Sherman, Texas – Austin College presented staff and faculty with custom lapel pins in recognition and appreciation of milestone years of service to the college. 

Pins were presented during a gathering in Wynne Chapel, Grum Sanctuary on Thursday, August 20. “Each year, we celebrate Austin College faculty and staff who have reached significant milestones in their service to the college,” said Chief Human Resource Officer Melanie Oelfke. “The number of honorees and their collective years of service reflect the dedication and loyalty of our employees—and the special sense of community that makes Austin College feel like home.”

Employment milestone recognitions ranged from five years to an impressive 45 years of service. Forty-five employees were recognized, with a combined total of 650 years of working at the College.  

Those receiving pins were:  

With 5 years:    Adriana Alvarez, Roy Coker, Jacqueline Dunlap, Rebecca Jones, Mandy Schable, Barbara Dahl, Keri Goodwin, Stephen Searight, Kendall Armijo, Tara Kelly, Alyssa Freeman, Carllos Lassiter, Mary Randers, Sheila Smith, and Anthony Leone

With 10 years:   Dr. Mathias Akuoko, Brianna Burnett, Dr. Colin Foss, Dr. Chris Goldsmith, Dr. Melinda Landeck, Amy Parsons, Wendy Wilson, Roy Allen, Carey McClain, Donald Moore, and Gillian Locke

With 15 years:   Dr. Peter Marks and Dr. Brian Watkins

With 20 years:   Dr. Nathan Bigelow, Dr. J’Lee Bumpus, Dr. David Griffith, LadyJane Hickey, Jon Howard, Dr. Greg Kinzer, Victoria Hughes, Heidi Rushing, Michael Deen, and Baylee Kowert

With 25 years:   Dr. Elena Olive and Charles Stanley

With 30 years:   Edward Garza

With 35 years:   Mark Monroe and Dr. T. Hunt Tooley

With 40 years:   Charles Parsons

With 45 years:   Dr. George Diggs  

The College also welcomed 13 new faculty who represent a diverse sample of academic departments and bring with them knowledge and perspectives from across the United States and beyond. Ready to change the future of ’Roos at Austin College are: 

Assistant Professor of History Dr. Jeffrey Baron

Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Brooke Bonar

Chemistry Lab Instructor Ella Goldsmith

Medical Director Dr. Kevin Guan

Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Eliza Hanson

Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Sarah Irons

Assistant Professor of Practice in Accounting Dr. Yuzhu “Kathy” Kang

Clinical Assistant Professor of Medical Science Dr. Fred Noller

Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Morgan Stewart

Physics Teaching Fellow Dr. Gregory Szypko

Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Cody Trojan

Adjust Assistant Professor of Applied Music Patricia Vigil

Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Dr. Eric Wuesthoff 

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.