Columbia College faculty and staff gathered on Thursday, April 9, in the Southwell Complex to celebrate the 2025-26 academic year at the annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon.
President Dr. Toby Arquette expressed gratitude for his warm welcome into the college community throughout the first six weeks of his tenure, lauding the passion and professionalism he has encountered throughout every division of the institution.
“We are celebrating 175 years and embarking on a new strategic plan where we are going to lay the foundation for the next 175 years,” Arquette told faculty and staff. “That plan will be informed by all the years of experience in this room. I am incredibly honored to be serving as your 19th president, and I do mean serve – I am here to support you and everything we do in support of our students.
“You all play an incredible role in our mission, and today I just want to pause and say thank you.”
Following a meal served by Elior Campus Dining, employees who achieved a five-year milestone between five and 30 years of service time at the college were recognized with a round of applause as they crossed the stage to greet Arquette and receive an award packet from Human Resources.
The 78 employees honored for their years of service during the event have combined to work 970 years and counting for the college.
Custodian Richard Cochran, Education Department Director Tammy Mann, Adjunct Instructor Kimberley McHale and Professor Dr. Terry Smith received a standing ovation after the announcement of their 30th anniversaries working at CC.
Click here to view a photo gallery of the event.
Presidential Awards of Excellence
As part of the Staff Association Advisory Council (SAAC) Staff Achievement Awards, the Presidential Award of Excellence is presented annually to employees who demonstrate leadership qualities and go above and beyond in their role.
These individuals mentor and support their peers, demonstrate what it means to be an innovative problem-solver, contribute to the advancement of Columbia College’s mission, and consistently demonstrate dedication to CC’s values of civility and respect.
Dr. David Russell, who recently retired as 18th President of Columbia College, returned to main campus to present a pair of 2026 Presidential Awards, bestowing the honor upon Amanda Wooden, Grossnickle Career Services Center Director, and Stephanie Stansell ’16 ’23, Senior Director of Project Management, Solution Development & Data Engineering.
For Wooden, hearing her name called for the award brought a moment of “absolute shock.”
“So many of the past recipients are individuals I have deeply admired and looked up to,” Wooden said. “Their passion for their work and their dedication to Columbia College have always been incredibly inspiring to me. … Receiving this award is both humbling and affirming, and it motivates me to continue striving to make a positive impact in the CC community.”
Wooden was recognized for her tenacious commitment to supporting Columbia College students while fostering relationships within business, education, medicine and other fields across mid-Missouri to help open doors for students to secure jobs and internships.
“Being part of a student’s professional development journey, regardless of their age or background, is incredibly rewarding,” Wooden said. “From the excitement of building their very first résumé, to celebrating internship offers, to ultimately securing their first job, each step is meaningful.
“What I find most gratifying is being able to support students through both the challenges and successes they experience along the way. It’s an honor to play even a small role in their journey, and I hope that I’m someone they remember as a person that was a support to them as they move forward into the next phase of their professional lives.”
For Stansell, receiving the award was “both humbling and deeply meaningful,” energizing her to continue shaping the future of the college alongside her colleagues through innovation, strategy and a shared sense of purpose.
“I live by the quote, ‘Dreams don’t work unless you do,’ and this recognition reflects the collective effort, teamwork and dedication of the incredible employees who make Columbia College such an amazing place to work,” Stansell said.
Stansell was recognized for her ability to build meaningful connections across the college, bringing clarity and alignment to complex initiatives by collaborating with academic and administrative colleagues campus-wide.
The two-time CC graduate is highly regarded for elevating those around her, mentoring peers and optimizing operations around the institution.
“It is deeply gratifying to work at Columbia College knowing we are united in supporting our students, faculty and staff while striving to provide the best possible education and experience,” she said. “Our teams are our greatest asset, and seeing their hard work reflected in future interactions and feedback is incredibly rewarding. That shared commitment is what makes this more than a job—it feels like a second home and a meaningful opportunity to help shape the future.”
SAAC Staff Achievement Awards
SAAC presents three additional awards to deserving staff members each year: the Professional Excellence Award, Community Service Award and Global Cougar Achievement Award.
Congratulations to the following 2026 SAAC Staff Achievement Award recipients:
Professional Excellence Award: Assistant Director of Recruitment Lisa Hussey
Excerpt from Lisa’s nomination: “Lisa Hussey isn’t just a staff member at Columbia College; she embodies the spirit of the institution itself. Her dedication to her work is truly exceptional, setting a benchmark of professional excellence that is difficult to surpass. She is a vital member of our leadership recruitment team who consistently demonstrates an unparalleled ability to excel in her responsibilities, making her an asset to our college community. She navigates challenges with remarkable adaptability and positivity, her deep involvement in our community is evident in her actions, and her unwavering customer-service attitude ensures everyone she interacts with feels valued and supported.”
Community Service Award: Campus Safety Officer Jeff Hickam
Excerpt from Jeff’s nomination: “Jeff Hickman is a treasure, and Columbia College is fortunate to have him on staff. He takes his role of keeping students, faculty and staff safe very seriously, yet he is very personable and friendly. He is selfless in his work. In addition to his normal duties, he goes above and beyond to help employees in need, whether that is with flat tires, jumping their car, scraping icy windows or assisting with carrying items. He also transforms into Santa Claus each December, and this year was even featured as the cover model for the COMO Business Times magazine.”
Global Cougar Achievement Award: Assistant Director of CARSS Nicole France
Excerpt from Nicole’s nomination: “Nicole has been a great support to all advisors as well as students. She is willing to step in and help even with her own growing workload and never complains or makes you feel like you are a burden for asking for help. … She goes above and beyond so that advisors like myself are able to continue delivering customer service to all our students. It is not Nicole’s responsibility, but when asked for support, she is there. It shows commitment to the Columbia College Global family and our students. Nicole demonstrates the #WeAreCC spirit each time.”
Frazier Moon Location of the Year
The Frazier Moon Location of the Year Award recognizes the most outstanding Columbia College Global location for consistently achieving the highest standards of effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness, and adherence to college policies and procedures.
These accomplishments exemplify the values of the late Dean Frazier Moon, who served Columbia College from 1974 to 1996. Moon was an advocate for students and dedicated his life to making a difference for adult learners.
The 2026 recipient of the Frazier Moon Location of the Year Award is Lake of the Ozarks, led by Director Danielle King.
“The Lake location truly embodies the true meaning of One Columbia College, as they have location staff and staff from other offices working on-site and have a true collaborative spirit,” said Erin Glover, senior director of Academic Operations.
Harold Nichols Plant & Facilities Award
The Harold Nichols Plant & Facilities Employee of the Year Award is given to the Plant & Facilities employee who best demonstrates the work ethic, team-player attitude and good humor of the late Harold Nichols.
Nichols was a longtime college maintenance employee who died unexpectedly in 2006.
The 2026 recipient of the Harold Nichols Award is Grounds Department Lead Eric Kalinowski.
List of service award recipients
Below are the names of colleagues who received years-of-service awards.
Congratulations to all the honorees!
5-YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Janet Alderson, Senior Instructional Designer – Academic Affairs
Veronica Alvarado, Senior Academic Advisor I – CARSS
Steven Applegarth, Senior Programmer Analyst – Technology Services
Rudy Araujo, Instructor – Academic Affairs
Mohamed Aturban, Assistant Professor – Academic Affairs
Calvin Bradley, Network Engineer – Technology Services
Tara Clawson-Inga, Area Director – Academic Affairs
Joshua Dains, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Shelly Fair, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Maryna Fedorak, Academic Advisor I – CARSS
Nicole French, Student Engagement Manager II – CARSS
Summer Grose, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Jennifer Hanna, Academic Advisor I – CARSS
Olivia Hannon, Assistant Director – CARSS
Shelley Hardeman, Operations Manager – Enrollment Management & Marketing
Brian Hulsizer, System Operations Associate – Office of the Registrar
Danniele Liles, Head Cheer & Dance Coach – Athletics
Kristoffer Masoner, Network Engineer – Technology Services
Tracy Minor, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Michelle Pittman, Senior Instructional Designer – Academic Affairs
Susan Porter, Student Success Coach II – CARSS
Amanda Roberts, Dance Coach – Athletics
David Schilpp, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Lucy Schrader, Assistant Director, Instructional Support – Academic Affairs
Aaron Shockley, Director of Cougar eSports – Athletics
Lauran Tapp, Student Engagement Director – CARSS
Regan French-Ubinas, General Counsel – General Counsel
Miriam Uffelman, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
10-YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Coustauces Crites, Operations Manager – Admissions & Marketing
Helen Crossland, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Nicole Gannon, Senior Academic Advisor I – CARSS
Eric Heiberger, Location Support Assistant – Academic Affairs
Darren Munns, Baseball Coach – Athletics
Jaime Ramos, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Rachel Rist, Procurement & Travel Specialist – Procurement
Jonathan Sackett, Senior Programmer Analyst – Technology Services
Gina Singleton, Associate Professor – Academic Affairs
Melanie Taylor, Records Coordinator II – Office of the Registrar
Courtney Yount, Director – CARSS
Lindsay Zeiter, Lead Online Program Coordinator – Academic Affairs
15-YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Stephanie Anderson, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Janet Andrews, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
David Bedilion, Associate Professor – Academic Affairs
Michael Bentele, Senior Coordinator of Special Projects – Student Affairs
Jill Bessetti, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Jason Black, Director of Budget and Finance Analysis – Budget & Finance
Mary Brown, Senior Executive Assistant – President’s Office
Jennifer Crump, Associate Vice President – Admissions & Marketing
Lori Doherty, Director – Events
Yelena Francis, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Frederick Gasparik, Supervisor of General Maintenance – Plants & Facilities
Sara Gay, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Andrew Grzella, Associate Director – Athletics
Gretchen Hendrickson, Professor – Academic Affairs
Olivia Hetzler, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Jeff Hickam, Campus Safety Officer – Campus Safety
Daniel Jimenez, Senior Director – Marketing & Mail, Imaging & Print Services
Aurelien Mauxion, Professor – Academic Affairs
Esther McClain, Senior Academic Advisor II – CARSS
Merissa Rudkin, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Molly Taylor, Clinical Director, Education Department – Academic Affairs
Krista Vachaudez, Senior Academic Advisor I – CARSS
Teresa Vandover, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
20-YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Steven Blakley, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Sonya Carney, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Tery Donelson, Senior Director of CCG Operations & Projects – Academic Affairs
Nicole Hayden, Procurement & Business Operations Coordinator – Procurement
Douglas Nickelson, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Kelly Sharp, Communications Analyst – Institutional Research
25-YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Michael Garver, Academic Advising Coordinator – Academic Affairs
Jeanette Jones, Associate Director – CARSS
Brian Kessel, Associate Professor – Academic Affairs
Peter Neely, Technical Services Librarian – Library
Renee Young, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
30-YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Richard Cochran, Custodian – Academic Affairs
Tammy Mann, Education Department Director – Academic Affairs
Kimberley McHale, Adjunct – Academic Affairs
Terry Smith, Professor – Academic Affairs
