Today@Sam Article
2025 Academic Affairs Distinguished Staff Awards Recipients Announced
May 13, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins
By Aly Huarcaya
Sam Houston State University’s Office of the Provost recognized five exceptional Academic Affairs (AA) staff members during the fourth annual AA Distinguished Staff Awards ceremony on April 24. The five recipients of this year’s awards include Charlie Suarez Reyes, Jacob Spradlin, Kim Childress, Megan Hobbs-Barrett and Kelsie Bryand.
“Today is a day of celebration and gratitude,” said Michael T. Stephenson, SHSU provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “It is also an opportunity to honor those who are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make things happen.”
Charlie Suarez Reyes, biological science laboratory manager for the Department of Biological Sciences, received the Rookie Award. It recognizes a recently hired AA staff member who has quickly immersed and asserted themselves as a passionate and effective worker in their respective area.
“I learned to take charge of, speak up for and seek out not just the right things that benefit myself and the department, but the students, as well,” Suarez Reyes said. “If it weren’t for the students that we serve, we would lose that sense of direction and ambition.”
Jacob Spradlin, executive director of online instructional development and support for SHSU Online, received the Spirit Award. It recognizes a staff member who constantly exhibits a positive attitude and takes initiative in generously serving faculty, students and their colleagues.
“I feel very fortunate to work at SHSU,” Spradlin said. “I go to work every day loving what I do and the people I work with.”
Spradlin’s positivity and work ethic exemplify the Bearkat spirit and continually reverberate throughout campus.
“On trying days, I just focus on why I am here,” he said. “I believe that every one of us plays a small part in ensuring our students are ready to make a meaningful contribution to society, and that even on my worst day, I can work to make sure that happens.”
Kim Childress, executive assistant to the dean for the College of Health Sciences, received the Loyalty Award. It recognizes a staff member who has had at least 10 years of service at SHSU, with at least five of those years within Academic Affairs, and has shown superior service and an ongoing commitment to faculty, staff and students.
“I was extremely excited for this award and completely humbled by the number of nominations that were sent forward,” Childress said. “It means a great deal to be recognized for your loyalty and service to SHSU.”
Childress provided the following advice to those new to AA.
“Never fear change,” she said. “Stay positive, work hard and learn as much as you can from students, faculty and staff.”
Megan Hobbs-Barrett, faculty and graduate affairs specialist for the College of Arts & Media (CAM), received the Leadership Award. It is presented to the staff member who leads others and displays leaderships qualities, such as exceptional communication, problem-solving, integrity and a desire to help others succeed.
“Winning the Leadership Award means that all the work I do behind the scenes with CAM and Academic Affairs is being recognized,” Hobbs-Barrett said. “However, this award is truly shared, as a good leader never works alone.”
Stephenson presented the Distinguished Staff Member of the Year Award to Kelsie Bryand, forensic laboratory supervisor for the Department of Forensic Science. This prestigious award honors the staff member who has shown the ability to lead and create a positive work environment and consistently make an impact through contribution and commitment to the university’s core values.
“I am sincerely honored and grateful for the recognition from my colleagues and the leadership team,” Bryand said. “It means so much to know that my contributions have been meaningful to others. It is a wonderful motivator to continue growing and giving back.”
Bryand stated the following when asked about her proudest work in the Department of Forensic Science.
“I am especially proud of my work supporting the forensic science laboratories and helping students develop their technical skills,” she said. “Watching students gain confidence and succeed, knowing that I helped create a strong foundation for them, has been incredibly rewarding.”
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