The work of Undergraduate Admissions is complex to say the least. The Undergraduate Admissions team consists of 16 members ranging from Data Processors to Admissions Counselors and everything in between. This year, this team has been working diligently to do the work needed to increase enrollment. This responsibility is essential to the mission of the university and is harder than ever. Counselors travel all across the state and beyond to increase interest of prospective students, build relationships with educators and parents, and assist prospective students throughout the daunting admissions process. The data processing team processes over 1500+ admissions applications, reviewing transcripts, making admissions decisions, and awarding scholarships. There would be no new students without the work of this team and it is in my humble opinion that this entire team has the heart of a hornet.

I have been working with Kristofer for close to 3 years now, and I don't think I have ever went more than a day with out seeing him, which goes to show his commitment to Emporia State. His consistent work ethic I witness day in and day out is unmatched. Kris gives his all to his job, this university and the facilities he works in to make perfect, all with the most gracious attitude. Kris is such a big part of the success we have here in the Athletic Department and he embodies exactly what this award is about. He is not only a tremendous worker but a wonderful person as well. It is an honor to know him, and he uplifts everyone who is lucky enough to be around him.

As the director of the new Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center, Daphne has spearheaded numerous projects that create diversity, offer inclusion, and promote community. Daphne's excellency shines in her communication skills. Email her and just see how fast she gets back to you. I promise it won't take long! Her respect is shown to her team of student workers by offering true opportunities for growth and input that really matters. Responsibility is shown in her ability to meet all of her work goals as well as having a family at home. Daphne is the definition of service, as she goes above and beyond for her student employees. She serves the community by offering free programs. Furthermore, she serves the school by ALWAYS getting involved in all the departments. She is amazing.

I believe Mrs. Conley shows all four characteristics but is especially exemplar in Excellence and Service. I always feel excited to learn from Mrs. Conley because of how she teaches. Her assignments are unique and challenging, but not overwhelming. I really feel like I'm learning as much as possible when I take a class from her. I never feel like I'm being "taught at." She definitely guides us to work out the answers ourselves while showing us best practices. I'd go out of my way to take another class from her. As for service, she's always encouraging us to be the best version of ourselves as professionals and as community members. In class, she talks about the various organizations we can be a part of as future educators and how the groups will help us learn.

I have had the pleasure of being an MLS student on two of Dr. Howard's courses. The first course that I undertook with Dr. Howard was at the beginning of my MLS studies. Dr. Howard was supportive, empathic and demonstrated understanding of the needs of her students. She was also respectful and showed awareness concerning those who were undertaking the online course and grappling with their working and personal commitments. The second course that I undertook with Dr. Howard was towards the end of my MLS degree. During this course, Dr. Howard was supportive, understanding and mindful of the impact of COVID upon her students. Dr. Howard demanded the best work from her students and her courses were well-structured, informative and engaging. I feel very privileged to have been a student of Dr. Howard.

He is a role model in terms of serving the ESU and Emporia community. Dr. Zhang served as our department’s faculty senate representative. He also served on the departmental scholarship committee. Dr. Zhang helped recruitment and gave tours to prospective students. He served as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Committee. He acquired a cutting-edge instrument for science programs. He and other members of the tobacco-free task force successfully received a $25,000 grant from Kansas Health Foundation. Dr. Zhang served on the URSCA committee. He built a connection between ESU and Guizhou University in China. Dr. Zhang also built a firm relationship with LEAD and Quapaw Nation. He currently serves as the Chair of the Wichita Section of ACS. Dr. Zhang serves as the faculty advisor/co-advisor for several campus-wide student organizations, including ACS Student Chapter, SES Club, and CSSA. Dr. Zhang conducted a Boy Scout chemistry merit badge workshop at Flint Hills Tech. He performed a “Chemistry Rock” presentation at Emporia High School. Dr. Zhang’s service contributions are outstanding and his services go above and beyond what is required.

William has been a breath of fresh air for our Facilities team. He handles all issues quickly and professionally. William takes pride in his work and is wonderful to work with. He is quick to address any issues and follows through with great communication!

Mark Summey is a genuine, consistent, no-nonsense individual in the IT Department. He is always there to do what is necessary and help you with any problems/issues you might have. There has never been a day when he has not responded to an email when someone asks for any help. Responding or acknowledging to emails is a rarity nowadays and expecting it is slowly going out of fashion. Not in his case, though. He will make sure to respond, even if he cannot help you right away. Respect does not come from demanding. It comes from the hard work and professionalism that an individual demonstrates every day that leaves a bigger impact. Mark is an asset not only to his department but to the university and all of us who enjoy the privilege of his unmatched service every day. Thank you Mark for all that you do.

• Dr. Mary Teal is a repository of immense encouragement, inspiration and energy. Her positive attitude and encouragement can make anybody get inspired and encouraged to do more! She always has time for people who need her advice and encouragement. She is an asset not only to the School of Business but the entire university and the local community. Her students and faculty in her department enjoy the privilege of her leadership, bright smile and genuine personality every single day. It is time we thank her for all that she does!

• Dr. Teal is always staying busy and working hard. She is constantly solving problems and helping to find solutions. She is one of the most supportive people I know. She asks me how I am doing and actually listens because she truly does care about everyone. She always tells me to have a great day or evening. She has a lot of responsibilities here and always manages to get things done and always does great work. She helps spread the word for many organization's events and scholarships. She helps the Graduate Assistants with anything they need and makes sure they are always prepared.

Dean Bashaw is power packed with energy. He is always there for the students and faculty when they need them. I have not seen many Deans have an open door policy like his! It usually takes jumping through many hoops before they even get to meet the Dean. Dean Bashaw is completely different. All it takes is an email or phone meeting request and you are confirmed an appointment within the next week. How privileged we all are to have this opportunity to have a leader who is always available! His sense of humor and enthusiasm to venture into opportunities that have not been explored drives everyone around him with the same passion and energy. Thank you for being a leader who is also willing to listen. Very few leaders make an attempt to listen to the people around them and we, at the School of Business and the University, are privileged to have such a leader among us. Thanks for everything Dean Bashaw!

Anna has always been so patient and thorough in explaining any situation regarding payroll. She is always encouraging and instructing me on the in's and out's of new or complex situations. Anna is very confident in her knowledge and truly a pleasure to work with each and every day. Thank you for all that you do for us here at ESU Anna!

Kayla has demonstrated each of these qualities in her work at ESU - beginning with her first visit as an ACUHO-i summer intern! The impetus behind this particular recognition, however, results from her above and beyond performance related to COVID-19 quarantine and isolation housing at ESU. Kayla demonstrated excellence in her problem-solving and critical/creative thinking to the multitude of situations we have navigated with students and campus colleagues. In these situations, Kayla respects all those involved and communicates that respect clearly...even in conveying what can be difficult messages. Kayla has served responsibly in her role as our primary COVID-19 contact for residents and campus colleagues. On an almost daily basis for long stretches of the past four semesters, Kayla has been the afternoon/evening coordinator and communicator for Residential Life. Her commitment and selfless service are/were the driving force to support residents in these situations and ensured that support was genuine, consistent, efficient, and wide-reaching. Thank you, Kayla!

Kim is a beautiful example of someone who has the Heart of a Hornet! I have collaborated with her on many occasions and her positive spirit and willingness to serve is exceptional. Kim’s diligence in product design and execution as well as her customer service is first-rate! Thank you, Kim for your dedication to quality work for us here at Emporia State. You have gone above and beyond, and you are appreciated very much!