Shorter University Service Desk Supervisor Matt Morrison in the Office of Information Technology received the university’s 2017 Staff Member of the Year Award, which was presented during Shorter’s recent Awards Day.

The award, based on nominations from faculty and staff, is given to an employee who has displayed helpfulness and encouragement to students, loyalty to the university, and effectiveness in fulfillment of job responsibilities and cooperation in relationships with fellow employees.

The award was presented by Shorter University President Dr. Don Dowless, who recognized Morrison for his positive attitude and commitment to serving others. “Shorter University is blessed to have a great number of staff members who view their work as a calling rather than simply a career, and our Staff Member of the Year Award celebrates that fact,” Dr. Dowless said. “Matt Morrison honors Jesus Christ each day as he works cheerfully with faculty, staff and students.”

A lifelong Roman, Morrison started working at Shorter in May 2012. Of the award, he said, “I am honored to receive the Staff Member of the Year Award. I have a good relationship with everyone at Shorter, and I am happy to be able to support the staff, faculty and students.”

“As our Service Desk Supervisor, Matt personifies the concept of service to our faculty, staff and students,” said Shorter’s Director of Information Technology Jeff Bramlette. “Jesus said, in Matthew 5:41, ‘And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two’; Matt is always willing to go that second mile. That willingness to assist others combined with his positive attitude and humble spirit truly make Matt the heart of our support team.”

During Awards Day, Shorter also recognized the following individuals for years of service: Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Economics Dr. Greg Richardson, for 35 years of service; Director of Preparatory Program Sandy Yeargan, for 25 years of service; Director of Health Services Mary Shotwell Smith, for 20 years of service; and Accounts Payable Coordinator Vicki Lee and Chair of the Department of Business Administration and Associate Professor of Computer Science Dr. Anthony Nichols, for 15 years of service.

Payroll Coordinator Vickie Gandy, Head Volleyball Coach Jon Moseley, Chair and Assistant Professor of the Department of Business Management Nancy Mount, and Web Systems Manager Dana Thompson were all recognized for 10 years of service.

Faculty and staff members recognized for five years of service included Suzanne Agan, assistant professor of earth science; Kevin Anderton, assistant professor of theatre and director of theatre; Dr. Marcia Bost, assistant professor of English; Tracey Brock, location director for Rome in the College of Adult and Professional Programs; Micah Cain, assistant professor of art; Anthony Chatmon, director of residence life and student conduct; Shawna Cohen, director of enrollment for the College of Adult and Professional Programs; Dr. Tony Daniel, associate professor of management; Dr. Kris Douglass, assistant professor of nursing; Dr. Randy Douglass, assistant professor of Christian studies; Dr. Bert Exsted, associate professor of chemistry; Gina Floyd, director of student engagement and success; Christy Ford, interlibrary loan/public services librarian; Jill Goad, assistant professor of English; Dr. Mark Hamilton, assistant professor of English; Dr. Norma Harper, dean of the School of Education; Dr. Heath Hooper, dean of the Robert H. Ledbetter College of Business; Dr. Larue Huckaby, assistant professor of mathematics; Christina Koontz, director of Associate of Science program and advising coordinator and assistant professor of English in the College of Adult and Professional Programs; Matthew LeHew, assistant professor of communication arts and assistant director of institutional research and effectiveness; Morris McNeil, IT support specialist; Bill Mewbourne, student accounts coordinator; Dr. Susan Monteleone, associate professor of biology; Ken Montgomery, assistant professor of mathematics; Matt Morrison, service desk supervisor; Matthew Myers, assistant professor of history; Dorothy O’Neal, location director for the Riverdale campus; Dr. John Reams, dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts and associate professor of music; Nichole Robinson, program development coordinator for online programs; Dr. Beverley Spitler, professor of criminal justice; Andrea Stiles, instructor of psychology; Ted Thomas, technical director for theatre; Dr. Nicole Vanderbush, assistant professor of biology and chemistry; and Dr. Aisha Williams, program director for human services in the College of Adult and Professional Programs and assistant professor of human services.

See a gallery of photos from the event. 

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. The Princeton Review annually includes Shorter on its list of best Southeastern Colleges. The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses and degree programs, undergraduate programs for working adults, and master’s programs. Learn more about Shorter at www.shorter.edu.

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