The Dean’s Achievement Awards were launched last year as part of the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences and College of General Studies’ effort to enhance staff recognition.

The 2025 awardees, who will be publicly celebrated this fall during the Dietrich School and CGS annual staff recognition celebration, are:

Dean’s Outstanding Achievement Award

Recognizes staff members who demonstrate a sustained high level of performance, productivity, and excellence in the execution of their job responsibilities and who have made a significant impact on the achievement of departmental or schoolwide goals and objectives.

• Val Kutchko, academic advisor, Academic Advising Center, Office of Undergraduate Studies

• Jeremiah McKain, director of facilities support, Office of the Dean

Dean’s Achievement Award in Mentoring

Recognizes staff members who inspire and bring out the best in others through mentoring and/or coaching colleagues and who foster an environment of collaboration that empowers others to achieve goals.

• Marcie Conrad, assistant director, Sponsored Projects Administration, Office of the Dean

• Heidi Thomas, academic advisor, Academic Advising Center, Office of Undergraduate Studies

Dean’s Achievement in Workplace Culture Award

Recognizes staff members who go beyond expectations to create and support an open, inclusive, and welcoming workplace environment for colleagues.

• Stacey Williard, staff hiring and engagement manager, Office of the Dean

The Dietrich School also introduced the ROC Stars initiative to celebrate staff contributions throughout the year. If you know someone who has recently or routinely gone above and beyond or made a positive impact on their team or colleagues, you can nominate them here.