2025 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 underappreciated. Precisely because this work is behind the scenes, Dean Spangler asked the College community for stories of unsung heroes, and you submitted over 32 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, two faculty members, and five staff members. Each awardee will receive $300 and a crystal award. Please congratulate the awardees:

Mel Bemis
Fiscal affairs manager, Business Office

Mel deserves this recognition because she quietly powers our team’s success every day by:

  • Stepping in immediately, no questions asked, whenever anyone hits a snag.
  • Sharing her deep expertise freely, turning complex processes into “aha” moments.
  • Infusing every interaction with genuine warmth and humor, lifting spirits even under tight deadlines.
  • Anticipating needs before they arise, preventing small issues from becoming big ones.
  • Empowering each of us to grow by patiently guiding us through new challenges. Her steady reliability and positive energy keep our College running smoothly—yet her contributions often go unnoticed. It’s time we shine a spotlight on Mel, our true unsung hero.

Maureen Bishop
Clinical placement and elementary education field coordinator, Office of Academic Programs

Maureen is exceptionally deserving of this award due to her outstanding commitment, professionalism, and impact in her role. As the primary liaison between numerous Georgia school districts and the field placements for our various College of Education programs, Maureen manages a highly complex and demanding portfolio. Each semester, she coordinates 200-300 elementary education placements—many with detailed restrictions and logistical challenges—yet she handles this work with precision, care, and unwavering dedication. She exemplifies dedication, competence, and kindness, and I am grateful for her every single day.

Alisa Castilla
Doctoral candidate, Department of Counseling and Human Development Services

Alisa, a doctoral candidate in counseling psychology, is a well-rounded scholar who effectively balances her academic studies and extracurricular activities in the College and University, making it appear effortless. Alisa is an exceptional clinician in the Center for Counseling and Personal Evaluation (CCPE). She supports and exemplifies the mission of CCPE by providing quality behavioral health services to the local community, as well as to UGA faculty, staff, and students.

Kayla McKinney
Coordinator of student engagement, Office of Academic Programs

From the College’s annual Back on the Block party, which provides our students with a warm and fun welcome, to convocation and bidding our students a proper, congratulatory farewell, Kayla is always behind the scenes, ensuring that our College’s activities and events are a success. While students, faculty, and staff may have seen her busily moving between tasks, they might not know her name. It’s time for everyone to recognize who she is.

Ryan Schey
Associate professor, Department of Language and Literacy Education

Ryan is an exceptional faculty member whose passion for his field is matched only by his dedication to his students and colleagues. Widely respected for his intelligence and academic accomplishments, he brings depth, clarity, and enthusiasm to everything he teaches and leads. Despite his success, he remains deeply committed to mentoring, guiding, and uplifting others—often going far beyond what is required. His classroom is a space of inspiration and rigor, where students feel both challenged and supported. Dr. Schey exemplifies what it means to be a scholar, a teacher, and a true role model in our academic community.

Saad Sheikh
Business manager I, Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education

As the business manager of our academic department, Saad exemplifies the essence of an unsung hero—working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure seamless operations, meticulous budget management, and unwavering support for faculty and students alike. Whether navigating complex financial systems, resolving last-minute logistical challenges, or providing steady leadership through periods of transition, Saad approaches every task with professionalism, patience, and precision. His deep financial expertise, collaborative spirit, and quiet dedication may often go unnoticed, but they are the bedrock of our department’s success. Saad leads not with fanfare, but through quiet excellence—consistently stepping up, never seeking recognition, and always exceeding expectations. Simply put, our work would not be possible without him. His steady presence and tireless commitment enable us to function at our best.

Jessica Smith
Office manager, Department of Kinesiology

I am honored to nominate Jessica as an Unsung Hero for her unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to our department. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the smooth day-to-day operations of our team, often stepping in without hesitation to fill gaps, solve problems, or lend support wherever needed. Whether it’s planning and organizing department events or helping a colleague navigate a challenge, Jessica is always the first to volunteer and the last to seek recognition. Her warm, welcoming nature helps foster a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. It’s the quiet consistency of her efforts—the things she does without being asked, without expecting thanks—that truly define what it means to be an unsung hero. Our department is stronger, more organized, and more connected because of Jessica.

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

  • Caroline Calhoun-King, graduate program administrator, Department of Educational Psychology
  • Kacee Cooper, associate director of alumni relations, Office of Development and Alumni Relations
  • Brody Couch, sport management academic support specialist, Department of Kinesiology
  • Anna Hiers, lead clinical placement and COST coordinator, Office of Academic Programs
  • Kyle Ingram, academic program manager, Office of Academic Programs
  • Deanna Joiner, third-floor custodian, Building Services
  • Patricia La Madrid, academic program manager, Office of Academic Programs
  • Katrina Neidlinger, graduate program administrator, Department of Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Education
  • Robby Poister, associate director of development, Office of Development and Alumni Relations
  • Zu Reuter, administrative lead and facilities and safety coordinator, Office of Faculty and Staff Services
  • Rebekah Seabolt, associate director of stewardship, Office of Development and Alumni Relations
  • Katie Sciurba, assistant professor, Department of Language and Literacy Education
  • Molly Thomas, senior director, Office of Development and Alumni Relations
  • Michael Wisenbaker, IT senior manager, Office of Information Technology
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