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 91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ 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 |
|---|
| View Past Winning Dolphins |
Ideas Program
| Submit an idea |
|---|
OPC Home
| Back to OPC Home Page |
|---|

Latest NominationEmployee of the Month
July 2026
Dean Winter ’12
Director of Integrated Creative Services, Marketing & Communications.
About Our Dolphin
Congratulations to Dean Winter, JU's July 2026 Employee of the Month!
As Director of Integrated Creative Services, Dean consistently exceeds what his role requires. He meets every opportunity with a "yes" mindset, focused on solutions, not obstacles, and he is always looking for new ways to serve the 91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ community. As a proud JU alumnus and lifelong learner, his passion for the University shows in everything he does, making him one of JU's strongest advocates and a driving force behind stronger communication, deeper collaboration, and a better experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike.
Dean leads with integrity, humility, and genuine care for others. He empowers his colleagues, encourages real teamwork, and helps people navigate challenges with steady, thoughtful guidance. Whether he's offering strategic insight, technical expertise, or a word of encouragement, Dean shows up, and his calm, positive presence creates an environment where people feel supported, valued, and free to do their best work.
He's also an exceptional collaborator who regularly volunteers his time on projects well beyond his day-to-day responsibilities, helping drive the success of countless university initiatives and events. His attention to detail, clear communication, and commitment to excellence keep projects thoughtfully planned and flawlessly executed, and he does it all while modeling the professionalism and initiative he hopes to see in others.
Dean's dedication to 91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ, his commitment to a positive and collaborative culture, and his readiness to support colleagues at every turn make him an invaluable asset to this institution. As the leader of the Employee Advisory Council, he represents the very best of what it means to lead with purpose, excellence, and heart, and he is, without question, exceptionally deserving of recognition as Employee of the Month.
The Reward
Dean was presented with a certificate signed by Interim President Sutherland, a $50 cash award, and an extra day off for his outstanding contributions and positive impact on 91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ.
Phintastic Job, Dean!
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 June 2026
Catherine Rushton

Instructional Designer, Academic Technology
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
91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ 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
91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ
2800 University Blvd N
Jacksonville, FL 32211
Phone: (904) 256-7025