CALS administrator wins Award for Staff Integrity and Inclusion

Adrienne Mason, administrative director for two departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), has been named the 2025 recipient of the Employee Assembly's Award for Staff Integrity and Inclusion. She was honored at a ceremony on Aug. 29 in Mann Library.

The award recognizes staff members who embody honesty, fairness and a deep commitment to fostering a culture of belonging at Cornell.

Mason joined the Department of Global Development in March 2024; at the time, the department had been operating without a central administrative leader for more than a year. Within months, colleagues said, she not only stabilized operations but also helped guide the unit through a transition toward merging with the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.

She is now administrative director for the Department of Global Development and the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.

"Despite stepping into a challenging situation, Adrienne quickly earned the trust and respect of both myself and my colleagues," said Lacey Lattin, section head assistant in the Department of Global Development and one of Mason's nominators. "She makes each of us feel valued - not just through her actions, but through her words. She regularly expresses sincere appreciation for our efforts and contributions."

Lattin, who co-authored her nomination with Angela Smith, finance specialist in the Department of Global Development, praised Mason for creating "a positive, inclusive environment where people genuinely enjoy coming to work" and for fostering collaboration across departments during the merger.

Colleagues emphasized that Mason's leadership is both principled and people-centered. "Adrienne is a quiet but incredibly effective leader who leads by example, consistently demonstrating the highest standards of personal conduct and ethical behavior," wrote Lori Leonard, professor of global development and senior associate dean, in her nomination letter. "She actively cultivates a culture where staff of all backgrounds feel empowered to express their ideas, opinions and concerns without hesitation."

Leonard noted that staff morale improved visibly within months of Mason's arrival, crediting her transparency, reliability and advocacy for professional development opportunities.

Beyond her administrative work at Cornell, Mason coaches the Broome-Tioga Special Olympics Powerlifting Team and works as a bodybuilding coach, mentoring individuals in achieving personal goals with resilience and confidence.

Her colleagues say that her commitment to service - whether in the office, the community or the gym - captures the essence of the award. "Adrienne embodies the very best of Cornell's values," Lattin said. "Her integrity, compassion and commitment to service create spaces where everyone feels supported, respected and celebrated."

Mason, after receiving her award from Sean Moeller, associate vice president of academic human resources, said simply that she was humbled by the award and aimed to "keep doing what I do."

The Employee Assembly's Award for Staff Integrity and Inclusion, formerly known as the Opperman Award, is presented annually to recognize staff who strengthen Cornell's commitment to integrity and belonging.