Columbus State University News

Faculty, staff honored during annual awards program

May 5, 2026

A collage of five photos from an employee awards ceremony. Various groups of diverse faculty and staff members are shown smiling while receiving awards, certificates, and plaques. One photo features a woman, Kaylyn Carlisle, holding a five-year service certificate and a medal. The university's branding is visible in the background of several shots.

Fifteen faculty and staff were honored with individual awards during Columbus State University’s 2026 Employee Recognition Awards Ceremony on May 5. The annual awards program was part of events marking the university’s Employee Appreciation Week.

Faculty & Staff Awards

Dr. Charles Boster, Chappell Graduate Faculty Award. Boster is an assistant professor in the Department of Accounting & Finance.

Will Burgan, Culture in Action Staff Award. Burgan is a program coordinator in the Center for Accommodation & Access.

Katie Cannon, GCPCA, Culture in Action Staff Award. Cannon is a purchasing coordinator in the Office of Purchasing & Travel.

Dr. Melissa Dempsey, Culture in Action Staff Award. Dempsey is the assistant dean for student engagement in the Division of Student Affairs.

Dr. Kate Early, Faculty Research & Scholarship Award. Early is an associate professor of exercise science and program coordinator in the Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences.

Dr. Brittany Grissette, Excellence in Online Teaching Faculty Award. Grissette is an assistant professor in the School of Nursing.

Dr. Crystal Harris, Culture in Action Staff Award. Harris is the director of the Office of Student Accounts & Accounts Receivable.

Lawanna Hayes, Culture in Action Staff Award. Hayes is the senior executive assistant in the Office of the Vice President for Business & Finance.

Dr. David Kieran, Faculty Service Award. Kieran is the Col. Richard R. Hallock Distinguished Chair in Military History in the Department of History, Geography & Philosophy.

Dr. Kristin Seamon Lilly, Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Award. Lilly is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics.

Dr. Bobby Nixon, International Educator of the Year Award. Nixon is an associate professor and Honors College faculty fellow in the Department of Society, Culture & Languages.

Dr. Yesem Kurt Peker, Teaching Excellence Faculty Award. Peker is the interim director of the Graduate School and a professor in the TSYS School of Computer Science.

Jasmine Reid, Culture in Action Staff Award. Reid is an academic advisor in the Honors College.

Dr. Wen Shi, Teaching Innovation Award. Shi is an associate professor in the Department of Accounting & Finance.

Natalia Temesgen, Creative Endeavors Faculty Award. Temesgen is an associate professor in the Department of English.

Other Recognitions

The program also honored more than 125 employees who reached five-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, and 35-year employment milestones; 25 employees who are retiring or have earned emeritus status this academic year; and employees who completed internal professional development and leadership development programs.

The university’s website provides descriptions of the awards, a downloadable program with award recipient narratives and lists of all honorees from this year’s event, and a list of past award recipients. Event photos are available on the university’s Flickr account.

Main image: A collage of photos from the Employee Awards Ceremony.

Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR