Several University Staff Honored with Service Awards

Multiple East Texas A&M University employees were recipients of the President’s Meritorious Service Award, one of the highest honors available to university staff. Awarded to both individual staff members as well as teams, the awards are announced each January during the president’s spring assembly. This year, the following staff members were honored with the award:

• Paige Bussell, University Registrar, Office of the Registrar
• Jonathan Johnston, Associate Director, Campus Recreation
• Nicole Jones, Administrative Coordinator, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
• Sarah Northam, Director of Research and Instruction Services, Library
• Howard Pierson, Insurance and Risk Manager, Office of Financial Services

In addition, the team award was given to members of the Eclipse Committee, who coordinated the university’s events surrounding the total solar eclipse that occurred on April 8, 2024. The Eclipse Committee included:

• Amanda Horne, Executive Director of Student Engagement and Operations, Division of Student Affairs
• Taron Green, Director of Student Engagement, Division of Student Affairs
• Michael Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer, Office of Marketing and Communications
• Steven Allemang, Planetarium Manager and Instructor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
• John Harris, Director, Office of Facilities and Construction
• Taylor Mefford, Manager of Videography, Office of Marketing and Communications
• Kim McCarty, Transportation Manager, Office of Emergency Management and Safety
• Avi Mehta, Assistant Director, Athletics
• Ryan Dickerson, Project Coordinator, Center for Information Technology Excellence
• Ryan Scott, E-Communications Specialist, Office of Marketing and Communications
• Bryan Vaughn, Chief of Police, University Police Department
• Cathy Li, Manager of Creative Design, Office of Marketing and Communications
• Gina Lowe, Associate Vice President, Division of Philanthropy and Engagement
• Howard Pierson, Insurance and Risk Manager, Office of Financial Services
• Keith Coburn, Director, Office of Environmental Health and Safety
• Kyle Lowe, Assistant Chief of Police, University Police Department
• Michael Stark, Assistant Dean of Students and Director, Office of Residential Living & Learning
• Maxine Mendoza-Welch, Director and Physician Assistant, Student Health Services
• Tyler Holloway, Photographer, Office of Marketing and Communications
• Dale Zavala, Videographer, Office of Marketing and Communications

Since 2019, one award has been reserved for a contract vendor of the university. This year’s recipient was Red River Outdoor Living, the university’s Grounds Services contractor. The award was accepted by Ross Moore, president of Red River.

See a gallery of photos of the winners at our online photo gallery.