Employee Recognition Programs
Office of People & CultureRecognizing Employee Contributions
Developed and maintained in cooperation with the JU Employee Recognition Committee.
- Chair: Laurie Philpot, People & Culture Business Partner
- Members: Katelyn Fischer, DaVina Hamilton, Andrew Lee, Amber Mount, Wendy Parrish, Nicole Watts, Leslie Redd, and Dean Winter
- The Â鶹´«Ã½ Employee Recognition program was created to recognize excellence in the areas of quality service, process improvement, teamwork and to acknowledge longstanding commitment to the University.
Programs include: Employee of the Month, Service Awards & Ideas Program.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
| View Nomination Criteria |
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| View Past Winning Dolphins |
Ideas Program
| Submit an idea |
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OPC Home
| Back to OPC Home Page |
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Latest NominationEmployee of the Month
June 2026
Catherine Rushton
Instructional Designer, Academic Technology
About Our Dolphin
Congratulations to Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s June 2026 Employee of the Month, Catherine Rushton. As an Instructional Designer in the Academic Technology department, Catherine consistently demonstrates professionalism, expertise, and a commitment to excellence that positively impacts both her colleagues and the university’s academic programs.
Catherine is instrumental in advancing Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Speech-Language Pathology distance education program. She plays a key role in developing and refining online course materials, helping establish an engaging virtual learning environment while maintaining high academic standards. Her ability to partner with faculty and translate complex clinical and academic content into effective online learning experiences has been critical to the program’s success.
Committed to continuous growth, Catherine stays current with emerging educational technologies and instructional design practices, bringing innovative solutions and fresh perspectives to her work. Her adaptability and initiative have helped strengthen the quality and effectiveness of JU online instruction.
In addition to her professional expertise, Catherine is known for her kindness, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. She is always willing to support colleagues, share knowledge, and contribute to a positive and productive work environment.
Catherine’s contributions have enhanced both the student and faculty experience, making her an invaluable member of the Â鶹´«Ã½ community and a deserving recipient of this recognition. Congratulations, Catherine, and thank you for your outstanding service to JU!
The Reward
Catherine was presented with a certificate signed by President Cost, a $50 cash award, and an extra day off for her outstanding contributions and positive impact on Jacksonville University.
Phintastic Job, Catherine!
1. Nomination
A nominee for the award must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a full-time or part-time employee
- Must be employed for at least one (1) year
- Has not been selected as Employee of the Month within the past twelve (12) months
- Must not have any documented corrective action within the past twelve (12) months
2. Review & Appointment
- The Employee of the Month committee will review nominations and select a winner based on the above criteria. If a committee member is nominated, they will be excused from voting that month.
- The Office of People & Culture shall make the initial appointment of the necessary number of committee members.
3. Nomination Prize
Award recipients shall receive:
- A certificate signed by President Cost
- A $50.00 cash award
- An additional personal day off
- Campus-wide recognition
Past Winning Dolphins
Employee of the Month May 2026
Samantha Morgan
Associate Director of Strategic Events & Campus Experience
Employee of the Month April 2026
Asha Simpson
Associate Director of Residential Life
Employee of the Month March 2026
Stephanie Ison
Accounting Associate, Controller’s Office
Employee of the Month February 2026
Kaylee Bloom
Director, Career Design and Exploration
Employee of the Month January 2026
Sgt. Danny Dividu
Campus Security
Employee of the Month November 2025
Adriana Samra
University Webmaster
Employee of the Month October 2025
Geoff Davis
Simulation Operation Specialist/IT Tech
Employee of the Month March 2025
Les Wright
Director of Fields & Facilities
Employee of the Month February 2025
Misty Pippin
Assistant Director of Student Financial Services
Employee of the Month November 2024
Janiqua Morris
Office Assistant, School of Social Sciences and Education
Employee of the Month October 2024
Leanna Morgan-Ash
Accounting Associate, Controller's Office.
Employee of the Month September 2024
Andrew Lee
Manager of Technical Service, Information Technology Department
Employee of the Month August 2024
John Galloway
Lacrosse Head Coach
Employee of the Month July 2024
Colleen Skinner
Assistant Professor of Law & Director Law Library, College of Law
Employee of the Month June 2024
Bambi Brundage
Executive Director, Student Wellness & Engagement
Employee of the Month May 2024
Wendy Parrish
Executive Assistant to the Dean, College of Arts & Sciences.
Employee of the Month April 2024
Melba Wagstaff
Human Resources Assistant, NROTC
Employee of the Month March 2024
Julia Wiesner Lawless
Director of Undergraduate Recruitment, Admissions
Employee of the Month February 2024
Gladys Gabriel
Accountant, Controller's Office
Employee of the Month January 2024
Alexandra Robinson
Executive Director of Strategic Events & Campus Experience, University Marketing and Communications
Employee of the Month October 2023
Mike Mitchell
Director of Military & Veterans Resource Center, Student Affairs
Employee of the Month September 2023
Japhetia Blackwell
Simulationist, Healthcare Simulation Center (HSC)
Employee of the Month August 2023
Lauren Brucker
Director, Residential Ops, Residential Life
Employee of the Month July 2023
Karteye Hill
Imaging Technician, Post Office
Employee of the Month May 2023
Kalilah Jamall
Assistant Director of Engagement, Alumni, & Family, Advancement
Employee of the Month April 2023
Roger Palmer
Accounting Manager of Disbursements, Controller's Office
Employee of the Month March 2023
Michael Lane
Director of Rowing
Employee of the Month February 2023
Amber Korn
Executive Administrative & Staff Coordinator
Other Programs
Service Awards
All full and part-time staff/administrative employees will receive recognition for continuous service to the University at five-year increments. Individuals can select award material from a service award vendor which has a variety of awards from which to select. The value of the award increases with the years of completed service. These individuals will receive recognition in JU Today, as well as at the University-wide cookout.
Ideas Program
Receive recognition from the President's office. Full-time staff/administrative employees who submit a significant suggestion, which is adopted, to the President’s Ideas Program will receive recognition.
Office of People & CultureNominate an Employee of the Month
CONTACT USOffice of People & Culture
Â鶹´«Ã½ is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community and strives to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences.
Contact Information Office of People & Culture
Howard Administration Building
Â鶹´«Ã½
2800 University Blvd N
Jacksonville, FL 32211
Phone: (904) 256-7025