Four Angelo State Staff Members Earn Top Honors for Excellence

Gallegos, a systems support specialist in Information Technology, received the President's Award for Excellence in Customer Service. Known for being an "example of positive attitude and professionalism," he is adept at forming professional relationships with his campus customers, who know him by name rather than just "the IT guy." He exhibits outstanding technical expertise when called to fix computer hardware and software issues, and he is always willing to work with customers' schedules, even if it means working after hours. He is also proactive, often stopping by an office that previously had an IT issue just to make sure everything is still running smoothly. Plus, he regularly gives out his personal contact details so customers can reach him when working on a high-impact project. He also partnered with Communications and Marketing to help launch the new software for the RamPort internal portal and to perform maintenance on the university's two digital street signs. Additionally, he is an excellent mentor to the student workers in IT, patiently teaching and leading them as they gain valuable hands-on experience. From one of his six nomination letters, "Many across campus recognize Antonio as the go-to person for IT support, not just because he's knowledgeable, but because he genuinely enjoys helping others. His work ethic, kindness, and willingness to go above and beyond make him an invaluable part of ASU."

Gartman, the multimedia specialist in the Office of Communications and Marketing, received the President's Award for Commitment to Excellence. The creative force behind the stunning photos and many of the videos that bring ASU to life, he doesn't just capture images, he tells stories. His work can be found throughout the ASU website, in marketing and recruiting materials, on ASU social media, in campus photo displays and in the Rambouillet magazine. Whether capturing the excitement of campus events, the dedication of faculty in the classroom, or the passion and achievements of ASU students and student-athletes, his work ensures that ASU is always seen in its best light. He also balances countless hours of editing with traveling and shooting photos and video all over campus and San Angelo. From the ASU Rodeo Complex and ASU Ranch to the ASU Lake House and the top of the Mayer Press Box, he goes wherever the story needs to be told. Additionally, he is known for making his subjects feel comfortable in front of the camera - and for his collaborative nature with both campus clients and his Communications and Marketing teammates, often offering insights and guidance to help enhance ASU visual storytelling. He is also self-motivated to constantly hone his craft to the betterment of ASU. From his nomination letter, "Scott's willingness to evolve and innovate ensures ASU's photography and videography remain dynamic, engaging and ahead of the curve. Without his work, prospective students wouldn't be able to truly 'see' Angelo State."

Garza, an office support specialist in the Office of the Dean of Students, received the President's Award for Excellence in Innovation. Praised for her ability to review existing processes and come up with innovative ways to improve efficiency, she has launched numerous new initiatives throughout the departments overseen by the Office of the Dean of Students. Examples include creating links to common forms on the iPads provided to students prior to meetings in her office, streamlining the digital phone message system for her office's student workers, implementing a Google Calendars system for schedule meetings, and moving her office's equipment inventory and tracking system from paper to digital. As a result, her co-workers and student workers are able to "work smarter" and be more efficient, which has also improved their team chemistry. Just as important, she researches all of her proposed innovations in advance and makes sure everything is set up and working correctly before "officially launching" them. Then, she sets up meetings to teach her colleagues and student workers how to utilize the new systems, software and technology. On a larger scale, she tracks the budgets for all the departments under the Dean of Students, and she has worked with each of the account managers to streamline the system while also ensuring their budgetary needs are met. From her nomination letter, "All of our departments have become more efficient and are running like 'well-oiled machines' due to Mary's innovative mind and out-of-the-box thinking. We are excited about the direction our office is headed and proud to have her as part of the team!"

Miller, director of the Office of Communications and Marketing, received the President's Award for Excellence in Leadership. Known for her integrity, professionalism and deep commitment to ASU's mission and vision, she is a true collaborative leader. She actively seeks input from her team, knowing that the best results come from working together and combining strengths. She creates a space where ideas are valued, feedback is encouraged and teamwork is essential to success. A prime example of her effectiveness was the incredibly successful public launch of the Leading the Charge capital campaign, a massive project that required coordination across multiple areas, including design of marketing materials, photography and videography, promotional writing and digital strategies. Another example was the complete overhaul and redesign of the ASU website's academic program pages. She trusted her team members to lead in their respective areas, encouraged creative solutions, and provided support while also contributing as a primary writer. The result was a project that not only won international recognition, but also led to a 300% increase in prospective-student requests for information, directly impacting ASU's recruitment and subsequent record enrollments. At the end of a project, she is the first to highlight the collective work of her team members, and she also encourages their continuing professional development. Additionally, her guidance is sought after across campus. Departments, offices and leadership frequently turn to her for strategic insight, marketing expertise and creative problem-solving. From her nomination letter, "Brittney's leadership is not just about guiding, it's about uplifting, supporting and mentoring those around her, making her an exceptional role model for ASU."

Brown, an instructional designer in the Center for Digital Learning and Instruction (CDLI), received the Chancellor's Colonel Rowan Award for Execution, which annually recognizes a staff member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in carrying out a major project during the last academic year. His outstanding contributions to the CDLI include taking the initiative to design and implement a structured and comprehensive onboarding process for new instructional designers, including the development of a comprehensive design manual, ensuring new hires quickly acclimate to the CDLI team and effectively contribute to the center's mission. This process has not only streamlined the integration of new team members, but also reinforced the alignment of CDLI's goals with ASU's broader mission. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in shaping the CDLI team by chairing three instructional designer searches and serving as a committee member for an additional three searches for the CDLI team. His leadership in these processes was invaluable, ensuring that the center selected candidates who will support and advance its mission. His approach to structuring the search committees, evaluating candidates and guiding discussions has set a standard of excellence in staff recruitment. From one of his three nomination letters, "Jason's ability to take initiative, lead critical processes and execute tasks with excellence embodies the spirit of Colonel Andrew Rowan's legendary mission. He is truly deserving of the Rowan Award, as his contributions have significantly enhanced the operational effectiveness of the CDLI team."

In addition to the overall Staff Excellence Awards winners, four semifinalists in each category received a $500 award.

For Excellence in Customer Service, the other semifinalists were: Jody Casares, Physics and Geosciences; Keith Hoelscher, Financial Aid and Scholarships; Linda Jenkins, Admissions; and Riley Mashburn, Information Technology.

For Commitment to Excellence, the other semifinalists were: Dara Anderson, Information Technology; Tiffany Hinkley, Admissions; Katie Plum, Sponsored Projects; and Vianey Sanchez, Freshman College.

For Excellence in Innovation, the other semifinalists were: Mason Eubank, Communications and Marketing; Kristi Flores, Admissions; Annie Jackson, Information Technology; and Roanna Murray, Freshman College.

For Excellence in Leadership, the other semifinalists were: Leticia Gonzalez, Freshman College; Brit Heppler, Communications and Marketing; Cecilia Hernandez, Admissions; and Brian Jackson, Information Technology.

Other nominees for Excellence in Customer Service were: Josh Baucom, Special Events Facilities and Services; Monica Castillo, Student Accounts; Alicia Crisp, President's Office; Caitie Dyer, College of Education; Amanda Ritchie Ethridge, Admissions; Toni Goodwin, Development and Alumni Relations; Rudy Jaques, Health Science Professions; Richard Jones, Freshman College; Farrah Lokey, Housing and Residential Programs; Brenda Mata, Computer Science; Adam Mirike, Facilities Management; Raegan Strain Morgan, Housing and Residential Programs; Yulia Priest, International Studies; and Alma Valdez, Political Science and Philosophy.

Other nominees for Commitment to Excellence were: Zazu Abraham, Student Disability Services; Rebecca Bray, Chemistry and Biochemistry; Jody Casares, Physics and Geosciences; Olivia Castro, Engineering; Heather Crawford, Prospective Student Outreach and Access; Alec Drennan, Communications and Marketing; Perry Glover, International Studies; Lorena Gonzalez, Center for Cyber Intelligence, Innovation and Security Studies; Brent Hyatt, Regional Security Operations Center; Annie Jackson, Information Technology; Riley Mashburn, Information Technology; Mark Munguia, Financial Aid and Scholarships; Mandy Osborne, Center for Digital Learning and Instruction; Chandler Payne, Special Events; and Julia Valles, Financial Aid and Scholarships.

The other nominee for Excellence in Innovation was: Gary Calder, Facilities Management.

Other nominees for Excellence in Leadership were: Jackie Baxter, Controller's Office; Jared Cullins, Information Technology; and Amber Pabon, Housing and Residential Programs.

Other nominees for the Chancellor's Colonel Rowan Award were: Tyler Blount, Financial Aid and Scholarships; Angela Eaton, Security Studies and Criminal Justice; Erin Girsch, Freshman College; Brit Heppler, Communications and Marketing; Mark Munguia, Financial Aid and Scholarships; Stephanie Solis, Engineering; and Ashley Thomas, Admissions.