Three Frostburg State University Employees Receive Staff Awards for Excellence

Three Frostburg State University Employees Receive Staff Awards for Excellence

Sep 16, 2025 11:00 AM

Frostburg State University honored Bill Wiltrout, Alexandra 'Alec' Edwards and Kenny Felker with Staff Awards for Excellence at an FSU Welcome event held on Sept. 16. The annual Staff Awards for Excellence recognize exceptional service to the institution. Recipients are nominated and chosen by their colleagues.

Wiltrout, an information technology infrastructure manager, was honored in the Exempt (salaried) Employee category. He began his tenure at FSU in 2019 and has earned several promotions in the Office of Information Technologies. Wiltrout currently co-leads a team responsible for the design, implementation and operation of enterprise systems and he has played a key role in enabling AI-ready infrastructure on campus. He is also pursuing a bachelor's degree in multidisciplinary studies at FSU.

"Bill has taken the initiative to explore and implement artificial intelligence tools that extend well beyond his regular responsibilities," said Tim Pelesky, FSU's Chief Information Officer. "He is not only advancing his own department's capacity through the delivery of automation tools but is also directly supporting the effectiveness and efficiency of additional departments on campus."

Edwards, a high-speed copier operator at FSU and part-time Makerspace technician at ACM's Western Maryland Works, won the award in the Nonexempt Employee category. With three years of higher education experience and many more in printing and production, Edwards utilizes her background in graphic design and production to implement creative projects at FSU and provide hands-on training for the community at Western Maryland Works. She is also a 2023 graduate of Frostburg's ADAPT (Administrative Development and Professional Training) program.

"Alec Edwards exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding staff member at Frostburg State University," said Ken Emerick, director of mail and printing services at FSU. "Her contributions, both in her department and across campus, reflect a level of dedication and excellence that truly merit this recognition."

Felker was recognized in the Nonexempt Employee in the Facilities/Maintenance category. A painter for the University's multi-trade shop for Facilities and Maintenance, he is an asset to the department and the FSU. "He displays natural leadership qualities in all aspects of his work," said John Brewer, Director of Facilities at FSU. "He demonstrates good core values, is motivated, is a good communicator and strives for the best results."

FSU program administrative specialist Jessica Kirby echoes those sentiments. "Kenny is dependable, helpful, thorough and takes pride in his work. No matter what task is asked of him, the work will be done timely, efficiently and meticulously."

Recipients of the Staff Awards for Excellence are given a plaque, a certificate commemorating their dedication and a monetary award, all funded by the FSU Foundation's Annual Fund Campaign.

Pictured above: FSU President Darlene Brannigan Smith, PhD; Bill Wiltrout, Kenny Felker, Alec Edwards and FSU Chief Human Resources Officer Lisa Hersch.