Arkansas State University conducted its 11th annual service recognition and distinguished performance awards program Tuesday for classified and non-classified personnel.

This program was initiated in 1994 to recognize outstanding job performance and long-time service by the university’s non-teaching employees, according to Dr. Les Wyatt, president of the university.

Eight employees received Distinguished Performance Awards in their respective employment categories. 

The employees, their departments, and their employment categories were:

      -- Danita Gibson, Office of the Registrar (professional/non-faculty)

      -- Michelle McGinnis, College of Business Student Services Center (secretarial/clerical)

      -- Dylan Fisher, Residence Life Maintenance (skilled crafts)

      -- Donna Street, Residence Life (service maintenance)

      -- Don James, Finance and Administration (executive managerial)

      -- Ann Ford, Facilities Management (technical/paraprofessional)

      -- Alberta Smith, Procurement Services (part-time employee)

      -- Joyce Jaynes, Department of Art (customer service)

Each winner of the Distinguished Service Award received a plaque and a savings bond.

Two employees, Dr. Lynn Howerton, Psychology and Counseling, and Dr. Dennis White, Speech Communication, were recognized for 30 years of service to ASU.

Seven employees were recognized for 20 years of service.  The employees and their departments were: Kenneth Burrow, Mechanical/Electrical Maintenance; Marvin Cook, Carpentry Maintenance; Victor Hill, Financial Aid; Justin Holder, Information and Technology Services; Don Neldon, Mechanical/Electrical Maintenance; Stanley Schmidt, Carpentry Maintenance, and Sylvia Strawbridge, Music.

Five employees who have retired or will retire during this fiscal year were also recognized.  They include: Gary Albright, Intramurals; Ken Cooper, University Police; Ila East, College of Education; Jim Steele, Facilities Management, and Leoida Ann Thornton, Custodial Care.

An additional 22 employees were recognized for 10 years of service.

Eight ASU employees received Distinguished Performance Awards during a ceremony held today. Pictured left to right is: (front row) Donna Street, Danita Gibson and Michelle McGinnis; left to right (back row) is Ann Ford, Alberta Smith, Joyce Jaynes, Don James and Dylan Fisher.