Open House, Recognition Reception, Commencement and Alumni Fellow events. This is all above and beyond the functions of her position. Heather's care in supporting our students and her colleagues makes her a true asset to Kansas State University. Additionally, she leads the Salina communications and marketing team in an ever-demanding landscape and has held strong through the ebbs and flows of changes in team size and positions."
Anyone can nominate eligible employees. Student employees and faculty are not eligible for award. Nominees will be reviewed by a university staff leadership committee of university support staff and university professional staff representatives. Winners will be featured in K-State Today and will receive $100, minus applicable taxes, from the president's office. Please submit your nominations by the first of each month.