On Tuesday, Oct. 11, Randolph-Macon recognized eight dedicated staff members during the College’s semi-annual Yellow Jacket Awards ceremony in Birdsong Hall.

President Robert Lindgren expressed gratitude for the exceptional work ethic exhibited by the RMC staff, and the important roles each staff member played in another smooth start to a new academic year.

“The pride you take in your individual work is noticeable and very evident as you walk around campus,” President Lindgren noted. “Our daily successes at Randolph-Macon are unmistakably enhanced in large part by the extraordinary talent here in this room, and even more by your extraordinary dedication to RMC.”

Yellow Jacket Awards were given to staff members who were identified and nominated by their peers as exceptional employees. Each award recipient received a certificate and a cash award.

Remarks for each employee, shared by President Lindgren, are excerpted below.

The Excellence in Service award is given to an employee who provides excellent service to students, staff, faculty, parents, alumni, or visitors. One staff member received this award.

Nick Ruxton
Video and Interactive Media Specialist

“Since joining RMC as our videographer and photographer, Nick has worked long hours–often asymmetric shifts, including evenings and many weekends–to document our students, faculty, and staff’s many special moments for all of history to remember and for prospective students to see.

Nick’s outstanding work as a videographer and photographer is well-documented, but you might not necessarily know about his remarkable efforts to pay it forward. Indeed, Nick has become the very definition of a mentor to student employees who are assisting the Marketing and Communications team.”

The Excellence as a Team Member award is given to an employee who exhibits outstanding teamwork and cooperation, both in their own department and with others. Two staff members were presented Excellence as a Team Member awards.

Josh Quinn
Director of Health Careers and Professional Development

“Josh has done an exceptional job in our EDGE Career Center since joining RMC, coordinating everything related to medical careers. He was noted by his two faculty nominators to be the keystone in our pre-med program team of staff, faculty, and students. Said the nominators, ‘Frankly, our health-career program could not function without him; his work is central to almost every aspect of the program.’

He is noted for always going above and beyond the call of duty and participates in many off-hours activities, including driving students to health career open houses and participating in admissions sessions and pre-health society events. He executes these duties in a way that is congenial, focused, and helps build community.” 

Matt Nowlin ‘12
Acquisitions & Electronic Resources Associate

“Matt has a strong, effective relationship with the College’s business office. Not one to let something slip past him or get behind in schedule, he is known to constantly be checking on budgets, purchase order reports, and invoicing.  

I do appreciate folks who are responsibly thorough and appropriately diligent when it comes to our finances! And so do the individuals in our business office, one who shared, ‘His diligence in handling financial paperwork makes our jobs in the business office extremely easy.’

I just love to hear success stories about intraoffice work done well–a great example of teamwork and supporting others.”

The Excellence Behind the Scenes award is given to a staff member who provides excellent service behind the scenes, showing initiative and drive, and making Randolph-Macon a better place for work and study. Three staff members were presented this award.

Phyllis Agbenyegah
Housekeeper

“Phyllis joined the RMC family back in October 2016 as a part-time employee, working her way into a full-time position less than a year later.  During the past five years, she has played a large role in helping keep our facilities in tip-top shape–in fact, I am told that she has worked in almost every building on campus. Known for her dedication to keeping up the appearance of the building that she is working in, Phyllis also makes a point to be aware of all the many events occurring on campus and what may be needed from her in her role.  Indeed, she takes great pride in visitors coming to campus–during events such as Family Weekend two weeks ago and Homecoming this coming weekend–and having a great experience in a clean and welcoming environment.” 

Ellen Stack
Director of Advancement Services

“Ellen is known for taking on a lot behind the scenes–including working with our Raiser’s Edge database to ensure that all information and lists are accurate and assisting other staff members who need help with sending out mailings or solicitations to the College’s alumni and friends. Her nominator noted that Ellen is always willing to help and often will stop whatever she is doing to assist those around her, all while not seeking out the spotlight or the credit.And I know that our alumni are extremely appreciative of the work that she does during football season. All of the fun and revelry that occurs in the tailgate section would not occur without the time and hard work that Ellen puts into expertly managing the logistics of such a wide-open affair.”

George Minor Jr.
Housekeeper

“George, whose son–George III–also works here on campus in Brock Commons, is known for his tremendous work ethic. All he does is work, noted one colleague. He also takes tremendous pride in the building he is assigned to, Payne Hall, and has done a fantastic job keeping that newer facility continuing to sparkle.

Congratulations on today’s recognition, George. And thank you for the important role you are playing in helping make sure that Payne Hall provides the clean learning environment necessary for students who may eventually work in hospital-grade cleaned areas.”

The Excellence as a Manager award is given to a mid-level manager who provides excellence in personnel and department leadership to include employee development, innovative ideas, time management, or use of College resources. Two staff members received this award.

Dr. Beth Schubert
Director of Counseling Services

“Beth’s leadership style was described as ‘a perfect complement of strength, knowledge, guidance, and unwavering support.’

Counseling Services has thrived under Beth’s leadership, so much so that when combined with student needs exacerbated by the pandemic, we had so many students interested in their support that we had to procure after-hours virtual services.

The individual who nominated Beth identified Beth’s leadership as a primary reason they chose to come work at RMC: ‘Every day that I enter the Pannill House, it feels as though I am joining my extended family for a day-long visit, along with being able to do work I love.’”

John Herron ‘92
Director of Operations & Physical Plant

“A 1992 alumnus of RMC, John’s alma mater holds a special place in his heart and–though he lived off campus as a student here–he is committed to building an even better on-campus college experience for today’s students.

Like others, I am amazed at how much John is involved in at the College–even agreeing to chair one of the Strategic Resource Allocation task forces while also overseeing construction of our newest facility, making sure our campus looks spectacular, and working to see that our infrastructure runs as efficiently and effectively as possible.”