Kelsey Hott, human resource officer in Human Resources, has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for July 2026.

Tracy Rakes, immigration adviser in the Office of International Student Services, has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for June 2026. 

Rake’s supervisor, Zafrul Amin, notes that she is passionate about what she does and approaches tasks with a “can-do attitude.”  

“Tracy does not hesitate to step in when the office needs coverage or someone needs help with their caseload. She is reliable and dependable team member,” Amin said.  

Libby Price, assistant athletic director for strategic communications & operations, has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for May 2026. 

Price's exceptional organizational skills have contributed to the success of numerous events, including tournaments, Senior Day and appreciation events.

“She has been called upon handle many unexpected situations, including game staff illness or absence and she seamlessly stepped into roles like running scoreboard or

Rukayah Hussein, admissions processor for enrollment and retention management, has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for April 2026. 

Hussein’s hard work and dedication to her role as an international evaluator allow her to help students before they arrive on campus. She assists students during their application process through clear and constant communication.  

Matthew Scrivano, records and registration officer, has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for March 2026. 

Scrivano’s knowledge allows him to support student workers and his colleagues. He is always willing to aid others when needed and takes pride in his work.  

“He is very helpful and always takes the time to answer questions. He listens to concerns,” said his nominator. 

Jeff Sudduth, IT technical associate for Information Technology Services, has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for February 2026.

Sudduth’s expertise supports other units on campus, creating a better experience for students and staff. He recently helped the Medical Laboratory Science program implement technology to support online course delivery.

Building service worker in Facilities and Services Yoselin Gonzalez has been named the 2025 Employee of the Year at the University of Illinois Springfield. She was honored during a reception on Jan. 29, 2026, in the UIS Student Union.

Before announcing the winner, UIS Chancellor Janet Gooch thanked the eleven Employees of the Month who were nominated for the award.

Pam Francis, administrative aide for library administration, has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for December 2025.

Francis’ kindness and compassion make her a great asset to the library team.

“She cares deeply about each person and process in the library and our campus, and it shows in the quality of her work and in her willingness and joy to assist anyone who needs it,” her nominator said.

Francis is always available to help anyone on campus who needs it.

Dre Duvendack Visk, program coordinator for Gender & Sexuality Student Services and interim program director for the Women’s Center, has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for November 2025.

Duvendack Visk’s supportive nature makes her well-respected within the campus community, especially with students.

Michele Gribbins, associate provost for institutional research and effectiveness, has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for October 2025.

During her time at UIS, Gribbins has held numerous roles and has handled difficult and important tasks with ease.

“She is a wealth of information and institutional history,” her nominator said.

Gribbins’ nominator complimented her ability to work successfully across multiple divisions on campus.