Unfortunately, the pandemic caused us to cancel this year’s Staff Awards Luncheon. Work is underway to schedule a different event in May to honor all of our staff and recognize service milestones.

In the interim, I want to announce the recipients of this year’s Staff Excellence in University Service Award.

Recipients announced

Jeremy Beach

Jeremy Beach works as a dispatch specialist for the office of university safety.

Jeremy’s nominators mentioned his superior customer service and proactive approach to reducing crime on campus.

While Jeremy performs a wide array of duties that contribute to the success and safety of the university, he excels in identifying suspicious activity on the university’s extensive camera system. His attention to detail while monitoring the cameras has led to the apprehension and identification of several suspects.

One nominator shared, “Jeremy has had an unparalleled impact on reducing crimes on campus. His use of the camera system to prevent crimes has a profound impact on the would-be victims, without them ever knowing it.”

Michelle S. Rose

Michelle S. Rose works as the assistant director for the office of creative services.

Michelle’s nominators highlighted her incredible work ethic, her dedication to diversity and her ability to create award-winning material used to recruit students, promote private support and raise the profile of Missouri State University.

She serves as the managing editor of Missouri State’s alumni magazine and the new Advancements magazine and is the lead writer for the university’s highest-level admissions piece, the Viewbook.

Michelle has won over 30 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) awards.

Jesse Scheve

Jesse Scheve works as a staff photographer for the office of creative services.

Jesse’s nominators spoke of his dependability, professionalism and willingness to go “above and beyond” to contribute to the university’s visual identity. Jesse obtained his drone pilot license in order to capture still and video assets for university projects and publications.

He is one of the main photographers for high-profile publications, such as Mind’s Eye, the Missouri State alumni magazine and the admissions recruitment viewbook.

One nominator shared, “Jesse makes us all look good. The public, prospective students and families first see the university through the lens of Jesse’s photos. He captures the essence of the game-winning shot, the hard-fought touchdown, the happy students and is also careful to showcase the diversity of our campus population. Jesse really captures campus the way it is felt by all who work and live here.”

Daezia Smith

Daezia Smith works as a leadership programs specialist in the international programs office.

Daezia’s nominators highlighted her passion for providing a quality educational experience for MSU’s international students. She plays an essential role in the ongoing education, involvement and well-being of students far from their home countries.

Daezia co-created Global Leaders and Mentors (GLaM), an organization that creates and develops peer-to-peer relationships between domestic and international students.

One nominator shared, “Daezia is a living example of what it means to be a Citizen Bear and to live the public affairs mission. As a staff member, she represents MSU at the highest level to our international students, their families and the cooperating governments. Her passion, customer service, as well as her joy and true compassion, sets a shining example of Missouri State University and its successes to the local and international community.”

Erin Snider

Erin Snider works as a fieldwork education and admission specialist in the department of occupational therapy.

Erin’s nominators spoke about her dedication to student and faculty success, commitment to lifelong learning, and desire to use her knowledge and experience to serve others.

One nominator shared, “Erin embodies the public affairs mission in her actions, professional duties, and in relationship with faculty and students. She is a trusted resource who beautifully represents our department in outreach activities and campus-wide events. Erin is a welcoming face, a wealth of departmental information, and a progressive, dynamic thinker. This combination of growth-mindset and caring is certainly an asset to the university.”

Gary Wells

Gary Wells works as a maintenance supervisor in the department of facilities management.

Gary’s nominators spoke about his knowledge of “all things Missouri State, his servant leadership, and his dedication to helping staff and students have a positive experience at Missouri State University.”

Gary volunteers time to promote the United Way campaign, serves on the Staff Senate Executive Board and is a part of the International Friends program.

One nominator shared, “Gary Wells goes above and beyond. His title may be maintenance supervisor, but I know him as a role model, a well of knowledge, an inspiration and a friend. Not only does he work hard on campus to do his job, but he also advocates for his workers and others in his job family.

“He advocates for changes to increase morale and encourage positivity. He asks for nothing and is willing to give everything. Gary Wells is the best of MSU.”

I hope you will join me in recognizing the outstanding work of this year’s recipients.

Nominations for Wall of Fame open through March 18

These stories make one thing very clear: Missouri State University has developed a rich heritage of outstanding faculty and staff who have contributed much to the success of our university.

The Wall of Fame, located outside the Ballroom in the Plaster Student Union, is a designated location for the university to recognize and honor former employees who have excelled at Missouri State and significantly contributed to the success and positive collegiate experience of students.

Nominations are now being accepted for next year’s honorees. I encourage you to nominate former Missouri State University employees who you believe should be recognized with this honor.

Nominations will be accepted until March 18, 2022. A reception and installation of honoree recognition plaques will take place Oct. 29.

Review criteria and nominate

Attend our Jan. 28 Virtual Town Hall

I hope you will join me for a Virtual Town Hall meeting at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Dr. Frank Einhellig and I will provide an update on COVID-19 and other matters.

You will have the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions.

Access the Zoom link and other details

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

As you know, we received over 1,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine last week.

I am pleased to report that we successfully distributed all of the vaccine we received through the good work of our staff at Magers Health and Wellness Center.

We gave faculty and staff priority to sign up for vaccinations early in the week. We then allowed retirees, spouses and dependents to sign up later in the week.

At this time, we do not anticipate receiving additional COVID-19 vaccine this week.

Please continue to monitor the university’s COVID-19 Vaccinations webpage for updates as we receive additional vaccine and as the state authorizes additional groups of people to be vaccinated.

Vaccination criteria

There are many rules around who can be vaccinated. These rules are set by the state, not the university.

Right now, the state has only authorized vaccination for people meeting the requirements of Phase 1A and Phase 1B, Tiers 1 and 2.

By our estimates, only about one third of our workforce qualifies for vaccination under these standards — primarily including individuals over the age of 65 or with particular co-morbidities.

We are working and will continue to work to obtain more vaccine. Based on the guidance we have received from people involved in the vaccine distribution process, we believe it is imperative that we immediately use the vaccine we receive to stay in the supply chain for additional vaccine in future weeks and months.

Our hope is that by continuing to distribute vaccine, we will continue to receive vaccine as the state authorizes other segments of our workforce to be vaccinated.

Recognizing excellence among staff

Due to the pandemic, we were not able to have our annual staff awards luncheon this month. We are working on a replacement event to occur after the end of the spring semester.

In the meantime, I want to recognize our staff who received awards.

This year’s Staff Excellence in Community Service Award recipients are Mandi Muse and Jason Ray.

This year’s Staff Excellence in University Service Award recipients are Steve Braden, A’dja Jones, Lyn McKenzie, Karen McKinnis, Benjamin Metzger and Dr. Dave Muegge.

Thanks to all of you for your great work during this challenging year.

Submit Wall of Fame nominations

Each year we recognize retired employees who, during their time at the university, significantly contributed to the success and positive experience of students. We honor these employees by placing their names on the Wall of Fame located outside the Plaster Student Union Ballroom.

Last year the Board of Governors inducted six individuals into the Wall of Fame: Dr. Michael Carlie, Karen Horny, Paul Kincaid, Marcia Morriset, Judith Smith and Dr. Howard Orms.

Unfortunately we were not able to have our traditional induction ceremony during Homecoming last fall.

At Homecoming this fall we will have a ceremony to induct both the 2020 and the 2021 classes into the Wall of Fame.

You can nominate inductees for the 2021 class online. Please review the selection criteria when making your nomination. The deadline for nominations is March 12.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!