Student Success Champions

One of Marshall’s greatest strengths is that each of us – regardless of our official role on campus – contributes to the success of our students.

EVERY DAY the Center for Student Success hears about a member of the Marshall Community who has made a significant difference in the life of an individual student, who has made it possible for them to succeed in college.

Inspired by hundreds of great stories about Marshall faculty and staff, beginning in the spring of 2024, Marshall University’s Center for Student Success, is formalizing its process to recognize campus personnel who contribute to student success.

Invitations for nominations will be sent to all students through their Marshall email and posted electronically on university webpages.

You can access the history of the Student Success Champions award and previous years information by through previewing the Previous Student Success Champions page.

Spring 2024

The following individuals were honored as 2024 Student Success Champions at our Spring 2024 ceremony:

  • Dr. Mindy Backus – Faculty member, College of Education and Professional Development
  • Dr. Chuck G. Bailey – Faculty member, W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communication
  • Scott Ballou – Officer, MU Police Department
  • Michelle Biggs – Director, HERD Start Early Academy
  • Gabby Casey – Graduate Assistant, Center for Student Success
  • Dr. Ronald Childress – Faculty member, College of Education and Professional Development
  • Drew Davis – Resident Advisor, Housing and Residence Life
  • Caylin France – Student Support Specialist, Student Support Services
  • Mandi Hurley, Esq. – Title IX Investigator, Title IX Office
  • Jennifer Jimison – Project Director, Marshall for All
  • Jonathan McCormick – Director, Military & Veterans Affairs
  • Dr. Laura McCunn-Jordan – Faculty member, College of Science
  • Dr. Greg Michaelson – Associate Dean and faculty member, College of Engineering and Computer Sciences
  • Dr. Sumeeta Patnaik – English Language Program Manager, English Language Institute
  • Dr. Joel Peckham – Faculty member, College of Liberal Arts
  • Tammy Reynolds – Program Manager, College of Liberal Arts
  • Amanda Shaver – Academic Advisor, Regents Bachelor of Arts
  • Patricia Spence – Resident Advisor, Housing and Residence Life
  • Annjela Twardy – FAM Peer Mentor, Center for Student Success
  • Dr. Stephen Young – Faculty member, College of Liberal Arts

These Student Success Champions were recognized in April 2024 for their dedication and efforts in assisting students at Marshall. The ceremony was captured on photo and created into a photo show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any student enrolled at Marshall for any part of AY 2023-2024 can nominate someone.
Anyone who works at Marshall in any capacity can be nominated.

Full-time employees who work in the Center for Student Success are not eligible, however, students who work in CSS’s programs are eligible.
Nominations can be submitted February 23, 2024-March 15, 2024.
Unfortunately, no. It is great that each student benefits from the work of many student success champions, but, as we formalize this process, we are asking each student who participates to nominate only one student success champion each year.
The Center for Student Success will select nominees to be recognized based on the number of nominations and the reasons for the nominations. A total of 16 campus personnel will be selected in the following categories:

  • 4 Faculty
  • 4 Staff/Administrators
  • 4 Student Employees/Housing/Food Service
  • 4 Additional from any category
In Spring 2021 and Spring 2023, there was not a minimum number of nominations that an individual had to receive to be recognized (although most names were submitted by multiple students).
This is not a monetary award. Student Success Champions will receive a plaque, be recognized by Provost Avi Mukherjee and honored at a modest ceremony on Friday, April 19, 2024.
Yes! We will let you know if the person you nominated will be recognized and invite you to the event.
Please contact Kateryna Schray, Director, Center for student success at rudnytzk@marshall.edu or 304-696-2404.

Contact Us

East Hall, Suite 229
304-696-5109