Faculty and staff awards announced at employee appreciation picnic

By Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer

With live music, warm food, and raffle prizes, Governors State University (GovState) celebrated all employees at its annual Employee Appreciation event, where grant recipients and employee award winners were recognized.

GovState’s President Joyce C. Ester, Ph.D., welcomed everyone to this year’s event, themed Camp Jaguar, expressing her excitement and crediting all for their work on campus.

“Every institution cannot be successful without the work of the folks that work here, whether you’re faculty, staff, or administrators,” said President Ester. “I really want you all to look around and give yourselves a round of applause and give your colleagues a round of applause.”

This year’s mini grant recipients were announced by Dr. Joi Patterson, Chief of Institutional Engagement and Excellence, followed by the employee awards, which were announced by Dr. Janelle Crowley, Chief of Staff and Head of Strategic Initiatives.

The Institutional Engagement and Excellence (IEE) Mini Grants support innovative projects that strengthen belonging, engagement, and excellence across the campus and beyond.

The Excellence Award recognizes excellence in teaching, performance of primary duties, and creative writing. The Baysore Award, the University’s highest honor, is named for Dr. Gerald C. Baysore, who served as Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. This award recognizes those who demonstrate absolute integrity, total competence, generous dedication and unfailing civility.

The winners are as follows:

2025 Gerald C. Baysore Award Winner

Dasean Quinn, Police Officer in Department of Public Safety

Excellence Award Winners

Vickii Coffey, Associate Professor
College of Health and Human Services

Christopher Dignam, Assistant Professor
College of Education and Human Development

Latesha Newson, University Lecturer
College of Health and Human Services

IEE Mini Grants

IGNITE: Stronger Together – Student Mentoring Program

Paige Dulkowski
Katelyn Karstensen
Angelica Damiani
Dr. Tiffani Robertson
Darcie Campos
Dr. Konya Sledge

Arboretum Enhancement Project

Erin Gutiérrez
Dr. John Yunger

Belonging at GovState: How Student Perceptions Align with the Institutional Values and Success

Dr. Figen Karadogan

Collaborative Pathways: Communities of Practice for Inclusive Excellence

Dr. Nikki LaGrone
Scott Thesen
Judith Keigher
Doug Johnson
Annette Keca

Beyond the Margins: Restorative Literacy for Rising Voices

Dr.  Camille Byrd O’Quin
Dr. Phyllis West
Dr. Sara Jozwik
Dr. John Corey Steele
Dr. Rasha Elhage
Mark Werner