ÃÛÌÒAPP

ÃÛÌÒAPP recognized more than 130 staff members during its annual Staff Service Awards ceremony, celebrating milestone anniversaries and honoring three employees with the 2025 Distinguished Staff Award.

Staff were acknowledged for reaching 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 35 and 45 years of service as of Dec. 31, 2024. The event highlighted the dedication and long-term commitment of staff members across departments who contribute daily to the university’s operations, student support and campus culture.

During the ceremony, ÃÛÌÒAPP President Jaime Taylor emphasized the role staff members play in shaping the student experience beyond academics.

“What I don’t think many people fully realize, especially as staff, is just how important you are to the lives of our students,” Taylor said.  “The things you do outside the classroom play a huge role in helping them succeed inside the classroom. When I was a faculty member, I used to say that 50% of the learning happens outside the classroom, through interactions with others and real-world experiences.”

Distinguished Staff Awards

Three staff members were presented with the Distinguished Staff Award, which recognizes employees who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service and dedication to student success.

Naomi McIntoush was recognized for her work ethic, positivity and commitment to student well-being. Whether working holidays, staying late or responding to emergency situations, McIntoush is known for going above and beyond.

During a winter freeze, she paused cooking dinner over winter break to help clean rooms for relocated students. She also decorates lobbies for holidays and supports students throughout the year.

 “She leads by example, whether it's working holidays, responding during emergencies or staying late to make sure every residence hall meets the highest standards,” ÃÛÌÒAPP Staff Council President Kyle Fayan said. “Her tireless work ethic and compassion makes her an indispensable part of Lamar family.”

Gina Decuir, administrative associate in the Dan F. Smith Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, was honored for her resourcefulness and compassionate support of students and faculty. Martin helped two international students secure housing, took them shopping and provided homemade meals from her freezer.

One nominator described Martin as a “treasure of ÃÛÌÒAPP,” noting her willingness to work long hours and help anyone in need. Colleagues credited her with creating a warm, welcoming environment filled with pride and kindness.

Jana Austin, senior administrative coordinator for graduate programs in the College of Business, was recognized for her role in supporting the university’s growing graduate enrollment. In the past year alone, Austin processed more than 3,700 applications and helped more than 1,800 students, including more than 100 international students.

“Our graduate programs would come to a standstill if she wasn’t here,” a nominator wrote.

Austin assists with admissions, advising, onboarding and more, earning praise for her professionalism, accuracy and dedication.

Service Milestones

Lamar also honored the following employees for their years of service:

5 Years: Trey August, Holly Badon, Kylie Barras, Ovidio Benavides, Guy Bodin, Lynn Boswell, Amy Brown, Tiffanie Brown, Elyse Broussard, Riesha Buchanan, Angela Burke, Nicole Cormier, Sara Dowden, Emma Finkenbiner, Mykael Fulton, Valentino Gallo, Stefanie Garcia, PeQuethia Gothe, Tara Greene, Audelia Guerra, Timothy Gutzke, Ryan Hebert, Tabitha Holcomb, Wilma Jackson, Darla Jones, Mukunda Khanal, Ashley Klamfoth, Audra LaCour, Molly Landry, Ryan Lee, Candy Legendre, Holly Lyons, Taylor Mahaffey, Theressa Matherne, Tara McKenney, Charinee Mitchell, Emma Moore, Kyle Moreland, Ginger Mouton, Janell O’Connor, Carolyn Owens, Ryan Patrick, Florangeli Perez Martinez, Angela Petit, Byron Popillion, Dana Prejean-Haynes, Marcia Quilon, Meghan Rapp, Crystal Reed, Tina Rich, Emily Robinson, Dulce Rodriguez Velazquez, Nathan Sanders, Karen Lopez Sandoval, Azadeh Semien, Richelle Shay, Charyl Slaydon, Fredrick Smith, Timothy Spikes, Richard Stockton, Tyler Sunwall, Angela Thomas, JoAnn Trahan, Jennifer Vervooren, Barbara Watkins, Tamra Welch.

10 Years: Philippe Arroyas, Steven Askew, John Brady, Ashley Dockens, Hector Flores, Casey Ford, Debra Hayes, Berdie Hunter, Loretta Irving, Terri Kyler, Nicole Kyles-Burton, Cheri Lewis, Rose Martin, Johnny O’Connor, Abbie Perez, Ibrahima Poda, Jada Provo, Dylana Sauerwein, Jeffrey Simmons, Timothy Smith, Katherine Sozzi, Cecilia Terry, Amanda Toups, Weldon Turner, Josephine Williams, Kelly Williams.

15 Years: Albertine Ambers, Tiffany Broussard, Lois Brumley, Gina Faulk, Jack Fitch, Peggy Frazier, Velbeth Hernandez, Lara Jagneaux, Camella Pool, Tammy Salenga, Jill Segura, Cyndia Sonnier, Phyllis Thomas, Grover Williams.

20 Years: Christine Barnes, Brandie Falls, Shannon Figueora, Ashley Glenn, Sharlene Hatch, Lisa Anne Jackson, Kyehong Kang, Andre’ Kennerson, Betty Ludlow, Bryan McConnell, Christian Parker, Medrick Russell.

30 Years: Thruston Byerly, Warren Clark, John Pember.

35 Years: Kay Lusk.

45 Years: Sandra Robbins.

The Staff Service Awards highlight the invaluable contributions of Lamar University’s staff, whose dedication and hard work support the university’s mission and student success.