MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University recognized four non-faculty employees for their exemplary service and commitment at the annual Employee Recognition Awards.

At the recent ceremony inside the James Union Building, MTSU Provost Mark Byrnes praised staff members’ work throughout the year and applauded the significance all employees have in serving student success.

MTSU Faculty Senate President Kari Neely spoke to the importance of dedicated staff who support faculty members.

Winners were honored in front of family, fellow staff and faculty at the special ceremony where they were presented their awards:

• Jayme Brunson of Lebanon, an administrative services supervisor at James E. Walker Library, received Administrative Employee of the Year. Brunson came on board at MTSU as a student worker in 2011 and transitioned into full time in 2018.

Brunson is jokingly called the “fire extinguisher” by colleagues and her dedication doesn’t stop when she leaves for the day. She has also been critical to the implementation of new programs and collaborates well with others.

• Katie Morris-Fitch of Murfreesboro, an executive assistant in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, received Administrative Professional Employee of the Year. Morris-Fitch has been at the university since 2016.

Morris-Fitch is known for her kindness and inclusivity, and she goes above and beyond with problem-solving capabilities. This past year, she initiated an overhaul of the office that included new paint and cabinets, and efficiently coordinates office needs.

• Phyllis Pugh of Murfreesboro, a senior account clerk in Facilities Services administration, received Classified Employee of the Year. She has been at MTSU since 2008.

Known for her humor and compassion, colleagues said Pugh is proficient at processing a challenging amount of paperwork, and she’s skilled at finding and fixing even the smallest mistakes.

• Forrest Higginbotham of Rockvale, maintenance supervisor in Building Services, received Technical/Service Employee of the Year for the second time since his first award in 2013. He began working at MTSU in 2006.

A “can-do” attitude sets Higginbotham apart. He is known as a selfless and dedicated leader at MTSU. He is also skilled at identifying alternative solutions for older buildings’ needs and respectful to everyone on campus.

Each received a financial gift from the MTSU Foundation as well as an engraved award for their work excellence and commitment to the university’s success.

MTSU employs more than 2,500 faculty and staff members campuswide. Its Employee Recognition Program celebrates non-teaching employees for supporting students, faculty and their other colleagues and making the university a more efficient and effective workplace.

Non-faculty employees at MTSU are designated as administrative/professional, technical, classified or administration according to their job duties. Clerical employees, now known as administrative/professional employees at MTSU, are honored annually.

To see a list of past award recipients, or find out more information about MTSU’s employee recognition programs, which also include the MTSU Foundation Awards and Faculty Recognition presentations each fall, visit the university’s Human Resource Services site at www.mtsu.edu/hrs/relations/recog.php.

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)