SHREVEPORT – Six LSUS staff members were selected from a deep pool of nominees to be honored at the 2023 Outstanding Service Awards ceremony Monday.
Facility Services swept the Classified Employees category as Barbara Maiden, LaShannon Morris and Laura Savage were recognized.
In the Unclassified Employees category, Jessica Bato (Student Success Center), David Gaither (Noel Memorial Library) and Amanda Lewis (Academic Affairs) took home the honors.
In addition to the recognition, each winner received $1,000 courtesy of the LSUS Foundation, which sponsored the event.
“These awards recognize outstanding work performance and outstanding contributions to the campus,” said Bill Wolfe, director of human resource management at LSUS. “Every single one of the nominees deserved this award, and it was extremely tough on the committee to pick the winners.”
Thirty-two staff members were nominated by their peers.
The nominator for Maiden, who services the Technology Center, said “no gras grows under (Maiden’s) feet as she is in constant motion, taking pride in herself, her work, and our campus.”
Morris takes care of the Business and Education building, and she “exudes confidence, a kind and compassionate personality, and always brightens everyone’s day. Her unique personality, diligence, and jolly spirit embodies what LSUS symbolizes.”
Savage, an administrative coordinator, is described as “an essential part of the day-to-day functioning of the largest department on campus. Powered by her love for coffee, she helps employees with problems ranging from a payroll issue to a purchasing challenge.”
Jessica Bato in Student Affairs has a “flexibility and willingness to navigate challenges that make her an invaluable asset and perfect fit for the fast-paced environment of student affairs.”
Library associate David Gaither “regularly offers to lend a hand to help others” while bringing “positive and initiative” to every project.
Lewis, the director of sponsored research and technology transfer, is described as “supportive and nurturing,” “the definition of a team player” with a “leadership style that’s characterized by inclusivity and commitment to institutional success.”
Other classified nominees include Antonio Jones, Earnest Wilson, Dave Faulk, Edwin Robinson, Jackie Hines, Kenneth Massey, Kathi Garcie, Lance Cole, Rene Pallay, Shelia Tyson, and Tiffney Carter.
Unclassified nominees include Angie Pellerin, Ashley Dean McVey, Catherine McNair, Angie Nichols, David Bailey, Jennifer Isaac, Jordan Carter-Martin, Katie Baten, Keena Franklin, Kerry Shockley, LaTienda Pierre, Nicholas Zagzoug, Renae Taylor, Trish Farnsworth Smith, and Juanita Paul.
