The College of Business annually presents five awards, each with a specific set of criteria, to staff members. The award recipients are announced at the college’s annual faculty and staff banquet held in the spring semester.
Eligibility
For each award below, faculty or staff may nominate full-time College of Business staff members, but self-nominations are not permitted. While the Staff Awards committee will give priority to specific nomination requests, it may also consider nominees for other awards as appropriate. At least two eligible staff members must be nominated for each award. Each nomination must include supporting details that align with the award criteria.
Criteria
Please review each award description and its criteria below, and then complete the form at the bottom of this page to nominate worthy staff member.
Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award
This distinguished recognition is presented to a staff member within the College of Business who demonstrates exceptional performance in their role. Nominees are required to maintain professional communication, exemplify servant leadership, and consistently exhibit strong leadership abilities. They must actively pursue continued professional development and uphold integrity and dedication in all tasks. Additionally, nominees encourage collaboration and foster creativity among colleagues.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be full-time staff members, who have been employed by the College of Business for a minimum of three years. Additional years of service at FSU do not count. Self-nominations are not permitted.
Criteria
Nominees for this award must:
- Be exemplary and efficient in fulfilling their job responsibilities
- Communicate professionally with colleagues
- Demonstrate a servant leadership mentality
- Possess strong leadership skills
- Seek continuous growth and improvement as a professional
- Carry out their job with integrity and dedication
- Foster an atmosphere of cooperation and creativity among their peers
Award Recipients
- 2025 — Suzanne Barwick
- 2024 — Jennifer Janasiewicz
- 2023 — Aiden Sizemore
- 2022 — Ray Marky
- 2021 — Michelle Kane
- 2020 — Shuntel Fuller
- 2019 — Jennifer Clark
- 2018 — Kim Hicks
- 2017 — Lee Browning
- 2016 — Marissa Langston
Emerging Leader Award
This award honors a staff member who exhibits outstanding leadership potential and has served in their current role for fewer than three years. Eligible nominees consistently demonstrate prompt mastery of responsibilities, initiative, resourcefulness, adaptability, receptiveness to coaching, and operational efficiency. Additionally, they deliver exemplary customer service and make meaningful contributions to their department or area.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be full-time staff members of the College of Business who have been in their position for less than three years. Self-nominations are not permitted.
Criteria
Nominees for this award must:
- Excel in learning their job
- Demonstrate initiative in their position
- Be resourceful, adaptable, coachable and efficient
- Exhibit excellent customer service
- Be a valuable addition to their department/area
Award Recipients
- 2025 — Eden Wahlquist
- 2024 — Bobby Lolley
- 2023 — Ashley Stanton
- 2022 — Hannah Howard
- 2021 — Britney White
- 2020 — Rebecca Stephenson
- 2019 — Marissa Mainwood
- 2018 — Adrienne Teffner
- 2017 — Jill Marquez
- 2016 — Michelle Kane and Rosie Lopez
Esprit de Corps Award
This award recognizes a staff member who consistently exemplifies pride, camaraderie, and loyalty. Recipients honor and uphold the college’s cultural traditions, demonstrate respect toward faculty, staff, and students, and are dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be full-time staff members of the College of Business. Length of service to the college is irrelevant. Self-nominations are not permitted.
Criteria
Nominees for this award must:
- Exhibit consistent pride, fellowship and loyalty
- Uphold the college’s cultural traditions
- Demonstrate respect for faculty, staff and students
- Excel in customer service
Award Recipients
- 2025 — Trinity Gonzalez
- 2024 — Ashontis Pace
- 2023 — Jason Harle
- 2022 — Lisa Tate Ramos
- 2021 — Latrecha Scott
- 2020 — Chelsea Vaughn
- 2019 — Jennifer Boyles
- 2018 — Jeff Horton
- 2017 — Willie Smith
- 2016 — L. Shuntel Fuller
Ingenuity Award
This award recognizes a staff member who approaches challenges with creativity and develops original solutions that benefit their team, students or the college. This individual is not satisfied with doing things simply because "that's how it's always been done." Nominees should show adaptability and resourcefulness, introduce new methods or technologies, and demonstrate initiative within their roles.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be full-time staff members of the College of Business. Length of service to the college is irrelevant. Self-nominations are not permitted.
Criteria
Nominees for this award must:
- Be resourceful and adaptable
- Be able to develop innovative solutions to problems in their area
- Be willing to consider new procedures and technologies
- Demonstrate initiative in their position
Award Recipients
- 2025 — Kallen Lunt
- 2024 — Savana Edwards
- 2023 — Hannah Vollenweider
- 2022 — Elizabeth Kistner
- 2021 — Shannon Young
- 2020 — Alex Massey
Extra Mile Award
This award recognizes a staff member who consistently demonstrates reliability during times of staff shortage, increased workload, or other team challenges. The recipient is distinguished by their proactive approach, frequently asking, “How can I help?” Their initiative and commitment to the college’s mission serve as a source of inspiration for colleagues. Nominees must actively seek opportunities to support the team, routinely exceed their standard responsibilities, and voluntarily contribute whenever necessary.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be full-time staff members of the College of Business. Length of service to the college is irrelevant. Self-nominations are not permitted.
Criteria
Nominees for this award must:
- Go out of their way to find ways to contribute to the team
- Go above and beyond their daily duties on a regular basis
- Be someone who volunteers to assist when it is needed
Award Recipients
- 2025 — Vanessa Roman-Sotolongo
- 2024 — Katie Xanders
- 2023 — Jolene Hazelwood
- 2022 — Jennifer Janasiewicz
- 2021 — Sarah Cass
- 2020 — Knox Mallette
Nomination Process
Nominations for 2025 are now open.
