Employee of the Month
November 2025
Evan Eisenstark
Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs (OVPSA), Marketing and Communications Office
Evan manages @fsustudentaffairs social media accounts, takes photographs for the Division and manages our digital asset management tool, Brandfolder, edits video and produces a podcast, as well as manages student workers.
In the words of his nominator: “Evan worked tirelessly and remained on call to handle social media, document, photograph and volunteer at events during the aftermath of the tragic shooting at the Union. Even while working well outside his normal hours, he remained committed to serving students and doing everything he could to make this delicate time more bearable for all of us, both in this office and in the Division. His selfless actions, his photographs and video documentation are a testament to his compassion and kindness during a difficult time."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs recognizes the advocacy, support and encouragement you offer students and staff in the Division, and celebrates you, Evan! Thank you for all you do!
Employee of the Month
October 2025
Tyler Hamilton
DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT SUPPORT AND TRANSITIONS, CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Tyler is a Case Manager with the Case Management Services in the Department of Student support and Transitions. Tyler helps connect students to both on and off campus resources while advocating for them academically to ensure their success despite their personal challenges.
In the words of his nominator: “Tyler maintains a positive attitude and finds ways to support not only his students but his co-workers across the department, even on the hardest days. Tyler supports a high volume of students each disclosing emotionally heavy circumstances, and he treats each of them with unconditional positive regard and finds a way to ensure each and every one of them is supported and advocated for. It is evident by the way he shows up for the team that his number one priority is to serve the students and foster a healthy and safe campus for everyone.” He has received more praise from faculty and staff partners stating: "I know when a student is working with Tyler, they will be well taken care of."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs recognizes the advocacy, support and encouragement you offer students and staff in the Division, and celebrates you, Tyler! Thank you for all you do!
Employee of the Month
September 2025
Anissa Ford
Career Center
Anissa is a Senior Assistant Director and Program Manager with the Career Center. As an Assistant Director for FSUShadow and MentorFSU, she coordinates services and supervises liaisons for these programs.
In the words of her nominator: “Anissa exemplifies excellence in her role and consistently goes above and beyond to create a collaborative, innovative, and supportive working environment. She manages both the FSU Shadow Program and Mentor FSU Program with remarkable consistency and diligence, ensuring high-quality outcomes and continuous improvement. She actively seeks and incorporates feedback through post-program surveys, analyzing data to refine and grow both student and employer experiences. Notably, she took the initiative to explore and utilize Power BI to develop interactive data visualizations, expanding the impact and accessibility of program insights.”
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs recognizes and celebrates your steadfast dedication to FSU. Thank you for all you do!
Employee of the Month
July 2025
Katie Shade
Counseling and Psychological Services
Katie Shade is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). As a mental health specialist, Katie provides individual and group therapy to students. She also provides supervision to students in training as well as consultation to members of CAPS staff. Katie specializes in EMDR, a specific treatment for trauma, and her caseload largely consists of students with trauma and PTSD.
Katie was nominated by three of her coworkers! Here is what they have to say: "As an expert in trauma treatment, Katie has always been a wealth of knowledge and a top notch clinician, but this has never been more clear than in the aftermath of the 4/17 tragedy. Despite being a part of our team housed in the Thagard building (meaning she had significantly increased exposure to the trauma herself), she has been a calm and steady force for our team and hasn't missed a beat."
"Katie has gone above and beyond her job description, volunteering her spare time and energy and consistently supporting and leading our team. Her wealth of knowledge and experience with trauma has been invaluable. Katie's dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit have made a significant impact on our team and the students we serve." "She provided resources to be used across CAPS and facilitated therapy groups for students, Union staff members, and CAPS staff. She is truly an exceptional colleague who helped the FSU community heal."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs recognizes and celebrates your steadfast dedication to FSU. Thank you for all you do!
Employee of the Month
May 2025
Tony Cline
University Health Services
Tony Cline is the Assistant Director of Facilities with University Health Services (UHS). Tony oversees the daily operations, maintenance, and safety of UHS and physical spaces. He manages facility projects, coordinates with vendors and contractors, and ensures that all environments are functional, well-maintained, and aligned with the needs of students and staff. In the words of Tony's nominator: "Tony exemplifies reliability, collaboration, and excellence in every aspect of his work. He consistently steps up without being asked, offering help wherever it's needed and proving himself to be a steady, dependable presence within University Health Services and across the division. His proactive approach, strong work ethic, and commitment to teamwork have made him a trusted colleague and invaluable asset. Whether supporting colleagues, taking on extra responsibilities, or simply being someone others can count on, Tony continuously goes above and beyond to ensure the success of the team and the broader mission."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs recognizes and celebrates your steadfast dedication to FSU. Thank you for all you do!
at the end of February. This event was a huge success in terms of the number of students who attended, as well as the lasting impact made. Braden also worked with campus partners to ensure that supportive confidential resources were available for students who needed to process the experience. This event highlights Braden's passion for engaging students, his collaborative nature, and his commitment to providing our students with a meaningful experience beyond their coursework."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs recognizes and celebrates your hard work and dedication to the students you serve. Thank you for all you do!
Employee of the Month
March 2025
Brittany Thorn
Counseling and Psychological Services
Brittany Thorn is a Mental Health Specialist with the Counseling and Psychological Services. Brittany provides therapeutic intervention to FSU students experiencing distress or crisis situations. She also leads the Monday Clinician-On-Duty Team and supervision of trainees. Brittany has been described by staff as having "a unique blend of compassion, straightforwardness, and empathy [that] has made her a passionate advocate for students, helping them feel supported and confident in her capable hands. Brittany is also an excellent mentor to new staff, always available for consultations, and a beacon of positivity with her great sense of humor and, let’s be honest, the best office ambiance at CAPS!" Other staff have described her in the following way: "Brittany has truly shined in her new role as COD leader. Her fearless leadership during Urgent Care Week and her willingness to step in while Sarah was out have demonstrated her dedication to both our team and the students we serve. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our students receive the care and support they need."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs recognizes and celebrates your hard work and dedication to your staff. Thank you for all you do!
Employee of the Month
February 2025
Adarius Simpkins
Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement
Adarius Simpkins is a Program Manager with the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) who has been with Florida State for four years. Adarius manages the Illuminate Program and Scholarship for students pursuing their bachelor's degree with support of the Federal Pell grant. The Illuminate Program includes structured workshops, support from professional staff, and an annual scholarship.
In the words of his nominator: "Adarius goes over and beyond for all of his students". Adarius is "passionate about building community as well as instilling a sense of belonging and purpose within students as well as those of us that are engaged in the work of supporting students."
Adarius is inspired "by the belief that we are blessed to be a blessing to others. Everything that I've been given, I have a responsibility to pay forward. I love the many opportunities for growth and development, personally and professionally, that come naturally with my role. I also love the support that I receive from my department in doing those things."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs recognizes and celebrates your hard work and dedication to your community. Thank you for all you do!
Employee of the Month
December 2024
Gabriela Mendizabal
Student Union
Gabriela Mendizabal is an Event Coordinatior with Campus event Services who has been with Florida State for two and a half years. Gaby manages reservations, and plans and coordinates with department liaisons for events at the Student Union, Askew Student Life Center, Student Services Building.
In the words of her nominator: "She is the one of the integral people behind the curtain for some of our largest events on campus. As she is involved helping departments from the beginning to the end on the unseen portion of events, I consider her an unsung hero. So much work goes into the behind the scenes of events that I would love to see her receive recognition for her hard work." Gaby "absolutely loves working with the CES team. It’s a pleasure to collaborate with such a supportive and encouraging group of colleagues. I truly enjoy the nuances of event planning. Taking all elements of an event and figuring out how to make them work cohesively and efficiently. Every day is always different and it is exciting to transform a space to make each event unique in it's own right."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs recognizes and celebrates your hard work and dedication to your job. Thank you for all you do!
Employee of the Month
November 2024
Taylor Sheplak
FSU Childcare & Early Learning Program
Taylor Sheplak is an FSU Childcare Early Intervention Specialist who has been with Florida State since 2012. Taylor is a dedicated professional in the field of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Taylor’s work, which focuses on prevention and early intervention, ensures she meets high standards. She continues her professional growth through ongoing training and reflective supervision. Taylor's colleagues challenge her to grow personally and professionally by not only working on hard things, but building her confidence to be able to do so.
In the words of her nominator: "Her training helps us provide individual care and educational program development for children who have special learning capabilities and challenges. Her work helps us create a center of learning and growth for all children." Taylor's favorite part about her job "is being able to watch children meet different developmental milestones and help children who need extra support."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs recognizes and celebrates your hard work and dedication to your job. Thank you for all you do!
Employee of the Month
October 2024
Hannah Stone
University Health Services
Hannah Stone is an Accreditation, Quality & Strategic Planning Manager for University Health Services. Hannah oversees the accreditation process for UHS, leads the quality improvement projects, and strategic planning efforts.
In the words of Hannah's nominator: "Hannah is a cornerstone in University Health Services... She is thoughtful in how she approaches her work, ensuring multiple perspectives and voices are brought into every decision-making process. Through Hannah’s efforts, we have streamlined our protocol and procedures review process and successfully passed for our most recent accreditation process. So much of her work is behind the scenes, meaning people do not always see the amount of effort and care she puts into everything she does."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs recognizes and celebrates your hard work and dedication to your job. Thank you for all you do!
Employee of the Month
September 2024
Sofia Saavedra
Campus Recreation
Sofia Saavedra is a Coordinator for Outdoor Pursuits and Camp Flastacowo, under Campus Recreation. Sofia oversee the operation of Camp Flastacowo at the Lakefront Park, which includes training and recruiting counselors and instructors, and coordinating 8 weeks of camp and 650 campers!
In the words of Sofia's nominator: "Camp season is a marathon out here at the Lakefront Park and Sofia is absolutely crushing it. She was instrumental in hiring and training a superb staff of counselors and instructors this season and keeping the energy up for these long and hot days outside. We are just finishing week 4 of our 8 weeks and there is no way the program would be going as well as it is without Sofia at the helm."
Sofia is "passionate about student development through outdoor recreation and education! Connecting with the nature can provide many opportunities for rest, recreation, and personal growth." She loves seeing "our students develop and thrive over time through our outdoor programming."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your exemplary leadership qualities through the "marathon of heat, chaos and fun"!
Employee of the Month
May 2024
Helen Miller
University Housing
Helen Miller is a Program Director for Budget and Finance for University Housing. Helen handles the budget info for all of Housing and has found ways to streamline processes.
In the words of Helen's nominator: "Helen has many qualities that should recognized. The Fiscal dept is usually overlooked but wears many hats. For a while this dept was short staffed and Helen worked tirelessly to make sure that all the work was completed correctly. She tries to promote a fun work environment by supplying her staff with breakfast or lunch and tries to always be available for questions."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your exemplary leadership qualities and for your care for the staff you serve.
Employee of the Month
April 2024
Tatiyana Loayza
Department of Student Support and Transitions
Tatiana Loayza is a Victim Advocate for the Department of Student Support and Transitions. FSU's Victim Advocates offer free and confidential support to members of our community who may have been a victim of a crime or similar situation. Advocates are able to provide support through administrative and legal processes.
In the words of Tatiana's nominator: "Tatiana has been an amazing Assistant Director of our Victim Advocate Program for years but over the past few months has stepped in as the Interim Director of Case Management Services leading the Case Management team through a transition. She is a selfless individual and a strong professional who is always willing to step up and help others. She exemplifies a strong student affairs professional by always treating every student, parent, colleague, and community member with care and respect."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your exemplary leadership qualities and for your care for the students you serve.
Employee of the Month
March 2024
Alice Maxwell
Marketing and Communications Office
Alice Maxwell is the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for the DSA Marketing and Communications office. In her role, Alice spearheads marketing campaigns, develops operational strategies, supervises subordinate staff members and communicates progress to other executives and stakeholders in the university.
In the words of Alice's many nominators: "Alice has excelled in fostering collaboration with various departments, creating a unified approach to communication and marketing efforts. Her inclusive and collaborative style has resulted in effective partnerships, allowing for diverse perspectives to be represented in communication strategies. She has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in all aspects of her work, consistently going the extra mile to get the job done. She is a team player and always willing to lend a helping hand. Alice sets an excellent example for her staff, and is respected by everyone she works with."
Alice is "passionate about making an impact. My goal is for my work and my team’s work to make an impact in our students’ lives. I am also passionate about supporting my team and making sure they know their work makes a difference and that the outstanding level of marketing and communications work we produce is making an important contribution to our profession. It is so impressive to witness who students are when they begin their journey here and how the work that we do as a division can really make a difference in who our students become by the time they graduate. I love that our creative team has the opportunity to tell these students’ stories through written and visual communications."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your exemplary leadership qualities and for your care for the students you serve.
Employee of the Month
February 2024
Granvill Adkins
University Housing
Granvill Adkins is a Residence Coordinator for University Housing, doing an upstanding job being visible within his community supporting his graduate assistant, 18 RAs, and 706 member residential community. In their role, Granvill is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of DeGraff Hall, which composes of supervising 18 resident assistants, planning and facilitating monthly community wide events, and partnering with campus partners to support resident's full potential.
In the words of Granvill's nominator: "This past month Granvill went above and beyond with providing assistance and support to a student of concern and other community members impacted by the student of concern. His communication and timeliness of meeting with students and documenting each account was much appreciated, allowing us to work seamlessly with campus partners to support the student, community members, and families involved in the crisis. Granvill consistently exceeds expectations when it comes to providing care and support of his student leaders and students, while maintaining his administrative and committee/workgroup duties and responsibilities.
Granvill also supports his fellow peers and graduate assistants, by sharing resources and practices of promise so everyone can thrive in their respective communities. If you need a ride, Granvill will lend you one. If you need someone to hold the duty phone for you, Granvill will be one of the first to step up. Granvill is a giving soul who is always willing to help others and create space for the team to bond and check in throughout the year. We are grateful to have him and witness his impact."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your exemplary leadership qualities and for your care for the students you serve.
Employee of the Month
December 2023
Felicia Williams
Department of Student Engagement
Dr. Williams is the Director of Student Engagement, which oversees a portfolio that includes Student Governance & Advocacy, SGA Accounting, Student Organizations & Involvement, and Student Agencies & Institutes. In her role, Dr. Williams is responsible for overseeing and implementing programs that enhance student involvement and campus community interaction.
In the words of Dr. Williams' nominator: "In her capacity as our director, Dr. Williams consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership skills, dedication, and a passion for fostering a positive and productive work environment, both for our staff teams and for the students we serve.
Dr. Williams exhibits remarkable leadership by continually guiding our team through challenges and busy times of the year with grace and resilience. She is always readily available to support all of our team members, providing guidance and encouragement to ensure that everyone feels valued and motivated. Her ability to inspire and empower our team contributes daily to our collective success and the achievement of our department’s goals.
In addition to all of this, Dr. Williams is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. She has led the implementation of several important projects in our work area that have not only improved our efficiency but have also promoted a sense of camaraderie and togetherness among the staff. Her open-door policy and willingness to listen to the ideas and concerns of all team members have created an environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated.
Furthermore, Dr. Williams has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for excellence that sets the standard for our entire department. Her exceptional performance and unwavering dedication have sincerely been an inspiration to us all."
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your foundational commitment to bettering student's lives!
Employee of the Month
November 2023
Haley Gentile
Department of Student Support and Transitions
Haley is the Manager of the Food for Thought Pantry in the Department of Student Support and Transitions. Haley performs food pantry and warehouse work necessary to provide food assistance to students. They have worked for the Division of Student Affairs for 8 and a half years. In the words of Haley’s nominator, "aside from providing food and necessities to thousands of FSU students, Haley demonstrates profound enthusiasm for helping others. Even with a limited staff, Haley works tirelessly to serve our students.”
Haley is “passionate about recognizing our students first and foremost as human beings who have basic needs that need to be met. All else emanates from that foundational commitment...In honor of the belt, I have to mention one of my favorite wrestlers Jade Cargill. She is focused, hardworking, and incredibly strong. I started lifting weights so I could be better at the physical aspects of my job and she was a significant inspiration!”
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your foundational commitment to bettering student's lives!
Employee of the Month
October 2023
Li Pon
The Career Center
Li is a Senior Assistant Director for Experiential Learning for the Career Center. She serves as the InternFSU program manager, and supervises a team of Career Liaisons who are embedded in academic programs across campus. She has worked for the Division of Student Affairs for 6 years. In the words of her nominator, "Not only is Li excellent at her job, but she is kind, supportive, and a true leader. She is both student-first and colleague-first, and supports a strong team… She is one of my favorite people to work with and we're so fortunate to have her on the Experiential Learning team at the Career Center."
Li is “inspired by phenomenal colleagues who each play an important role in fostering a sense of community for our students. And my children, my ever-present reminder that that life is a never-ending journey of discovery!” “Our students are so impressive,” Li says, “and I learn something new every day! Seeing their confidence grow and land internships, get admissions into their graduate program, or secure their dream jobs is what drives my work each day.”
Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your commitment to bettering student's lives!
Employee of the Month
September 2023
Michelle Lawson
Center for Global Engagement
Michelle is a SEVIS Data Manager for the Center for Global Engagement (CGE). She oversees the in-house database for CGE students and makes sure that international students have submitted all of their e-forms for enrollment. She has worked for the Division of Student Affairs for 5 years. In the words of her nominator, "Michelle's laughter and smile brightens the office absolutely every day! She is a dedicated employee who is always trying to learn new things...She is a major team player who excels at her job duties!"
Michelle is "passionate about ensuring our international students and scholars have what they need to succeed! Anything I am able to do to support them and make the process of getting here, staying here and graduating easier is my ultimate professional goal."
Employee of the Month
August 2023
Sean Wilkinson
Campus Recreation
Sean is the Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits & Camp Flastacowo of Campus Recreation. He has been working at the Division of Student Affairs for 5 years. Sean is inspired by Tommy Caldwell, a rock climber who has set records in sport climbing, traditional climbing, and big-wall climbing. His favorite part of the job is enjoying the outdoors by playing outside. Sean is passionate about his job because it allows him to get people who have never been on an outdoor trip to participate in Campus Recreation's programming. Sean stated, "Introducing new people to outdoor recreation is what I love to do".
Employee of the Month
July 2023
Robyn Brock
New Student and Family Programs
Robyn is the new Director of New Student and Family Programs. She has been working at the Division of Student Affairs for over 19 years. Her favorite part of her job is working with our amazing student leaders to welcome new students and families! She loves bringing people together to create and build students, staff, programs, and experiences that make a positive impact! Robyn's inspiration is her family, friends, students, and colleagues. She continues to learn from so many different people both personally and professionally.
Employee of the Month
June 2023
Lexie McGarvey
University Housing
Lexie McGarvey is a Program Coordinator of Recruitment and Training for University Housing. She has been with the Division of Student Affairs since August 2021, and in this time, she has made a significant impact on our team and the students we serve. Lexie's favorite part of her job is having “the opportunity to play a small role in changing students' lives through their work with University Housing.” Having been an RA, Desk Assistant and Student Assistant during her undergraduate years, Lexie understands firsthand the transformative power of these experiences and how they can shape one's life and career trajectory.
Professionally, Lexie is deeply passionate about working with first-generation, LGBTQ+ students and persons with disabilities. She believes in giving back to the communities that supported and uplifted her. Lexie finds immense joy in connecting with students and young professionals, sharing her own experiences, and letting them know that “she understands their journey and is there to support them”. Her ability to empathize and inspire others is truly remarkable. She finds inspiration in our graduate students who continually push her to be better. Lexie tells us, “ They are so connected to the research, are a bridge between our students and professionals, and since I supervise them, push me to be a better practitioner.”
Employee of the Month
May 2023
Amy Haggard
Student Conduct & Community Standards
Amy Haggard is the Assistant Director for Title IX for the Department of Student Conduct & Community Standards (SCCS). Amy recently joined SCCS in the fall, where she has hit the ground running, making significant impacts on her work, the students she engages with, her team, and anyone she meets. Amy consistently raises the bar of what it means to be a member of the SCCS team through her attitude and consistent initiative to help, challenge and support students and staff.
Amy’s favorite part of her job is “serving our students during some of their most challenging times and being a resource for them during their resolution process. Ultimately assisting our students to be their best selves while a part of our community here at FSU.” Amy is “passionate about inclusivity, student leadership and success, assessing specifically LGBTQ+ inclusivity and success, student-based services, and the holistic development of our students inside and outside of the classroom.”
Amy tells us that her inspiration lies in her “colleagues whom I get the pleasure to learn from, collaborate with, and grow together with in this profession. I am inspired by our students, they are the reason I get out of bed every morning happy to come to work at FSU.”