A celebration of dedication: 2025 Franklin College Staff Awards

The University of Georgia Franklin College of Arts and Sciences celebrated its dedicated staff members during the 2025 Staff Appreciation Awards and Reception, held on May 21. This annual event honored staff for their outstanding contributions, commitment, passion and service to the college, recognizing both individual excellence and years of service milestones.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Hollis Yates, Publications Manager and Graphic Designer, followed by a warm welcome from Dean Anna Stenport where she praised the staff’s pivotal role. “Your professionalism and care are the backbone of this thriving college,” she said, acknowledging their support for students, faculty, and the University of Georgia.

Associate Dean Adam Goodie introduced the Staff Excellence in Service Awards, which recognize staff who demonstrate exceptional performance, initiative, creativity, and dedication to improving their units and fostering a positive workplace environment. This year’s Staff Excellence in Service Award recipients included Clare Amaret Baeckeroot from the Department of English, presented by Associate Professor Nathan Kreuter; Kristina Petti from the Office of the Dean, presented by Senior Associate Dean Paula Lemons; and Netra Abhijit Phadke from the Department of Physics & Astronomy, presented by Associate Professor Craig Wiegert. Each honoree was celebrated for their significant contributions to their respective units.

Additional awards highlighted exceptional staff achievements. Kimberly Buffington received the Business Support Staff of the Year Award, presented by Senior Director Stephanie Rosso. Andrew D. Osborne was named Information Technology Professional of the Year, with his award presented by Executive Director Michael Hill. Alexandria Brock earned the Outstanding Academic Advisor Award, presented by Director Diane Miller. Faye Chatman from Franklin at Griffin received the Staff Inclusive Excellence Award, presented by Associate Dean Marshall Shepherd, recognizing her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

The event, presented by Associate Dean Stephen Mihm, celebrated staff members reaching significant service milestones, with honorees recognized in order from longest to shortest tenure. Kellie Borders Peyton (Office of the Dean) was honored for 30 years of service, Carrie R. Cabe (Office of Information Technology) was celebrated for 25 years, Cecilia Reynolds, Katherine Field, and Kathleen Anderson (Office of Student Academic Services), were recognized for 20 years of service. April Myers, Jane K. Worley (Business Services Office), Hollis Yates (Office of Marketing & Communications), and Kristina Petti (Office of the Dean) were acknowledged for 15 years of service, and Aye Htun, Wen Zhang (Department of Genetics), Jeremy Lopez, Kurtis Joslin, Reid H. Geisenhof, Richard M. Hare (Office of Information Technology), Johanna Royo, Tony Graves (Hugh Hodgson School of Music), Rebecca Jeffers (Office of Student Academic Services), Robin Taylor (Department of Physics & Astronomy), Vanessa Michele Kaitlyn Stimson (Department of Psychology), Mary Alston Killen (Office of Development & Alumni Relations), and Tasha Ledford (Regents’ Center for Learning Disorders) were celebrated for 10 years of service.

The event concluded with prize drawings and closing remarks by Hollis Yates, capping off a meaningful celebration of the Franklin College staff’s dedication and impact. The reception underscored the college’s commitment to recognizing the vital role staff play in advancing its mission of academic excellence and community engagement. These awardees all reflect our spark and values with every contribution they make.

 Image: Group photo with Dean Anna Stenport