University Honors Staff, Teams at Annual Appreciation Ceremony

Chancellor Glenn Boyce recognized Mickey McLaurin, pre-award research administration adviser, as the Overall Outstanding Staff Member of the Year. McLaurin has served in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs for nearly three decades.

"He has distinguished himself as a singularly dedicated and knowledgeable asset to the research community," Boyce said. "His contributions to the university have been essential to growing our national status as a research institution."

Provost Noel Wilkin presented six other employees with Outstanding Staff Member Awards in their respective Equal Employment Opportunity categories. Winners were:

• Alex Langhart, director of University Health Services, for EEO1
• Rob Jolly, director for contract management and counsel in contracts management, for EEO3
• Krystal Hudson, radio dispatcher for the Facilities Management Department, for EEO4
• Lance Sullivan, laboratory technician II in the Department of Biology, for EEO5
• Sammy McEwen, maintenance technician in Facilities Management, for EEO6
• Nathan John Lazinsky, assistant director of the Department of Landscape Services, for EEO7

"Just to put this into perspective, we have roughly 3,400 employees who work for the University of Mississippi," Wilkin said. "And these are the six individuals who are being recognized for their exceptional service. They have been nominated by their colleagues and chosen by a committee."

Shawnboda Mead, vice chancellor for diversity and community engagement, recognized Grenada campus staff members Jessica Coker-Hughes, associate director; LaTonya Pittman, coordinator of student services; and Barry Davis, distance learning technician, as winners of the eighth annual Daniel W. Jones Outstanding Team Service Award.

The award recognizes teams that have shown outstanding contributions and dedication to the university.

"The winners of the Dan W. Jones Outstanding Team Service Award are heroes to and champions of the students of the campus they serve," Mead said. "They are the small but mighty part of the success of the university.

"This year's team is recognized for their exceptional service to students and for going the extra mile."

The celebration also recognized staff anniversary milestones by honoring members who have worked on campus 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 30-plus years.

The longest-serving staff member this year – by 10 years – is Kathy Tidwell, manager of contractual services and director of university licensing, who has worked at Ole Miss for 55 years.

"The talent in this room amazes me," Boyce said. "Each and every one of you that has a role and function at this university, it's incredible what you possess as an individual."

See more photos from the Outstanding Staff Member Awards