News
Tennessee Tech honors individuals with Celebration of Excellence
Jessie Medley, Angie Smith and Jessica Vazquez were honored at Tennessee Tech's annual
Celebration of Excellence with Wings of Kindness awards for their work in the university's
Child Development Lab.
Tennessee Tech University recently recognized several students, faculty and staff
at the university’s annual Celebration of Excellence on April 23. The event acknowledges
those who have demonstrated hard work, kindness and dedication to excellence.
“Before we start the awards, give yourselves a round of applause for a bold, fearless,
confident, kind and excellent year,” said Tech President Phil Oldham.
Students recognized at the beginning of the awards ceremony included: Addison Dorris,
outgoing student member of the Tech Board of Trustees; 2023-2024 President’s Ambassadors,
including Caitlyn Dodson, Nicholas Fish, Sophia Foster, Lauren Grimes, Faith Judkins,
Pooja Patel, Emma Grace Sullivan, Lindsey Taylor and Ellen Williamson; as well as
2023-2024 Student Government Association (SGA) Executive Officers, including Chance
Hale, Claire Myers, Jeb MacLennan and Lindsey Taylor. Finally, the newly elected 2024-2025
SGA Executive Officers were recognized, including Kelsey Hewitt as president, Harrison
Simpson as vice president, Cheyenne Bare as treasurer and Braxton Westbrook as secretary.
The Most Valuable Student Worker awards included the Most Valuable Federal Work Study
Student of the Year Caitlyn Petrey from the Biology Department, as well as the Most
Valuable University Academic Scholarship Student of the Year Kassidy Stryker from
the College of Business Student Success Center.
Rob Owens, Tech’s chief diversity officer who served as the emcee for the event, noted,
“Your hard work and your dedication to putting students first have united us today.
We want to celebrate you!”
Excellence in Advising Awards were given to professor Ping-Chi (Peter) Li from the
Earth Sciences Department in the College of Arts and Sciences and Danyelle Hawkins
from the Launchpad Student Success Center.
On the nomination for Li, his supporter said, “Dr. Li consistently demonstrates a
caring and helpful attitude towards his advisees, faculty and staff. He goes above
and beyond to build strong relationships with advisees through one-on-one advising,
ensuring that we feel supported and encouraged with every step. His frequency of contact
and willingness to provide guidance have been invaluable in navigating the challenges
of academic life.”
It was said on the nomination for Hawkins, “She has a history of helping students
navigate the challenges that they face by taking a personal interest in those students.
When faced with a student needing extra support, she goes above and beyond to help
them by walking those students to the Counseling Center, tracking down resources and
following up with them. She persists if the student does not respond to her attempts
to help them, knowing that sometimes students shut down when they feel lost and overwhelmed
by a situation.”
Another prestigious award given during the ceremony was the Outstanding Clerical and
Support Staff Awards. Recipients of that award this year included: Christina Hatley
from the Millard Oakley STEM Center and Irene Mauk from the School of Environmental
Studies.
The Outstanding Professional Award was given to Les Fralix from the Marc L. Burnett
Student Recreation and Fitness Center.
On Fralix’s nomination form, it said, “Les always puts students first. She tries her
best to think like a student, and if she’s concerned that she might not hit the mark,
she’ll go to the experts, the students, and ask them. Student experience, safety and
campus policies are all top priorities. Les is more than a hard worker and team player;
she is committed to the Tech family.”
The university’s highest student honor, the Derryberry Award, was given to graduating
marketing and human resource management student Addison Dorris. The award was established
in honor of the late Everett Derryberry who retired in 1974 after 34 years as president
of the university. The award recognizes scholastic attainment, moral and intellectual
integrity, campus participation, good citizenship, leadership and physical vigor.
During her time at Tech, Dorris has served as the Student Trustee on Tech’s Board
of Trustees, been active in the Student Government Association, President’s Ambassadors,
Alpha Delta Pi, College of Business Ambassadors, College of Business Peer Mentors,
Omicron Delta Kappa, Marketing Club and various other university committees.
As noted in her nomination packet, “Addison exemplifies all of the criteria for this
award, including educational attainment arising out of moral and intellectual integrity,
successful campus activity, a commitment to service learning and citizenship, incredible
instincts to lead and fondness for individual and team sports."
The nomination form continued, “Throughout her time at Tennessee Tech, Addison has
consistently demonstrated academic excellence and a strong sense of integrity and
leadership. She is involved in various campus activities showcasing her commitment
to positively impacting the university, the Cookeville community and her peers. Whether
volunteering, organizing events or advocating for important issues for her fellow
students, Addison always goes above and beyond to contribute to the betterment of
our campus.”
Finally, the university recognized those individuals who have demonstrated exceptional
kindness on campus with the annual Wings of Kindness Awards. Established in 2019 by
Tech First Lady Kari Oldham, the Wings of Kindness initiative recognizes the university’s
values, work ethic and culture of kindness. The winners this year included: Doug Hensley,
Mary McCaskey, Angie Smith, Jessie Medley, Jessica Vazquez, Rachel Mannahan, Stephanie
Richards, Michele Lee Niec, Miranda Wilson, Tiff Rector, Pedro Arce, Carlos Galindo,
George Chitiyo, Lee Wray, Joni Gilmore, Mark Creter and Lisa Brown.
More information about the Celebration of Excellence and this year’s awards can be
found at https://www.tntech.edu/president/celebration-of-excellence.php.
