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From supporting students and colleagues to strengthening university operations and finding innovative ways to serve the campus community, ����ԭ�� staff members make a difference every day.

A select group of staff members will be honored with the 2026 President’s Awards for Excellence, recognizing excellence in human relations, leadership, service, performance, innovation and student success.

Recipients were honored during the Sept. 23 Faculty and Staff President’s Awards for Excellence ceremony. Faculty awards recipients — — and 2026 Service Awards recipients were also recoginized.

Excellence in Human Relations

Kimberly Hudson
Administrative Support Coordinator,

Kimberly Hudson’s 38 years at ����ԭ�� have been defined not only by her dedication to the university, but by the countless people whose lives she has made a little easier. And to those who know her, it is no surprise that this is Hudson’s second President’s Award for Excellence. 

Hudson is the go-to person for faculty, staff and students. Whether it’s an employee seeking guidance or delivering a student’s forgotten iPad, “that’s not my job” is not in Hudson’s vocabulary.

Her impact extends beyond her job description. She created a pantry stocked with food and toiletries for students in need and transformed unused spaces into gathering areas.

What sets Hudson apart is how she makes people feel. She treats everyone she encounters with kindness, patience and respect. Her office has become a place where people come whether they need support, encouragement or a smile.

“For over 30 years, Kim has represented the best of ����ԭ��,” said Colleen Saxen, Ed.D., chair of the School of Education and Leadership. “Through her generosity, humor, knowledge and unwavering care for others, she has created a culture of belonging that benefits everyone who knows her.”

Excellence in Leadership

Hideo Tsuchida
Director, Articulation, Transfer and Institutional Partnerships
Transfer Center

����ԭ�� is not always the start of a student’s academic journey. But for those who find their way here, it’s certain that Hideo Tsuchida played a role in that transition.

Through his leadership and commitment to student success, Tsuchida has reinforced ����ԭ��’s reputation as a transfer-friendly institution.

Following the closure of the Modern College of Design, Hideo quickly coordinated a recruitment and outreach strategy with Lake Campus and the Provost’s Office to bring support, guidance and academic pathways to displaced students. As a result of his proactive leadership, ����ԭ�� successfully enrolled 24 students, allowing them to continue their educational journeys.

“What distinguishes Hideo as an exceptional leader is his willingness to lead without seeking recognition,” said Rachelle Dancy, associate director for transfer admissions and success. “He consistently works behind the scenes to transform the transfer experience, and his impact is felt every day by students, faculty, staff and partner institutions.”

Excellence in Service

Earl M. Thompson Jr.
Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor
Division of Campus Safety 

Earl M. Thompson Jr. has built a career at ����ԭ�� around being someone the community can count on, especially when it matters most.

As the supervisor of the 24/7 Public Safety Service Center, Thompson leads the team that serves as the first point of contact during routine calls and emergency responses, ensuring that all situations are handled with urgency, accuracy and compassion.

He approaches each interaction as a chance to make a positive impact — whether talking to a worried parent or walking a lost visitor to their destination. His steady, trusted guidance is especially valuable during high-pressure situations, where he supports his team with compassion and determination while delivering timely, excellent service.

Thompson’s efforts contribute to the university’s broader mission. His collaborations across campus improve communications and processes, helping everyone receive the assistance they need. 

“Earl is a trusted leader whose contributions have made ����ԭ�� a safer and more supportive environment,” said Kurt Holden, associate vice president and chief of police. “His impact is lasting, his presence is reassuring, and his service is truly exceptional.”

Outstanding Performance

Greg Jones
Catalog and Authority Control Librarian

When ����ԭ�� was approaching an important institutional milestone, Greg Jones worked behind the scenes to help ensure that the university was ready.

During preparation for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Comprehensive Visit, Jones was responsible for managing the extensive repository of institutional evidence supporting the university’s Assurance Argument.

He reviewed, verified and formatted nearly 1,000 individual artifacts to ensure ����ԭ�� aligned with HLC requirements, then meticulously cataloged and uploaded each piece into the HLC’s system.

Throughout the project, Jones was a pillar of quiet confidence. His calm composure, attention to detail and commitment to quality control helped ensure the assurance file was well-organized, accessible and comprehensive, contributing to a successful HLC site visit — and eventual reaffirmation of ����ԭ��’s accreditation through 2035–2036.

“Greg’s dedication throughout this critical institutional milestone represents a profound commitment to our university’s long-term academic mission and operational standing,” said Nick Christian, Ed.D., director of assessment and chief accreditation officer.

Outstanding Unit

Laboratory Animal Resources

By providing expertise, unwavering support and careful coordination, Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) helps make groundbreaking research at ����ԭ�� possible.

Working closely with departments across campus, LAR is an integral partner in supporting researchers and advancing the university’s research mission.

The time-sensitive, highly regulated nature of their work leaves no room for error, making LAR’s ability to work as a unified team essential. The team accommodates researchers’ needs with a high level of coordination, flexibility and commitment to meeting scientific objectives while upholding animal welfare standards.

Outside of the lab, the unit’s impact benefits the entire university. Their commitment to teaching students, faculty and staff about animal care, research procedures and regulatory compliance helps expand research across campus, strengthen the university’s ability to secure external funding and prepare students for careers in science.

“The success of ����ԭ��’s research enterprise depends on strong partnerships, and LAR exemplifies the very best of collaborative excellence,” said Subhashini Ganapathy, Ph.D., vice provost for research and innovation and dean of graduate programs.

Outstanding Collaborative Unit

Dayton Street Medicine

provides compassionate, trauma-informed primary care through a collaboration with Premier Health, the Dayton Dream Center and dozens of medical and public health students, resident physicians and fellows whose learning and service are central to this work.

The collaboration also includes faculty members, peer support counselors and community leaders from more than a dozen service organizations, including Dayton Fire and Miami Valley Housing Opportunities.

Together, they are working to make healthcare more accessible for people experiencing homelessness, extreme poverty and addiction.

In its first 12 months, the street medicine team served over 300 individuals, providing 448 clinical visits and 313 health screenings. And the work is growing. Dayton Street Medicine has added a rural location and plans to start backpack-based outreach across Miami Valley neighborhoods.

The program is led by Anna Squibb, M.D., Sydney Silverstein, Ph.D., Marietta Orlowski, Ph.D., Laurie Bankston, M.D., and Program Coordinator Elizabeth Barnett.

“Dayton Street Medicine has changed the lives of those it serves and the lives of those who serve,” said Demingo Hill, a Boonshoft School of Medicine peer supporter who nominated the program.

Spirit of Innovation Award

Kevin Nedberg
Staff Technical Director
,

Once a year, Kevin Nedberg leads a team of students and professionals in transforming the Creative Arts Center into something extraordinary, filling every corner with lights and art as over 300 students perform across theatre, music, dance, film and visual arts. His production expertise turns the building into a vibrant showcase of student designers that raises scholarship funds.

����’s ArtsGala, one of the most visible examples of Nedberg’s impact.

Though his primary responsibilities are in theatre, Nedberg’s influence extends throughout the School of Fine and Performing Arts, where he develops creative solutions and supports colleagues wherever needed. During a maintenance emergency, his strategic coordination of materials and resources kept operations running smoothly.

He’s equally committed to mentoring students, providing them with hands-on experience in technical production, event management and creative problem-solving.

“Kevin consistently demonstrates the creativity, courage and forward-thinking leadership that embody the innovative spirit upon which ����ԭ�� was founded,” said Chair Steven Aldredge.

Spirit of ����ԭ�� Award

Gretchen Rentz
Director of Student Affairs

When Lake Campus students need a place to pause, decompress and take care of their mental health, they have somewhere to go: the Zen Den. It exists thanks to Gretchen Rentz.

����’s one example of her tireless advocacy for student wellness, including expanding resources through community and campus partnerships, collaborating with Counseling and Wellness staff and providing additional counseling services at the Lake Campus.

Rentz understands that student success is about more than academics and ensures students have the support and sense of belonging to thrive inside and outside the classroom.

She puts students at the center of everything she does — whether she’s helping with advising, resolving an enrollment issue or simply being a trusted person students can turn to.

“Gretchen makes ����ԭ�� a better place through her commitment to students, her colleagues and the university community,” said Andrea Faber, Ph.D., vice provost and chief administrator. “Her impact is seen not only in the programs and initiatives she leads, but also in the countless individual students and employees who have benefited from her compassion, advocacy and leadership.”

Student Success Champion

Sara Baker
Wellness and Health Program Manager
Counseling and Wellness Services

Time and again, Sara Baker creates spaces where students can feel welcome, be supported and build the skills needed to keep going.

She understands that student success extends beyond academics and that mental, emotional and social well-being are just as critical to whether a student persists and thrives.

Working with campus partners and student organizations, Baker has expanded the reach and impact of health and wellness initiatives, integrating support services throughout the student experience.

Last year alone, she facilitated more than 50 health and wellness activities, helping them develop the resilience and coping skills to navigate personal and academic challenges.  

“Students know they have an advocate in Sara,” said Rachelle Dancy, associate director for transfer admission and success. “Sara is someone who listens, cares and takes action to improve their college experience.”