Employee of the Month Archive

March 2024

Alice Maxwell

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.

February 2024

Granvill Adkins

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.

December 2023

Felicia Williams

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!

November 2023

Haley Gentile

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!

October 2023

Li Pon

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!

September 2023

Michelle Lawson holding Employee of the Month belt above her head and yelling

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."

August 2023

Sean Wilkinson holding Employee of the Month belt

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".

July 2023

Robyn Brock holding Employee of the Month belt

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.

June 2023

Lexie McGarvey holding Employee of the Month belt

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.”

May 2023

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.”