Office of People & Culture

Employee Recognition Programs

Two women in front of a white board brainstorming ideas.

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 91Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ

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.

View Nomination Criteria

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

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Associate Director of Residential Life

 Employee of the Month March 2026

Stephanie Ison

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Accounting Associate, Controller’s Office

 Employee of the Month February 2026

Kaylee Bloom

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Director, Career Design and Exploration

 Employee of the Month January 2026

Sgt. Danny Dividu

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Campus Security

 Employee of the Month November 2025

Adriana Samra

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University Webmaster

 Employee of the Month October 2025

Geoff Davis

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Simulation Operation Specialist/IT Tech

 Employee of the Month March 2025

Les Wright

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Director of Fields & Facilities

 Employee of the Month February 2025

Misty Pippin

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Assistant Director of Student Financial Services

 Employee of the Month November 2024

Janiqua Morris

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Office Assistant, School of Social Sciences and Education

 Employee of the Month October 2024

Leanna Morgan-Ash

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Accounting Associate, Controller's Office.

 Employee of the Month September 2024

Andrew Lee

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Manager of Technical Service, Information Technology Department

 Employee of the Month August 2024

John Galloway

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Lacrosse Head Coach

 Employee of the Month July 2024

Colleen Skinner

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Assistant Professor of Law & Director Law Library, College of Law

 Employee of the Month June 2024

Bambi Brundage

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Executive Director, Student Wellness & Engagement

 Employee of the Month May 2024

Wendy Parrish

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Executive Assistant to the Dean, College of Arts & Sciences.

 Employee of the Month April 2024

Melba Wagstaff

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Human Resources Assistant, NROTC

 Employee of the Month March 2024

Julia Wiesner Lawless

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Director of Undergraduate Recruitment, Admissions

 Employee of the Month February 2024

Gladys Gabriel

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Accountant, Controller's Office

 Employee of the Month January 2024

Alexandra Robinson

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Executive Director of Strategic Events & Campus Experience, University Marketing and Communications

 Employee of the Month October 2023

Mike Mitchell

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Director of Military & Veterans Resource Center, Student Affairs

 Employee of the Month September 2023

Japhetia Blackwell

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Simulationist, Healthcare Simulation Center (HSC)

 Employee of the Month August 2023

Lauren Brucker

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Director, Residential Ops, Residential Life

 Employee of the Month July 2023

Karteye Hill

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Imaging Technician, Post Office

 Employee of the Month May 2023

Kalilah Jamall

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Assistant Director of Engagement, Alumni, & Family, Advancement

 Employee of the Month April 2023

Roger Palmer

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Accounting Manager of Disbursements, Controller's Office

 Employee of the Month March 2023

Michael Lane

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Director of Rowing

 Employee of the Month February 2023

Amber Korn

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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

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