Distinguished Staff Awards Honor Significant Contributions by Outstanding Ohio State Staff

The Distinguished Staff Award, the university’s highest staff recognition, celebrates staff members who have made an impact at The Ohio State University. Each year, the award honors 12 staff members for their outstanding leadership, accomplishments and service to the university.

Award recipients are nominated and carefully chosen by the selection committee based on the following contributions:

• Enhancing the quality of work life for colleagues or customers
• Providing outstanding and ongoing service to university stakeholders
• Developing creative solutions to increase department or university operations
• Consistent demonstration of one or more of the university’s values

At a luncheon held on May 6 at Longaberber Alumni House, recipients were congratulated by Ohio State leaders, including Michael V. Drake, President, and Sheldon Retchin, Executive Vice President and Wexner Medical Center CEO. Award winners also receive a $1,500 cash award, $700 base salary increase and a crystal trophy. This year’s winners will be recognized on the field at Ohio Stadium during the September 3 football game.

Congratulations to the 2016 Distinguished Staff Award recipients:

Lori Abshire
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
7 yearsRecognized for her leadership and collaborative nature, Lori’s idea to capitalize on the Buckeye’s 2014 National Championship resulted in a social media campaign garnering millions of posts worldwide featuring the specially embroidered babies’ blankets.

Bryan Albright
Director of Enrollment Services
The Ohio State University at Lima
9 yearsThe Lima campus retention rates have increased to 67 percent thanks to Bryan’s operational and strategic leadership skills.

Lisa Durham
Assistant Dean, Community Engagement
College of Social Work
8 yearsAn active community volunteer and visionary who is praised for her outreach work, Lisa secured the first 7-figure gift on behalf of the College of Social Work and increased the number of community partners by 30 percent.

Jill Gallion
Information Associate
College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Ohio State ATI
19 yearsJill is known as one of the most productive and highly motivated staff members. She is committed to excellence and was awarded for her care and support for faculty, staff and students.

Thomas Harker
Research Assistant
The Ohio State University Extension – South Centers
20 yearsThom is highly regarded as a teacher and mentor to students, as well as an innovator and inventor. His inventions have been implemented in the agriculture industry, resulting in hundreds of thousands of research dollars for the South Centers.

Judi Lang
Director, Human Resources
Office of Business and Finance
32 yearsJudi has a passion for Human Resources and is committed to the training and professional development of her staff. She also serves on various committees and enjoys volunteering.

Traci Lewis
Program Director, ACCESS Collaborative
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
26 yearsAs an inspiring teacher, mentor and champion for underrepresented minority students, Traci’s leadership has been recognized nationally.

Melinda McDonald
Executive Director, Undergraduate Programs and Advising
Fisher College of Business
23 yearsMelinda’s tireless effort and innovative attitude gains respect and admiration from her colleagues. She leads by example and never puts personal gain before professional success.

Melissa Stenger
Department Administrator/Lab Manager
College of Medicine
11 yearsMelissa’s organization and laboratory management skills make her a highly-regarded problem solver. She serves on multiple campus committees and community organizations.

Lindsey Thaler
Program Manager, Department of Physics
College of Arts and Sciences
7 yearsThrough great work ethic and organization, Lindsey is recognized for advising students in two majors in two colleges with enthusiastic support for her student advisees.

Kellie Uhrig
Senior Director, Strategic Communications
Office of Student Life
7 yearsA compassionate and strategic communicator for many important issues and crises, Kellie’s attention to detail and global approach have made her well-respected in the Ohio State community.

Angie Wellman
Intercultural Specialist, Multicultural Center
Office of Student Life
6 yearsAngie’s dedicated focus on LGBT student population through her self-initiated research findings has resulted in positive university policy changes.