We recognize some of the College’s stellar staff members each year who are exceptional in their dedication to CoE and help build a culture of excellence and positivity.
Soaring Jacket Award
Meet our 2025 Winners
Adrienne Durham
Academic Program Mgr I
Aerospace Engineering
Kathryn Wilkinson
Academic Advisor II
Biomedical Engineering
Valarie Spradling
Faculty Support Coordinator
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Michael Gooden
Program Support Coordinator
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Martina Lindo
Communications Program Manager
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Marianne Russell
Admin Professional Sr
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Desiree Oglesby
Admin Professional III
Materials Science and Engineering
Tiffany Johnson
Faculty Support Coordinator
Mechanical Engineering
Exceptional employees are self-motivated, critical thinkers that hold themselves accountable for the quality of their work and their interactions with others. The College of Engineering Soaring Jacket Award seeks to recognize a staff member displaying true exceptionalism through these traits and behaviors:
- Goes above and beyond in the execution of responsibilities
- A go-getter with a consistently positive attitude
- Exhibits a high level of professionalism
- Team player that inspires others
- Displays genuine concern and care for colleagues
- Consistently produces an exceptional quality of work
- Effective problem-solver
Any CoE staff or faculty member may submit a nomination or letter of support for a staff member. One Soaring Jacket is selected from each School and each winner receives $300.
Staff Innovation & Process Improvement Award
2025 Winner
Curtis Gee
IT Support Engineer
Engineered Biosystems
Service Award
Creative thinkers are the backbone of a successful organization and the conduit for progress. The College of Engineering Innovation & Process Improvement Award seeks to celebrate our forward thinkers, who are critical to propelling our Institute forward.
The award recognizes a staff member or team of staff members who have utilized creative thinking to develop and implement a process, plan, or solution benefitting the School, College, or Institute in one of the manners below:
- Cost savings
- Time savings
- Work productivity
- Compliance or risk management
- Safety
- Program success
One individual or one team will be selected and a monetary award of $3,000 will be provided to the winning individual or split amongst team members.
Service Award
2025 Winner
Jacob Tompkins
Mechanical Engr III
Mechanical Engineering
Recipients of the Service Award exemplify a deep commitment to serving others and strengthening the fabric of our community. Through tireless efforts, they go beyond expectations to support initiatives that enhance the collective experience and drive meaningful progress. Their service reflects not only a dedication to collaboration but also a passion for creating sustainable, impactful change that benefits the broader mission of the School, College, or Institute. This award recognizes individuals who have made exemplary contributions through committee or community service, embodying dedication, leadership, and commitment to the betterment of the School, College, or Institute. It celebrates their selfless efforts in fostering collaboration, driving positive change, and inspiring others to contribute to the common good.
Criteria:
- Consistent involvement in committee or community service over an extended period.
- Collaboration with stakeholders, fostering partnerships and teamwork to address community needs or accomplish committee objectives.
- Demonstrated innovative and creative approaches to solving community challenges or advancing committee goals
Excellence in Leadership Award
2025 Winner
Jaimie Hayes
Senior Director-Development
Mechanical Engineering
Recipients of the Excellence in Leadership Award are those who embody the highest standards of integrity, vision, and dedication. Through their actions, they foster a culture of trust, accountability, and innovation. These leaders not only guide their teams to achieve outstanding results but also cultivate an environment where others are encouraged to grow, contribute, and lead. Their impact is felt beyond immediate outcomes, creating lasting, positive change within their organizations. This individual consistently exhibits strong leadership qualities, inspires their team, and drives success and positive change.
Criteria:
- Demonstrates effective decision-making and strategic thinking.
- Motivates and empowers team members.
- Leads by example and promotes collaboration.
Outstanding Staff Award
2025 Winner
Christy Lanoue
Asst Dir-Finance Operations
Civil & Environmental Engineering
The Outstanding Staff Award honors individuals whose exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication significantly enhance the day-to-day operations and overall success of their departments. These staff members consistently go above and beyond in their roles, delivering high-quality work with precision and care. They are known for their reliability, strong work ethic, and genuine support for colleagues, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Their commitment to excellence and service makes a lasting impact on the community they serve. This award recognizes exceptional staff members who consistently exceed expectations.
Criteria:
- Demonstrates exceptional performance in their role by consistently surpassing performance goals and producing work of superior quality, characterized by attention to detail, thoroughness, and a high degree of accuracy.
- Shows dedication, reliability, and a strong work ethic.
- Demonstrates empathy, responsiveness, and a commitment to helping others.
- Contributes positively to the workplace culture.
Culture Champion Award
Meet our 2025 Winners
Kay Doxilly
Accountant III
Aerospace Engineering
Latinza Shelton
Financial Administrator
Biomedical Engineering
Nicholas Morgan
Asst. Director Financial Ops
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Aeryal Herrod
Asst. Director Administrative Operations
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Sarah Grace Alexander
Program & Ops Mgr
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Marsi Ellis
Administrative Professional Sr.
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Cory Brewington
Building Coordinator
Materials Science and Engineering
Megan Darling
Lab and Facilities Coordinator
Mechanical Engineering
People are Georgia Tech’s greatest assets. The culture in which we work helps bring out the best in our employees and promotes a sense of belonging. Culture includes the behaviors, beliefs, assumptions, priorities, and experiences of the people in an environment.
Great workplace culture doesn’t just happen; it must be actively and intentionally cultivated. Culture can drive and enhance performance and growth. A positive work culture:
- Builds trust
- Is team-oriented and collaborative
- Allows for open and transparent communication
- Values and celebrates hard work and expertise
- Involves and empowers employees
- Gives staff “permission” to go the extra mile
- Recognizes the efforts and achievements of others
To highlight individuals in CoE who are striving to build a better culture in their School and in the College, the CoE Staff Culture Advisory Council (COESCAC) created the Culture Champion Award.
This award recognizes a staff member in each CoE school who advocates for a positive and productive culture and works to support and/or develop successful cultural practices — one who strives to make a difference. Nomination packages can use the positive work culture descriptors above as a guide and provide examples where appropriate.
Any staff or faculty member may submit a nomination or letter of support for a staff member of their School. One winner per school will be selected and announced at Staff Engagement Day. Their name will be added to a wall plaque in their School.