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Annual awards recognize outstanding faculty, staff
Seven outstanding Fort Lewis College faculty and staff were recognized during this year's Employee Award Ceremony at the Student Union.
Faculty Awards
Kathy Wellborn Award – Chris Lyon, Senior Lecturer Accounting
The Kathy Wellborn Award acknowledges the contributions of non-tenure-track lecturers and part-time instructors who have taught at FLC for multiple semesters. It is named after Kathy Wellborn, a former instructor known for outstanding teaching and mentoring skills in the Transitional Studies and First-Year Math Programs. The award recipient excels in classroom teaching and has a positive relationship with their students.
Chris Lyon has been at FLC for two decades. During that time, she has guided scores of students through masterful course delivery and development, creative and innovative instruction, and connecting with students in and outside the classroom.
"Over the roughly two decades since she joined, Chris has kept in close contact with accounting practitioners, allowing her to recommend students for position openings and advise students weighing job offers. Practically, she also is privy to scholarships, for which she regularly encourages students to apply. Some of Chris' most important work happens after students have submitted their course evaluations. Chris remains engaged with her students even after they have graduated." —NOMINATOR
Featured Scholar – Jeff McFarlane, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
The Featured Scholar Award recognizes excellence in course development and delivery, student advising and mentoring, and the creation of innovative instructional initiatives. Meant for non-tenured, tenure-track faculty, recipients of this award are campus touchstones for pedagogical practices in higher education.
Jeff McFarlane's research group primarily focuses on how cancer-causing molecules naturally form in the gut. Since 2019, he has actively contributed to this field by publishing three peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals. All of these publications include FLC student researchers as co-authors. He's also been highly successful in acquiring external funding for his research program, recently receiving a $650,000 grant from the National Institutes for Health (NIH). He has mentored over 30 students on independent projects in four years, regularly having a large research group of 8-12 students at any given time.
"I can say without a doubt that Dr. McFarlane is one of the most impressive researchers I have ever seen on campus. His scholarly involvement with students in and out of the classroom, acquisition of external grants, talks at conferences, and publication record is truly amazing." —NOMINATOR
Staff Awards
Excellence in Service Award – Mikayla Toy Tozier, Admissions
The Excellence in Service Award acknowledges the contributions of employees who carry out responsibilities that often go unnoticed. These staff members consistently execute duties, fill in where necessary, and approach their work positively.
Mikayla Toy Tozier is the Admissions System Manager, but she is known to her peers as the "Queen of Slate." She's overseen Slate, a customer relationship management system since it was implemented in 2019.
"Every once in a while, an employee dramatically changes the way not just a singular office thinks, innovates, and comes together, but an entire campus. Mikayla is truly a positive influence – rising to every occasion with a can-do attitude. Despite the demanding nature of her responsibilities, Mikayla embraces the challenge wholeheartedly, recognizing the profound impact her efforts will have on the future of FLC. Her passion for technology and its intersection with human experience is palpable, driving her to simplify complex learning processes into manageable components for herself and her colleagues. This approach not only empowers individuals to grasp technological concepts but also enables real-time application of acquired knowledge." —NOMINATOR
Outstanding New Staff Award – Victoria Sanchez, Counseling Center
The Outstanding New Staff Award recognizes the work of a staff member who has worked at FLC for less than three years and has substantially contributed to their department or office. In addition to achieving exceptional performance in their responsibilities, they have also improved procedures and shown enthusiasm and dedication to FLC and its objectives.
Victoria Sanchez spends a considerable amount of time, effort, and emotional energy securing resources and support for students who have experienced trauma. When a student has a problem requiring assistance the university cannot directly provide, Victoria delves deep into researching various logistical and legal resources that might be procured to ensure our students cannot only continue their education at FLC but also be empowered to recover from these traumas and thrive again. She has organized various events and fundraisers to raise money to support survivors.
"Victoria is a stalwart pillar of support for students experiencing crises related to assault or discrimination both on and off campus. She spends a considerable amount of time, effort, and emotional energy securing resources and support for students who have experienced trauma. Victoria has immersed herself in being effective at her job and ensuring that the human connection required to be good at her job is steadfast and genuine. She provides an invaluable service to the school and student lives that allows them to heal, hope, and continue the course toward their dreams that might otherwise have been diverted by trauma and lack of support. I can think of no one who takes on more, who cares more, or who is more deserving of this award." —NOMINATOR
Outstanding Staff Award – Brian Meixensperger, Electrical Trades
The Outstanding Staff Award goes to recipients who demonstrate a genuine interest in enhancing and achieving excellence in their work and contributing to the advancement and progress of FLC as a higher education institution. The award recognizes exempt or classified staff members who have provided service over three consecutive years and have demonstrated exceptional performance in executing responsibilities, effective communication, and relationship-building.
As one of the College's electricians, Brian Meixensperger's contributions are often hidden, yet essential for the College's function. His leadership in upgrading campus lighting to energy-efficient LEDs exemplifies his commitment to sustainability, which is punctuated by his riding his bike to work every single day of the year.
"Brian's dedication to Fort Lewis College is evident in his tireless efforts to ensure the smooth operation of the campus's electrical systems. From implementing energy-efficient lighting upgrades to maintaining classroom technology and food service equipment, Brian consistently demonstrates his exceptional skill and commitment to campus sustainability. His proactive approach to problem-solving, coupled with his prompt and courteous service, has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and campus community alike."
Maria Cristina Grabiel y de la Guardia Award – Charlene Swansen, Reed Library
The Maria Cristina Grabiel y de la Guardia Award recognizes staff members who show outstanding leadership and dedication to improving diversity, equity, and inclusivity across campus and acts as a driving force for change. The award is named after Maria Cristina Grabiel y de la Guardia, a staff member who worked at FLC from 1998 to 2009. She encouraged her colleagues to embrace inclusivity and equity in all interactions and saw each of these as teachable moments.
Charlene Swansen has been instrumental in creating and leading the "Know Your Community" book club kits and discussions at the Reed Library. The program's primary goal is to promote learning and discussion about various segments of our campus community. Charlene's deep understanding of self-awareness, privilege, and challenges has motivated her to explore power dynamics and advocate for marginalized individuals within our community.
"One of Charlene's most notable contributions is her ability to bring people together to engage in meaningful discussions about diversity and inclusion. Through book club readings focused on diverse backgrounds, such as Indigenous/Native American, LGBTQIA+, African American, and Latinx communities, she has fostered a more inclusive and supportive campus environment. Charlene's dedication to inclusivity is evident in her actions and capacity to inspire others to join these initiatives."
Achievement Award
Brett Davis (BD), assistant director of Campus Recreation and leader of Outdoor Pursuits
The Achievement Award is given to a member of faculty, staff, or administration with a superior record of competence, resourcefulness, and dedication; noteworthy involvement in activities that serve to advance academic, athletic, intercultural, Honors, or intramural programs; evidence of creative achievement, significant research, technical training, or professional growth; significant, innovative work that has broadened FLC's service to the students and community; and demonstrated leadership in education, social and professional programs.
Brett Davis is finishing his 16th year at FLC and recently announced he will retire in June. At FLC, he developed the PEAK experiences (Summit the San Juans and Float the San Juan). Brett led the creation of Fort Lewis on the Water, purchasing a river company that would allow FLC to become one of the only colleges permitted to run rafting trips. He created the Student Outdoor Leadership Program, training students to become trip leaders and increasing capacity for OP.
"This nomination is not simply for the current year but because throughout his time at FLC, he has continually strived to serve students and this campus in all parts of his role. The positive community culture, range in technical programming, and quality student services in OP are known throughout the wider higher education outdoor programming world – and that's saying something for as small of a school as Fort Lewis. Over the past sixteen years, BD has built an incredible amount of capacity within OP, strived to remove barriers to participation, and it's easy to say that he has positively impacted countless students."