May 5, 2026
On May 5, Columbus State University celebrated its 2026 Employee Recognition Awards. This event honored 15 faculty and staff members during Employee Appreciation Week, highlighting their dedication and hard work.
Awards Recipients
Dr. Charles Boster: Recognized for the Chappell Graduate Faculty Award. He teaches in the Accounting & Finance department.
Will Burgan: Received the Culture in Action Staff Award; he coordinates programs for the Center for Accommodation & Access.
Katie Cannon: Also a recipient of the Culture in Action Staff Award, she works in purchasing and travel.
Dr. Melissa Dempsey: An assistant dean in Student Affairs, honored with the Culture in Action Staff Award.
Dr. Kate Early: Won the Faculty Research & Scholarship Award. She is a program coordinator in Exercise Science.
Dr. Brittany Grissette: Received the Excellence in Online Teaching Award and instructs in the School of Nursing.
Dr. Crystal Harris: Honored with the Culture in Action Staff Award. She leads the Office of Student Accounts.
Lawanna Hayes: A Culture in Action Staff Award winner, she is the executive assistant for Business & Finance.
Dr. David Kieran: Awarded the Faculty Service Award, he holds a distinguished chair in Military History.
Dr. Kristin Seamon Lilly: Recognized for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Award in the Math department.
Dr. Bobby Nixon: Received the International Educator of the Year Award, working in Society, Culture & Languages.
Dr. Yesem Kurt Peker: Honored with the Teaching Excellence Faculty Award, he is interim director of the Graduate School.
Jasmine Reid: An academic advisor in the Honors College and Culture in Action Staff Award recipient.
Dr. Wen Shi: Awarded for Teaching Innovation, he teaches in Accounting & Finance.
Dr. Natalia Temesgen: Won the Creative Endeavors Faculty Award, she is in the English department.
Other Recognitions
In addition to the individual awards, the ceremony celebrated over 125 employees who reached significant employment milestones, along with 25 who are retiring or receiving emeritus status this year. The university also recognized those who completed internal development programs.
If you want more details about the awards and recipients, you can visit the university’s website. They have downloadable programs and lists of honorees available, along with event photos on their Flickr account.
Main image: A collage of highlights from the Employee Awards Ceremony.
Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR
