August Winner
William White
“William goes above and beyond everyday. He is consistent in a lot of things, but particularly one thing that he does day in and day out. He takes care of livestock at the South Farm. He does it with a smile, with integrity and with pleasure. We do not pay William anywhere near what his worth is, but he does his job because he is so loyal to the department, the animals and the university. Even when he takes leave, you will often see him out there quietly checking to make sure everyone (livestock and people) are ok. Even if he is physically out of town, he will call to check in. He treats the livestock and the people around him with compassion. He wants to do what is right and you can always count on William to make the right decision or to take the blame if something goes wrong, even if it is not his fault. William never seeks attention for the things that he does to make this department a better place, he gives recognition to his team while he quietly works in the background. ”
- Dr. Christy Bratcher (Nominator)
September Winner
Danielle Riley
“I’d like to recognize Danielle Riley for her outstanding professionalism and customer service during a challenging season of major parking-policy changes on campus. While these changes have understandably created frustration among students, staff, and faculty, Danielle has consistently approached her role as the “messenger” with patience, grace, and a solutions-focused attitude. In my role coordinating large-scale career events that bring over 700 employees to campus each semester, I often work closely with the Transportation Office. Even when she didn’t have an immediate answer, Danielle always went the extra mile to find a solution that would work for our events and followed up promptly. She never makes me feel like I’m a burden, even when I have multiple questions or requests. Her professionalism, kindness, and willingness to collaborate exemplify the spirit of Bully Watch, and I am grateful for her dedication to ensuring our events run smoothly.”
- Leslie Neal (Nominator)
October Winner
Chris Cooksey
“There are those who talk about doing, and those who get to doing. Chris Cooksey gets to doing every day, taking care of the kind of work that keeps this campus going. Chris is a network infrastructure specialist, handling the miles of information technology cabling that powers Mississippi State University’s academic and research engine. I know that every time I need a critical connection made or a head-scratching problem resolved, one call to ITS infrastructure will get things worked out. Chris’s work doesn’t occur Monday through Friday, 8 am-5 pm; it seems like he’s always on campus, setting up the systems that we rely on in ways we don’t even consider. All the while, Chris’s focus is on making things better for the client, every day. Chris Cooksey is a great example of the spirit that makes MSU a great place to learn and work.”
- David Garraway (Nominator)
November Winner
Tina Davis
“Tina was instrumental in assisting one of our freshmen who was feeling overwhelmed with being on campus and away from home for the first time. Tina lent her ear and listened to the student express her feelings. Tina supported the student and explained that it’s natural to feel anxiety and stress during the first semester of college–especially when the student is away from home for the first time and transitioning from a small town and school to a large campus with tons of people. Tina assisted the student by helping her understand that this was a challenging time and telling her that she was more than capable of handling college life, to find her center and breathe, and to take things one step at a time. In the following days, Tina sent a follow-up email with a note of encouragement. Tina’s expertise and helpfulness are critical to assist with student retention. Tina is also fully invested in student success and is always willing to listen to our students’ concerns.”
- Christa Haney (Nominator)
January Winner
Delta Boykin
“Delta Boykin and the talented Wizard Team in the Extension Center for Technology Outreach went above and beyond their regular duties to support the successful launch of a new statewide initiative–despite significant budget constraints. When limited funding prevented the purchase of a mobile app, the team designed and delivered an innovative alternative to capture critical program data. In under a month, they built a robust registration and data collection system that seamlessly integrated participants' enrollment with weekly data submissions over six weeks, supporting both program delivery and future faculty publications. Their dedication, creativity, and tireless work have been instrumental to the programs’ success. I strongly recommend Delta Boykin and the Wizards in the Center for Technology Outreach for this prestigious recognition in honor of their outstanding contribution.”
- Jamie Varner (Nominator)
February Winner
Vanessa Reaves
“Vanessa Reaves has demonstrated exceptional commitment, expertise, and leadership in her role in modernizing Mississippi State University’s leave program. She played a key role along with her supervisor, Amy Bostick, in updating the Leave/Leave without Pay policy including implementation of the University’s updated FMLA policy and the new paid parental leave benefit. She consistently went above and beyond to ensure the changes were clear, compliant, and employee focused. Beyond policy development, Vanessa led implementation, communication, and training efforts across the University, helping departments and employees successfully prepare for the transition. Her diligence, professionalism, and commitment to both MSU and its employees have made a meaningful and positive impact.”
- Juli Rester (Nominator)
March Winner
Clare Sones
“Clare has been in our office as Assistant Director of Enrollment Marketing for two years now. Her work ethic, out-of-the-box thinking, dedication to Mississippi State University and growing our enrollment is unmatched. In Clare’s role she oversees our design and production of over 3 million + pieces of snail mail we mail out; she handles ALL our student recruitment staff needs all over the country, and she is always willing and able to help anyone on our team with whatever they need. Whether she’s been asked to clean a university vehicle, put together an event arch, vacuum the campus visit room if guests have brought in leaves or dirt, she is ALWAYS ready and willing to do anything that is asked of her, even if it’s outside her job description. I genuinely do not know what we would do without Clare!"
- Avent VanHorn (Nominator)
April Winner
Francesca Williams
“Francesca consistently demonstrates an exceptional willingness to serve the School of Nursing through her dedication, reliability, and unwavering support of both faculty and students. She approaches every task, no matter how big or small, with a positive attitude and a genuine commitment to excellence. Whether coordinating complex schedules, assisting with program needs, or stepping in wherever help is required, Francesca embodies a true team spirit. Her proactive nature and ability to anticipate the needs of others make her an invaluable asset to the office. She goes above and beyond her responsibilities daily, ensuring that operations run smoothly and that everyone she encounters feels supported and valued.
- Demetria Walker (Nominator)