Staff Employee of the Month 2025

A project manager with the Office of Talent Strategy, who has been with Columbus State for six years, was named the Staff Employee of the Month at last week’s First Wednesday.

Maria Santiago was nominated by Jeff Spain, senior director in the Office of Talent Strategy. “Santiago has been instrumental in helping hundreds of students complete their training within the MEP Technical Training Lab, demonstrating her ability to lead with compassion and inspire others to get involved. Recently, a Target facilities operation manager contacted us with gratitude for Marie’s work. As a result, Target Distribution felt confident sending their employees to Columbus State for professional development.”

Office Director Chaylee Liberator, her supervisor, said, “Santiago takes on a lot of manual processes where software and automation are lacking to create a seamless plan for training. She also develops deeper relationships with our manufacturers by providing clear, concise instructions and expectations.”

Melissa Terry, material hander in Facilities Operations, was named the February Full-time Staff Employee of the Month. (The award was delayed until March.) Lori Gage, Columbus Foundation coordinator, nominated Terry, who started at Columbus State in 2022.

Melissa is always so helpful and professional; we just really appreciate working with her,” said Gage. “She will go out of her way to make the task easier for others, even when it means extra steps for her.” 

“I recently asked if I could access some of our Taste the Future items on short notice. She volunteered to not only find the items I needed but to get them delivered where I needed them. You can rest assured she is running the warehouse well.”

Mike Bradley, Information Technology system administrator, has been with Columbus State for more than seven years. He was nominated as the March Full-time Staff Employee of the Month by Ben Dalton, Information Security director. “Mike has a profound depth of knowledge in addressing technical issues, enhancing Information Technology (IT) security, and providing customer service,” said Dalton. 

“Mike Bradley continues to provide exemplary services to the IT security office. Whether aiding in evaluating a new security feature, testing new phishing simulations, reviewing reported phishing scams, or assisting in IT security events.”

Dalton added, “Whether interacting with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders, he consistently exhibits a demeanor characterized by respect, courtesy, and poise. This attribute has not only enhanced our team’s image but also significantly contributed to fostering a positive work environment within our organization.”

Alex Vereb has been with the college for more than three years as a development coordinator in the Grants Office. Before her role with the college, she was a Columbus State student from 2014-16. Ellie Koss, assistant director of the Grants Office, nominated Vereb. 

“Alex dove headfirst into living Columbus State’s mission through grantsmanship,” said Koss in her nomination form. “She has worked on many grant projects that have led to awards for the college and continues to make a difference in our community by strategically and thoughtfully  aligning grants to our priorities.”

Kirk Dickerson, Academic Affairs chief healthcare strategist, said, “Alex has the unique ability to be detail-oriented without getting lost in the weeds of a project or proposal,” said Kirk Dickerson, “Often, her work involves getting administrators, faculty, staff, and community partners to agree on complicated grant proposals. Alex knows when to redirect ideas and conversations when they will not lead to what is needed in a successful grant application.”

Scott Rombauer, who’s been at Columbus State since 1999, was named the Full-Time SEOM.

As the academic success lead in Advising & Career Services, Rombauer’s role is very broad. “New students, returning students, and transient students all have something in common,” said Kelly Hogan, Academic Affairs associate vice president, in her nomination. “Their promising start and their success can be linked to Scott Rombauer. He makes a difference to students, staff, and administrators every day.”

Allysen Todd concurs. “Scott has positively impacted more students at Columbus State than anyone I know,” said Todd, dean of Arts & Sciences. “He has quietly but diligently worked behind the scenes for more than 20 years to help students who are in need of rescue.”

Hogan added, “Scott is appreciated across divisions at the college.” 

Drew Brown has been at Columbus State for nearly two years. In that short time, he’s made an impression on those he works with as a lab technician. “During group workdays on semester breaks when labs are not in use, Drew tends to arrive earlier than most and dive into whatever is needed,” said Jill Keefer in her nomination. Keefer was a fellow tech lab and colleague.

Biological & Physical Sciences Chair Cathy Bill pointed out that Brown has been thrifty with the college budget by making lab materials in-house rather than purchasing pre-made. “By the end of the year, he will likely have saved over $5,00 on materials for one course,” said Bill. 

“Microbiology involves two different preps for each lab experiment and over 18 experiments per semester, serving over 1,000 students per year. As a result, the micro lab technician position is demanding, with the added stress of weekly equipment failure could be a daunting endeavor. However, Drew handled every situation with grace and professionalism.” 

An analyst who’s been with the college for more than 14 years was named the July Staff Employee of the Month (SEOM) at last week’s First Wednesday.

Jason Woltja has held a variety of roles since arriving at Columbus State in 2010. He is currently an analyst in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. Last week, he was named the latest SEOM.

Woltja was nominated by Stacey Rogers, Student Support Services manager, who was working on a TRIO grant. The recent pandemic had made it challenging to collect some of the specific student data needed for the grant. “Jason was with us throughout the entire grant writing journey,” said Rogers in her nomination form. “I know he was working on other projects and had other deadlines, but he never put us off, made us feel like we were a bother, and always reminded us that ‘we will get there.’”

“By the end, I felt he was as invested in this process as we were,” said Rogers. “We could not have submitted the TRIO grant without the support of Jason.”

An Admissions team member who has years of experience was named the August Staff Employee of the Month at last week’s First Wednesday.

While Nathan Thomas has only been at Columbus State for just under two years, he spent 20 years as an admissions representative at Ohio University’s Lancaster Campus. At Columbus State, he is a career educator for Engineering Technology. 

“Nate is willing to stop what he is doing and help others,” said Admissions Specialist Natalia Smith, who nominated Thomas.

Her nomination form provided a real-life example of his desire to assist others: “Nate took the time to (talk) with a student who was new to Ohio and the college. The student was going through some life obstacles, needing assistance with housing. Nate took it upon himself to take the young lady over to Student Advocacy.” 

“Nate hit the ground running when he joined our team,” said Admissions Director Kevin Edwards. “He came with a wealth of knowledge and experience and a great work ethic. He is known as ‘Nate from CState.’”

Lori Gage was named the Full-time Staff Employee of the Month. She is a coordinator for the Columbus State Foundation and has been with the college for nine years and was nominated by Chief of Staff Rob Messinger. 

While they may not know her name, graduates, families, supporters, and many other key Columbus State stakeholders have great experiences with the college because of Lori’s attention to detail and professionalism,” said Messinger in his nomination.

“Find any big event, and Lori will be sweating the details to provide a great experience for people who engage with the college. Lori handles both the big picture decisions and the small details. Her job is about balancing competing priorities, what event organizers want, what visitors will experience, and how the logistics marry up with our ideal experience. She is a fantastic partner in all of these facets to deliver the best experience for all who attend Columbus State events.”

A student recruiter in Admissions and an Advising & Career Services advisor are the two Staff Employees of the Month (SEOM) announced last week at First Wednesday.

Sarah Spaulding is the full-time SEOM. She has been with Columbus State since 2019 and is a student recruiter in Admissions.

“(Sarah) is always on the move hosting or helping with events in and around campus, traveling to high school and career centers, or giving Mitchell Hall tours,” said Amanda Talbott, an Admissions supervisor. “She was instrumental in collaborating with the Delaware Area Career Center to introduce our culinary certificate to the Career Center and our Delaware Campus. She is truly a great asset to the Admissions team.”

Admissions Program Coordinator Danielle Van Fossen provided a second nomination with information supporting the monthly award for Spaulding. “When you see Sarah interact with students, it is very clear that she cares deeply about them and takes her role seriously as part of their college journey.”

Beth Stanley, Advising & Career Services advisor, was named the part-time SEOM. Stanely has been with Columbus State since 2011.

“Beth is a dedicated advisor who helps students navigate any obstacle they face, whether it requires active problem solving or simply a compassionate listening ear,” said Advising & Career Services Director Jaleesa Ivy in her nomination form. “With 14 years of experience, she possesses a deep understanding of our department’s functions and readily assists colleagues across various roles.”

An instructional designer who has been with Columbus State for more than nine years was announced as the full-time Staff Employee of the Month at First Wednesday.

Nancy Stagg works in Instructional Technology & Innovation and was nominated by Nursing Associate Professor Heather Less. In her nomination form, Less stated that Stagg has been an “integral” part of planning, development, and implementation phases of the new RN to BSN program.

“Nancy has been invested in this project for almost two years, and without her, we would not have the level of excellent instruction required for the baccalaureate degree,” said Less. “She accepts meetings that span hours, is available for quick Teams calls, and is always responsive to emails.”

She adds, “Nancy’s commitment to collaborative design is evident at every turn, and she provides an external, yet connected voice that is so important in the successful revision of a new program.

Elina Vayntraub works in Instructional Technology & Innovation and was nominated by Gene Strickland, Digital Art, Media, and Design professor.

“Elina’s positivity, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to collaboration and excellence have made her an indispensable part of the campus community,” said Strickland. “She has made a significant difference to the college by serving as a central point of contact in facilitating the creation of two new and improved versions of DDG 1100 and DDG 1101. Her exceptional leadership and collaborative skills have been instrumental in driving these projects forward.

Elina’s director, Jason LaMar, added, “This project with Gene Strickland took her work to a whole other level: It’s by far the most visually stunning and design-intensive digital project DEIS has ever done. Elina went well above and beyond her regular duties by helping make this a reality for DDG (Digital Design and Graphic) faculty and students.” 

Stellan Bargar, who works as a Blend Café+Bakery barista, was named as the March Part-time Staff Employee of the Month. Having just started in mid-2023, she has already made an impression on staff and customers. Cafe Manager Faith Kemmerer said in her nomination form, “Stellan is a team player. She is always volunteering first if any needs arise, organizes the workspace, and keeps it clean. And she is a great trainer, teacher, and listener.”

Kemmerer added, “Stellan has gotten to know the customers who come to Blend daily, knows their order and is always willing to help them in any way.” 

Sherlann Lewandowski, specialist in Acquisitions & Media, was awarded the Part-time Staff Employee of the Month. She works in the Columbus State Library and has been with the college for nine years. Her role includes coordinating social media for the Library. 

Under Sherlann’s leadership, we have gained (several hundred) followers and have had videos with thousands of views, making the Library’s Instagram account one of the most viewed at the college,” said Robin Buser, Library director. “Her valuable outreach contributions demonstrate to the college community that the Library has a fun and helpful role in the learning process.”

Miranda Amrich is a part-time specialist for the Student Advocacy Center who started in her position last year. In that short time, she has made a remarkable difference in her department. “Miranda has implemented many events for education at Mid-Ohio Market at Columbus State,” said Stephanie Clemons, Student Advocacy Center assistant director. “She has implemented “Tasty Tuesdays,” Market virtual Open Houses, and the Mid-Ohio Market Mission,” all of which have increased student Market visits.

“Miranda designed the Open Houses to include every Student Advocacy Center team member and creatively connected housing stability and access to transportation, child care, and technology to food security.”

Science Laboratory TechnicianAbeer Awoodawas named the August Part-time Staff Employee of the Month. She was hired in 2018. Last month, she was promoted to a full-time position in the Biological & Physical Sciences Department. Awooda was nominated by Biology InstructorRyan Homsherand Delaware Campus SpecialistMarcia Holleman.

Student Services Specialist Hawi Leta was named the Part-time Staff Employee of the Month for September. She was hired last year to assist in Student Central.

“Hawi is knowledgeable on computer science programs and frequently guides students to see opportunities in the field,” said her nominator, fellow Specialist Sally Brackbill. “Hawi juggles multiple students and is able to handle multiple complex cases while still delivering excellent service.”

Beth Stanley, Advising & Career Services advisor, was named the part-time SEOM. Stanely has been with Columbus State since 2011. 

“Beth is a dedicated advisor who helps students navigate any obstacle they face, whether it requires active problem solving or simply a compassionate listening ear,” said Advising & Career Services Director Jaleesa Ivy in her nomination form. “With 14 years of experience, she possesses a deep understanding of our department’s functions and readily assists colleagues across various roles.”