Staff Excellence Awards Ceremony and Reception

a group of people sitting at tables in a room

Details:	To recognize their outstanding commitment to Central Michigan University and its students, 19 staff members have earned 2026 CMU Staff Excellence Awards. The award recipients were selected out of a record 117 nominations submitted by their colleagues. Nomination forms were filled with descriptions of staff members whose work philosophy aligns with CMU’s core values. Nearly every nomination included descriptions of characteristics such as, “professional, highly skilled, responsible and compassionate.” Some award recipients were even described as “an indispensable asset to the university,” and “an invaluable resource.” The CMU staff members selected for the special recognition this year are listed below: Mike Dabbs, Director of Development in University Advancement for the College of Liberal Arts and Social Science and the division of University Engagement and Student Affairs Judy Flaugher, Assistant Registrar of Academic Scheduling and Space in the Registrar’s Office Ari Harris, Executive Director of Strategic Communications in University Marketing and Communications Jennifer Laubenthal, Director of Assessment and Accreditation for the College of Science and Engineering Kathleen Litwiller, Administrative Office Assistant III in the Philip L. Kintzele School of Accounting Katie Long, Administrative Office Assistant III for the Physician Assistant program Teresea Looman, Lead Teacher for the Child Development and Learning Lab within the Human Development and Family Studies program Angie Moss, Assistant Director for Faculty Personnel Services Alisha Norman, Assistant Director of Housing Assignments in Residence Life Jenna Owens, Faculty Employment and Compensation Specialist in Faculty Personnel Services Wiline Pangle, Director of the InSciTE program Steely Pegg, Assistant Director in Residence Life Karen Rintamaki, Coordinator of Faculty Support for Curriculum and Instructional Support Brandon Skiles, Assistant Director in the Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute Kelsey Szymanski, Senior Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions for Undergraduate Admissions Wade Tomson, Senior Associate Director of Campus Visits and Events for Undergraduate Admissions Amy Turley, Administrative Coordinator for the Office of the President Nikki Turner, Director of HR-SAP Information Systems in Human Resources Rob Vandorin, Executive Director of Business and Community Outreach for CMU Online The recipients of the 2026 CMU Staff Excellence Award will be recognized at a ceremony on September 30, 2026, in the University Center Rotunda beginning at 1 p.m. A mingling reception with appetizers will be available immediately following the ceremony. External guests are invited to park in Lots 18, 22, and 27. A permit is not required.
Date:	-
Time:	-
Location:	Bovee University Center Rotunda - 103 E Preston St. Mt. Pleasant, MI , USA Get directions
Sponsor:	President's Office
Contact:	Krista Holtgreive holtg1ks@cmich.edu (989) 774-6607