Twelve Missouri University of Science and Technology employees were honored for their contributions to the campus during the university’s Staff Appreciation Day celebration on Wednesday, May 21. 

Candidates for the awards were nominated by faculty, staff and students. The winners were selected based on their job performance, relationships with associates and dedication to Missouri S&T.  

Eight staff members received Staff Excellence Awards, accompanied by a monetary award of $1,000 provided by the chancellor’s office. Awardees were honored as bridge builders, for excellence in work, for their student-centric focus and demonstrating exemplary hospitality. The winners are: 

• Casey Bouse, assistant director for campus experience 

• Dr. Greg Edwards, senior strategic communications consultant for marketing and communications 

• Julie Mayfield, senior employer relations specialist for career opportunities and employer relations 

• Evie Sherlock, associate registrar for the registrar’s office 

• Sarah White, program manager for engagement and belonging 

• Tanner Woody, lead parking officer for parking operations 

• Shayla Yoakum, business support specialist for history and political science. 

One staff member received the Outstanding Newcomer Award, given to a staff member who has made a positive impact in their first two years at Missouri S&T. This year’s winner is Jerri Thompson, custodian for landscape and custodial services. 

The Outstanding Faculty Award recognizes a faculty member who is actively engaged in supporting staff across campus. The 2025 award went to Dr. Clair Reynolds Kueny, department chair and associate professor of psychological science. 

In addition to the staff and faculty excellence awards, Staff Council presented the Jan Buhlinger Spirit Award to Mark Evans, office support associate for events and hospitality management. The award is named for the late Jan Buhlinger, a former Missouri S&T employee and member of Staff Council. Recipients are selected by Staff Council based on their Missouri S&T spirit. 

Additionally, Dr. Paul Runnion, teaching professor of mathematics and statistics, was recognized for his service as a Faculty Senate liaison to the Staff Council. 

About Missouri University of Science and Technology 

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,000 students located in Rolla, Missouri. Part of the four-campus University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers over 100 degrees in 40 areas of study and is among the nation’s top public universities for salary impact, according to the Wall Street Journal. For more information about Missouri S&T, visit www.mst.edu.