2024 DSA Recipients
Congratulations to our Distinguished Service Award winners!
Awardees
1st Place - Nina Thornton – OSU Library
“Nina’s creativity is off the scales. She absolutely rocks all of her job duties, along with all the additional tasks she is given. You won’t find anyone better at teaching and supporting student.”
“What really sets Nina apart is her attitude: she does everything with a smile and seeks opportunities not only to collaborate but to build others up in the process.”
2nd Place – Erin King – Spears School of Business, Chesapeake Energy Business Student
Success Center
“Erin is a very dedicated individual in everything she does. She throws her whole self into every project she is involved in. I don't think she knows how to do anything halfway. She is also a very giving and caring individual. She wants to be a helper and does everything she can to be that person.”
“Erin always seems to maintain an outward appearance of respect, calm, and a sense of humor. I appreciate that she can help be the calm in the storm.”
“She helps us be a better team, builds community, and above all serves the OSU student community well with her initiatives and dedication.”
3rd Place – Joel Jackson – Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
“OSU is extremely lucky to have such an amazing asset, not only leading our program but educating the next generation of meat processors.”
“Joel has real-life experience in his campus job and he performs his campus job with high excellence and confidence. His outputs daily are consistently of the highest quality.”
“Joel is responsible for the FAPC Meat Processing Operations. He is a thoroughly-trained educator, industry tradesman, and leader.”
Finalists
Daniel Fragel – Department of Wellness
“Daniel is committed to excellence in all that he does. Whether it is mentoring staff, implementing new processes, or engaging with community stakeholders, Daniel is constantly striving to do better and consistently demonstrates servant leadership”
Mualla Kara – Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
“Mualla’s approach to her job goes beyond fulfilling her basic responsibilities; she strives to create an environment where everyone can work efficiently, safely, and comfortably.”
Elizabeth (Lizz) Scott – University Human Resources
"Lizz’s “work as a servant leader furthers Cowboy Culture by impacting our community and treating every individual with dignity and respect.”
Anna Teague – OSU Vet Med Student Services
“What truly sets Anna apart is her unwavering dedication and her ability to inspire those around her. She is not only highly skilled and professional but also kind-hearted and compassionate.”
Tyler Toland – Facilities Management Structural Trades
"Tyler does a good job at leading by example. He has a strong work ethic and encourages others do the same. He seems to consistently thrive to improve himself and others.”
Robert Weidenmaier – Field & Research Services Unit (FRSU), OSU Ag Research
“Bobby approaches everything with a calm professional attitude. He strongly believes in the research mission and conducting high quality research. It is this strong focus that drives his positive attitude toward his job.”
Craig Woods – Office of Communications and Marketing, OSU Agriculture
“When assembling a team for strategic planning purposes, I want Craig to be on it. Craig can handle big-picture strategy and the smaller details.”
Semifinalists
- Kristi Cooper – College of Engineering, Architecture & Technology, CEAT Online Learning
- Margaret Eastman – Chemistry
- Nichole Fox – College of Arts and Sciences, Outreach
- Hayley Hagen – Brand Management
- Carl Hamby – Division of Ag Sciences & Natural Resources, DASNR IT
- Enrique Sanchez Kong – Housing and Residential Life
- Lynette Marvin – Associate Vice President for Admin & Finance
- Ulli Schoenknecht – Art, Graphic Design and Art History
- Amanda Smith – Housing & Residential Life
- Melissa Sturgeon – University Human Resources
- Valerie Quirey – College of Engineering, Architecture & Technology, CEAT Academic Affairs
- Betsey Weaver – Student Success CRM/Slate
Honorable Mention
- Erika Artinger – Legal Counsel, Board of Regents
- Cam Cheek – Student Accessibility Services
- Shawna Goodwin – Student Affairs
- Birch Harvey – Department of Wellness
- Neal McKnight – University Dining Services
- Scott Spencer – Student Union Building Operations & Parking
- Toby Venable – Human Resources