Annual Maryville College Staff Day celebrates service, community and leadership
May 20, 2026
Faculty and staff at Maryville College gathered Friday at the McArthur Pavilion to celebrate a year of service, achievement and community during the College’s annual Staff Day, an end-of-year tradition recognizing employees whose work sustains and strengthens campus life.
Held near the entrance to the Maryville College Woods on a chilly morning that gave way to a warm spring afternoon, the event combined reflection and recognition with fellowship and fun, as employees spent the morning honoring colleagues, celebrating years of service and enjoying games and conversation before the launch of the College’s summer half-day Fridays schedule.
In remarks to employees, Maryville College President Dr. Bryan F. Coker praised the collective efforts of staff members across every corner of campus.
“The College is fortunate to be in a strong position — and that’s possible because of the real work that happens every day — in the classrooms, labs, dining halls, and various offices, and by those maintaining our buildings and grounds,” Coker said. “We couldn’t accomplish our educational mission without you.”
Dr. Niklas Trzaskowski, director of the Career Center and chair of Staff Council, reflected on the enduring role Staff Day has played in fostering community at the College, even as the event itself has evolved over the years.
“Yes, we have changed venues, introduced new activities, and responded to feedback calling for more intentional time to connect and engage with one another, and to slow down on the number of [PowerPoint presentations] that we have,” Trzaskowski joked. “But at its core, Staff Day remains the same. (And) there’s beauty in repetition. There’s beauty in process, and there’s beauty in knowing that at the end of a busy academic year, we come together as a community to reflect on the accomplishment of others, and to celebrate service, dedication, and commitment to an institution we care deeply about.”
Staff members honored, celebrated
This year’s celebration also introduced two new employee honors: the Maryville College Distinguished Service Milestone Award and the Maryville College Rising Star Award, both created to recognize leadership by long-time employees and those who, despite two years or less of service, have made a significant difference across campus.
The Sharon A. Murphy Crane Distinguished Service Award, which honors a staff member whose work advances the greater good of the institution through collaboration, initiative and sustained impact, was presented to Melanie Croft, the College’s bursar.
In her nomination, Croft was described as someone who goes “above and beyond every day to support our students, families, and campus partners,” while consistently volunteering for additional responsibilities and helping students “navigate their bills and balances smoothly.”
The Martha Hess Outstanding Administrator Award, named in honor of longtime Registrar Martha Hess and recognizing an administrator who demonstrates exceptional support for staff, was presented to Blerta Komini, executive assistant to the vice president and dean of the College.
Komini was recognized for serving as “the linchpin of the division,” providing dependable support across the Division of Student Affairs while helping create an environment “that is both efficient and welcoming.” Her nomination concluded simply: “She is the heart of Student Affairs.”
The Nancy B. Hunter Outstanding Staff Award, presented annually to a staff member who demonstrates exceptional dedication to students, was awarded to Catherine Hill, director of student transition and family programs.
Hill was praised for “consistently investing in the success, confidence, and growth of our students” through mentorship, training initiatives and student-centered programming. Her nomination described her as “a trusted mentor and source of support for countless Scots.”
The inaugural Maryville College Distinguished Service Milestone Award, honoring a staff member with at least 10 years of service whose long-term contributions have made a lasting institutional impact, was presented to Dr. Alayne Bowman, vice president of Admissions and Financial Aid.
Bowman was recognized for “decades of faithful service and transformational leadership,” as well as her “steadfast advocacy for her team” and “deep passion for strengthening the Maryville College community.”
Also presented for the first time this year, the Maryville College Rising Star Award, recognizing a staff member with two years or fewer of service who has already demonstrated exceptional promise and impact, was presented to Devyn Kelly, academic advisor.
Kelly was honored for her “innovative advising initiatives,” including development of the Academic Recovery Program, and for collaborative leadership that has already made “a measurable difference in student success and belonging.”
Milestone commemorations
In addition to the awards presentation, employees celebrating milestone service anniversaries also were recognized.
Honored for five years of service were Coker; head football Coach Ben Fox; Hill; Carrie Hood, student financial services representative; Jenny Massey, director of athletic training; Dr. Sylvia Turner, TRIO Student Support Services director; Counseling Center Director Claudia Werner; Alex McCullough, director of community standards and associate director of Residence Life; and Advancement services coordinator Brad Pedersen.
Recognized for 10 years of service were Grounds Superintendent Alan Hale, David Martin, assistant football coach; and Kelly Massenzo, director of undergraduate admissions.
Employees celebrating 15 years of service included Deborah Boling, office manager and event coordinator for the Division of Fine Arts; Equestrian Team Director Christen Khym; and Melissa Sands, housekeeper.
Honored for 20 years of service were Eric Bellah, director of development; Paula Orr, records coordinator and student services representative; and Kent West, pump and piping mechanic.
Celebrating 25 years of service were women’s soccer head Coach Jon Baker and Carol Clark, assistant director of Alumni Affairs.
Following the formal program, employees remained at the pavilion for games, conversation and lunch before beginning the College’s annual summer schedule, which allows employees to leave at noon on Fridays through the end of July.
