Office of University Communications 

Employees, retirees honored; staff service awards given

SPRINGFIELD — During its Jan. 4 Staff Service Awards Luncheon, Missouri State University announced the two winners of its Staff Excellence in Community Service Award, announced the six winners of its Staff Excellence in University Service Award, honored the 36 employees who retired in 2007 and recognized 160 employees who reached a 5-year employment milestone in 2007.

Two honored for community contributions

The Excellence in Community Service Award recipients are Anna Brashers, secretary for the Center for Business and Economic Development; and Jim Matthews, educational consultant for the Southwest Regional Professional Development Center. To be eligible for this award, a Missouri State employee must be a full-time staff member for at least three years and must be nominated for the service award. The award criteria include demonstrated personal action to service community causes, a significant and sustained record of volunteer service and significant contributions to improve the quality of community life. The winners received a personalized plaque and a $1,200 cash award from the Missouri State University Foundation.

Six honored for service to university

The Staff Excellence in University Service Award was presented to six Missouri State staff members in recognition of significant contributions to the university community. Full-time, regular employees in administrative, professional and support staff positions who do not hold faculty rank and have at least one year of full-time employment at Missouri State were eligible to receive an award. The awards recognize those staff employees who strive to do their jobs well on a daily basis, go above and beyond the call of duty in a special situation and have contributed in a significant way to the success of the university. The recipients each received a $1,500 cash award.

The six employees who were recognized include Heather Blades, associate director, Center for Dispute Resolution; Ken Boatright, project manager, design and construction; Julie Ebersold, executive director, alumni relations; Mike Jungers, associate dean of students; Rachael Peterson, admissions counselor, West Plains campus; and John Wall, director, photo services.

Retirees contribute 650 years of combined service

The 36 retirees honored contributed approximately 650 years of combined service and an average of almost 18 years of individual service to Missouri State. They are Sherry A. Adams, Taylor Health and Wellness Center, 1970-2007; Lolita J. Albers, Ozarks Public Television, 1996-2007; Gerald F. Anderson, resident life and services-custodial, 1989-2007; Frank H. Bennett, safety and transportation services, 1987-2007; Howard J. Berriman, human resources, 1991-2007; Margaret F. Blackwell, bursar’s office, 1992-2007; Paul D. Boyd, custodial, 1982-2007; Janet P. Bradley, Citizenship and Service Learning, 1980-1988 and 1989-2007; Joyce A. Brooks, safety and transportation services, 1979-2007; Pamela N. Burrier, Center for Archeological Research, 1976-1989 and 1990-2007; Rebecca Jane Cargill, Small Business Development Center, 1984-2007; Suzetta F. Clark, computer services, 1983-2007; Ann Collier, School of Social Work, 1997-2007; Clinton D. Copeland, Career Center, 1989-2007; Jack Crawford, custodial, 1982-2007; Kathryn Dearing, student financial aid, 1996-2007; Rose L. Dunn, residence life and services, 1996-1997 and 1998-2007; J. Ronald Fairbairn, office of the provost, 1988-2007; Betty Forrest, School of Social Work, 1994-2007; Paula R. Harris, residence life and services, 1996-2007; Marilyn J. Houston, Taylor Health and Wellness Center, 1998-2007; Charles L. Kroeger, environmental health and safety, 2003-2007; Bonnie J. Laudick, Taylor Health and Wellness Center, 1984-2007; William James Lee, mechanical, 1975-2007; Darrel G. Lowery, safety and transportation services, 2001-2007; Doloras H. Mayabb, Evening College Administration, 1997-2007; William M. Morris, mechanical, 2002-2007; Verna M. Needem, computer services, 1980-2007; Gregory P. Onstot, university advancement, 1982-2007; Michael D. Pettet, facilities maintenance, 2001-2007; Sarah J. Pilgrim, Career Center, 1991-2007; Richard W. Solomon, safety and transportation services, 1985-2007; Charles L. Spriggs, grounds, 1978-2007; Sheila J. Tipling, student activities, 1986-2007; Paula Jo Vinson, internal auditing, 1980-2007; and Donald G. Woodring, Work Management Center, 1985-2007.

Employees recognized for up to 45 years of service

Also recognized were Missouri State employees who had achieved a 5-year employment milestone — from five to 45 years of service. Recognized for 45 years of service was William L. Rowe, Jr., intercollegiate athletics. Recognized for 35 years of service were Teresa P. Haguewood, Baker Bookstore; Burnie L. Snodgrass, Taylor Health and Wellness Center; Mark R. Stillwell, intercollegiate athletics; and Linda L. Wilson, College of Business Administration.