Outstanding staff members recognized by ECU Staff Senate

East Carolina University’s Staff Senate recognized the 2022 Outstanding Staff Award winners during an inaugural ceremony Friday at the East Carolina Heart Institute.

This is the second year that the staff senate has sponsored the awards, but the first that they’ve been able to gather to recognize employees who go above and beyond the call of duty, working tirelessly to fulfill ECU’s mission and serve the campus community. A total of 145 nominations were received.

Members of the ECU Staff Senate stand with Chancellor Philip Rogers. Eight ECU staff members were honored by the senate at the 2022 Outstanding Staff Award. (Photos by Rhett Butler)

“For the recipients, we just want you to know that you are really appreciated by your colleagues, and we thank you for all of your efforts,” said Susan Eckert, recognition and rewards chair for staff senate.

The winners and divisions are:

• Kaitlyn Jones, assistant director of testing services in academic affairs, ensured that testing services remained open during a time of increased demand with reduced staff to provide services because of the pandemic, said Interim Vice Provost Allen Guidry, who presented the award. Described by colleagues as indispensable and committed, Jones brings creative data-driven solutions to complex problems, and is an advocate for staff and their well-being, he said.
• Robin Mayo, business systems analyst in administration and finance, has guided multiple departments through the compliance process, said Stephanie Coleman, vice chancellor for administration and finance. Mayo is passionate, supportive, resourceful and admired by her peers. She has been an active member of the staff senate while earning an MBA and raising a family.
• Cheri Hodges, director of compliance for athletics, serves more than 450 student athletes daily. Athletic Director Jon Gilbert said he is inspired by Hodges’ humility and work ethic and noted that as a single mom she earned her doctoral degree in higher education in December while working full time. Hodges is a former track student athlete at Norfolk State University.
• Cliff Hollis, visual arts specialist for ECU News Services in the chancellor’s division, has been at the university for 25 years. Chancellor Philip Rogers said he has personally witnessed Hollis’ talents and said he goes above and beyond to tell ECU’s stories through his art of photography. Hollis has captured ECU’s milestones, Pirate spirit, research and everyday campus life, all with a sense of humor and humility.
• Lisa Ormond is an accountant in the College of Nursing in the health sciences division. Ormond has served the university with excellence for more than 30 years, said Dr. Ron Mitchelson, interim vice chancellor for health sciences. A former chair of the staff senate, Ormond has given selflessly of her time, is always willing to help and is a true leader who lives the university’s motto.
• Lily Peschanskaia is research manager in the research, economic development and engagement division, serving faculty in engineering, arts and sciences, business, and fine arts and communication. Dr. Michael Van Scott, interim vice chancellor, said Peschanskaia, who holds two master’s degrees, excels at meeting deadlines, which is critical in the research submission process. She always has a smile on her face while giving freely of her time.
• Ashleigh Taylor works as a university program associate for assessment in student affairs. Dr. Virginia Hardy, vice chancellor for student affairs, said Taylor is a rising star and dedicated employee. She served on a financial task force and took on additional administrative responsibilities caused by resignations during the pandemic. Taylor also was the longest serving COVID-19 contact tracer at the university, where she helped train others.
• Maha Banning, executive assistant in university advancement, has been with the university for more than 30 years. Chris Dyba, vice chancellor for university advancement, said Banning generously gives her time and expertise, annually coordinating the office’s Christmas toy drive as an example. Trust is important, and Dyba said he can count on Banning to accomplish any job and maintain confidential information that comes with working in advancement.

In closing, Rogers noted several awards ceremonies that occur each spring that allow the university “to be able to celebrate the great people who hold this institution together, to help us move on a forward trajectory, and we really couldn’t do it without all of you,” he said. “Each and every single one of our honorees have certainly made their mark here on our campus.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors, I want you to know how immensely grateful we are to each and every one of you for really embodying the spirit of East Carolina University,” Rogers said. “You are ECU in each and every way. The fact of the matter is our staff is the heartbeat of this institution.”

In another ceremony Tuesday, ECU faculty and staff who have served the university for 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years received state service awards. More than 175 employees who achieved those milestones in 2019, 2020 and 2021 were recognized by ECU Human Resources in a ceremony at the East Carolina Heart Institute. Seven employees reached the 50-year mark: Thomas Eamon, Linda Ingalls, James Kirkland, David Knox, Delores Reeves, Ralph Scott and James Smith.

The 2022 Outstanding Staff Award winners receive congratulations from Chancellor Philip Rogers.