UA President Pat Pitney presents "Staff Make Students Count" Awards
September 1, 2023
President Pitney presented the annual “Staff Make Students Count” Awards during the
August 31 Board of Regents meeting. The awards recognize staff from each university
and the System Office who have made a difference in the lives of students. Staff members
are nominated by their peers; and each awardee receives a plaque, $1000, and two Alaska
Airlines vouchers.
- UAA recipient Robyn Callahan is a high school initiatives coordinator/scheduler at Kodiak College. She was recognized
for implementing the Kodiak Middle College program, creating new scholarship opportunities
for Kodiak students, and providing the on-the-ground daily support for dual enrollment
students. She has helped countless students make the transition from high school to college.
She also hosts a college club for students and her office is often full of students
between classes.
- UAF recipient Cody Rogers is the director of the UAF Wood Center and Center for Student Engagement. She was
recognized for her unwavering support of students, student employees, and campus culture
at UAF, fostering an environment of opportunity and positivity. One letter called Cody the "glue that binds student affairs." Students also talked
about Cody's dedication to inclusion and mental health awareness. Students of all
backgrounds feel like they belong and feel comfortable seeking help. She has helped
students through housing emergencies and health crises. Many students said Cody was
key to their success at UAF.
- UAS recipient Katie Sill is a lead academic advisor at UAS Sitka. She was recognized for her dedication and
commitment to university students as an academic advisor, resource for resolving barriers
to student success, and member of numerous committees to support UAS students. Colleagues note she is proactive and identifies elements students need. She helps
dual enrollment students and nontraditional students navigate class registration and
other processes. She looks for opportunities to get students involved in the communities.
Her coworkers describe her as hardworking, organized, caring, and cheerful.
- System Office recipient Dustin Bawcom is an administrative specialist in the Office of Academics, Students, and Research.
He was recognized for his work with the Coalition of Student Leaders, particularly
going above and beyond in logistics and support for their in-person meeting in Juneau.
He organizes meetings, recruits members, and manages the annual retreat. This includes
booking hotels and setting up meetings with leaders. Students noted that Dustin makes
sure all students feel included and fosters a community of collaboration with a smile.
This year, there were many canceled flights out of Juneau. Dustin made sure the students
were taken care of. He turned a stressful experience into an adventure and learning
opportunity.