UM staff members enjoy line dancing Tuesday (May 30) in the Johnson Commons Ballroom as part of Staff Appreciation Week. Each day during the week, staff members can participate in events to encourage unity and fun. Photo by Sri Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi recognized 12 outstanding staff members today (May 30) at the annual Staff Appreciation Week Awards Ceremony.
Chancellor Glenn Boyce recognized Le’Tosha James, program manager in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, as the Overall Outstanding Staff Member of the Year. James will have worked at Ole Miss for 10 years in November and earned her bachelor’s degree in general studies in 2021.
“Throughout the last decade, this year’s winner has distinguished herself as an exceptional staff member, leader and community member,” Boyce said. “Her contributions to the university and the wider community have been invaluable.”
Provost Noel Wilkin presented six other employees with Outstanding Staff Member Awards in their respective Equal Employment Opportunity categories. Winners were:
- Paul Joseph Caffera, the university’s ombudsman, for EEO1
- Melissa Rodriguez King, program manager for the School of Pharmacy, for EEO 3
- Virginia “Ginger” Harrell, executive assistant to Associate Provost Rich Forgette, for EEO 4
- Brandi Corbin, stockroom coordinator for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, for EEO 5
- Allen Macon Steele, maintenance technician in Facilities Management, for EEO 6
- Anna McKnight, supervisor of the university’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, for EEO 7
“This university is a family and we’re in this together,” said Deetra Wiley, president of the UM Staff Council. “We want to recognize you for who you are. You work hard, you’re a part of the university family and you deserve to be recognized.”
Charlotte Pegues, vice chancellor for student affairs, recognized the Campus Visits and Orientation team – Martin Fisher, associate director of admissions for the team; Abbey Hogan, coordinator of orientation programs; Grant McCullough, coordinator of orientation programs; Brooke Roberts, coordinator of campus visits; and Mason Tilghman, assistant director of admissions for campus visits – as winners of the seventh annual Daniel W. Jones Outstanding Team Service Award.
The award recognizes university teams that have shown dedication and outstanding contributions to campus. Runners-up for the award were the Master of Business Administration team and the Center for Student Success and First Year Experience team.
The university also recognized staff anniversary milestones by honoring staff who have worked on campus 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 30-plus years.
“As chancellor, I believe the success of the university depends on the strength of our people,” Boyce said. “And, here at the University of Mississippi, our people go ‘above and beyond’ and their efforts ripple far and wide.”