CVM recognizes outstanding employees at annual ceremony
Nine employees were recognized during the CVM’s 2026 Staff Recognition Award Ceremony on Wednesday, July 22. The annual event celebrates the work administrative staff and employees do to support student education, animal healthcare and research efforts. A committee reviews peer nominations and selects winners who dedicate themselves to supporting the college’s mission.
2026 Award Winners
Dean’s Award
- Lawanda Moss
Custodial Services
ABM
What nominators said: “Ms. Wanda is always bursting with joy. She keeps everything smelling incredible, which is a truly remarkable feat considering the smells that may come from laboratories and CVM spaces.
“She is just a general ray of sunshine, and she is very much appreciated. Ms. Wanda is quick to share a kind word, and talking to her always makes my day better. She exemplifies the Auburn creed and is a great asset to the university.”
Deborah Hatch Czerkawski Award
- Hattie Alvis
Administrative Assistant
Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology
What nominators said: “Mrs. Hattie exudes patience, kindness and a deep knowledge and understanding of the Auburn ‘system.’ She has mentored numerous newly minted admins not only in her home department, but in other departments as well in a way that empowers the mentee. In APP, it is commonly known that if you have a problem, Mrs. Hattie can likely get it fixed.
“She is the behind-the-scenes captain of our ship and glue that holds the department together. She has consistently demonstrated extraordinary leadership, mentorship, interpersonal excellence and a willingness to assume responsibility well beyond the scope of her position. She warmly greets faculty, staff, students, administrators and visitors, creating an atmosphere of welcome and professionalism.”
Regina Rodriguez Williams Award
- Steve Gulley
Manager of Laboratory Research
Department of Pathobiology
What nominators said: “Steve is consistently cheerful, positive and helpful. He is one of those lynchpin people who is always lending a helping hand, which makes the CVM run as smoothly as it does. He is famous for the much-anticipated hot dog Fridays for the students on his rotations and can be seen employing his homemade hot dog spiralizer. At last year’s Employee Tailgate, Steve was grilling veggie burgers for those who wanted a vegetarian option. Whenever something big, bulky or heavy needs to be moved in Greene Hall, Steve is always there with a hand truck and a good attitude.
“He served as the chair of the CVM Staff Advisory Committee, is a member of the CVM section of Campus Citizen’s Emergency Response Team (C-CERT) and served as A&P Assembly representative. Steve is Steve inside and outside the university and has volunteered his time and efforts toward a wide range of activities and interests. I don’t even pretend to know all that he does, but anyone who has been to the Fall Festival at Lakeside Church of God in Opelika will have seen Steve there cooking hot dogs, greeting people and generally exhibiting the same admirable, can-do attitude that makes him such an exemplary employee. He has participated in projects such as Linus blanket and bringing tornado relief to Beauregard in 2019. He has even babysat for coworkers in a pinch.”
Staff Recognition Award
- Scott Brown
Graphic Designer
Communications & Marketing
What nominators said: “An incredibly talented artist and designer, he took our work on the Public and One Health Program from a complete jumbled mess to the logo we use today. When we opened the draft logo, we were brought to tears. Scott is an artist. He captured all the messy words and feelings we shared with him and packaged them in the most perfect visual representation we could have hoped for.
“On top of Scott’s incredible talent, he is always patient, kind, and communicative. Creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail — what an amazing talent he is. How lucky the CVM is to have him.”
- Sisi Johnson
Community Practice Veterinary Technician
Clinical Affairs
What nominators said: “Sisi is highly respected by multiple clients from multiple services. Many clients purposefully schedule appointments when SiSi is working! Sisi is encouraging to everyone and ALWAYS willing to help when asked, that is if, she has not offered herself already! I believe she truly helps make the hospital better.
“Sisi puts people and pets at ease in frightening or sorrowful situations and goes above and beyond when mentoring and teaching the students. I am so proud to call SiSi my co-worker and feel abundantly blessed to be on SiSi’s team!!!”
- Keisha Snerling
Research Assistant
Department of Pathobiology
What nominators said: “Keisha is an absolutely indispensable rock-star. She is tremendously skilled at her job tasks, fast, dedicated, unflappable, relentlessly cheerful, highly professional and always willing to help with anything asked of her. She is truly a delight, and exceptionally worthy of this award!
“Keisha helped transform and elevate our service and truly enjoys special projects. She loves what she does and loves the CVM! She is always smiling and ready with a laugh or a little funny story to brighten someone’s day.”
- Jennifer Davis-Miller
Test Coordinator
Detection Canine Sciences, Innovation, Technology and Education
What nominators said: “Jennifer consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of professionalism, effectiveness and commitment. She has exceptional follow-through and attention to detail. Jennifer builds positive rapport with staff at all levels and shares skills, promotes safety and strengthens partnerships that reflect positively on Auburn.
“She truly is a wonder woman of many talents. Jennifer juggles 70+ page reports that need to be edited and worded in JUST the right way and makes time in her schedule to volunteer her training expertise both in-house and while representing Auburn at seminars. She is always there to lend a hand and a word of encouragement.”
- Johnathan France
Animal Care Orderly
Clinical Affairs
What nominators said: “Johnathan consistently goes above and beyond in his role, demonstrating dedication, reliability and a strong work ethic. His positive attitude and willingness to support both colleagues and those we serve does not go unnoticed.
“He plays an important role in not only making our hospital a clean safe place but a better place for everyone. Jonathan’s commitment to excellence truly reflects the values of the Auburn Creed and is very deserving of this recognition.”
Katie Ray was also recognized for receiving the Janice Ham Saidla Award for Excellence earlier in the year. This accolade nurtures the professional development of veterinary technicians by funding training opportunities, research, equipment and more.
