At East Tennessee State University, excellence sometimes happens quietly, including in the steady hands that solve problems, support students, strengthen operations and help move the university forward every day.

That excellence was on full display during ETSU’s annual Staff Celebration. Held at the Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini-Dome), this year’s “Red, White & Bucs” celebration brought staff together not only to celebrate community, but to recognize those whose work leaves a lasting impact across campus.  

Each honoree received a commemorative plaque and a $2,000 award in recognition of exemplary service to the university.

This year’s award recipients were:

Rachel Bishop, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs — Bishop manages more than 270 research and sponsored program agreements each year, helping faculty navigate complex processes while improving systems that strengthen ETSU’s research mission across campus.  

James “Jimmy” Dunn, Accounts Payable — During ETSU’s transition to Voyager, Dunn became a steady hand for the university community, responding to hundreds of questions, creating training resources and working tirelessly to keep critical financial operations moving.  

Trisha Rogers, Department of Community and Behavioral Health — For more than two decades, Rogers has served as the calm, capable center of her department, helping faculty, students and leadership navigate daily challenges with professionalism, patience and a true spirit of service.  

Rachel Colwell, Department of Chemistry — Colwell’s behind-the-scenes work supports hundreds of students each semester, from maintaining safe and effective lab spaces to helping lead major improvements during the renovation of Brown Hall.  

Lance Dugger, Facilities Management — With 27 years of service, Dugger has helped keep ETSU safe, bright and operational, maintaining critical campus infrastructure while mentoring the next generation of skilled trade professionals.  

Kelly Logan, Dispatch Supervisor — Logan’s disciplined leadership, operational improvements and unwavering follow-through have strengthened vital campus systems while making her a trusted mentor and resource for colleagues.  

Sissy Shipley, College of Medicine Office of Graduate Medical Education (Career Staff Award) — Over a remarkable 46-year career, Shipley has supported generations of medical residents and fellows, combining deep institutional knowledge with compassion, mentorship and extraordinary dedication to ETSU’s mission.  

From advancing research operations and supporting financial systems to mentoring colleagues, improving campus safety and serving generations of students and faculty, each recipient reflects ETSU’s commitment to putting people first. Their stories are different, but they share a common thread: professionalism, compassion and a deep sense of purpose.  

“I am continually inspired by the opportunity to work alongside such exceptional colleagues at East Tennessee State University. The dedication, compassion and commitment demonstrated by our staff embody the very heart of ETSU’s mission that ‘people come first,’” said Staff Senate President Cody Morelock. “Each of this year’s award recipients reflects the spirit of service, excellence and student-centered care that makes ETSU such a remarkable institution. Congratulations to all of our honorees and thank you for the meaningful impact you make on our students, our campus community and one another each day.”