Each year UI Staff Council honors fellow staff from across campus who have gone above and beyond to make the university the great institution it is today. This year, Staff Council reviewed dozens of nominations and selected 18 winners across five award categories: Board of Regents Staff Excellence Award, UI Outstanding Staff Award, the David J. Skorton Staff Excellence Award, the Richard E. Gibson Award and the Staff Award for Welcoming and Respectful Environment.
Please join us in congratulating and celebrating these distinguished University of Iowa staff members.
“One of the core missions of Staff Council is to annually acknowledge, reward, and celebrate our fellow colleagues for their wonderful accomplishments,” said James Jorris, University of Iowa Staff Council President. “Each year it is inspiring to see the many accomplishments that our staff perform to make our campus the best it can be. This year’s award winners have clearly exceeded all expectations and made us all proud to be Hawkeyes. Congratulations to the 2024-25 Staff Award winners and thank you for all that you do each and every day!”
Board of Regents Staff Excellence Award: Highlights staff whose contributions positively impact the UI and the state of Iowa.
Michele Lynn Countryman, the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) Director, has over two decades of experience in human subjects research administration. Since 2016, she has led the HRPP in achieving five successful reaccreditations with the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP). Through her collaborative efforts with local organizations and healthcare providers, Michele has helped bridge the gap between academic research and community needs that extend not just to the Iowa City area but to the whole state of Iowa.
Omar Ahmad, Deputy Director at the Driving Safety Research Institute, has over 25 years of experience in driving safety and simulation research. He has led significant projects, including a groundbreaking $7 million rural automated driving initiative. Omar is also a leader within the National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board and is sought after internationally for his expertise in simulation technology. Omar plays an indispensable role in supporting the university’s mission of advancing scholarly endeavors through leading-edge research.
Adam Pyatt, Lead Application Developer at Information Technology Services - Administrative Information Systems, led the technical team in implementing significant changes to the Office of Student Financial Aid’s MAUI system for financial aid for the 2024-25 award year. His leadership ensured the University of Iowa was the first university in the state of Iowa and in the BIG 10 to process and distribute financial aid offers. Adam’s efforts on this project helped the Fall 2024 enrollment exceed expectations.
Keith Schilling, State Geologist and Director of the Iowa Geological Survey (IGS), has led the IGS for over 10 years. Under his leadership, the IGS has completed over 180 projects statewide and is currently leading an $11.3 million carbon sequestration project funded by the Department of Energy. Keith’s work helps complement existing programs like the Iowa Flood Center and the Iowa Nutrient Research Center in effectively communicating the need to manage our natural resources in the state of Iowa for long-term sustainability and economic development.
David Tingwald, Licensure and Standards Coordinator in the College of Education at the University of Iowa, has over 30 years of experience supporting students. He oversees licensure for educator preparation programs, manages state approval processes, and ensures compliance with policies. David played a key role in developing the Counseling and Behavioral Health Studies program and revising Academic and Professional Standards policies.
Judy Warth, Program Manager at the Center for Disabilities and Development, has over 30 years of experience in the field supporting employment for people with disabilities. Judy's work includes high-intensity support, job coaching, and collaboration with state-level boards and committees. She is a nationally recognized expert and serves on the Iowa Coalition for Integration and Employment, both the local and national chapters of the Association for People Supporting Employment First, and most recently was invited to serve on a subcommittee of the Statewide Disability Access Committee.
Richard E. Gibson Award: Honors merit employees excelling in innovation or exceptional customer service.
Anna Ahlberg, IntraOral Craniofacial Surgery Technician in the Oral Surgery Clinic, has been with the clinic since January 2015. She played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic by assisting with testing. Anna manages clinic supplies, serves as the Central Sterilizing Liaison, and has significantly improved the organization and efficiency of the clinic's operations.
Edwin West, Manager of the Devlin Family Café in the Lindquist Center, has been instrumental in creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Since the café's opening in 2020, Edwin has provided excellent customer service, fostered a sense of community, and advanced a welcoming culture while also developing future leaders. His leadership extends to managing student employees and participating in the College of Education’s strategic priority group on employee engagement.
David J. Skorton Staff Excellence Award: Recognizes creativity and dedication that improves the university community.
Brooke McKeon, Institutional Review Board Application Analyst in the Human Subjects Research Office, has eight years of service marked by exceptional dedication. She has led operational improvements, created comprehensive manuals, and trained numerous employees. Brooke co-founded the Pre-Health Medical Conference and served as President of the Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, significantly contributing to student and community engagement.
Angela Melsa Worrell, Clinical Program Coordinator at the College of Nursing, has served in her role for 10 years. She oversees clinical placements, matching over 200 students with preceptors each semester, and manages affiliation agreements with 75+ healthcare organizations. Angela has developed a regionalized approach to clinical placements and played a key role in creating the Notable Preceptor of the Year Award and the Preceptor Conference.
UI Outstanding Staff Award: Rewards staff for significant accomplishments that benefit or bring recognition to the university.
Keith Becker, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at University Human Resources, has nearly 20 years of service. He has transformed the talent acquisition unit by modernizing hiring processes, creating a centralized recruiting model, and developing a staff Employee Value Proposition (EVP). Keith has also collaborated on a faculty EVP and improved recruitment and retention strategies for University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC) and was instrumental in the transition from Mercy Hospital to the UIHC system.
Donna Dolezal, Nurse Manager in the Ambulatory Surgery Center PACU, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, has over 30 years of experience in nursing, management, clinical teaching, and research. She has implemented evidence-based practices in areas such as obstructive sleep apnea, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and aromatherapy. Donna has received several awards, including the Daisy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 and the 100 Great Iowa Nurses award in 2012.
Renea Jay, Director of PhD Programs at the Tippie College of Business, has over 20 years of service. She advises graduate students, supports job placements, and organizes key events like the PhD Annual Fall Picnic and the PhD Alumni Conference. Renea also collaborates on program development and serves on various university committees, significantly contributing to the Tippie and UI communities.
Jennifer Jones, Optimal Aging Initiative Program Coordinator at the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence, has significantly enhanced the Center's outreach and visibility. She has built statewide relationships, created an Adult Child Caregiver Support Group, and hosted the "Embracing the Journey of Aging" podcast. Jennifer's efforts have expanded the Center's network and increased community engagement.
James Niemeier, Research Staff at IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering, has been instrumental in designing, building, and deploying a robust stream sensor network for the Iowa Flood Center. His expertise in electrical engineering supports critical flood, drought, and water quality monitoring. Jim's problem-solving skills and dedication have significantly contributed to reducing flood risks and maintaining the integrity of the sensor network.
Keaton Rossman, Charge Pharmacist in the IV Admixture Pharmacy at University of Iowa Health Care, has been with UIHC since 2010. He has navigated national fluid shortages, developed new medication protocols, and ensured compliance with national standards revisions. Keaton's leadership and dedication have significantly impacted patient care, pharmacy operations, and the overall healthcare community in Iowa.
Staff Award for Welcoming and Respectful Environment: Fosters a welcoming and respectful workplace environment while recognizing personal differences.
Laurie Haag, Program Developer at the Women’s Resource and Action Center (WRAC), has over 30 years of service. She has organized numerous events and volunteer opportunities, including Iowa City’s annual Pride event and Take Back the Night. Laurie leads the WRACtivists student group, supports the Adult Child Caregiver Support Group, and has been instrumental in many welcoming and inclusive initiatives. Her efforts have created welcoming spaces and fostered connections across the university and local community.
Betsy Justis, Licensure and Standards Associate in the College of Education, has significantly contributed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment. She supports non-traditional students in the Regents Alternative Pathway for Iowa Licensure (RAPIL) program and fosters community within the Office of Student Services. Betsy organizes events like “First Friday” meals, plant swaps, and birthday celebrations, enhancing the sense of community and support among staff and students.