Staff Awards
Honoring outstanding staff members that go above and beyond for College of Liberal Arts faculty and students.
Staff Award winners and the Dean (from left to right): Tyler Flynn, Gwen Rogers, Dean Lee Cohen, Matt Ward, and Adam Thebeau.
About Our Awards
Each spring, the College of Liberal Arts recognizes its staff with the following awards:
- Student Support Award - For those that provide outstanding support, advising, and assistance to students.
- Newcomer Award - For staff professionals in their positions for 3 or less years.
- Commitment to Excellence Award - For the outstanding staff member of the year in the College.
- Teamwork Award - For a group of College of Liberal Arts Staff Members that showed outstanding teamwork in the College.
Recipients are recognized during the College of Liberal Arts Awards Ceremony, have their name added to an award plaque in the Dean’s Office, and receive a monetary gift. All full-time permanent staff in the College of Liberal Arts are eligible. Temporary or part-time staff are not eligible.
2026 Staff Award Recipients
Anabell Elsner
Project Coordinator
Department of Mathematics
Anabell Elsner serves as a Project Coordinator in the Department of Mathematics within the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi. She works closely with faculty, staff, and students to coordinate academic processes and manage ALEKS math placement. She also collaborates with Admissions, the Registrar’s Office, IT Services, advising centers, and Orientation and contribute to initiatives such as the Rebel Upward Bound Institute project. Her work focuses on ensuring accurate placement and supporting student success.
- 2026 Teamwork Award Recipient
Andrew Bryant
Operations Manager and ACM Coordinator
Center for the Study of Southern Culture
Andrew Bryant is a dedicated professional within the College of Liberal Arts, where he serves in a key departmental role supporting daily operations and academic initiatives at the Center for the Study of Southern Culture. He collaborates closely with students, faculty, and staff, fostering a supportive and efficient environment. Known for his strong communication and problem-solving skills, Andrew is committed to enhancing the academic experience and contributing to the success and growth of Southern Studies.
- 2026 Newcomer Award Recipient
Hailey Kaim
Academic Mentor
FASTrack Learning Community
Hailey Kaim has worked closely with students at the University of Mississippi for several years, teaching introductory to intermediate-level French courses. This past year, she transitioned to the FASTrack program as an Academic Mentor, where she helps students navigate their first year by providing guidance, connecting them with resources, and offering consistent support. She serves as a trusted ally in each student’s academic journey and earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the university.
- 2026 Student Support Award Recipient
Lisa Coleman
Administrative Coordinator
Department of Mathematics
Lisa Coleman has spent 17 years at the University of Mississippi and served as the Department of Mathematics's Administrative Coordinator since 2017 in the College of Liberal Arts. She enjoys working closely with students, faculty, and staff and helping keep everything running smoothly. Last year, she began teaching EDHE, which has been especially rewarding and has allowed her to connect with students on a more personal level as they grow academically and personally.
- 2026 Commitment to Administrative Excellence Award and 2026 Teamwork Award Recipient
Previous Staff Award Recipients
Awarded to the most outstanding staff member of the year in the College.
- Cynthia Jeffries, Administrative Assistant II, Department of Economics (2025)
- Glenn Shove, Operations Coordinator II, Department of Writing and Rhetoric (2024)
- Matt Ward, Operations Manager, Department of Psychology (2023)
The Newcomer Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of staff professionals within their first three years of service.
- Grace Kaim, Staff Assistant II, Department of History (2025)
- Gwen Rogers, Operations Coordinator II, Department of Biology (2024)
- Kim Dunnavant, Operations Coordinator, Department of Psychology (2023)
This award celebrates the staff member who goes above and beyond in providing advising support and outstanding assistance to students.
- Kell Kellum, Academic Counselor, College of Liberal Arts Student Services (2025)
- Ingrid Valbuena, Academic Counselor II, College of Liberal Arts Student Services (2024)
- Victoria Barnes Hughes, Project Coordinator, Department of Mathematics (2023)
This award is presented to a group within the College that has demonstrated exceptional collaboration and teamwork.
Center for Practical Ethics (2025)
- Ethan Davis, Assistant Director
- Brett King, Operations Coordinator II
- Nathan Oakes, Project Administrator II
Department of Southern Studies (2024)
- Rebecca Cleary, Communications Specialist
- Kell Kellum, Operations Assistant
- Bert Neal, Administrative Coordinator
- Afton Thomas, Associate Director for Programs
- Jimmy Thomas, Associate Director for Publications
Department of Biology (2023)
- Tyler Flynn, Coordinator of Advising, Recruitment, and Retention
- Gwen Rogers, Operations Coordinator II
- Candece Stewart, Operations Assistant
- Lance SUllivan, Senior Laboratory Technician
- Adam Thebeau, Laboratory Technician