Staff Who Soar

Christy Yother, Research Accounting

Christy is always willing to help, even if the questions don’t pertain to her current department. She is knowledgeable about all aspects of the Financial Accounting areas, not just Research Accounting, and takes her time explaining any questions.

Zach Matzen, Facilities

On Monday 2/12/2024 it was pouring rain and it had started to flood at the entrance of Veazey Hall. Zach didn’t want everyone to get their feet and pants soaked and he stood out in the pouring rain placing pavers so we could walk across. Zach works HVAC not grounds keeping and went above and beyond what anyone should have to do. He truly stands out.

Paige White, Financial Accounting

“I really appreciated Paige reaching out to me directly and walking me through not one, but two, financial processes step-by-step. She went the extra mile and was patient with me as we figured out the process together. Time is a valuable commodity and Paige was so gracious with hers!!”

Jessica Eisner, Office of Research

“Congratulations to Jessica Eisner! Jessica has been asked to present at the annual conference of the Georgia Association of Women in Higher Education. The conference will be held at Emory University in February. Jessica will also be presenting virtually to the International Conference on Advancement in Management and Technology. Jessica is a member of the Georgia Southern Young Professionals Employee Resource Group and the Women’s Leadership Series Employee Resource Group.”

Timiesha James, Office of Research Services

“Timiesha is awesome. The grant process can be daunting but she makes the experience an easy one. She is always willing to answer my questions and provide guidance and works hard to ensure that all documents are submitted on time. She is truly a pleasure to work with.”

Kelli Anne Gecawich, Media and Circulation Associate

“Kelli-Anne is one of the hardest-working staff members at the University Libraries. As the Media Supervisor at Lane Library on the Armstrong Campus, Kelli-Anne is student focused and goes out of her way to meet student needs and support their success. Kelli-Anne goes above and beyond creating an inclusive environment at Lane Library through carefully considered displays, accessible resources, and shared information about student support services. Kelli-Anne, the University Libraries Diversity Council sincerely thanks you for all you do to support Student Success and Inclusive Excellence at the University Libraries!”

Lisa Caine, User Engagement

“Lisa is a dream to work with! She has taken on a task of developing a very complex electronic form that will not only help our office with automation but the campus as a whole with the ability to track their submissions. Her willingness to meet with our office whenever needed and always promptly answering any questions or concerns has not gone unnoticed and is very appreciated. She is very organized which has not only kept the project on schedule but allowed our office to have full transparency with the progress. Her persistent positivity has made this daunting task a delight.”

DeAnn Lewis, Budget Office

“I am so thankful for DeAnn! The budget can be tricky for someone like me who has never worked with budgets before, and DeAnn is always so helpful and pleasant in assisting me with understanding and resolving COSM budget issues. She is very knowledgeable, and I appreciate her patience and willingness to take the time to teach me about budget reports and budget processes.”

Glenda Roberts, Custodial Services

“Exceptional, conscientious services and attitude while keeping our building noticeably clean, bright and smelling good. Glenda does a Great Job!”

Christy McNutt, University Communications and Marketing

“Christy has always been a joy to work under, but in the past several months she has truly shined as the Director of Creative Services. Her passion for creativity and innovation has lead to amazing collaborations throughout our department and across campus. She is amazing!”

Tina Leggett, Office of Research

“Tina provides exceptional customer service to our research faculty and is highly respected by all. She is currently mentoring a team of grant coordinators who are new to the field and she has an endless stream of knowledge and support for us.”

Kwanjai Wilson, Annual Giving

“Kwanjai works really hard for the students of Georgia Southern. Between running the phonathon program, and working on the senior class gift she helps both keep students here at the University as well as celebrating them on their way out the door. She always has a positive attitude, and is joy to our community. She works weekly to get everything done, and somehow finds a way to be in all places at once, frequently traveling between both campuses, staying after for events supporting her office, and overall being a wonderful team member!”

Kelli Howard, College of Education, Dean’s Office

“Kelli does an excellent job keeping the COE faculty and staff in the know. She goes above and beyond to make sure that the COE team gets stuff. Her organizational skills are out of this world! She decorates the COE Dean’s Office to provide a warm and welcoming environment. I appreciate that she will help you no matter what the task is at hand. Thank you, Kelli!”

Randy Wargula, Facilities Services

“Randy is truly an unsung hero of the Armstrong campus! He is incredibly helpful and is always so pleasant to talk to. He clearly loves his work and the people he works with. I know I can always count on him to help me out whenever I need it. Randy is the best!”

Nicholas Roshkind, Eagle Academy, College of Education

“Nick is a fantastic director for the EAGLE Academy in the College of Education. He has initiated several changes that benefited the students and made the university more inclusive. He moved EAGLE Academy to a more central location in the college so that the classroom would be more accessible. Nick worked to get EAGLE Academy graduates eligible to participate in GSU’s commencement ceremony. He has doubled the number of students in the program. He is a great asset to the students, the college, and the university!”

Vickie Reid, Accounts Payable

“Vickie is always so helpful when I call her with issues or questions. She never acts like she’s in a hurry or too busy to help. Even when I know she’s busy and short-handed, she cheerfully and quickly helps as best she can. She is one to go the extra mile. Vickie is a joy to work with!”

Geri Kilmer, Research Accounting

“Geri is the best at what she does. As busy as she is, she has the voice of an angel and will calmly explain any situation in full detail and provide alternative contacts if needed. She is the voice of reason, and is able to put out any fires, no matter how big. I can not even imagine how much responsibility she has from working with all departments at the university, but you would not even know it. The craziest part is I have yet to meet her in person and she is this great!”

Zach Matzen & Dave Gentle, Mechanical Maintenance

“These HVAC guys are worth their weight in gold. Dave has been such a great guy to work with at our Downtown City Center. Anytime we have an issue he’s quick to respond, diagnose the issue, and always comes up with a prompt solution, keeping us in the loop the whole time. Since relocating to the main campus in the IT building, I’ve learned that this must be the culture of the HVAC mechanics department. Zach has been just as wonderful to work with. These guys are top notch! When we think it’s hot in our offices, they work in the attics and on top of buildings in much more extreme environments. They are problem solvers. They work hard to make sure that our buildings and offices are comfortable. They are worth their weight in gold especially during these south GA summer days.”

Philip Leroy, IT Services

“Philip has gone above and beyond for our department with the setup of the POS system. Anytime there’s an issue he is always available to assist our team and find a resolution quickly. Thank you for all that you do for our department and the university.”

Tabitha Anderson, Academic Affairs

“Let’s give a heartfelt round of applause to Tabitha for being such an incredible team player and an indispensable part of Georgia Southern’s family. Her dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed, and we are so lucky to have her on our side. Tabitha’s ability to step in and lend a hand, even when she has a full plate herself, is a testament to her selflessness and commitment to our collective success. We are very appreciative of her!”

Kelli Anne Gecawich, University Libraries – Lane Library

Kelli-Anne is one of the hardest-working staff members at the University Libraries. As the Media Supervisor at Lane Library on the Armstrong Campus, Kelli-Anne is student-focused and goes out of her way to meet student needs and support their success. Kelli-Anne goes above and beyond creating an inclusive environment at Lane Library through carefully considered displays, accessible resources, and shared information about student support services. And, if you are working on a project related to accessibility, chances are Kelli-Anne already has the information at hand. Kelli-Anne, the University Libraries Diversity Council offers you sincere (and overdue) thanks for all you do to support Student Success and Inclusive Excellence at the University Libraries, in our buildings and in our online spaces!

Payton Smith, University Libraries – Henderson Library

Payton! You are a true champion of inclusion at the University Libraries. You are now officially the longest-serving member of the University Libraries Diversity Council, having served since its inception in November 2019. You are a model of open-hearted communication, empathetic collaboration, and selfless leadership and service. Your job responsibilities keep you busy your entire day, every day, yet you still make time to champion inclusivity in our workplace with an unequaled passion. Sincere thanks from your friends and coworkers on the ULDC for all you do to make the University Libraries its “best self”. We appreciate you!

Enrollment, Marketing & Student Success Division

During Ethics Awareness Week 2023, the Enrollment, Marketing & Student Success Division had the most participation in the activities planned for the week! Student Affairs came in a close second. Thanks to everyone who participated in Ethics Awareness Week.

Georgia Cole, Custodial Operations

“Georgia did an excellent job going above and beyond keeping Sweetheart Circle clean and beautiful during the chaotic Art’s Fest event! Art’s Fest is full of vendors, art, kids, and fun. It is not an easy feat to keep clean, but Georgia did!”

Kristen VanNoord, Admissions

“Kristen has been a huge asset to our office. She has only been here a short while but has made a huge impact on our success. She has brought a fresh energy to the team and implemented many great ideas. Kristen is always willing to help others and make sure the office is covered. I’m very thankful she’s on our team. #Slatequeen”

Maurice Coley, Landscaping and Grounds

“Maurice’s quick thinking and actions on Monday, May 2nd allowed a fellow staff member to receive necessary and critical medical care. Thanks to Maurice’s actions, the employee has made a full recovery and has been able to return to work. We are beyond grateful for Maurice.”

Katie Edwards, HR

“I really appreciate how Katie checked in on me, as a staff member, and was supportive and encouraging during a meeting we were having. She provided great support with the issue about which we were meeting. However, beyond that she went even further to show genuine care and concern for me as a person – knowing that I was struggling with the current circumstances at the time. Thank you Katie!”

Mary Thaler, Center for STEM Education

“Quite simply this office could not function without Mary. She never fails to rise to any occasion that is thrown at her. She is a fabulous colleague who truly exemplifies excellence. From helping with summer camp planning and implementation to holding down the fort when I am gone, Mary does it all.”

Tina Leggett, Office of Research Services

“Tina has made my life so much simpler. She always answers my questions and is willing to take my calls. She is a pure joy to work with and I appreciate all her efforts in helping me and others. She is fabulous.”

Brooke Slone, College of Education

“Brooke is part of the glue that holds the College of Education together. Every fall and spring semester, she finds student teaching placements for over 1,000 students in counties all over the state of Georgia. Her job requires extraordinary organization and patience. She works with faculty and staff in multiple departments and works hard to meet everyone’s needs. Brooke is awesome!”

Kristina Lancaster, Office of Career and Professional Development

“Kristina has a passion for serving our Armstrong students and is a pleasure to work with! She has really hit the ground running in her new position as a Career and Internship Advisor. She has made a great addition to our team!”

Ben Martin, University Communications and Marketing

“Ben is such a joy to work with. He has an incredible work ethic and has brought so much to our team. His smile and attitude are infectious and he goes above and beyond to help out the entire department. We are so lucky to have him on our team!”

Kirsten Hicks, Admissions

“Kirsten goes above and beyond to make sure that students are getting decisions and is always so willing to answer questions from staff! Her knowledge and hard work is such an asset to the team and we would not be the same without her! THANK YOU for all you do for the Office of Admissions!”

Kelly Kennedy, College of Education Graduate Academic Services Center

“Kelly is an outstanding example of the Eagle spirit! She loves Georgia Southern, her alma mater, and shares that love with the students she advises and the people she works with. Kelly is so pleasant to people that call looking for information and always take the time to answer all their questions – even at the end of the day! Having worked as an undergraduate and graduate advisor, she seems to know everything and is generous with her knowledge. The College of Education is lucky to have her on staff!”

Shaun Edwards, Procurement

“Shaun is always so helpful and goes above and beyond on any favor asked of him! He deserves more praise than I can adequately word here.”

Lakesha Loving, College of Education, Director of Field & Clinical Experience

“Lakesha is a ray of sunshine in the College of Education. She is so positive and uplifting. Lakesha is very thoughtful and deliberate in all that she does and plays an integral part in the success of the college and our students.”

Brittni Favorite, University Communications & Marketing

“Brittni always goes above and beyond with her work to help people with website requests. She offers multiple solutions, explains the pros and cons very well, gets approval at every step. If you want to learn, she’s willing to show you. Her communication is fantastic. I’ve always had excellent customer service and efficiency in my work with Brittni. Our website has never looked better.”

Shanina Guyton, Continuing and Professional Education

“We had a conference in Savannah and our computers would not connect to the hotel wifi. Shanina came from the Armstrong campus to downtown Savannah picked up the laptops connected them all to the GS network at Armstrong so that they would work at the hotel and then brought them all back to us. She really came through for us in a bind when she absolutely didn’t have to!”

Sharon Wilson, School of Human Ecology

“Sharon Wilson is an exceptional administrative assistant. She has taken on the additional responsibilities of another admin on top of her load and she is a shining star! She keeps the School of Human Ecology running and we are so fortunate to have her!”

Maegan Colson, Criminal Justice and Criminology

“Maegan Colson goes above and beyond to help others at the University. She has trained other admins when they are new on the job, and helps other chairs when their admins are out. She really cares about her job and making sure things run smoothly at the university!”

Rebecca Badgett, Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies

“I want to thank Becky for being so kind, generous, and fun to work with. She goes out of her way to help other departments and she does an amazing job! We are lucky to have her in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences!”

Maegan Colson, Criminal Justice and Criminology

“Maegan is the administrative assistant in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology. She has done an amazing job helping with administrative duties as we have doubled our graduate degree program and kept our undergraduate enrollment level during these tough times. As other administrative assistants have moved and retired, she is currently assisting other departments in their administrative duties and training new assistants. This is all on her own time while continuing to provide our department the attention to deal with a full set of issues. She truly has kept many of us in the college afloat during the past year.”

Ronnie Rushing & Team, Printing & Postal Services

“Ronnie Rushing and the Armstrong Campus Printing/Postal Service team are outstanding. They always go above and beyond to get the order right and to make sure it is done on time (and usually early!). They exhibit great customer service and are genuinely some of the nicest people on campus. Plus, Printing and Postal Services is an excellent resource for our university. If you need it printed or shipped, call them first!”

Kelly Kennedy, Graduate Academic Services Center, College of Education

“Shout out to Kelly Kennedy! She is so friendly and generous with her time. Kelly serves on several committees and the conduct board and still finds time to volunteer to help with COE initiatives and STEM activities. Kelly is always on the lookout for ways to help other staff members. She is a great part of the College of Education.”

Kelli-Anne Gecawich, Media Services, Lane Library

“Kelli-Anne is one of the hardest-working staff members at the University Libraries. As the Media Supervisor at Lane Library on the Armstrong Campus, Kelli-Anne is student focused and goes out of her way to meet student needs and support their success. Kelli-Anne goes above and beyond creating an inclusive environment at Lane Library through carefully considered displays, accessible resources, and shared information about student support services. Kelli-Anne, the University Libraries Diversity Council sincerely thanks you for all you do to support Student Success and Inclusive Excellence at the University Libraries!”

Samantha Rossi and Patricia LaRose, Human Resources

“Sam and Patricia put on two tremendous Benefits and Wellness Fairs for faculty and staff. They committed significant time and effort to bring back an event that was well received. These two are committed to providing engagement opportunities to employees and supporting our employees in their wellbeing journey!”

Trina Smith, Academic Affairs

“Trina took extra steps to fulfill “her civic duty” this election season. Trina took time off from a very busy schedule to serve as a poll worker. I’m proud of Trina (and every staff member who also worked at the polls) for taking this extra time to help us all do our part in society!”

Samantha Hutto, Office of Financial Aid

“Sam consistently goes above and beyond to help both students and colleagues. Within minutes of me sending out an SOS to help a student in need recently, Sam jumped in and helped formulate a solution to keep the student enrolled. She is an absolute rockstar!”

President’s Division

“During Ethics Awareness Week 2022, the President’s Division had the most participation in the activities planned for the week! Academic Affairs came in a close second. Thanks to everyone who participated in Ethics Awareness Week!”

Carol Lightle, Human Resources

“Carol is amazing. She is welcoming, knowledgeable, and quick to jump in and lend a hand! She does this consistently through peak periods of processing to support the University’s needs.”