Staff Employee of the Month 2026

A member of Facilities Operations who has worked for the college for more than three decades was named the Staff Employee of the Month at First Wednesday.

Mike Wise, facilities technician, first came to Columbus State in 1989. He retired after a full career but then returned three years ago. Collectively, Wise has served for more than 36 years!

Wise was nominated by Sgt. Jeff Dodge of the Columbus State Police Department. “I have had the privilege of knowing Mike for many years and have always felt that he embodies the heart, soul, and spirit of what our campus represents,” said Dodge in his nomination. “Mike makes a difference daily at Columbus State with his incredible work ethic. Without hard-working people like him, the campus community would not be able to provide the mission and goals we all collectively share for our students.” 

Dodge adds, “Mike knows and understands that the image and brand of Columbus State are essential to our community, and he shares a common mission amongst all staff positions that aid in supporting student success in any way possible.”

A manager in Human Resources who’s been with the college for more than five years was named the Staff Employee of the Month at last week’s First Wednesday.

Erica Russell was hired in 2020 and works in labor and employee relations in the Human Resources Department. She was nominated by Alleigh Bradley, Admissions assistant director.

“Her in-depth knowledge of HR processes and policies is unmatched,” said Bradley in her nomination. “In the work environment, no one enjoys having difficult conversations with HR, but knowing that Erica will be involved always brings a glimmer of relief. Her professionalism, patience, and ability to handle sensitive situations with care and respect make these tough discussions far easier than anticipated.”

Kristen Treadway, chief human resources officer and Russell’s supervisor, said, “Erica is a consummate professional who works hard to get to all of her customers as quickly and efficiently as possible. She emulates the overall professionalism that HR has been striving for to support all of our employees.” 

Daniel King has been with Columbus State for 18 years and serves as a science lab technician for Biological & Physical Sciences. He was nominated for full-time Staff Employee of the Month by two colleagues: Barbara Allen, Workday Change Management assistant director, and retired Human Resources Program Coordinator Paula Teeter. 

With staffing shortages in the laboratories, Daniel has stepped up and taken on more responsibility,” said Allen and Teeter. “He has maintained his high quality of work and standards despite the increased workload. He is working to streamline the organization of the chemistry laboratories he maintains in addition to the prep spaces he works in,” they said. 

King’s supervisor echoed those comments. Biological & Physical Sciences Chairperson Cathy Bill said, “Daniel stepped in to help when we recently lost our lab coordinator and lab tech within weeks of one another. He also indicated willingness to take on other duties formerly assigned to the lab coordinator.” 

Emily Henderson, the part-time Staff Employee of the Month, was also nominated by two colleagues. She has been a librarian since 2023 at the Delaware Campus Library. 

“Since arriving at Columbus State, Emily has become a student mentor, a scholarship reviewer, and a valuable team member on the Delaware Campus and Dublin RLC event planning committees,” said Kristine Kinzer, Library coordinator. “Emily makes a difference every day to the Columbus State community through her skill, empathy, and work ethic.” 

Dale Gresson, Delaware Campus and Regional Learning Centers executive director, said, “She is service-oriented, patient with students, and consistently pleasant to work with. Her calm and supportive presence helps create a welcoming library environment where students feel comfortable seeking assistance.”