At Rhodes College, recognition flowed not just from the fountains of academia but from a wellspring of appreciation for the staff who underpin the institution's daily life. On May 23, an annual Service Recognition Brunch was a moment to acknowledge employees across a spectrum of roles and years of dedication. Four staff members were notably celebrated with the 2025 Outstanding Staff Awards, each for their unique contributions that keep the college's mission sharp and in focus, reported Rhodes News.
These awards, selected through nominations, honored individuals who show sustained exceptionalism in their work. Brenda Webber, a housekeeper lauded for her good-natured spirit and supportiveness, was presented with the Outstanding Administrative Services Staff Award, a testament to her unwavering positivity and meticulous care in her duties. Her impact, felt in each sparkly corner of Southwestern Hall, is not only seen but felt, with nominators citing her presence as a "friendly face" and possessing an "unforgettable style." The rare alchemy of her grace was not to be overlooked, for her magic touch weaves through the physical plant, impressing upon her peers a standard of excellence.
In the realm of administrative assistance, Amber Lewis shone brightly as the recipient of the Outstanding Administrative Staff Award for her multifaceted support in the Department of Urban Studies. According to her peers, Amber's vibrant energy extends beyond her official role, touching health equity, Africana studies, and booming with a pulse that resonates with students and faculty alike. "She serves health equity, Africana studies, and other programs. She is creative, hardworking, and I’ve never seen an admin vibe with our students the way she does. She has an admirable way of connecting with them while also being a great manager. To be honest . . . she just gets stuff done!” a nominator told Rhodes News.
Technology at the college has an adhesive strength and dynamism thanks to Lance Kimbrell, the associate director of Instructional Technology and one of the Outstanding Administrator Award recipients. His colleagues speak with high regard, highlighting the instrumental role he plays in enhancing classroom and event spaces, a silent guardian against the chaos of potential crises. Lance, through his forward-thinking and service, ensures "that students can learn effectively and that faculty can utilize a plethora of tools to teach them." It seems the framework of Rhodes's academic stamina owes much to his tactical foresight.
Stephanie Chockley, the other Outstanding Administrator Award recipient, who also manages student services in Rhodes Express, doesn't just serve her institution—she personifies its spirit. "Stephanie is loud. But she's loud in the good way. Hers is the voice you hear above everyone else's in the room, but you want to hear it because it's cheerful, honest, intelligent, and mixed with laughter," as per a nudging accolade from a nominator cited by Rhodes News. Whether handling countless interactions with students or juggling administrative challenges, she executes her role with a fervor that knows both the canopy of strategy and the soil of grassroots.
Elsewhere in accolades, a Campus Life Awards ceremony held earlier in April by the students themselves brought Robbie Taliaferro and Shundreka Jenkins to the fore. Taliaferro, celebrated as the Loretta Watkins Outstanding Housekeeper, and Jenkins, recognized as Campus Safety Officer of the Year, represent the embodiment of Rhodes' community’s core, where service extends beyond mere motion and thrives as a connection to the heartbeats of the campus life.
