Missy embodies all of ESU's core values. She consistently provides excellent service to the students and parents that she interacts with. I know that sometimes people are stressed or frustrated when they contact her, yet she always remains patient, compassionate, and treats them with respect. Her daily work and interactions show that she truly cares for ESU students and her peers and makes sure they know that they are seen, heard, and appreciated.

Ms. Melodi Bowen joined our department a little longer than a year ago. She is such a wonderful colleague who has made exceptional contributions to our department and our university already. She quickly learned all the aspects of the job and handled every task promptly and professionally.

Mary Lopez has been with the music department for about 12 years now, and her excellence and responsibility have been invaluable. As our department chair has been working from home since last spring, she is the one in the office that helps all of us; both faculty and current ESU students and prospective students. She has assumed a lot of extra responsibility since Dr. Comstock has been working from home, which of course she does not get extra compensation for. She has definitely gone above and beyond since COVID, but has always done that. She jumps in to help our department run smoothly and her calmness and professionalism are truly valued.

Abigail Brooks joined the SAC office in August 2020. Such a busy time to jump in as school was starting back up and we were transitioning back to campus. She was been awesome in helping with signal vine text help, and just helping all of us advisees all of the time. She is always so bubbly and pleasant, and I miss seeing her smiling face since we are doing online advising. But I get to see it in our weekly zoom staff meetings, and I"m so glad for that! She is so helpful and not condescending, and just generally her respect and service in such a positive way have been so appreciated and valued. She truly daily goes above and beyond in doing her job with excellence in helping us advisor work online and be our "face" in the office. Mary Lopez has been with the music department for about 12 years now, and her excellence and responsibility have been invaluable. As our department chair has been working from home since last spring, she is the one in the office that helps all of us; both faculty and current ESU students and prospective students. She has assumed a lot of extra responsibility since Dr. Comstock has been working from home, which of course she does not get extra compensation for. She has definitely gone above and beyond since COVID, but has always done that. She jumps in to help our department run smoothly and her calmness and professionalism are truly valued.

During a time of strife, Bill fought for his employees. Showed compassion and leadership and great resolve. When faced with overwhelming odds he persevered. Bill has the respect of everyone below him. From replacing Mark Runge, the time Covid 19 hit the campus, to the financial struggle that followed. Bill has stepped up to the plate and weathered the storm for his Facility employees. Bill grieved and stressed and spent endless hours on these matters. Being able to be a part of, and to be a witness to the toll it has taken on Bill. Revealing the human side of the job. We are very proud of Bill and what he has accomplished here in facilities, in the short time he has been here at ESU. Thank you for all you do for Emporia State University. Hornets like you are what makes this institution truly a great place to be!

April has been an enormous help as a new staff member. Throughout the first year and even into the second year she has been generous with her time and assistance to help answer question, give instructions, and know where to find the answer always being patient. No question was never to trivial for her to answer and encouraging.

Linda is an integral part of the team. She is a consummate professional in all of her administrative duties and then goes above and beyond our expectations to support faculty, students and our mission. From making arrangements for our meetings to remembering birthdays, from baking "goodies" for students and to working with facilities maintenance crews, from preparing "something for the road" for our student athletic teams to checking classrooms' equipment, she has taken a lead on those projects that support faculty, students, and administration. Simply put – we don’t know what we would do without her!

Deena joined the department in the middle of the pandemic but nonetheless jumped right in by quickly establishing positive relationships with all faculty, instructors, and GAs--despite most individuals working remotely during this time. Deena anticipates the needs of students and staff and will frequently step in to fill gaps before the rest of us even realized a gap existed. She is also always going out of her way to help others. Deena is such a positive, thoughtful individual and we are so lucky to have her as part of the School Leadership/Middle & Secondary Education department!

The Music Faculty have gone above and beyond to find creative ways to conduct ensemble rehearsals and teach music lessons during "social distancing" Ramiro Miranda & Irene Diaz do great work with the strings program and orchestras. Always a joy to work with, humble, kind and cheerful through it all. Gary & Tess Ziek are the same for the concert & jazz bands. William Woodworth for the Athletic Bands, Tracy Freeze for percussion and coordinating the Live Streaming of concerts. Andy Houchins teaching Music Theory, Martin Cuellar, Kate Bergman, Penny Speedie, Scott Wichael, Tiffany Budke and all our adjuncts!

As the General Maintenance Repair Tech for Building Services, Kyle makes the department run smoothly. Kyle gets our supplies delivered whenever needed, makes sure all equipment is running properly, and installs all dispensers wherever they are needed. Kyle performs his job as well if not better than anyone in recent memory.

Marlene Swisher is a devoted and loyal employee. Her position covers several areas and yet she is able to juggle deliveries, receipts, manages the mailroom, covering the office as well as other duties that are given to her. She handles all her duties with ease and is a friendly, helpful and smiling face for all the departments across campus.

Dr. Selby is a professor with an incredible devotion to her work and her students. She has this amazing ability to believe in her student's process and talents, which she makes sure to let us know. I think her teaching approach is focused on guiding the students so we can find what we are passionate about and how to learn the necessary skills to be really good at it.

For more than 20 years, Lucie's professional goal has been to have the units she works for at ESU make a great first impression, From print materials to Powerpoint slides to social media images, she is respected for the quality of work she produces. As an alum of ESU and a long-time resident of Emporia, she constantly strives to reveal the beauty of our campus and city

Dana keeps Cremer Hall neat and tidy, inside and out. Her thorough cleaning shows throughout the building. She is quick to respond when emergencies arise. Dana truly cares about the appearance of our building, promptly reporting maintenance problems when found. Her friendly and bubbly personality are enjoyed by faculty, staff, and students. Dana definitely deserves recognition of having a “Heart of a Hornet.”