Six individuals and a team of employees will receive the 2020 Distinguished Performance Awards during the 27th annual DPA and Service Recognition ceremony Friday, Oct. 16. To be conducted in a virtual environment this year, the 10 a.m. event will be hosted by A-State's Staff Senate and streamed live. Congratulations to the award recipients:

• Team Player – Carnesha Ben, Counseling Center
• Unsung Hero – Jeannie Cossey, Academic Affairs and Research
• Rookie of the Year – Lauren DeFazio, Mathematics and Statistics
• Enhancing the Student Experience – Kelli Listenbee, Learning Support Services
• STAR (Service, Teamwork, Attitude, Reliability) – Kathryn Pulliam, Human Resources
• Outstanding Part-Time – Kyle Walker, Learning Commons
• Team Achievement – Emergency Operations Committee: Jon Carvell, Kelly Damphousse, Len Frey, Bill Smith, Martha Spack, Alan Utter, Sara Walker and Lori Winn.

These individuals exemplify professionalism and dedication to excellence in service, and perform above the standard to improve programs at A-State. The Distinguished Performance Awards program was initiated in 1994 to recognize outstanding job performance and long-time service by the university’s non-faculty employees.

Thirteen individuals who retired during the 2019-20 academic year will be recognized Friday during the annual Distinguished Performance Awards and Service Recognition Ceremony. Of the 13, who have a combined 330 total years, Dr. Jenifer Rice Mason, Access and Accommodation Services, has the longest period of service, 43 years. 

Other retirees are Carol Barnhill, Procurement, 42 years; Vicki Fletcher, Human Resources, 23 years; Nanya French, Procurement, 16 years; Vaneta Williams Harvey, Access and Accommodation Services, 13 years; Eddie Hill, Motor Pool, 10 years; Justin Holder, Information and Technology Services, 35 years; David J. Lovelace, Clinical Lab Sciences, 14 years; Pam Mangrum, School of Teacher Education, 15 years; Genella McCarroll, Residence Life, 18 years; Paula Miles, Heritage Sites, 31 years; Bobby P. Warren, Facilities – Custodial Care, 40 years; and Margaret Watson, Information and Technology Services, 30 years.

Congratulations to nine A-State staff members who have attained service milestones of 40 or 30 years. They will be recognized Friday during the Distinguished Performance Awards and Service Recognition ceremony. Dr. Rick Stripling, College of Education and Behavioral Science, has completed 40 years.

Eight staff members have 30 years of service: Martin D. Bryant, Skilled Trades; Shannan Clouse, Information and Technology Services; Laura Cremeens, Enrollment Management; Tracey McMasters, Information and Technology Services; Christie Ollis, Ellis Library; Mark A. Smith, KASU; Tim D. Smith, Institutional Services; and Margaret Watson, Information and Technology Services.

Eleven individuals who have attained 20 years of service will be recognized Friday. Those individuals and their employment areas are Floyd Cozart, Printing Services; Timothy Cureton, Information and Technology Services; Angela J. Daniels, Information and Technology Services; Timmy Davis, Facilities – Landscaping; Len T. Frey, Finance and Administration; Myra Goodwin, Controller; Phil Hestand, Counseling Center; Heath Kelly, Publications and Creative Services; Mary Lou Adams Ray, Printing Services; Terrie Rolland, Liberal Arts and Communication; and Haley T. Stout, First National Bank Arena.

At the Service Recognition ceremony, five staff members will receive certificates for attaining the 10-year service milestone. Congratulations to recipients Jeannie Cossey, Academic Affairs and Research; Darlene Etter, Education and Behavioral Science; Robert D. Bahn, Small Business and Technology Development Center; Laveta Wills-Hale, Childhood Services; and Pam Graham, College of Education & Behavioral Science.