It is with great pride that I nominate Lilly Lester, a proud Mary Wash alum from the Class of 2020, for this award. Since returning to UMW, Lilly has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication—making a remarkable impact in just a. few short years.

Lilly revitalized our two-day orientation program in 2022 (which had gone dormant under Covid), launched a robust transfer student success initiative, strengthened peer mentoring, and expanded the NEST program—all while building meaningful support systems for both students and families. These contributions have significantly enhanced recruitment and retention and have strengthened the student experience and sense of community on campus. She has expanded the peer mentor role to help combat student loneliness on campus, instituting a new program called “Lunch Buddies” where students eating lunch solo can meet up with other students and an experienced peer mentor to go to lunch as a group.

Her commitment to supporting the student experience extended even further during the spring of 2024, when the Student Activities Office was left without any full-time staff. Lilly stepped up without hesitation, supporting both SAE and her own department to ensure signature events—including Devil Goat Day, Spring Formal, Eagle Awards, and the Big Spring Concert—went off seamlessly. She stepped in to manage and supervise the SAE front desk to unsure clubs remained supported at this time. Her steady leadership, problem-solving, and collaborative spirit were instrumental in ensuring students did not miss out on these cherished traditions. We honestly couldn’t have stayed afloat without her presence.

Lilly is far more than a program leader. She is a mentor, connector, and champion for students whose passion and adaptability inspire those around her. Her willingness to contribute beyond her own responsibilities—such as supporting QEP class meetings and other cross-campus initiatives like resume review—demonstrates her unwavering dedication to serving the student good. Her collaborative leadership is also evident in her work with the Dean of Students Office and First-Year Experience to bring LaunchPad to life, creating new opportunities for student success.

Lilly’s impact is undeniable. She has left a lasting mark on our community, and we are all better because of her. For her extraordinary contributions, leadership, and commitment to students, I wholeheartedly nominate Lilly Lester for this award.

Lee Ann Reaser
Position: Director, Gift Proc & Rec Management
Department: Advancement Programs

Lee Ann Reaser embodies the spirit of excellence that the Larry Atkins Award represents. As a genuinely positive force in our department, she brings an infectious levity and deep institutional knowledge that elevates everyone around her. Lee Ann is as well-known for her spontaneous office dancing as she is for expertly navigating our most complicated donation reconciliations—a testament to her ability to find joy in her work while maintaining the highest professional standards.

What truly sets Lee Ann apart is her genuine respect for both our mission and her colleagues as individuals. She actively seeks to understand and value each person’s unique contributions, creating meaningful connections that strengthen our entire team. Her analytical mind allows her to see beyond surface requests to identify larger implications and opportunities, making her an invaluable strategic partner.

Despite her very full workday, Lee Ann is always ready to listen to a coworker, offer helpful and on-point advice, and lend a helping hand—whether organizing meals, finding solutions to challenges, or coordinating an impromptu lunch outing. She makes every day in the office both fun and productive, creating an environment where colleagues thrive.

Lee Ann cheerfully supports all Advancement and Alumni Engagement activities, and her leadership extends to encouraging her entire staff to participate while thoughtfully making time in everyone’s schedules for these important initiatives. Her contagious love of Mary Washington and unwavering commitment to our advancement work sets an inspiring example for colleagues at every level, demonstrating how passion and professionalism create lasting impact

Nicole St. John
Position: Electronic Resources Librarian
Department: Library

Nicole has been a dedicated member of the Library for nearly 20 years. From the Stafford campus to the Simpson Library, Nicole has been a quiet asset to the library and the students and faculty who use the library services. Nicole has provided circulation services, research help, library classroom instruction, interlibrary loan services, and provides management and technical support for over 200 online databases.

While her support is behind the scenes, her tireless efforts make life easier for the front-line library staff. She is quiet, and often does not like the recognition for “doing her job,” but as a coworker, she is meticulous, fast, organized, and positive in everything she does. Her professionalism makes the library run better, and most people never see the part she plays. Notably, Nicole even worked with Larry Atkins at the Stafford campus from 2006 – 2011.

Mark Thaden
Position: Assoc VP Alumni & Donor Engagement
Department:  Alumni Engagement

If the Advancement and Alumni Engagement division is a body, Mark is the heart. As a friend, Mark is the person everyone wants to spend time with at social events. As a leader, many seek his counsel for advice. His door is always open, and colleagues from across campus will swing by to, yes, say hello, but to also bend his ear over an issue for his feedback. Mark’s dedication to alumni and Mary Washington goes beyond what is expected from his position. He’s the front line for alumni complaints, and he handles each one with kindness and understanding. His love for our institution and its people is apparent and inspiring. Most notably, he seems to perform these roles with no interest in recognition. His selfless demeanor also shows in his tireless support for those who report to him. I’ve not known a supervisor who will advocate for the needs of those who report to him more than Mark.

Mark manages stressful times with grace, leads his staff with encouragement, and he represents the best of us. I believe he is worthy of this recognition.
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 2025 Coleman Award Nominees

Mary Bullock – WINNER
Position: Office Manger & Fiscal Technician
Department :  Deans of Students Administration

Nomination #1

Mary works very long hours to accommodate student clubs to make sure their events and other activities are a success, even when the students did not plan ahead as much as they should have! It is not unusual to see her here well past 6 PM. She is always considering how UMW’s policies and procedures could better serve students and staff, but she also understand and supports our institutional need for compliance with state policies. She is always trying to improve institutional efficiency. During the day she hardly ever leaves her desk, to the point of eating microwaved pizzas for lunch every day. I don’t know how she stands it!

Mary is warm, caring, and funny. Students love coming to see her, sometimes to do “business,” sometimes just to check in, and she is always welcoming. When a student comes to her in trouble she is tireless about finding resources and support for them, and will not rest until she knows that the student is in good hands. When I have a problem, or when I feel frustrated, I can count on her to listen to me and to be sympathetic. This is how she is with everyone at UMW.

Working with student organizations can be challenging, owing to the last-minute nature of many of their needs and requests. Even when it is inconvenient for her, she will virtually drop everything to make a purchase or support a program for students, even when the students should have asked her about it a week earlier or more. When a problem supposedly cannot be solved, she finds a creative way to solve it anyway.

Nomination #2

Mary’s loyalty and dedication are the cornerstones of the thriving workplace culture in the Dean of Students office and SAE. Mary is genuinely committed to our organization’s mission and values, she goes beyond simply fulfilling her job duties—she invests emotionally, takes initiative, and consistently strives for excellence. Her dedication fosters trust, boosts student morale, and contributes to long-term success.

Mary’s caring for others is her quiet strength. It means noticing when someone’s struggling—even if they don’t say a word—and choosing to show up with kindness, patience, or simply a listening ear. Her concern for others isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s found in her everyday choices to be gentle, to support, to offer help without expecting anything in return.

Mary’s “can-do” attitude is the spark that keeps things moving. She has the ability to figure things out—even when the path forward isn’t clear. She steps in an helps other departments, students and does it all with a smile on her face. Mary consistently rolls up he sleeves and dig in and her can-do spirit is contagious.

Anjanie Skornia
Position:  Office Manager
Department:  BSN Academic

For the past 3-4 years, Anjanie has served in growing departments within the University: Nursing and Continuing and Professional Studies. Her positive attitude, professional acumen, and ability to embrace change have been what the programs, and the University have needed.

Although the University of Mary Washington is not a business per se, Anjanie goes out of her way to give customer service excellence. If a student approaches her, whether for housing extensions or a consortium agreement, she either reassures them that “she’s got it” or consults with someone to ensure it gets taken care of.

As someone who is in awe of her organizational abilities, she approaches large tasks fearlessly, and without a doubt, I can count on her. An example: over the past 3 years, Nursing has undergone many changes in personnel and new programs. Anjanie has embraced changes; she adapted her work flow while keeping a positive attitude.

Rodney Wilkins
Position:  Security Officer II
Department:  University Police

Rodney Wilkins has been affiliated with UMW Police since 2017, when he began as a wage employee. His loyal and dedicated service and professionalism led to full time classified status in 2022. The very qualities that make Rodney a valuable member of UMW Police have been demonstrated repeatedly in his work at Gari Melchers Home and Studio (GMHS). The museum experiences larger-than-normal crowd numbers several times a year, including high school prom season (for photography on site) and during “Art After Hours” concerts in the rummer. Rodney helps make large family photo groups and the “Art After Hours” parking and traffic situation more orderly and safe. We know that we can count on him for consistent, professional performance.

Rodney Wilkins wields the authority of a police officer in ways that are effective without being needlessly confrontational or inconsiderate. Whenever he interacts with visitors during large events at Gari Melchers Home and Studio, he is sensitive to the family-oriented learning environment in which we work., and treats everyone whom he encounters with respect while attending to his duties.

Rodney Wilkins is always ready to adapt to changing circumstances, overcome obstacles, and do whatever is necessary to ensure successful fulfilment of mission. Gari Melchers Home and Studio could not ask for a more capable and collegial UMW Police colleague. Such collaboration with another UMW department, and positive working relationships with colleagues, bring credit on Officer Santiago, UMW Police, and the University generally.

2025 Hurley Award Nominees

Sarah Appleby
Position:  University Archivist
Library

Sarah has worked for UMW for almost nine years and throughout her time here, her guiding mission has been exceptional service to this community. If there is an opportunity to volunteer, you can be sure that you’ll see Sarah there. Over the years, she has stepped up to help every department in the library during periods of staffing shortages, and is still the first to volunteer when help is needed today. In addition, Sarah steps outside of her department to regularly assist colleagues and students across campus whenever she is needed. You may have seen her helping out during move-in days, working with students during resume review sessions, picking up grocery deliveries for the Gwen Hale Resource Center, and even co-hosting a table after Commencement to collect caps and gowns from students who would like to donate them to the GHRC for future students. Sarah’s dedication to service is further exemplified in her continued work with the University Staff Council, including multiple leadership roles culminating in her election as Vice-President (2022-2023) and President (2023-2024). Sarah’s USC service continues with a recent re-election to a new term.

Sarah’s strength of character is embedded throughout her work, activities, and relationships at UMW. She approaches her work as University Archivist with integrity and professionalism, working within the frameworks of both UMW’s ASPIRE values and the Society of American Archivist’s Core Values to ensure the University’s historical records are preserved and made accessible for our own community and beyond. Sarah is a trusted colleague who works hard – both as a USC representative and leader, as well as in her regular professional activities – to encourage communication and dialogue, ask thoughtful questions, actively listen, and find solutions on common ground. She approaches relationships with kindness and respect, quickly becoming a colleague that everyone is happy to work with, and a mentor that students regularly seek out for advice and encouragement. In addition, Sarah’s strength of character has led her to be a trusted community resource as well, sharing her expertise with local organizations whenever needed and regularly helping with public projects.

Sarah has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the mission of inspiring and enabling our students to make positive changes in the world. Academic libraries and archives can be intimidating for new visitors, and Sarah makes it her number one priority to encourage students to be in these spaces and to remind them that these materials, UMW’s history, belongs to them, too. She regularly hosts classes and events to introduce the UMW community to Special Collections, and engages all visitors with friendliness and her signature witty humor. She joins state-wide initiatives and works with universities across the Commonwealth to brainstorm and develop new ideas for engaging our communities, implementing many of those ideas back at UMW through activities like social media initiatives and tabling events. Sarah also inspires and encourages our students interested in cultural heritage work simply by including them: students work with Sarah as she acquires and processes collections, learning technical processes and talking through many of the complex ethical and legal dilemmas embedded in archival work. Sarah has inspired many of our students to pursue careers in libraries, archives, and records management, and provided foundational experiences to help get them started.

Cartland Berge
Position:  Director of Digital Knowledge Center
Department:  Digital Knowledge Center

Cartland’s record of service to the University is easy to see in the moments when the community has needed him most. During COVID, he was one of the voices faculty could turn to as they navigated the sudden shift to online teaching, working closely with colleagues in Digital Learning Support and the Center for Teaching. At the same time, he played a central role in creating the University’s first virtual orientation, coordinating the Canvas and video work students performed that became a lifeline for new students in summer 2020. More recently, Cartland has been a key member of the student employment working group, helping to examine and improve the processes students encounter when searching for jobs on campus. His ability to design and refine systems has had a lasting impact on both student and faculty experiences.

We have an ongoing joke in our office about “Bergitizing” a project, because once Cartland takes it on, you can be sure he has carefully thought through how best to accomplish the task and has worked tirelessly to test and refine it until he finds the best solution. That attention to detail is matched by his willingness to take on whatever role is needed. He has been a steady presence at orientations, open houses, and even graduations, where he can be found helping students line up for their pictures. Cartland can be counted on to wrestle with the hard work, see it through, and make the people around him feel supported in the process. One of his strengths is his willingness to be candid, if a process or idea is falling short, he will say so openly and constructively, always with an eye toward finding a better solution. The high-level of work that I aim to achieve is due in no small part to the standard and expectations Cartland sets in the work he does.

Everything Cartland does comes back to the University’s mission of educating and empowering students. Since becoming Director of the Digital Knowledge Center, he has expanded the center’s reach to include more digital media projects, launched the Digital Creator workshop series, and developed the DKC fellowship program, all of which have given students new ways to grow their skills and confidence. In the classroom, he teaches across Communication and Digital Studies, from DGST 101 to his own Digital Media Studio course, where students write, film, and produce a weekly YouTube show. Next spring, he will also co-teach a new broadcast journalism course, adding yet another way for students to engage. Even going back to his start as the first manager of the HCC building, Cartland has always brought energy and excitement to the spaces and programs he leads, never losing sight of the goal of helping students succeed.

April Brecht
Position:  Director of Advising Center
Department:

As Director of the Advising Center in the College of Education, April has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and initiative in advancing student success and institutional effectiveness. Her role places her at the heart of academic advising, licensure coordination, and student support. She is highly organized supports student progress.

April’s recent contributions include coordinating licensure requirements in EAB, supporting Praxis exam preparation, and managing advising lists and senior checksheets. The all are critical to student progression and compliance with state and state standards. She is often the unseen hero in all of the tasks that do not fall to traditional faculty.

She also plays a central role in recruiting students. She spends early mornings, weekends, and evenings at events talking to students. She truly sets the standard for meritorious service in upholding the values of UMW.

April’s strength of character is evident in her consistent engagement with colleagues across departments and her willingness to lead and support initiatives that benefit the broader university community. Her participation in recurring leadership, clinical, and curriculum meetings highlight her character. She has never been known to take a shortcut or do things the easy way. She works to find solutions that are beneficial to all.

She is known for her reliability, integrity, and thoughtful communication. Her emails reflect a tone of professionalism and care, whether she’s coordinating campus visits, clarifying meeting logistics, or supporting faculty and staff with academic processes and advising. She is also kind and compassionate to students. She often gives them a voice when they are not present.

April consistently demonstrates accountability through her proactive leadership in the College of Education. Whether coordinating licensure processes, managing advising systems, or supporting student transitions, she ensures that institutional responsibilities are met with precision and care. Her responsiveness and clarity in communications reflect a deep sense of ownership and reliability.

April’s work supports the academic mission of UMW by fostering student success and faculty collaboration. Her involvement in initiatives like Insights implementation and advising coordination contributes to data-informed decision-making and academic planning.

April’s integrity is evident in her thoughtful engagement with colleagues and her commitment to transparent processes. She approaches challenges with fairness and professionalism, and her contributions are consistently grounded in ethical standards and institutional priorities. Her voice in collaborative discussions is measured, constructive, and solution-oriented.

April actively supports efforts that promote inclusivity and cultural responsiveness. Her participation in conversations about graduation regalia, for example, reflects her sensitivity to student identity and representation. She advocates for equitable recognition of diverse academic paths, ensuring that all students feel valued and seen.

April’s interactions with colleagues are marked by respect, collegiality, and civility. She listens attentively, responds thoughtfully, and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Her presence in cross-functional teams and her role in advising reflect a commitment to building respectful relationships across the university community.

April is deeply engaged in the life of the university. From advising and licensure coordination to participating in strategic initiatives like Insights, she is a visible and active contributor to UMW’s mission. Her engagement is not only consistent but also impactful.

Laura Goll
Associate Director, Assessment & Clinical Experiences
College of Education

While a newer member of the UMW staff, Laura jumped into her position with determination, positivity, and commitment for learning and growing. Her tasks with leading the COE through an upcoming difficult (and multi-faceted ) accreditation process has been extraordinary to watch and participate in. She has undertaken countless hours of self-study, resource gathering, and professional development to ensure that she is guiding all members of the accreditation team through the many “hoops” they are having to jump through. In addition to her daily job, Laura has mentored students in local school districts – even driving 40+ miles round trip to meet with a student teacher to help guide her through the steps of her program. She has stepped in to co-teach a class with another COE staff member and has garnered the respect of both her colleagues and her students for her willingness to listen, engage, and commit to doing the work needed. Laura truly will roll up her sleeves and get the work done, no matter what is asked of her.

Laura (or Dr. Goll to some!) is by far one of most genuine, hard-working individuals I have ever encountered and had the honor of working with. She is committed to ensuring not only the success of the College of Education and it’s program, but goes out of her way to interact and support students in their work…whether it be through interaction, conversation, guidance, mentorship, or just a positive, encouraging word. Her wisdom within the world of education allows her to ask questions and ultimately seek solutions which allow for the success of all involved — be it faculty, staff, or student. Her kindness, integrity, inquisitiveness, and reflection are traits to behold and appreciate.

UMW provides a high-quality education inspiring & enabling our students to elicit positive world changes. Laura demonstrates her commitment and dedication to this mission through her ongoing teaching, mentoring, and community connections related to education. When she is not stepping in to teach a course, or meeting with students to discuss strategies for managing a successful K-12 classroom, Laura is working with local school districts to develop and present professional development opportunities for their novice and seasoned teachers. This commitment extends the COE desire to not only create successful teachers but to support the schools and districts where this teachers will eventually be employed. Laura works to ensure COE students are outfitted with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in K-12 classrooms throughout the region.

Antoinette Jenkins
Position:  Director of Rappahannock Work and Learn Collaborative/Dir of Work–Based Learning Initiatives
Department: Center for Career and Professional Development

Dr. Jenkins has been with the university for only a short time but has made a tremendous impact on students and the internship experience at UMW. She brought in $250,000 across three V-TOP grants to support work-based learning initiatives on campus, led the transition from paper internship contracts to a new digital workflow in Handshake, increased student knowledge of internships, stepped in to be the Center for Career and Professional Development’s Director for a year, and increased the number of students reporting otherwise unknown internships via zero-credit internship contracts. She led a data collection project to understand internship activity at UMW since 2022 and is currently working with Institutional Analysis and Effectiveness to launch an internship data dashboard for faculty and staff. She also directed a team of artist interns as they developed a career coloring book, which has been distributed to K-12 schools and libraries around the region. As Director of the Rappahannock Work and Learn Collaborative, she’s developed a strong rapport with regional partners—public schools, community colleges, businesses, community organizations, Economic Development Authorities, and so many others. This year, the Collaborative has qualified 50 businesses to take part in the V-TOP Matching Funds Program to provide more internship opportunities for students. In fact, our region is leading the state in qualifying businesses due to Dr. Jenkins’ work. She’s been invited to moderate and participate in panels across the region and represented UMW on the committee charged with interpretation of state budget language about work-based learning. All of her work undoubtedly contributed to the addition of UMW to Princeton Review’s Top 20 Best Schools for Internships (Public Schools) in 2025.

Students seek out Dr. Jenkins not only to request her guidance but also just to chat with her. She’s warm and genuinely interested in students’ lives, and they notice and appreciate that. She develops strong relationships with them, supporting them in academics, in internships, and in their personal endeavors—attending their gallery openings, performances, award ceremonies, and other events. I’ve been able to sit in on some of her coaching sessions, and she is encouraging with students, but she also challenges them to seek success—whatever that means for them. As a colleague, she’s beyond helpful, supportive, attentive, and invested in others’ professional development. She advocates for others. She is steadfast in her beliefs and an incredibly hard worker. Everything in her work revolves around maximizing quality learning experiences for UMW students.

As a person, Dr. Jenkins models honor and integrity by being a trustworthy, honest, and professional champion for learners. She creates strong connections with students who seek her guidance and encourages them to participate in experiences that will broaden their perspectives. Dr. Jenkins supports the university’s mission to give students the chance to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom and develop their professional interests by expanding work-based learning opportunities and resources for UMW students. By providing internship coaching, streamlining the internship registration process, collecting and reporting internship data, spreading awareness about internships across campus, and expanding local organizations’ ability to hire interns, she is opening pathways for students to learn outside of the classroom, where they can figure out who they are, what they’re interested in, and what they wish to do in their Life After Mary Washington.

Melissa Jones
Position:  Dean of Students and Associate VP of Student Affairs
Student Affairs

Melissa Jones has consistently provided exceptional service to UMW through her visionary leadership and innovative programs. All who work with Melissa know that she is an ideator, and her ideas have shaped not only the departments she supervises, but the entire University over the past 11 years. She completely transformed Summer Orientation into a highly successful yield event with a 95% satisfaction rating year after year, directly impacting student retention. She built out the First-Year Seminar Peer Mentor program, adding a credit-bearing leadership course that is instrumental in identifying and supporting at-risk students – something she revolutionized with the implementation of Coordinated Care and Behavioral Intervention. By establishing a culture of reporting, convening weekly triage meetings with cross-divisional partners, and ensuring timely, compassionate interventions for students in crisis, UMW has become a safer and more supportive space for our students because of Melissa Jones. Dedicated to students in all stages of their lives, she was integral in the creation of the co-curricular transcript; this transcript provides students with the tools necessary to turn their involvement into careers and their Life After Mary Wash.

To know Melissa Jones is to love Melissa Jones. Her energy is nothing short of contagious, and her unwavering care for both students and colleagues radiates in everything she does. She is the advisor who guides with wisdom, the mentor who invests with intention, and the cheerleader who celebrates every victory, big or small. In some of the hardest moments students and families face, Melissa is the voice of compassion and the steady hand of empathy, a true life raft when it’s needed most. Her impact reaches far beyond UMW’s campus; through her mentorship, nearly 30 graduates have pursued advanced degrees in Student Affairs, carrying her lessons and encouragement with them into their own careers. If you step into her office, you’ll find shelves lined with photographs, notes, and mementos from former students – a living museum of the countless lives she has touched and transformed. Melissa’s legacy is not just in the work she does, but in the people she inspires and the deep, life-long connections she has made.

Melissa demonstrates steadfast dedication to UMW’s mission by continually enhancing the student experience. Melissa will identify a problem, find a way to solve it, and weave the solution into the fabric of how we do things at UMW. After seeing an opportunity for further leadership programming, she envisioned and implemented the Presidential Emerging Leaders Program in conjunction with the President’s Office and Student Activities and Engagement, which has already seen 4 successful cohorts. After seeing a gap in executive functioning support, she implemented the Launchpad program in partnership with Dr. April Wynn to address these needs among students, and while only in its first year, has quickly become essential to our students due to its impact. She has provided steady fiscal leadership to the Student Finance Committee, promoting responsibility and fairness, and has been instrumental in improving the transfer onboarding experience. Melissa’s enduring commitment to student success, equity, and leadership development exemplifies the values of Mary Washington and reflects the spirit of service modeled by Richard and Rosemary Hurley.

Christy Pack
Associate Dean of Admissions
Admissions

Christy joined UMW ten years ago as the Director of Graduate Admissions at a time when intentions included taking graduate programs online and growing graduate enrollment. When circumstances and priorities changed, Christy ultimately became a team one but continued to produce enrollment. Three years ago, Admissions reorganized. As the associate dean, Christy added transfer to her role, assuming direct oversight of undergraduate transfer admission to traditional BA and BS degrees, the BS in Nursing, as well as adult completion to the Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree.
Often, Admissions’ success is judged only by the attainment or near miss of our first-year class targets. However, it’s critically important to recognize how other populations of new students contribute to the overall enrollment and revenue at UMW. And to also recognize that the target is generally always moving higher. Although one year, does not make a trend, the expectation for the next cycle is that you meet or exceed success from the year prior. Last fall 2024, Christy (now a team of two with Emily Quickel) had a banner year for transfer, enrolling more than 300 new transfer students. That high became the new target for fall 2025. And Christy did not disappoint! The dynamic duo fell just short of reaching that same high transfer enrollment this year. Two years of highs might be the start of a trend.
It wasn’t simply transfer where Christy saw success this fall. Christy single-handedly secured the largest cohort of Project Management Certificate new graduate students since the program’s inception, which had two entry terms in that first year compared to our current fall-only start. This community partnership with the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Dahlgren is not insignificant in many ways. Not only does it generate substantial immediate revenue for UMW, Program Management Cert students matriculate at high rates into the full MBA effectively creating a pipeline of students. In the transition of academic program leadership this summer, Christy assumed all roles from admission to enrollment counselor ensuring students were registered, and ultimately welcoming our newest cohort at the Dahlgren campus for their first class.

There is one more win for Christy this year. She worked closely with Financial Aid to use our Pell Initiative of Virginia (PIV) funds to create a pipeline of future Mary Wash BSN students. Ten Pell-eligible Germanna nursing students registered at UMW concurrently in summer courses that will count toward completion of their UMW BSN. In the near decade the BSN has existed, we’ve had fewer than ten total take us up on this opportunity. Christy and Financial Aid were able to effectively use PIV funds to pay for these students’ courses – at no financial cost to the student – and these ten now have a foundation and reason to complete their BSN at UMW.

Christy deeply wants good things for UMW, so much so that you might actually mistake her for an alum. Everyday, she shows up to give her best to the university, our students, and our team with her observations, her insight, and her sense of humor. Some days, it’s also about keeping me balanced and sane. Her counsel is thoughtful, data-driven, forward-focused, solution-oriented, incredibly valuable and valued.

Always looking for opportunities to fill our enrollment bucket or even patch holes in the bucket, continuous improvement is a priority for Christy. Focused on the student experience, she identifies barriers, speed bumps, problems. The problems then become projects we work on internally in Admissions or with partners across campus to create solutions. Just this year, she collaborated with Admissions operations and the Office of the Registrar to transform a manual process of emailing awarded transfer credit. This project streamlined a cumbersome process for staff, improved visibility of the credit evaluation for the transfer team, and enhanced the communication timeline for admitted students regarding the single most important factor in their decision – what will transfer into UMW.

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Charles Tate
Position:  Director of Transfer Advising
Department:  Academic Services

Charles has worked at UMW for over 20 years in a variety of different roles in Admissions and Academic Services. He is not only a wealth of institutional knowledge, but he is also a wealth of institutional history which is invaluable to so many different departments and units on campus. He has literally provided outstanding service to prospective students, enrolled students, alumni, faculty members, department chairs, deans, presidents, and perhaps most importantly, his fellow administrators and staff. Charles was one of the first presidents of the University Staff Council and has continued to play an essential role in the success of this group with his guidance, contributions, and support. Charles care about UMW. He cares about our students, and he cares about our faculty and staff. I can’t think of anyone more deserving to receive the Richard V. and Rosemary A. Hurley Presidential Commendation as a recognition of their stalwart dedication and service to our university.

“I know a guy who knows a guy….”

Charles is an honest and responsible individual willing to assist any UMW student or employee. Due to his institutional knowledge, he is often a “go to” person when someone needs the answer to something.

“UMW’s size, dedicated faculty, and historical commitment to fine teaching create an institutional culture where both undergraduate and graduate students benefit from strong connections with their faculty and multiple opportunities for active learning.”

His years of service, leadership roles, and the countless relationships he has forged throughout his time at UMW speak for themself. Any discussion you have with Charles is an opportunity for “active learning.” He has not only helped graduate students as well as undergraduate students in his roles in Admissions and Academic Services, but he also serves our growing transfer credit population. If one of the tenets of our mission is to create a culture where students “benefit from connections” he is often one of the first people incoming students meet to make this happen. He is dedicated to our mission because he BELIEVES in our mission of helping UMW graduates become models of “adaptive learning, personal achievement, responsible leadership, and service to others.” We should reward Charles Tate for his service to others, and that includes all of us at this institution.

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Mark Thaden – WINNER
Position:  Associate VP Alumni & Donor Engagement
Department:  Alumni Engagement

Nomination #1

Mark Thaden is an exceptional leader who oversees the alumni engagement, advancement and alumni communications, and annual giving teams with vision and dedication. Alumni and donors frequently cite Mark and his team as a key reason they remain connected to Mary Washington and continue to support today’s students and programs. Thanks to Mark’s leadership, events like Reunion Weekend, Homecoming, On the Road trips, Presidential gatherings, Mary Talks, and more are not only seamlessly executed but leave alumni feeling even more proud of—and connected to—their alma mater.

Mark has a way of making everyone feel seen and valued. Since joining the University in 2011, he has built genuine, lasting relationships across generations of alumni. Whether it’s arranging a special seat for a member of the 1908 Society during the Commencement processional or quietly sending flowers to a class agent who’s lost a loved one, Mark always goes out of his way to show care and appreciation. He doesn’t just do his job—he remembers the small things, leads with empathy, and makes people feel like they matter. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and steady presence make a lasting impact, and it’s those qualities that truly speak to the strength of his character.

Mark lives the mission of the University of Mary Washington in all that he does. His work is grounded in a deep belief in the power of a liberal arts education and a genuine commitment to student success, lifelong learning, and community. Whether he’s connecting alumni back to the University, mentoring students through programs like Network MaryWash, or strengthening philanthropic support, Mark consistently aligns his efforts with the University’s values of service, integrity, and academic excellence. His dedication goes beyond day-to-day responsibilities—he’s deeply invested in helping Mary Washington thrive, now and into the future.

Nomination #2

Mark always takes the time to help our alums whether it is an hour long conversation on the phone, a tour of campus or the alumni center, or putting together a gift to recognize a milestone event. He is thoughtful and vigilant in his engagement with our alums. He remembers their names and class years and all the special moments from their reunions. He laughs at their stories and mourns their losses. He is mindful in planning our events, making sure that every particular like and dislike is taken into account. The Office of Alumni Engagement would not be what it is without Mark. He has shaped it and made it what it is today.

It takes a strong person to handle our alums. With class years ranging from 1949 to 2024 there are so many personalities to handle and each decade brings its own challenges. Mark is able to navigate them with aplomb. He is witty, charming, engaging, personable, flexible, and firm when he needs to be. All this is delivered with a gentle but loving disposition that our alums have come to rely on. When they ask for a Yeti tumbler he calmly tells them that he can’t afford that but with a boyish smile shows what he can do and they are always happy. His genuine love for the alums and UMW shows in all he does. We can’t ask for anything more.

Mark shows dedication to the university mission by living a life of service to UMW. All of the alumni programming is open to the entire UMW community and much of it extends to the community of Fredericksburg. He works hard to ensure that our alumni remain engaged with UMW and retain the connections they made as students throughout their lives. He is committed and dedicated to bringing the values of honor and integrity to his staff and in all he does as a UMW staff member and alumnus.

Nomination #3

Mark Thaden has made extraordinary contributions to alumni engagement at Mary Washington, consistently raising the bar for how our community connects and celebrates together. From Homecoming to Reunion Weekend, Mark’s vision and creativity have transformed these events into experiences that foster deep pride and connection among alumni. He not only brings innovative ideas that elevate the alumni experience but also ensures his team has the support, guidance, and encouragement to succeed. Beyond large-scale programs, Mark excels in personal interactions—he listens to alumni, learns what matters to them, and goes out of his way to make their ideas or wishes a reality. His ability to blend strategic leadership with genuine care for individuals exemplifies meritorious service in every sense.

Mark embodies integrity, compassion, and generosity of spirit. He is the kind of colleague who uplifts everyone around him—whether by offering wisdom, brainstorming solutions, or simply bringing his trademark positivity to the room. His energy is contagious; he turns challenges into opportunities and inspires others to do their best work. Mark’s character is defined not just by his kindness and empathy, but also by his unwavering commitment to collaboration and excellence. He models the very qualities we hope to see in ourselves as members of the Mary Washington community.

As both a staff member and an alumnus, Mark lives Mary Washington’s mission daily. His work reflects a deep devotion to fostering meaningful connections between alumni, students, faculty, and staff—strengthening the fabric of the UMW community. He shows up wholeheartedly, supporting campus partners, championing student success, and ensuring alumni feel welcomed and valued. Mark’s dedication is not just professional—it is personal. His enduring passion for Mary Washington is evident in every interaction, event, and initiative he touches, making him a true ambassador for the values and mission of the University.

Nomination #4

Mark has devoted his career to Mary Washington, strengthening our alumni’s engagement, passion, and pride for UMW to help further support and investment in our mission. He works diligently to help calm alumni issues, excite alumni, and always keeps the UMW first. He takes on a lot of work all while serving on numerous committees.

Mark always has a positive attitude-even when having to have hard conversations or hear numerous alumni complaints. He is one to always do right by alumni, the institution, and donors.

Mark is always putting the UMW mission first seeking opportunities for alumni to further our mission, engage with prospective students and alumni together, for engagement and development opportunities.

Nomination #5

Mark has worked in Advancement and Alumni Engagement for approximately 14 years. He has the very challenging job of marrying the University’s needs, priorities, and challenges with the alumni nostalgia and desire for things to remain the same. NO ONE is better at helping all constituents to understand each other and to meet in the middle. He has led our alumni office through some very difficult circumstances–renaming of Trinkle Hall, societal devaluing of liberal arts, COVID, demolition of Marshall and Russell, bad publicity re: the foundation, etc. He also has completely transformed signature events like Reunion Weekend, creating an experience that alumni can’t wait to come back for. I think our fundraising success in recent years is directly attributable in part to his work and his leadership.

Mark embodies the qualities we espouse here at Mary Washington. He is trustworthy, kind, and respectful–a person who leads by example, who lifts up his staff, and who inspires everyone to work hard for the sake of our alumni and our alma mater.

Mark is an alum (Class of 2002) who knows and loves the meaning of a liberal arts and sciences education. He makes sure that our ASPIRE values are reflected in our policies and events. He is dedicated as an employee–no one works more hours or takes on more additional responsibilities than Mark does. Mark now is responsible not only for Alumni Engagement, but also Annual Giving and also Advancement Communications. It is a HUGE job, and I can’t imagine anyone else here handling it like he does.