Long-term faculty, staff honored at LSUS Service Awards

Long-term faculty, staff honored at LSUS Service Awards

SHREVEPORT - Twenty-four LSU Shreveport faculty and staff were recognized for hitting milestone years of service at the institution Thursday as part of the 2026 Service Awards.

Employees were recognized for career milestones starting at 10 years and reaching 35 years of their careers at LSUS - a total of more than 500 years of combined service.

"Having engaged employees with many years of service and knowledge is one of the most valuable assets that an employer possesses," said Rob Lindsey, executive director of human resource and risk management. "As more employers today face challenges with rising turnover, we come together to recognize retention and dedication.

"Institutional knowledge gained and shared over a long career is only possible if you have employees who are committed to LSUS and our mission. This level of commitment we are seeing today deserves appreciation."

Two faculty members were honored with 35 years of service in Stephanie Aamodt and Jeffrey Sadow.

Aamodt served terms as chair of biological sciences and the director of the master's program in biological sciences in addition to her numerous upper-level courses and undergraduate and graduate research.

Sadow (history and social sciences) is a leading public voice on Louisiana politics and the legislative process, writing for and frequently appearing as an analyst on regional and state media outlets in addition to his sustained engagement in the classroom.

Three employees were recognized for reaching the 30-year mark at LSUS - Robert Alford, Martha Lawler and Kyle Pierce.

Robert Alford (theatre) has been a central part of the local arts community for three decades, connecting LSUS students to on-campus and community productions that continue to delight audiences.

Martha Lawler has been the cataloging backbone of the James Smith Noel Collection, one of the largest private collections of antiquarian books with more than 200,000 volumes. Lawler welcomes LSUS scholars and academics from around the world to conduct research in the collection.

Kyle Pierce developed dual reputations as a weightlifting coach and a sport science academic. Pierce brought numerous collegiate weightlifting championships to LSUS and serves as a global ambassador for the sport in his role with Team USA, earning a sport in the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame.

Six members reached 25 years of service - Rhonda Failey, Jacqueline Langford, Kristie Ann Weeks, Elmer Tingler, Meredith Nelson, and Helen Wise.

Celebrating their 20-year marks were Chelsey Chance, Ranae Moran, Kristin Fiser, and Brian Sherman.

Three members scaled the 15-year plateau - Nate Dunams, Vickie Smith, Riley Young, Jr.

Reaching the first wrung of recognition awards (10 years) is Jennie Bynog, Tracie Johnson, Angie Pellerin, Jennie Flynn, Lucas Morgan and Douglas White.

The awards and gifts are sponsored by the LSUS Foundation.