Employee of the Year

Melissa Nelson has served as the ag and food studies externship coordinator at Morningside since 2018. Named both a 2022 Thomas S. Thompson Award winner and the Employee of the Year, Nelson is noted for not only demonstrating exceptional service within the campus community, but for being a star who shines brightly in many places outside of it. She is credited with building strong relationships with community and business partners, offering critical support to students, and organizing and executing exceptional events that provide great opportunities for the ag department.

Jon Deaton, a residence hall maintenance technician since 2017, is described as an organized, detail-oriented, outstanding communicator who puts the wellbeing of Morningside students above all else. Deaton has proven himself to be an excellent problem-solver amidst supply chain issues, finding solutions even when parts and materials required are not available, outdated, or even obsolete. His nominator described him as a truly invaluable member of the facilities team who goes above and beyond to make students feel welcome and safe.

Elizabeth Bohlmann ’18 has been a counselor on the Morningside admissions team since 2019. Her nominator describes her as hardworking, organized, and extremely dedicated. Bohlmann is known for her reliability and sharp skills, making her a logical choice to mentor new counselors who join the team. Per her nominator, Bohlmann never hesitates to jump in when work needs to be accomplished, and her efforts to ensure students and families have what they need set the gold standard the admissions team has in supporting students.

Karrie Alvarez has worked at Morningside since 2015, currently serving as the academic affairs coordinator. In her role, Alvarez spends countless hours planning and preparing work related to the academic affairs division. Her nominator notes that despite the tremendous workload she takes on, Alvarez is rarely in the spotlight as she works quickly and efficiently behind the scenes. She is a confidant, a source of kindness, and someone who never complains while always offering a superior level of customer service.

Randee Small ’88 has been an employee at Morningside since 1988, most recently serving as marketing services director. Small is described as the kind of Morningsider who truly bleeds maroon, always supporting Morningside students and events as part of her job and as an alumna. Small’s nominator shared that her love for Morningside runs deep, reflected in her willingness to take on tasks outside of her job, her efficient work, and her willingness to take on new responsibilities and adapt to the needs of students.

Jenn Braunschweig was hired in 2019 and is School of Business administrative coordinator. She has quickly established herself as someone who everyone from students, to faculty, to staff, relies upon for guidance, resources, and support. She is also considered by many students to be a “parent away from home” who is always ready to offer a quick word of encouragement or to help out however she can. Braunschweig’s nominators say without her, students would not have been served nearly as well because she is “the glue that holds the School of Business together.”