2024 Deans' Unsung Hero awardees

Dean emeritus Louis Castenell created the Deans’ Unsung Hero Award to honor those who do crucial work behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed and under-appreciated. Precisely because this work is behind the scenes, Dean Spangler asked the College community for stories of unsung heroes, and you submitted over 20 responses!

Dean Castenell intended for the award to go to one graduate student, one faculty member, and one staff member, but due to the enthusiastic response to the call for stories, we awarded one graduate student, one faculty member, and three staff members. Each awardee will receive $300 through a generous gift provided by Dean Castenell and a crystal award. Please congratulate the five awardees:

Mel Bemis
Fiscal affairs manager, Business Office

Mel exemplifies a true unsung hero as she works her magic from the basement of Aderhold! Mel is always happily willing to answer questions, clarify processes, and link people to resources. She has cheerfully taken on additional responsibilities when departments have had vacancies in their business manager positions; in these situations, she has not only been incredibly effective, but she always presented a pleasant and helpful demeanor! When new business managers are hired, she effectively onboards and supports them as they learn their new role, the department, the College, and the University.

Anna Conner
Professor and graduate coordinator, Department of Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Education

Anna is an innovator as a researcher and teacher and mentor for graduate students in the department and a role model for early-career faculty members. She contributes to the College and University through her committee service, but her contributions are often overlooked when credit is given. Over the last year, she initiated and wrote the proposal for a project to support STEM education in rural schools, which was funded by Google. This is but one example of a project that benefits K-12 teachers and students, engages doctoral students and faculty colleagues, and makes a difference for all involved.

Jessica Crook
Administrative specialist I, Department of Educational Psychology

Jessica always goes above and beyond to help not only students, but faculty and staff as well. She can always be counted on, even when it may not be expected of her. The amount of time and energy that she puts into this department is incredible, and she does it out of the goodness of her heart and her desire to see everyone succeed. She also acts as a source of information for other departments, serving on search committees and the Staff Representative Group, and mentoring new staff members in other units. She is always willing to assist any department that needs assistance.

Laurie Dollner
Administrative specialist I, Department of Educational Theory and Practice

Laurie is the rock of the department. Faculty and students in the department know they can depend on her to complete tasks and solve any problems that arise. In addition to performing her daily functions with exceptional skill, Laurie constantly demonstrates selflessness by finding ways to recognize our undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty. She takes the initiative to champion the people with whom she works by creating display cases, bulletin boards, brochures and more, and she has worked to make the sixth floor feel inviting. Laurie could be successful in myriad other positions, but she remains loyal to the Department of Educational Theory and Practice and UGA.

Jatawn Tickles
Doctoral candidate, Department of Counseling and Human Development Services

Jatawn serves as the assessment coordinator for the Center for Counseling and Personal Evaluation, a counseling supervisor to two master’s students, and as a teaching assistant. She goes above and beyond for the students and the center. She always makes herself available to assist students and clients with assessment related issues, even after hours. She is an essential part of the center management team which helps keep things running smoothly.

Additionally, all Deans’ Unsung Hero nominees will receive a certificate. Please congratulate the following nominees:

  • Andrew Brooks, systems administrator associate, Office of Information Technology
  • Scarlett Cown, administrative associate II, Office of Academic Programs
  • Pepa Deltcheva, business manager II, Office of Research and Graduate Education
  • Allison Nealy, clinical professor and department head, Department of Language and Literacy Education; clinical professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education
  • Katrina Neidlinger, student affairs professional II, Department of Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Education
  • Zu Reuter, administrative lead and facilities and safety coordinator, Office of Faculty and Staff Services
  • Natalie Stephens, creative design specialist, Marketing and Communications Office
  • Haley Watts, associate director of stewardship, Office of Development and Alumni Relations
  • Nikki W. Weeks, student affairs professional III, Department of Counseling and Human Development Services
  • Michael Wisenbaker, IT senior manager, Office of Information Technology
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