Madison Vangunten, a human resources associate at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been named the Employee of the Month for October 2024. She was recognized for her expertise in HR systems, her dedication to the campus community and her positive and welcoming attitude.
Joshua Lauer, an electrician with Facilities and Services at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been selected as the Employee of the Month for September 2024. Lauer is known for his exceptional dedication and innovative contributions to the campus community.
Rhyann Morris, director of admissions processing at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been selected as the Employee of the Month for August 2024.
Morris, who joined UIS in 2014, manages the admission application and evaluation processes for the university. She is recognized for her efforts to streamline these processes, ensuring that prospective students are admitted efficiently. Colleagues note her ability to handle challenging situations professionally and her willingness to assist in various capacities.
Douglas Brackney has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for July 2024. He is an administrative aide in the Career Development Center.
His supervisor, Katherine Battee-Freeman, said he is the type of employee that everyone wants on their staff.
“He is a team player who brings positivity to the work and helps others to be their best selves,” Battee-Freeman said. “He is a positive role model outside of work helping to endear the greater Springfield community to UIS.”
Brian Clevenger has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for June 2024. He is the associate vice chancellor for enrollment and retention management.
His supervisor, Vicki Cook, said he has taken on extra responsibility and demonstrated outstanding management skills.
Carlene Hindert has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for May 2024. She is a human resources associate in the Human Resources Department.
Her supervisor, Melisa Hatch, said that Hindert is knowledgeable and resourceful.
John “Jack” Stege has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for April 2024. He is a building service foreman in the janitorial department.
His supervisor, Pattie Meyer, said that Stege is very enthusiastic about doing a great job.
“He takes a lot of pride in his work and truly cares about the people he serves,” Meyer said. “He continually asked employees and staff what he can do to help in any way to improve the area and is always willing to do more.”
Laci Engelbrecht has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for March 2024. She is the director of financial aid.
Her supervisor, Vickie Cook, said that Engelbrecht is extremely reliable and productive.
“I rely on her to ensure that the university is meeting the heavily regulated work of financial aid,” Cook said. “Laci is very dependable and her work is greatly appreciated.”
Engelbrecht’s first nominator praised her for being a rare leader.
Amanda Roberts has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for February 2024. She is an interlibrary loan specialist at UIS Brookens Library.
Her supervisor, Robin Mize, said she is an exceptional employee and that she is always friendly with both colleagues and patrons.
UIS Information Technology Services IT Technical Associate Zach Logsdon has been named the 2023 Employee of the Year at the University of Illinois Springfield. He was honored during a reception on Jan. 25, 2024, 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.
Logsdon, who was the December 2023 Employee of the Month, played an integral role in the launch of the new UIS Esports Arena.