18 staff members receive 2026 Staff Council Awards

Eighteen University of Iowa staff members received 2026 Staff Council Awards for achievements ranging from excellence in service to accomplishments that significantly benefit the university. The annual awards recognize staff members whose work strengthens the university community and advances Iowa's mission. Read more about each award and this year's recipients.

Board of Regents Staff Excellence Award

The Iowa Board of Regents, in cooperation with the staff councils of the three state institutions, recognizes staff for outstanding accomplishments and contributions that significantly benefit the University of Iowa, bring recognition to the university, and positively impact the state of Iowa.

Marie Adams, assistant training director at University Counseling Service, advances clinical training, suicide prevention, and campus-wide systems that support long-term mental health and crisis resilience. As co-chair of the UI Suicide Prevention Coalition, Adams expanded prevention initiatives, strengthened access to life-saving resources, and led certification of campus staff as crisis care specialists. Through innovative programs, training initiatives, and statewide partnerships, she strengthened campus crisis response and built systems that support student well-being.

Amy O'Deen, senior assistant director for clinical enterprise at UI Health Care, has dedicated 40 years to improving patient-centered care. She played a key leadership role in the planning, development, and opening of the new UI Health Care Medical Center North Liberty, expanding access to care for Iowans and strengthening the university's statewide presence. A dedicated mentor and advocate for leadership development, O'Deen has supported health care professionals and advanced women's leadership initiatives across Iowa.

Stratis Giannakouros, director of the Office of Sustainability and the Environment, leads campus-wide efforts to integrate sustainability into operations, academics, research, and community partnerships. Under his leadership, the university has earned national recognition for renewable energy use, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental stewardship. Giannakouros collaborates across colleges, administrative units, and with community partners to advance sustainability initiatives, expand experiential learning opportunities for students, and strengthen responsible resource management.

Ryan Jepson, manager of the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory at the State Hygienic Laboratory, leads critical testing and outbreak response that protect public health for Iowans. An expert in environmental and clinical microbiology, he supports investigations of foodborne illness and other infectious diseases. Jepson led the development of wastewater surveillance for infectious diseases in Iowa, strengthening public health monitoring. Through collaboration with state and local agencies, his work ensures rapid, accurate testing and effective responses to emerging public health risks.

Brian Rechkemmer, program director of Simulation in Motion-Iowa (SIM-IA) in the College of Nursing, leads a statewide mobile simulation program that delivers hands-on emergency medical training in all 99 Iowa counties. A former U.S. Air Force service member and longtime paramedic, he brings extensive field experience to improving emergency care education. Under his leadership, SIM-IA has expanded training access to EMS personnel, nurses, and community responders in rural and underserved communities, elevating Iowa's national leadership in mobile health care simulation and emergency training innovation.

Joni Troester, senior assistant vice president and deputy chief human resources officer, leads programs that shape the employee experience at Iowa. She has advanced strategies in compensation, benefits, retirement, well-being, and talent programs that strengthen the university's ability to recruit, retain, and support its workforce. Troester is nationally recognized for her leadership in workplace well-being, including the development of Iowa's award-winning liveWELL program.

University of Iowa Outstanding Staff Award

This award recognizes current staff for outstanding accomplishments and contributions that significantly benefit or bring honor or recognition to the university.

Kate Ralston, data scientist in Enrollment Management, leads data analytics and modeling efforts that inform enrollment decisions and student success initiatives. Her work helped guide the university through major changes in higher education, including test-optional admissions, by developing new models to identify student opportunity and risk. Ralston collaborates across campus to translate complex data into actionable insights. She mentors students, providing them with hands-on experience in data science and fostering the next generation of data leaders.

Kirsten Hanrahan, director of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice at UI Health Care, has spent more than 40 years integrating research into clinical practice. A co-author of the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, Hanrahan has helped shape how health care organizations worldwide implement evidence-based care. She mentors clinicians and students, leads national training programs, and advances research initiatives that improve patient outcomes and health care systems, elevating the UI as a leader in nursing innovation and evidence-based health care.

Nicole Weathers directs the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program in the College of Nursing. She has transformed the program from a grant-funded initiative into a nationally recognized program that supports new graduate nurses entering professional practice. Weathers expanded the program to serve thousands of nurses across multiple states, while collaborating with health care organizations and professional partners to strengthen nursing education and workforce retention, and advance innovative training models.

Steph Beecher, basic needs coordinator in the Office of the Dean of Students, leads efforts to address food insecurity, housing stability, and other essential needs affecting student success. She oversees the UI Food Pantry and collaborates with campus and community partners to expand access to basic resources. These programs have grown significantly, providing thousands of meals and support to students each year and positioning the university as a leader in addressing students' basic needs.

Shannon Ortiz, clinical research assistant in the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, plays a central role in advancing sports medicine research. She leads the data collection for major studies, including the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network, helping produce research that significantly influenced the treatment of orthopedic conditions. Ortiz coordinates complex clinical trials, patient enrollment, and long-term follow-up while mentoring research staff and supporting investigators. Her work has helped establish the UI as a national leader in orthopedic outcomes research.

Merry Aamodt, a human resources leader in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), leads the CLAS human resources transaction hub and supports the university's largest and most complex college. Her expertise in HR policy and processes ensures the accuracy and efficiency of thousands of employee transactions and provides a positive employee experience. She is known for her collaborative approach, commitment to process improvement, and dedication to mentoring colleagues. Aamot strengthens HR operations across CLAS and supports the success of faculty, staff, and administrators.

David J. Skorton Staff Excellence Award in Service to the University of Iowa

This award honors staff who show exceptional imagination, dedication, and effectiveness in improving the university community. Service must include activities of high quality in staff governance, committee work, policy improvement, program creation, etc., and must be outside normal job responsibilities.

Shonda Monette, departmental administrator for the Department of Chemistry in CLAS, advances operational excellence and collaboration while supporting faculty, staff, and students through strategic administration. She is an active leader in shared governance, serving on the CLAS Staff Council and helping expand employee recognition programs. Monette also mentors new administrators and collaborates across campus to improve policies, processes, and professional development.

Emily Sargent, staff nurse in the Emergency Department at UI Health Care, delivers high-quality patient care while advancing staff engagement, mentorship, and professional development. She has served as chair of the Emergency Department Unit Council, Magnet representative, and a member of the Triage Committee, contributing to policy and quality improvement. She launched a mentorship program for new nurses, leads staff recognition efforts, and teaches trauma education courses for the College of Nursing.

Richard E. Gibson Merit Staff Award for Innovation and Excellence in Customer Service

This award recognizes outstanding creativity and innovation in process improvement or exceptional achievement in customer service. These accomplishments must be outside the employee's normal job responsibilities or must go above and beyond a position's standard requirements.

Kris Bevelacqua, administrative professional in the Department of Rhetoric, plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the department's academic and administrative work. Known for her institutional knowledge, reliability, and warmth, she supports faculty, staff, and students while helping the department navigate major transitions, including the merger with Communication Studies. Bevelacqua mentors and trains new staff and manages complex scheduling and enrollment needs, making her a trusted resource for the rhetoric community.

Dorian Bright-Walker supports employee learning and professional development across campus and UI Health Care. As manager of the My Training system, she oversees course registration, training records, and reports that connect training to workforce development. Bright-Walker also helped expand the Discover Your University and Supervising Today's Students programs, while helping launch large-scale online training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Known for her responsiveness, reliability, and exceptional customer service, Bright-Walker has had a lasting impact on the university community.

The Staff Award for Welcoming and Respectful Environment

This award shines a light on staff members who work toward a welcoming and supportive work environment. It celebrates those who work to engage with and respect all viewpoints, recognizing how it helps set the UI apart.

Vonda Semler, concierge at UI Health Care's Medical Center North Liberty, developed the Patient Assistance Program, which provides clothing, comfort items, meal support, and transportation resources for patients and visitors in need. She also helped launch the facility's volunteer program and supports community and hospital events that foster a welcoming environment for patients, families, and staff. Through compassionate service, creative problem-solving, and collaboration with clinical teams, Semler strengthens the culture of respect and support across UI Health Care.

Sarah Butler, rural residency program coordinator in UI Health Care's Department of Psychiatry, supports education, research, and clinical initiatives. Her collaborative leadership and problem-solving skills have helped expand psychiatry training programs across rural and underserved areas of Iowa while coordinating partnerships among health care providers, educators, and community organizations. Butler helped develop Project ECHO, which connects rural providers with specialists and strengthens statewide collaboration. Through mentorship, operational leadership, and a positive approach, she fosters a culture of respect, teamwork, and innovation.