On Monday, April 1, 2024, Randolph-Macon recognized nine dedicated staff members during the College’s semi-annual Yellow Jacket Awards ceremony in Birdsong Hall.

President Robert Lindgren expressed his gratitude for the award recipients’ hard work, which drives the achievements of the College.

“As the Cabinet and I reviewed the outstanding accomplishments of today’s honorees and the outstanding and highly qualified nominees, we are always struck by the breadth of your good work,” President Lindgren said. “You make RMC a better place.”

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 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. Six staff members were presented with this award.

Leah Wiseman

Assistant Director of Enrollment Marketing

“Though Leah Wiseman first joined the College in the role of a social media specialist, her counsel and skills were central in inspiring us to transition an open position in Admissions to a brand-new role—Assistant Director of Enrollment Marketing.

Leah jumped into the new role in January 2023 and navigated through the changes needed to make it a success with a great attitude that puts the College first. Leah both leads much of the strategy of what and when we communicate, and expertly communicates it—she is both the maestro and the musician.”

Christi Hughes ‘01

Physician Assistant Studies Program Clinical Director

“Christi works tirelessly behind the scenes of the clinical phase of the Physician Assistant program to ensure our students have a seamless and fulfilling clinical year, and meaningful clinical rotations. Christi goes above and beyond to make sure this essential phase of the students PA education is complete.

She completes her work with a quiet dedication to excellence, often stepping in to support tasks or projects that need immediate attention. Christi is the person the PA faculty goes to when they need a complex or high-importance product.”

Donna Flournoy

Admissions Office Coordinator

“Donna is affectionately known in the Admissions Office as ‘Mamma Donna.’ Her cooperative spirit and ‘we can get this done’ attitude has significantly contributed to the overall success of the department.

Though Donna’s role is on the operations side, she is the first to volunteer to help with recruiting prospective students. She effortlessly talks to students and loves to find local connections during conversations with visiting families.”

Griffin Payne

Housekeeper

“Griffin started working at the College in a part-time position and transitioned to a full-time position in January of 2022. Griffin is very detailed in his work in Haley Hall, the Secondary and Exceptional Education House, and the Asian Studies House. He is known for his excellent engagement with our students, faculty, and campus visitors. He takes immense pride in his work making sure our campus shines for our Admissions events.”

Ira Rubenstein

Simulation and Skills Lab Coordinator

“Ira is an unsung hero in many ways and is integral to the success of the nursing program. He is always striving to improve the quality of the simulations that the nursing department provides for students. He is thorough in his preparation and provides feedback that is valuable to students and faculty.

Ira maintains a professional demeanor and prioritizes the student experience in his daily work at RMC. Ira is truly an asset to the nursing program and the RMC community.”

Scott Culley

Mail Services Coordinator

Scott joined the RMC community almost 20 years ago in April of 2004. Scott started his career at RMC in the copy center in Peele Hall. He worked tirelessly to transition the print shop and mailroom to Brock Commons when the facility opened. Scott’s nominator wrote ‘For twenty years, I have watched Scott Culley perform his work without complaint and with a genuine willingness to be of service to Randolph-Macon. His job rarely, if ever, puts him in the spotlight. He is a quiet but highly effective team member that helps to keep things moving at a steady and productive pace.’”

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

Bryan Hearn

Head Women’s Golf Coach

“Bryan is an experienced golf professional with a proven record, dedicated to student success, and committed to being a part of the Randolph-Macon community. He has created a first-class experience for our current golfers, while simultaneously changing the course and culture of the program. He has succeeded on every level. Bryan has made an immediate impact with the program.”

Paulette Parrish

Campus Safety Patrol Sergeant

“Paulette joined Campus Safety in February of 2021. She quickly established a reputation as an awesome employee and a huge asset to our college. She is well known for her unfailing cheerfulness, and upbeat and positive outlook, even in times of emergencies.

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the College recognize Paulette’s kind and supportive attitude. She is an outstanding example of someone who emulates and exudes community service to the highest degree.”

Meriwether Gilmore

Assistant to the VP of Admin & Finance

“Along with her numerous duties and responsibilities, Meriwether makes the time to help with needed projects around the Business Office as well as assisting Human Resources with events and projects. If something needs attention, Meriwether jumps on it right away. Contributions like Meriwether’s often go unnoticed. She makes it possible for her colleagues to be successful by going above and beyond the call of duty each and every day in her service to RMC. Meriwether brightens the campus with her smile, generosity, and calm demeanor.”