K-State recognizes Jamie Meyers and Christina van Ittersum as Professional Staff of the Week
Kansas State University recently honored two employees as Professional Staff of the Week for their contributions to the university. Jamie Meyers, business manager for the Tim Taylor Department of Chemical Engineering and the Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, and Christina van Ittersum, accessibility-focused instructional designer in the Center for Academic Innovation, were recognized at the Nov. 10 home men's basketball game.
Meyers manages accounting and human resources operations for both departments in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering. Her knowledge of university, sponsored program, foundation and departmental accounts helps ensure resources are managed appropriately and daily operations run smoothly.
In addition to overseeing financial and personnel matters, Meyers provides guidance to faculty and staff, mentors colleagues and assists with departmental projects. Colleagues recognize her for her professionalism, patience and ability to navigate complex situations while supporting the needs of both departments.
Her ability to balance the needs of two departments has made Meyers a trusted resource for faculty, staff and students. Whether helping resolve a financial or personnel issue or working with colleagues on departmental matters, she brings an approachable, collaborative style to her work.
Van Ittersum helps faculty improve digital accessibility through course reviews, consultations, training and resource development. Her work focuses on making course materials and learning experiences more accessible to students, with training topics ranging from accessible documents and presentations to Canvas accessibility tools and math accessibility.
By midyear, van Ittersum had conducted 27 training events for faculty, departments, colleges and campus partners. She is also developing a self-paced accessibility training course and collaborating on instructional design initiatives that incorporate accessibility into course content development.
Van Ittersum also works with K-State Libraries on accessibility documentation and course materials, helping faculty address complex accessibility challenges and improve access to learning resources for students.
The Faculty and Professional Staff of the Week recognitions are coordinated by Faculty Senate, the Office of the President and K-State Athletics. Recipients are selected by Faculty Senate caucuses, provided tickets to a home basketball game of their choice and honored during halftime as a token of appreciation for their service to K-State.
— Submitted by Susanne Renberg