College of Veterinary Medicine presents seventh annual staff awards
Friday, April 25, 2025
Ten award-winning College of Veterinary Medicine staff members have been recognized for their outstanding service and contributions.
The staff appreciation awardees were recognized at a luncheon hosted by the college's Staff Council, which represents all unclassified and university support staff in the College of Veterinary Medicine. One of the council's main priorities is to acknowledge staff members for their contributions to the college's mission.
"We're incredibly grateful for everyone who showed up to celebrate and support their colleagues," said Reagan Butler, laboratory client service representative for the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and co-chair for the Staff Council. "The energy in the room was inspiring, and with Staff Council elections around the corner, we're excited to welcome new voices and fresh ideas to keep that momentum going. It's truly rewarding to serve on the council alongside such dedicated and amazing staff."
The exceptional staff members were honored in three award categories: the High Five Award; the Culture, Collegiality and Compassion Award; and the Commitment to Excellence Award. Nominations were submitted by faculty, staff, and administrators in the college and were accompanied by at least two letters of support.
"The staff members in our college fill critical roles in our mission of teaching, research, service and outreach," said Bonnie Rush, Hodes family dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "We thank all those supervisors and colleagues who have nominated staff members for these awards while sharing inspiring stories of dedication and commitment, and we congratulate all those individuals who were nominated and who received these awards!"
The awards for 2025 are as follows:
High Five Award
This award is presented to employees who have gone above and beyond in enhancing one or more components of the College of Veterinary Medicine's mission of exceptional teaching, impactful research, outstanding service and extraordinary graduates.
This year's recipients are Brandy Nowakowski, administrative assistant in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, and Jen Teeter, health information supervisor in medical records.
Culture, Collegiality and Compassion Award
This award recognizes employees who enhance a feeling of belonging for all in the College of Veterinary Medicine and create a more inclusive environment while enhancing the college's mission.
This year's recipients are Ashley Thackrah, program/project consultant in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, and Staci Murray, assistant to the dean.
Commitment to Excellence Award
This award is presented to six employees who have gone above and beyond in enhancing one or more components of the College of Veterinary Medicine's mission.
The recipients are Anna Fritzon, assistant lab safety manager in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Cassidy Kapaldo, veterinary nurse in anesthesia; Cori Ondrashek, research assistant in the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory; Dakota Nelson, administrative assistant in the Veterinary Health Center; Wendy Barnes, assistant website editor, marketing and communications; and Taghreed Mahmood, research analyst in clinical sciences.