Division of Student Affairs celebrates staff impact, leadership at year-end celebration

Ohio University’s Division of Student Affairs gathered in the Ping Recreation Center in early May to celebrate the dedication, leadership and impact of staff members during its annual end-of-year celebration.

The event recognized the work happening across the division and University to support student success and well-being while honoring award recipients selected from a large pool of nominations submitted by colleagues.

Vice President for Student Affairs Lyn Redington thanked staff for their continued commitment to students and to one another throughout another busy academic year.

“I feel so fortunate to serve our amazing students and work with and lead such an amazing team of professionals,” Redington shared during the celebration.

The Division Award recipients included

• Mentor of the Year: Jason (JT) Schroer
  Jason “JT” Schroer leads the foodservice management software team in Culinary Services. He was recognized for translating complex systems into meaningful learning experiences for managers and students.
• Lasting Action Award: MacKenzie Thomson
  MacKenzie Thomson received the Lasting Action Award for leading the development and implementation of a yearlong Risk and Retention Management process designed to better identify and support students experiencing crisis situations off campus.

• New Professional Award: Keresa Murray
  In addition to supporting students within Housing and Residence Life, Keresa Murray was recognized for volunteering for division-wide initiatives, supporting Conference Services during a transitional period and helping amplify student voices through Student Belonging and Well-Being efforts.

  
• Mid-Career Professional Award: Dottie Brown
  Dottie Brown’s nominator shared, “her impact extends beyond her individual contributions, as student employees view her as a trusted mentor and colleagues rely on her steady, thoughtful guidance during challenging situations.”
• Intersectional Collaboration Award: Anna-Kaye Rowe
  Anna-Kaye Rowe was recognized with the Intersectional Collaboration Award for her work supporting international students through partnerships across Career Services, International Student and Scholar Services, the Graduate College and other campus partners.
• Outstanding Contributions for Customer Service Award: Jessica Welker
  As the first point of contact for many students seeking support, Jessica Welker was recognized for creating a welcoming environment while balancing a fast-paced front desk and supporting clinical operations. 
• Faculty/Staff Contribution Award: Molly Bukky and Becky Barlag
  This year, the Faculty Staff Contribution Award was presented to two campus partners whose collaboration has supported the Division of Student Affairs in meaningful ways.
  Molly Bukky, civil rights investigator and training/outreach coordinator in the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, was recognized for her partnership in supporting Title IX education and training efforts across the division while helping foster a safer campus environment.
  Becky Barlag, forensic chemistry professor and member of the JED Campus Environmental Safety team, was honored for helping bridge academic and student affairs initiatives. Her collaboration included integrating medication disposal education into classroom experiences and supporting conversations around student mental health within academic spaces.

The celebration also recognized Jneanne Hacker for 34 years of service to Ohio University and the Division of Student Affairs. Redington thanked Hacker for her leadership and dedication to supporting students through Housing and Residence Life operations over the course of her career.

“As many of you know, I have had the privilege of working at several institutions — but this place is special, mostly because of people like you,” Redington shared at the conclusion of the event.

Image