honorees

Fall 2019 / Spring 2020

Curtis Becker

Instructor of English

Curtis Becker is a prime example of someone who changes lives for the common good. His focus on creating a safe space for all students in his classroom models not only his own inclusive and equitable character, but also that of Emporia State University.

damara paris

Clinical Counseling Program

Top student-rated Counselor Education graduate instructor for Spring 2019: Damara Paris of the Clinical Counseling Program!

Eric Conrad

Art Department

Eric Conrad is an instructor who is constantly evolving in his practice and is never afraid to try new teaching approaches. In hearing him talk to students, you never get the sense that he is in a hurry and at that moment, the students' project has exciting potential. Professor Conrad’s dedication to Foundations instruction is both inspiring and humbling. His role is crucial to students early development as artists, and he is motivated by a sincere interest in seeing his students succeed as they move on through the program.

Joyce zhou

School of Business

Dr. Joyce is extremely passionate about her students and the school of business. She helped organize the 'How It's Made Tour' and her creative thinking enabled the students who attended to have a practical perspective on what entrepreneurship is like out in the real world.

Melanie Jones

Information Technology

Melanie works tirelessly to assist her staff and campus patrons with solving IT issues. Her work often bleeds into her personal time before and after work, yet she accepts this sacrifice readily and willingly. She is meticulous with details and is determined to solve problems. In IT, she has been charged with many important committees and high-level projects. Her leadership in these areas continues to be impeccable. Without her, the campus would be missing an important communicator, leader, and problem solver.

Michael McEchron

Clinical Counseling Program

Top student-rated Counselor Education undergraduate instructor for Spring 2019: Mike McEchron of the Rehabilitation & Disability Studies program!

Stephanie Lanter

Art Department

Since 2011, Professor Lanter has consistently gone above and beyond in contributing to the Art Department, university, and community. She always seeks ways to build bridges between the community and the Department, regularly displaying students' work at Mulready’s Pub, as well as coordinating the mural behind the pub. Professor Lanter also hosts popular open studio nights in ceramics that invites anyone who is interested in having a hands-on ceramic throwing experience.

Robert kornowski

Mathematics & Economics

Robert Kornowski has demonstrated a high level of integrity by implementing thoughtful proctoring policies in Brighton Lab. He values diversity when recruiting lab tutors, and has helped his colleagues by voluntarily proctoring exams for online courses and answering any questions regarding the online MS program.

Lindsay Bays

Student Wellness Center

Lindsay has gone above and beyond to help student-athletes and coaches navigate the health and wellness side of athletics. She has taken the initiative to help the athletic department understand the mental health needs of student-athletes by coming up with a mental health plan for athletes and meeting with all of the head coaches and athletic training staff to open dialogue about this issue.

Amy Sage WEbb

English, Modern Languages, & Journalism

Amy Sage Webb gives tirelessly to Emporia State University and its student body; consistently lifting her colleagues up, recognizing their efforts, and providing them with opportunities to advance their craft and their work. She consistently goes the extra mile, gives up evenings and weekends to help student and local organizations, and encourages nearly everyone she meets in whatever they may be involved with.

kathy landwehr

Student Advising Center

Kathy Landwehr does a wonderful job of working with students, helping them solve problems, and encouraging them during their time in the SAC office and beyond. She is consistently trying to find more ways to enhance and better college students’ experience at ESU.

Katherine O' Meara

English, Modern Languages, & Journalism

Kat O’Meara demonstrates excellence and responsibility through a commitment to academic rigor in the Composition program and in the classes she teaches. She shows respect for all in the way she works to make her classroom, office, and the community a more respectful, caring, and inclusive place.

basil kessler

Counselor Education

Dr. Kessler always challenges students and club members intellectually, opening them to a different way of thinking. As an education counselor, he emphasizes the importance of self-care to ensure that the students in the program can ultimately be their best to serve others.

Kate Bergman

Department of Music

Kate Bergman is always willing to go above and beyond expectations, and pushes her students to do so as well. Kate's passion for flute and music transcends far beyond the university, working with the Emporia High School Flute Choir and the Emporia Community Flute Choir.

asher delmott

Human Resources

Asher Delmott is eager to take on any task, big or small. He is always willing to step in and help his colleagues in a stressful situation.

Jennifer Ananda

Title IX Compliance

Jennifer Ananda works tirelessly to not only further the mission of ESU, but do her job with kindness, respect, and with the individual in mind.

Lindsay Thompson

Foundation

Lindsay is one of the most positive people on ESU’s campus. She strives for excellence in everything she does and performs each and every task with a wealth of positivity, compassion and respect. She often goes out of her way to help and lift others up. Lindsay embodies all that ESU stands for, and she's always willing to offer her time, service and expertise.

Jose Feliciano Jr

Alumni Relations

Jose has enormous heart and soul for this university and shows it through the programming he does. He follows the university strategic plan with an emphasis on diversity, inclusion and equity. Jose expresses the importance of advocating, recruiting, and giving to Hornet Nation. He is a personal cheerleader ESU any chance he gets, highlighting student and alumni successes on social media and personally reaching out to those who have made a difference. He is quick to encourage the underdog, making them feel just as important as those on top; and he engages community and campus partners to work towards the common goal of lifting up Emporia State.

Donald weast

Associate Athletic Director

Don has gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic to make it feel as close to being "in season" for ESU Softball as it can be. With his innovative ideas on replaying past games, adding statistics to social media posts, and keeping Hornet Nation up-to-date on developing stories, the Emporia State Community has been able to keep sports in their lives. . . or at least a resemblance of them. We are truly appreciative of his efforts and look forward to continued coverage!

Human resources, payroll, information technology

The HR/Pay team completed payroll processing for over 1,500 students, staff and faculty. Although this is a regular process, this pay period was anything but normal. Many of the team members were transitioning to work remotely, pay statuses were in flux on a daily basis, and coordination with all of the payroll designees were disrupted due to the pandemic, all of which made this very challenging for payroll processing. Their perseverance, patience, and diligence reflect the excellence ESU has come to expect from the team, and reflects the ownership and responsibility the team takes in making sure our employees get paid correctly and on time. Well done, team! Thank you for all you do for Emporia State University. Hornets like you are what make this institution truly a great place to be!

Marketing and media relations

The Marketing and Media Relations Department has demonstrated amazing professionalism, accuracy, stamina and service to ESU, especially during the COVID-19 situation. They have worked tirelessly at keeping ESU's message correct, on point and consistent. All of their outstanding work should be commended!

Information technology

ESU's Information Technology department all deserve a gold medal for the tremendous work they have done in a very short time. They offered lots of proactive opportunities prior to the COVID-19 situation critical point. Then even during the critical point they have worked tirelessly to get ESU to a point where we can continue academic instruction, support our students technologically, and maintain campus processes and procedures remotely. Their overall attitude and work ethic has been incredibly positive, despite very trying times. Their effort and accomplishments are amazing!Thank you for all you do for Emporia State University.

Hornets like you are what make this institution truly a great place to be!

HEALTH SERVICES

Health Services has continued to serve students throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. They are continually there for our students through telehealth, hosting Corky’s Cupboard and keeping office hours while the rest of campus has been closed to better serve the needs of our student population.

Art Gutierrez

University Library and Archives

Art works with most of the technical aspects with libraries and archives and is the go to person for technology problems in the library. Art has worked so hard with our dean, Michelle Hammond, to make sure students that were without technology went home with something to do work on when the start of COVID-19 happened. Art is patient and works with students to make sure they have access to all of the resources needed to help them achieve their goals. We appreciate all of the hard work you put in Art, thank you!

Qiang Shi

Mathematics and Economics

Dr. Shi cares about students. He organized many math study camps for kids in our community. We are very grateful for all of the effort and time he puts into to care for the kids in our communities education. Thank you Dr. Shi, keep up the great work!