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The President’s Award of Distinction was created as a recognition program to reward staff members who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, service, leadership and dedication to �������� State in advancing the university’s strategic priorities and core values.

“University staff members are the backbone of all of the outstanding support our students and faculty receive,” said �������� President Todd Diacon. “This year’s winners exemplify the best of �������� State in how they approach their roles and how they go the extra mile each and every day to meet the needs of our Golden Flashes community.”

Full-time classified and unclassified employees at all campuses who have been employed by the university for a minimum of three years and are in good standing with the university were eligible to be nominated.  

Staff members had to demonstrate exceptional performance in living the university’s core values and/or advancing one of the priorities of A Strategic Roadmap to a Distinctive �������� State.

President Todd Diacon recently notified the seven �������� State staff members that they are the 2025 recipients of the President’s Award of Distinction, out of nearly 200 nominations. The honor includes a $1,500 award.  

Read more about the award and past recipients on the President’s Award of Distinction website.

The 2025 President’s Award of Distinction Honorees Are:

Kevin Deemer, Course Scheduling and Assignment Administrator, Regional Campus System

Kevin Deemer is known for his leadership, deep institutional knowledge and empathy, making him an invaluable asset to �������� State’s Regional Campus Academic Administration. In 2024, he stepped into a new role previously divided among five or more individuals. He oversees all scheduling across the Regional Campuses, leading with patience, humor and a student-first mindset.  

Deemer closely collaborates with students, faculty and staff, creating solutions that prioritize student success and retention. His ability to balance efficiency with compassion has streamlined operations while fostering connection and community. Despite numerous challenges, Deemer is known to work efficiently and diligently all while embodying �������� State’s core values.  

Sarah Helmick, Associate Director, Center for Adult and Veteran Services

Sarah Helmick has significantly enhanced the experience for student veterans at �������� State. A true example of �������� State’s core values, her leadership has improved access to education benefits and success for student veterans and their families. Helmick modernized the GI Bill benefit process, improving a once-complex system to better serve veteran students.  

Known for her empathy and collaborative approach, Helmick brings together campus partners to create inclusive, student-centered solutions. At the Center for Adult and Veteran Services, her colleagues describe Helmick as dedicated, innovative and imperative for the academic success of student veterans at �������� State.  

Ruby May, Custodial Crew Leader, Custodial Services

For more than two decades, Ruby May has been a steady, hardworking presence in �������� State’s Custodial Services. As a custodial crew leader, she quietly leads by example and lifts those around her. Ruby has stepped into responsibilities without hesitation, all while supporting her team with professionalism and care.  

Throughout her time at �������� State, May has mentored and trained many custodians, maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming environment for all on the university’s �������� Campus. As she prepares to retire this year, May’s leadership and commitment will be felt long after her final shift.  

Emily Murray, Enrollment Management Data Specialist, Division of Enrollment Management

Emily Murray has made a lasting impact in her role within the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, earning praise from all levels of �������� State. A true example of �������� State’s Flashes Take Care of Flashes spirit, Murray is known for her collaborative nature and problem-solving attitude.  

Murray has played a central role in major operational improvements, including creating a new budgeting process for more accurate financial aid calculations and developing key tools to support new Free Application for Federal Student Aid requirements.

Whether she’s troubleshooting data issues, leading system improvements or supporting her colleagues, Murray represents �������� State core values and makes sure students get the support they need.  

Elizabeth Porter, Director, Marketing, Communications and Outreach, College of Aeronautics and Engineering

Since joining the College of Aeronautics and Engineering in 2013 as a secretary, Elizabeth Porter has advanced into roles of greater responsibility, ultimately earning her current position as a strategic leader. Recently, she has been a driving force behind the college’s enrollment growth and student retention.  

Porter leads a successful, three-person communications team that delivers consistent content across a variety of platforms, including social media, the college’s website, the �������� State Magazine, �������� State Works and more. Her colleagues say she reflects transformative leadership, professional excellence and a strong willingness to mentor others, leaving a meaningful impact on those around her.

Jamie Rhoads, Ph.D., Director, Instructional Design, College of Public Health

Serving on numerous internal and external committees, Jamie Rhoads’ commitment to quality and student success is evident in her long list of accomplishments. Managing online course development for the College of Public Health, Rhoads led a key research initiative to support the development of the KSO Design Standards and Rubric, shaping online learning for instructors and students.  

Rhoads also launched a professional development and outreach program for Instructional Design staff, improving resource and process efficiency. Her colleagues describe her as resilient, supportive and a true leader at �������� State, representing the future of the university.

Karen Rodhe, Special Assistant, School of Fashion Design & Merchandising

Despite changes in leadership and procedures over the years, Karen Rodhe has remained a steady, reassuring presence who meets challenges with a smile and a solution. Her colleagues often speak of her patience, reliability and the sincere kindness she shows daily all while handling the financial aspects of the School of Fashion. Behind the scenes, Rodhe tackles the responsibilities of reimbursement processes, travel coordination and many more financial management tasks.  

This past year, Rodhe tirelessly supported the NYC Fashion program by creating a smooth experience for the school’s annual fashion show, making it the largest one yet. Her detail-oriented mindset, generosity and humble nature exemplify �������� State’s core values and validate her dedication to students, faculty and alumni in the school.