As the Fall 2024 Semester begins to wind down and as we look back on 2024, the College of Arts & Letters would like to extend its appreciation to all its staff members who have contributed to our success over the past year and would like to give special recognition to the 2024 College of Arts & Letters Staff Award winners for their exceptional dedication, service, and leadership.
The 2024 Staff Award winners are:
- Brian de Vries – Jo-Ann Vanden Bergh Award
- Carly Ensign – Outstanding Leadership Award
- Delaney Atkinson – Exceptional Service Award
- Michelle Danaj – Flying Under the Radar Award
- Kath Clark – Rising Star Award
- Staff managing the Diaspora Solidarities Lab (DSL) Mellon Grant, including Heather Dainton, Michelle Danaj, Stacy Hoxsey, Tammy Hoebecke, and Penny Shanks – Golden Staff Award
Jo-Ann Vanden Bergh Award
The Jo-Ann Vanden Bergh Award is the gold standard of staff awards within the College of Arts & Letters. It is named in honor of Jo-Ann Vanden Bergh, who served the College of Arts & Letters for more than 25 years in various staff positions. Established in 2011, the award’s first recipient was its namesake, Jo-Ann Vanden Bergh.
Brian de Vries, Office Supervisor, is the 2024 recipient of the Jo-Ann Vanden Bergh Award for his outstanding contributions to the College of Arts & Letters in various roles, most recently as Assistant to the Associate Deans. deVries was nominated by Mary Beth Heeder, Senior Consultant of Educator and Student Learning and Success and Arts and Humanities Healthcare Program Co-Coordinator and Instructor; Penny Shanks, Office Operations Team Lead; and Sonja Fritzsche, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Administration and Professor of German Studies.
In her nomination letter, Heeder highlighted de Vries capacity for empathetic leadership and collaboration: “The more I have the honor to work with Brian, the more I appreciate his talent, skill, knowledge as an artist. I see his beautiful heart and bright light that likely led him to pursue a psychology degree and engage in acting. Brian has a gift for perceiving and expressing empathy in a way that is powerful.”
Shanks commended deVries inclusive leadership style, noting how he creates a positive environment where colleagues feel valued: “Brian is a true advocate for teamwork, recognizing that collaborative efforts are key to enhancing effectiveness and efficiency in the workplace. He actively promotes a sense of camaraderie and cooperation among staff members, encouraging open communication and shared goals. His ability to unite teams and inspire collective effort has significantly contributed to the college’s success.”
“Brian is a true advocate for teamwork, recognizing that collaborative efforts are key to enhancing effectiveness and efficiency in the workplace…His ability to unite teams and inspire collective effort has significantly contributed to the college’s success.”
Penny Shanks, Office Operations Team Lead
Fritzsche praised his professionalism and calm demeanor, particularly in high-pressure situations: “Even in challenging situations, he maintains a sense of calm that radiates out to others. His demeanor allows him the time to think through complexities before responding with the integrity and the confidence that comes from his depth of experience in his role. He does not dominate a meeting and is able to move a team conversation along in a productive and efficient direction. At the same time, he is personable and respectful with his staff and faculty colleagues, always ready to share knowledge.”
De Vries graduated from Michigan State University in 2016 with a B.A. in Psychology and was an assistant in both MSU’s Morality and Intergroup Relations Lab and Clinical Psychophysiology Lab. He also has more than 15 years of acting experience, having appeared in over 50 productions in the Lansing area, and has presented on voice, movement, and dialects as a guest lecturer at Lansing Community College.
Outstanding Leadership Award
Established in 2018, this award recognizes a member of the support staff who embodies exceptional leadership by building community, nurturing a culture of care and support, exhibiting strong stewardship of institutional resources (time, talent, financial, etc.), and developing a shared vision of institutional excellence.
Carly Ensign, Director of Finance, is the 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Award as she embodies all the qualities of an outstanding leader. She was nominated for the award by Heather Dainton, Research Administrator II; Mary Beth Heeder, Senior Consultant of Educator and Student Learning and Success and Arts and Humanities Healthcare Program Co-Coordinator and Instructor; and Dànielle Nicole DeVoss, Chairperson of the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures and William J. Beal Distinguished Professor.
Dainton, who has worked closely with Ensign since 2023, praised her for her supportive and collaborative approach: “Carly embodies the characteristics of an outstanding leader in everything that she does. Carly’s thoughtful approach to her work inspires those around her to perform their best. She encourages professional and personal growth, and models that behavior for her team to follow. Carly is truly an asset to the College of Arts & Letters and MSU. Carly truly encompasses all the qualifications for the Outstanding Leadership Award and is greatly deserving of this honor.”
“Carly embodies the characteristics of an outstanding leader in everything that she does. Carly’s thoughtful approach to her work inspires those around her to perform their best.”
Heather Dainton, Research Administrator II
Heeder emphasized how Ensign’s thoughtful leadership strengthens the College of Arts & Letters’ Culture of Care: “I am inspired by the ethic of care that drives Carly’s why – her leading, learning, and teaching. Carly takes the time to understand the systems that inform her work. She is an excellent listener, which serves her well as she works with diverse groups of people to strategize, address complex problems, and build community. Carly’s purpose – to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others – is driven by her values of which people, dignity, respect, and integrity are central.”
Exceptional Service Award
Established in 2016, this award recognizes support staff members who have worked for the college for at least three years and have consistently demonstrated outstanding performance and a commitment to delivering exceptional service. Award recipients anticipate the college’s needs and are proactive and forward-thinking in addressing those needs. They also promote productive relationships across the college and university while demonstrating diplomacy and responsiveness.
Delaney Atkinson, Secretary III, is the 2024 recipient of the Exceptional Service Award for her outstanding contributions as a key support staff member within the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program (AIIS). Since joining the program in August 2022, Atkinson has been a cornerstone of the team, providing exemplary service and dependable support crucial to the program’s success.
Atkinson was nominated for the award by Kristin Arola, Director of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program, and Deanna Thomas, Office Operations Supervisor and the Executive Staff Assistant to the Dean.
Arola described Atkinson as an invaluable partner: “Delaney Atkinson illustrates all of the attributes of an Exceptional Service Award winner. She demonstrates exemplary customer service, anticipates our unit’s needs, helps promote productive relationships through her proactive forward-thinking, and is the most dependable staff person I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I couldn’t do my job without her.”
“Delaney has consistently gone beyond expectations. She consistently seeks out opportunities to improve processes and services, and her innovative ideas have led to significant advancements in our operations.
Deanna Thomas, Office Operations Supervisor and the Executive Staff Assistant to the Dean
Thomas commended Atkinson’s community involvement and her integrity, excellence, and compassion: “Delaney has consistently gone beyond expectations. She consistently seeks out opportunities to improve processes and services, and her innovative ideas have led to significant advancements in our operations. Delaney’s ability to motivate and inspire her colleagues is truly exceptional, and she is always willing to lend a helping hand or offer support when needed.”
Atkinson joined the Office Operations Team in December 2021, supporting Undergraduate Studies, the Center for Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities, American Indian and Indigenous Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies, Excel Network, Digital Humanities, Citizen Scholars, and Student Wellness, Success, Recruitment, and Advising, as well as Marketing and Communications, Academic Technology, and, recently, the Department of African American and African Studies. She has a B.A. in Business Administration from Liberty University and previously worked for the Michigan Department of Transportation while studying for her degree.
Flying Under the Radar Award
Established in 2024, the Flying Under the Radar Award acknowledges the contributions of support staff members who shine in their roles quietly but with remarkable efficacy, without the desire for recognition. It is designed to celebrate those essential individuals who, through their steadfast commitment, exemplary performance, and cooperative spirit, make significant impacts behind the scenes. It serves to honor the unsung heroes whose efforts, though not always visible, are fundamental to our collective success.
Michelle Danaj, Office Operations Coordinator, is the inaugural recipient of the Flying Under the Radar Award in recognition of her invaluable work with two transformative initiatives: the Womxn of Color Initiative (WOCI) and the Diaspora Solidarities Lab (DSL). Over the past several years, Danaj has demonstrated remarkable consistency in supporting these groundbreaking projects, all while fulfilling her regular duties in various academic units.
Delia Fernández-Jones, Associate Dean for Equity, Justice, and Faculty Affairs and Director of WOCI, and Yomaira Figueroa, Co-Director of DSL, nominated Danaj for this award.
“Though Michelle has been quietly flying under the radar, she has made a tremendous impact on the women and girls that WOCI helps across campus and in Lansing. Her efforts go further than the college and I am eternally grateful for her unwavering support.”
Delia Fernández-Jones, Associate Dean for Equity, Justice, and Faculty Affairs and Director of WOCI,
In her nomination, Fernández-Jones highlighted Danaj’s efforts to create a supportive environment for Womxn of Color across campus: “The work that Michelle does ensures that Womxn of Color at MSU, not just in the College of Arts & Letters, have access to quality programming and supportive environments, while she also contributes to the ways WOCI is changing the fabric of the university. Though Michelle has been quietly flying under the radar, she has made a tremendous impact on the women and girls that WOCI helps across campus and in Lansing. Her efforts go further than the college and I am eternally grateful for her unwavering support.”
Figueroa praised Danaj’s dedication to the project: “I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Michelle Danaj. Her support of this grant has been an integral part of our success and has contributed to the wellbeing of the field of Black and Ethnic Studies and the personal wellbeing of many Black women and women of color in the diaspora.”
Rising Star Award
Established in 2016, this award recognizes support staff members who have worked in their position at MSU’s College of Arts & Letters for less than three years and have shown promise early in their careers within the college and with a potential for growth and advancement. It honors staff members who have exhibited exemplary dedication to the mission of the college and Michigan State University while consistently demonstrating outstanding performance in fulfillment of their job responsibilities.
Kath Clark, Office Assistant in the Department of Theatre, is the 2024 recipient of the Rising Star Award for her outstanding contributions and her profound impact on both her department and the broader MSU community. Since joining the department in 2023, Clark has quickly distinguished herself as an exemplary performer in her role, with her colleagues praising her ability to transform communication and community within the department. She was nominated for this award by Daniel Smith, Associate Professor of Theatre Studies; Brian de Vries, Office Supervisor; Alison Dobbins, Professor of Integrated Media Performance Design; and Dionne O’Dell, Academic Specialist in Theatre and Arts and Cultural Management and Museum Studies.
Smith commended her diligence and values: “In just nine short months, Kath has managed to significantly demonstrate excellence in her job responsibilities, with an eye toward the values of the College of Arts & Letters – values which have clearly been a part of her DNA long before she came to work for MSU. It is rare to find someone so oriented to identifying needs and working diligently to find solutions.”
“The highest compliment I can give Kath is that she is someone I trust to not only meet expectations, but far exceed them. She fosters a fathomless pit of collaboration, respect, and empathy for all.”
Brian deVries, Assistant to the Chairperson and Graduate Secretary
Clark, joined the Office Operations Team in June 2023, working with the Department of Theatre. She has spent over 20 years working with state government and nonprofits. She enjoys the challenge of learning in this new environment and working with the students, faculty, and staff, providing support to ensure everyone has the best experience possible.
De Vries, her immediate supervisor, lauded her initiative and attention to detail: “The highest compliment I can give Kath is that she is someone I trust to not only meet expectations, but far exceed them. She fosters a fathomless pit of collaboration, respect, and empathy for all. She intrinsically knows the markers of excellence and is driving us toward it each day. Kath Clark is a quiet storm, moving mountains without fanfare.”
Golden Staff Award
Established in 2015, the College of Arts & Letters Golden Staff Award is a special way to recognize a department, program, or group in the college for demonstrating exemplary service, hanging in there when the going gets tough, or just being a good model for the rest of the college’s staff.
This year’s Golden Staff Award was awarded to the staff managing the Diaspora Solidarities Lab (DSL) Mellon Grant, including Heather Dainton, Michelle Danaj, Stacy Hoxsey, Tammy Hoebecke, and Penny Shanks.
The DSL grant has required a tremendous amount of staff hours to pull off several events with many guest travelers to venues outside of Michigan. There were complex moving parts that required the teamwork and collaboration of multiple staff teams to troubleshoot and keep things moving successfully.
