University of North Texas

Every year, Staff Appreciation Month offers a chance to recognize employees who go above and beyond to make UNT a great place to work and study.

President Neal Smatresk presented university staff members with awards for their outstanding contributions to UNT during the annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon, which was held March 30 in the UNT Coliseum. Throughout March, staff members also were celebrated for their contributions with celebrations, training sessions, networking opportunities and perks.

This year’s winners represent a wide variety of academic and service departments. Here are the names of 2016 Staff Appreciation Award recipients:

Steve Miller Outstanding Employee Award:

• Cheryl Benningfield, space planning manager, Office of Space Management and Planning

• Christa Coffey, director of student activities, Student Activities Center

• Sabrina Gilbreath, stockroom manager, Department of Chemistry

• Steve Hill, director of institutional compliance and UNT System compliance officer, Office of Institutional Compliance

Customer Service Award:

• Amy Fuller, administrative coordinator, Department of Communications Studies

• Sabina Hernandez, degree audit systems analyst, Office of the Registrar

• Ashley Olsberg, classroom support service manager, University Information Technology Department

Diversity Award:

• Luis Rivas, director of project management, Finance and Administration

Rising Star Award:

• Samuel Earls, academic counselor, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science

Spirit Award:

• Cheylon Brown, director, Multicultural Center

• Jill King, senior editor, University Relations, Communications and Marketing

Student Success Award:

• Wendy Boyd-Brown, academic counselor, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science

• JoAnn Luksich, data management supervisor, University Information Technology Department

• Marielena Resendiz-Carpanzano, administrative specialist, Department of Media Arts

Special Recognition Award:  

• Richard Mabry, academic services director, College of Public Affairs and Community Service

-- Adrienne Nettles, URCM. Above, 2016 Staff Appreciation Awards (Photo by Gary Payne, URCM)