The employees at AU are making the years count

Augusta University celebrated milestone anniversaries for more than 475 employees with a combined 6,105 years of service to the institution. About 200 of them were honored in person on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the annual Faculty and Staff Service Recognition and Staff Council Awards Ceremony.

AU President Russell T. Keen kicked off the ceremony at the Grover C. Maxwell Theatre with a “We are… A-U!” chant, bringing the crowd to its feet before everyone settled in to celebrate the employees’ years of service, ranging from the 156 employees with five years of service to the university to one staffer with 40 years of service on her resume. 

“Each of you has played a vital role in shaping who we are. Your work – whether in classrooms, clinics, labs or offices – has advanced our mission and strengthened our community. You’ve shown what it means to serve with integrity, to lead with purpose and to care deeply about the people around you,” said Keen, who noted that longevity in service is about more than tenure. “It’s a living library of institutional memory, guiding decisions with wisdom. It’s a bridge between generations, supporting colleagues and leaders. Longevity is a beacon of stability in times of transition and growth. As we celebrate the milestones, we also recommit to our shared mission to create an environment where every faculty, staff and student thrives, physically, professionally and personally. Let today be a reminder that the work we do matters.”

Ronitia Henry, an orientation and recognition program specialist in Human Resources, said it’s a pleasure to take on the task of planning the ceremony hosted by AU’s Human Resources, a job she’s spearheaded the last few years with the assistance of Dena Pickett, assistant vice president of employee engagement, and volunteers from AU Staff Council. This year’s event was the largest since the pandemic set off a string of several smaller-scale ceremonies. 

“I believe employee recognition plays a vital role in overall well-being, motivation and retention of our faculty and staff. When employees feel seen, valued and celebrated for their contributions, it creates a stronger sense of belonging and pride in our campus community,” said Henry. “These events are more than just ceremonies; they are opportunities to pause and appreciate the incredible dedication that keeps our institution thriving.”

Kimberly Mims, assistant to the vice president for Communications and Marketing, was recognized for 20 years of service. She has worked in several areas since joining the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University in 2005 as an office specialist in the Vascular Biology Center. 

“I began my tenure here during a period of significant transition,” Mims recalled, as the institution has endured mergers and name changes during her time. “I have had the opportunity to work across multiple departments, allowing me to cultivate a diverse and well-rounded skill set.”

Mims’s colleagues today appreciate her institutional knowledge, kind smile, positive attitude and dedication to doing anything necessary to keep the department running smoothly and efficiently.

Joining Mims at the ceremony was Cindy Tuttle, who hired her at the Vascular Biology Center two decades ago. Tuttle shied away from the extra attention of being the only staffer recognized for 40 years of service but is deserving of the recognition. She hinted retirement may be on the horizon and shared that it’s the people at MCG who have made this a special place to work for four decades.  

“Every department I’ve been in has been like a family, so that’s been nice. The people, they’re like your family. It was that way in Personnel. It was that way with Public Safety and Pediatrics and, of course, Vascular Biology,” said Tuttle of her current office.

Shareen Clement, EdD, enjoys working at Augusta University, where she earned her Doctorate of Education in Educational Innovation from College of Education and Human Development in 2020. She said one of the advantages of working at AU is the opportunity to maintain the connections made while she was a student. 

“I still talk to all my professors and love them so much. They’re kind of confidants, and I go to them for advice and feedback, and it’s really been great networking, even post-graduation,” said Clement, who is just the third director of the Department of Multicultural Student Engagement, founded in 2018. “There’s no attitude of ‘We do it this way because we’ve always done it this way.’ There’s a lot of opportunity to be innovative, and no one is shutting that down.”

Although still in the early phase of her career, five years is the longest Clement has ever worked somewhere. Her ties to Georgia are strong, and she feels invested in AU and the University System of Georgia.

The years of service and Staff Council awards highlight the integral role AU staff plays in creating a positive, productive and student-centered institution. Staff Council Chair Cythia Beard honored individuals and teams nominated for their exceptional contributions in areas such as student engagement, teamwork, facilities and administrative support.

This year, more than 90 nominations were submitted from across campuses – a reflection of the respect and admiration AU colleagues have for one another. Award recipients included: 

Roberto Aragon – Student Impact Award
Recognized for his outstanding work with Fraternity and Sorority Life within Student Life and Engagement, Aragon has made a lasting impact on students during their critical transition into college life.

The Tree House – Team Impact Award
This dynamic team of Elizabeth Huggins, PhD, Angelica Hill and Morgan Hillman was honored for their collaborative spirit and dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students through the First and Second-Year Experience: The Tree House.  

William Lutz – W. Clay Adamson Jr. Award for Exceptional Facilities
Lutz’ unwavering commitment to maintaining University Village facilities has significantly enhanced the campus experience for students.

Gennie Verbeck – James A. and Erie P. Blissit Award for Excellence in Administrative Support
Verbeck was recognized for her exemplary service, professionalism and unwavering support of the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs office.