Mitchell Hall transforms into COVID-19 vaccine clinic

Update | Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Above, foreground kneeling, Tracy LaMar-Nickoli. Standing, left to right, Melissa Helpman, Bettina Batts, and Vena Hill. They were four of the Columbus State employees who greeted people and helped guide them at the COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Mitchell Hall on Tuesday, April 20.

The second-floor Events Center in Mitchell Hall became a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for the day on April 20. Nearly 500 students, staff, and faculty members who made appointments received their first Pfizer shot. (The second shot will be administered on Tuesday, May 11.) 

After Gov. Mike DeWine announced on April 1 that colleges would have the option to provide clinics, Executive Vice President Rebecca Butler asked Kristen Treadway, executive director of Human Resources, to explore options for Columbus State. With the help of a small team, a massive effort was underway.

Treadway partnered with Kroger to provide the vaccinations. The plan was for a single-day event with the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine. However, just days before the clinic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put a “pause” on the vaccine. Kroger came through and was able to supply the two-dose Pfizer vaccine. The clinic was then relaunched as a two-day event, with a second clinic planned three weeks later. 

Treadway said, “This is definitely a testament to Columbus State and what we can achieve with our exceptional employees.” There were employees from several departments doing the legwork. The Columbus State Police Department oversaw parking outside Mitchell Hall while the Events Center staff ensured the site was ready inside. Other departments offering assistance included IT, the School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts, Facilities, and Marketing and Communications. 

 

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