USI administrators celebrate employment milestones

A recognition was held Wednesday, May 11 for 44 USI employees who reached important service milestones during their USI career. Milestones of Service, sponsored and coordinated by Administrative Senate, honors employees who have reached their five year mark with a new milestone achievement added every five years thereafter.

Two employees reaching impressive milestones this year are Dr. Ann White, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, celebrating 25 years and Jon Mark Hall, director of Athletics, celebrating his 20th year at USI.

Dr. Ann White

Dr. Ann White began her career at USI in 1990 as an instructor in nursing. Through the years she has moved up the ranks becoming chair to the Undergraduate Nursing Program, then the Graduate Program, and serving as assistant and associate dean for the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) before taking the role as dean.

Under her leadership, an accelerated undergraduate nursing program was implemented, as well as a Master of Health Administration 4 + 1 program. The associate degree in respiratory therapy was converted to a bachelor's degree, and the renovation of the Simulation Center has provided students pursuing careers in health care experiential learning opportunities in a state of the art simulated clinical environment. Under her watch, Dedicated Education Units were implemented at both Deaconess and St. Mary's hospitals, placing students directly in the hospitals to gain experience. She also was instrumental in the creation of three USI Community Health Centers that allow USI undergraduate and graduate students in nursing, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, food and nutrition, social work, dental and health administration to deliver services to patients and neighborhood residents in three Evansville locations.

Her hopes for the future of the CNHP are the continued incorporation of innovative teaching and learning strategies through smart classrooms, as well as offering more practice doctorate degrees.

White said she believes strongly in the integration of disciplines working together. "Interprofessional education and practice - a major theme in this College is having different disciplines work together to provide care and education in all types of environments."

What continues to motivate her after 25 years of service? "I work with a wonderful group of faculty and staff who are committed to excellence in learning, she said. "Our students are some of the best and the brightest and they work exceptionally hard to meet the expectations of our program. Everything we have been able to do is because of the team we have in the CNHP."

Jon Mark Hall

Jon Mark Hall played a dual role when we started working at USI in 1995. He was the assistant director of Athletics and the Men's Tennis coach. He wore those two hats for seven years before being promoted to director in 2002.

Hall arrived on campus the summer after the Men's Basketball team won the national championship, and the campus was abuzz with excitement for the future of USI Athletics. In 1998 the Men's Tennis team, under his guidance, won its first conference championship and went on to win multiple conference championships.

He now has the opportunity to work alongside one of his former players. Chris Crawford, the current Men's Tennis coach, practiced his backswing under the tutelage of Hall.

Hall's focus for the future is building and improving USI Athletics in Division II. "There's so much more we can do and accomplish," he said. "I hope we can provide more scholarships for coaches to build their teams, and improve our existing facilities and possibly get a couple of new facilities in the future."

During Hall's 20 years, much about the campus has changed, but one thing that has remained consistent is how invested USI employees are in progressing and improving the University. "It's nice to work at a place where everybody is willing to help and work together toward the same mission," he said.

Others reaching important milestones of service:

5 years of service

• Karen Jones, Director of Online Continuing Education for Health Professionals, College of Nursing and Health Professions
• Dr. Stephanie Cunningham, Senior Staff Psychologist and Outreach & Training Coordinator, Counseling Center
• MeLissa Williams, Visitors' Services Coordinator, Historic New Harmony
• Sarah Will, Manager, Employment, Human Resources
• Michelle Woodburn, Coordinator of Marketing and Operations, College of Nursing and Health Professions
• Dr. Ronald Rochon, Provost, Office of the Provost
• Dr. B. Thomas Longwell, Director, Counseling Center
• Dr. Darrin Sorrells, Learning Assistance Specialist, Academic Skills
• Dr. Sarah Stevens, Director of Advising, College of Nursing and Health Professions
• Lisa Wilson, Academic Advisor, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education
• Darrell Hamilton, Web Application Programmer, Administrative Technology Services
• Britney Orth, Assistant Director of Student Conduct, Dean of Students Office
• Dr. Joyce Rietman, Director of Advanced Clinical Experiences and Co-teaching, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education
• Bradley Will, Director, Internal Audit, Finance and Administration

10 years of service

• Michael Fetscher, Coordinator of Instructional Broadcasting, College of Nursing and Health Professions
• Andrea Gentry, Associate Director of Development, USI Foundation
• Bryan Morrison, Manager of Environmental Health and Safety, Environmental Health and Safety
• Leah Mercer, Varsity Volleyball Coach, Athletics
• Emily Lynn, Grant Administrator, Office of Sponsored Projects & Research Administration
• Katherine Draughon, Executive Director, Office of Planning, Research, and Assessment
• Tracy Adams, Senior Counselor, Student Financial Assistance
• Cyd Fithian, Assistant Math Specialist, Academic Skills
• Julie Brauser, Assistant Director, Career Services and Internships
• Philip Parker, Director, Career Services and Internships

15 years of service

• Janet Johnson, Director, Alumni and Volunteer Services
• Joseph Gratz, Assistant Director of Intramural Sports, Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness
• Royce Newton, Manager of Housing and Residence Life, Facility Operations and Planning
• Jina Campbell, Assistant Controller, Business Office Accounting
• Keely Porter, Women's Tennis Coach, Athletics
• John Campbell Jr., Assistant Director, Undergraduate Admissions
• Cynthia Bent, Senior Counselor, Student Financial Assistance
• Kathy Carr, Senior Counselor, Student Financial Assistance
• Mark Razor, Academic Advisor, Advising Center - Liberal Arts
• Connie Keeling, Broadcast Engineer, Academic Technology Services
• Jason Maxwell, Academic Services Analyst, Academic Technology Services
• Robert Threet, Systems Manager, Administrative Technology Services
• Dr. Mayola Rowser, Director, Graduate Studies

20 years of service

• Jon Mark Hall, Athletic Director, Athletics
• Teresa Grisham, Programmer/Analyst, Administrative Technology Services

25 years of service

• Dr. Ann White, Dean, College of Nursing and Health Professions
• Nancy Martin, Coordinator of Student Teaching and Licensure, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education

30 years of service

• Connie Weinzapfel, Director, Historic New Harmony
• Jayne Tang, Programmer Manager, Administrative Technology Services

35 years of service

• John Baburnich, Student Records Data Manager, Registrar's Office