Kephart, Smith Selected as Campus Kudos Winners

October 19, 2021

Lisa Vermillion (right) presents Jacqueline Kephart with a spring Campus Kudos Award. 

Jacqueline Kephart, payroll clerk with human resources at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, has been selected by the Staff Council as the recipient of the 2021 spring semester Campus Kudos Award. Shawn Smith, HVAC technician with the maintenance department, has been selected by the Staff Council as the recipient of the 2021 summer semester Campus Kudos Award.

Lisa Vermillion, administrative assistant to the vice president for administration and Staff Council chair-elect, presented Kephart and Smith with their Campus Kudos awards.

The person nominating Kephart for this award said, “When we switched over to approving student worker time in self-service, the time for one of our department’s student workers got messed up repeatedly. It was a mess. But, Jackie was so patient and kind with us in helping us get it sorted.

“I was just coming back from COVID, and I was overwhelmed, and she was a godsend. Furthermore, she is always pleasant to work with and really cares about the students with whom she works.”

Kephart has served in her Northwestern position for over three years.

“It was a surprise to find out I was nominated,” Kephart said. “I feel humbled and honored to receive this award!”

Campus Kudos is a public acknowledgement created by the Northwestern Staff Council that applauds the efforts of eligible staff members who have displayed an act of kindness above their job responsibilities. This award is presented each semester, including the summer term.

Lisa Vermillion (right) presents Shawn Smith with a summer Campus Kudos Awards.

The person nominating Smith for this award said, “Shawn works SO hard to make sure that others on campus are cool during the hot days and warm during the cool days. He spends many hours in the heat on a rooftop, or near an AC unit where it's extra hot, so that others are more comfortable.

“During this summer, he has been kept so busy with repairs that I've seen him still here long after most of the regular employees are gone. I hope an award like this will be able to show how appreciated he truly is on our campus.”

Smith previously received the 2016 fall semester Campus Kudos Award as well.

 “It is a great honor to receive this award,” Smith said. “I would like to thank my fellow employees, staff and students for their perseverance through this pandemic. It is a privilege to work at Northwestern. Thank you!”

-NW-

CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu, 580-327-8480