Jax State Honors Outstanding Employees, Celebrates Years of Service at Staff Convocation
08/21/2026
Four employees receive annual staff awards as University recognizes 86 employees for service milestones
Jacksonville State University recognized outstanding employees and celebrated decades of service to the University during its Staff Convocation and Awards Program on Aug. 17 at the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts.
Four employees received Jax State’s annual staff awards, recognizing exceptional service, leadership, school spirit and commitment to the University community. The program also honored 86 employees reaching milestones in their years of service to Jax State.
Excellence in Service Award — Leah Stuart
Leah Stuart, Executive Assistant in Academic Affairs, received the Excellence in Service Award, which recognizes a non-exempt employee who consistently goes above and beyond in serving others and advancing the University’s mission.
Stuart was recognized for her dedication to students, faculty and staff and for creating a welcoming and supportive environment for those she serves. In addition to her responsibilities in the Office of Student Affairs, she regularly takes on additional assignments, serves on University task forces and approaches every assignment with professionalism and excellence. Her commitment to helping others and providing outstanding service makes her an invaluable resource to the University.
Gamecock Spirit Award — David Entrekin
David Entrekin, Captain in the University Police Department, received the Gamecock Spirit Award, which recognizes an employee whose attitude, actions and commitment help make Jax State an exceptional place to work.
Known for his professionalism, positive attitude and willingness to help others, Entrekin was recognized for remaining friendly, approachable, and willing to help others. He skillfully manages multiple responsibilities, remains calm under pressure, and consistently treats everyone with respect. David's commitment to serving the university community and supporting those around him makes him an outstanding representative of Jacksonville State University.
Distinguished Service Award — Kim Turner
Kim Turner, Director of Academic Resources & Business Operations in the Office of Academic Affairs, received the Distinguished Service Award, one of the University's highest annual staff honors. The award recognizes an exempt employee with at least five years of service whose sustained excellence, leadership and commitment have made a significant impact on Jax State.
Turner was recognized for her work supporting administrative professionals across the University through training, mentorship and guidance and for helping others succeed while promoting a culture of customer service excellence. Her willingness to share her expertise, provide constructive direction, and support faculty, staff, and administrators wherever needed has helped strengthen customer service and administrative operations throughout campus.
Friendliest Campus in the South Award — Nick Howard
Nick Howard, Associate Director of Printing Services, received the Friendliest Campus in the South Award, recognizing employees who provide outstanding customer service and consistently make students, visitors, faculty and staff feel welcome, valued and supported.
Howard was recognized for his professionalism, responsiveness and commitment to helping departments across campus. No project is too difficult, and no request is met without a positive attitude and a commitment to excellent service. Through his dedication to serving others and supporting the success of the university, Nick has earned the respect and appreciation of colleagues throughout campus and is a most deserving recipient of this award.
Celebrating Years of Service
The program also recognized 86 Jax State employees with service pins, celebrating milestones in their years of service to the University.
Among those recognized were four employees who have each served Jax State for at least three decades. Tracy Broom, Athletics, and Terry Casey, President's Office, received pins recognizing 30 years of service.
Dr. Jodi Poe, Academic Affairs, and Dr. Greg Bonds, Athletics, were honored for 35 years of service to the University.
Service Pin Recipients:
10 years
- Dr. Timothy Lindblom, Academic Affairs
- Ashley Murray, Academic Affairs
- Kimberly Hudgins, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Christi Trucks, Academic Affairs
- John Upchurch, Academic Affairs
- Christy Mobbs, Academic Affairs
- Donja Dryden, Academic Affairs
- Jessica Burgess, Academic Affairs
- Maria James, Academic Affairs
- Felicia Sessions, Academic Affairs
- Jason Cole, Academic Affairs
- DaRhonda Hicks, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Ed Goodwin, Academic Affairs
- Ashley Cottrell Rivera, Enrollment Management
- Casey Irwin, Enrollment Management
- Gladys Richerzhagen, Enrollment Management
- Justin Parker, Enrollment Management
- Lora Jackson, Finance & Administration
- Amanda Bryant, Finance & Administration
- Jennifer Patterson, Finance & Administration
- Mark Williams, Finance & Administration
- Candice Truitt, Information Technology
- Ronald Chapman, Information Technology
- Emily Lankford, Marketing & Communications
- Kimberly Dalesandro, Philanthropy
- Catherine Chappell, President’s Office
15 years
- Lori McFall, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Larry Joe Morgan, Academic Affairs
- Amber Trantham, Academic Affairs
- Kenneth Grissom, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Tanveer Islam, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Janet Bavonese, Academic Affairs
- Tara Hood, Academic Affairs
- Krystal Milam, Academic Affairs
- Debra James, Academic Affairs
- Michelle Green, Athletics
- Donnie Williams, Finance & Administration
- Malissa Chumley, Finance & Administration
- Becky Johnson, Finance & Administration
- Mark Burnett, Finance & Administration
- Jeffrey Roberts, Finance & Administration
- Jesse Thornburg, Finance & Administration
- Wanda Maddox, Finance & Administration
- Brittany Cooper, Finance & Administration
- Tyler Law, Finance & Administration
- Barbara Jones, Finance & Administration
- DeLane Hodge, Information Technology
- Lola Johnston, Student Affairs
20 years
- Debrah Fragoso, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Andrea Porter, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Renee Baptiste, Academic Affairs
- Kimberly Presson, Academic Affairs
- Jennifer Yocum, Academic Affairs
- Tammy Johnson, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Raina Kostova, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Gina Mabrey, Academic Affairs
- Barry Cooper, Academic Affairs
- Courtney Drube, Academic Affairs
- Brandy Roberts, Academic Affairs
- Emily White, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Betsy Gulledge, Academic Affairs
- Greg Shadrick, Finance & Administration
- Christiane Fisher, Finance & Administration
- Shana Key, Finance & Administration
- Lori Stephenson, Finance & Administration
- Michael McFry, Finance & Administration
- Michael Abernathy, Finance & Administration
- Stacey Burrell, Finance & Administration
- Richard Williams, Finance & Administration
- Petrica Trifas, Information Technology
- Glenn Davenport, Information Technology
- Valene Harvey, Information Technology
- Vinson Houston, President’s Office
- Josh Underwood, President’s Office
- Charlcie Vann, Student Affairs
- Elizabeth Morrow, Student Affairs
- Matthew Langley, Student Affairs
25 years
- Lora Spivey, Academic Affairs
- Noah Cleveland, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Lori Owens, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Jan Case, Academic Affairs
- Tori Gaddy, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Christie Shelton, President’s Office
30 years
- Tracy Broom, Athletics
- Terry Casey, President’s Office
35 years
- Dr. Jodi Poe, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Greg Bonds, Athletics