Landon Tuell and Gregory Lawson

The Staff Excellence Award is presented to the Student Affairs employee or group of employees that provides excellence in operational performance and service, consistently achieves quality service, enhances the work of others through exceptional performance and efficiencies and impacts the overall operations and/or infrastructure of the University.

This year’s recipients exemplify the highest standards of operational excellence within Student Affairs Facilities and Operations.

As key members of our building automation and maintenance team, they work behind the scenes to ensure our infrastructure runs smoothly — from preventative maintenance and inspections to system repairs and emergency response. Their work is often invisible, but its impact is felt daily by hundreds of students.

This past year, they tackled a long-standing issue in Payne Hall’s HVAC system. After a re-piping project, students were required to manually adjust thermostats based on the season — a confusing process that often led to rooms overheating, sometimes above 90 degrees. The discomfort and complaints had persisted for years.

Through persistence, technical skill, and a problem-solving mindset, these recipients reprogrammed every unit in Payne Hall — eliminating the need for student intervention and restoring comfort for 249 residents. Their solution reduced confusion, improved reliability, and created a more user-friendly environment for our students.

Beyond this project, they continue to respond swiftly to power interruptions, balance airflow, and stabilize the delicate relationship between temperature, humidity, and comfort — all with minimal disruption and maximum care.

Their work may not always be visible, but its value is undeniable. Their dedication has directly enhanced the student residential experience and reflects great impact on our division.