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 |
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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
May 2026
Samantha Morgan
Associate Director of Strategic Events & Campus Experience
About Our Dolphin
Congratulations to the 91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ May 2026 Employee of the Month, Samantha Morgan. As Associate Director of Strategic Events & Campus Experience, Sam consistently goes above and beyond to ensure each event is executed at the highest level, exemplifying 91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµâ€™s Gold Standard of experience. She is the ultimate team player and campus collaborator, always taking ownership of her responsibilities while providing strong leadership and clear communication to those around her. Her positive attitude and calm demeanor are especially reassuring during high-stress events, making her a true joy to work with and someone very deserving of recognition.
Sam has an exceptional eye for detail, elevating every aspect of the guest experience. She is deeply committed to the success of 91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ, and her impact extends well beyond campus through the relationships she builds and the lasting impression she leaves on everyone she encounters.
On April 21, Sam sprang into action when she stomped out a small fire on the campus side of the STEAM Building. Her quick thinking helped prevent a potentially larger issue and reflected the calm, proactive leadership she demonstrates every day.
In a demanding role, Sam consistently brings positivity, energy, and a can-do attitude that unites people and helps teams work together effectively. Even during the pouring rain at Commencement, she remained fully committed to ensuring everything ran smoothly. Her resilience, professionalism, and dedication make a lasting impact across campus.
The Reward
Asha 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, Sam!
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 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