Caty Movich’s can-do attitude and work to revamp the Institute for Policy and Social Research’s record-keeping system have earned her recognition as a June 2025 Employee of the Month.

Since Movich stepped into the complex position of administrative associate senior for the busy research center, she has been a model employee who truly cares about her job and strives for efficiency, her nominator wrote.

Those characteristics were on display when Movich enthusiastically agreed to overhaul the IPSR’s grant record-keeping system. Over the past two decades as IPSR has grown, it struggled to create a record-keeping system for grant proposals and awards that quickly produced accurate information and easy-to-read reports.

Movich transformed that system. She reviewed IPSR’s existing processes, held meetings to brainstorm and demo new tools and procedures, asked insightful questions, and provided sensible suggestions for improvements.

 In the end, she drafted new protocols for documenting grant proposals and awards, created spreadsheets, clarified communication channels, and designed professional and easy-to-digest reports.  

One colleague noted that after struggling with the system for 20 years, the overhaul exceeded her “wildest expectations,” and she almost tears up when thinking about “how awesome” it has been for their team and IPSR.  

Movich continues to maintain and update the system as well as manage and train student workers to assist in record keeping. The new system has freed up time for other staff to focus on developing research proposals. 

“Her contribution to the team has saved us countless hours in terms of making this system incredibly efficient and easy to use,” a colleague noted. “Most importantly, we now can absolutely trust and rely on this data, without having to review it multiple times first, and then confidently report it out with pride.”

The revamping of the record-keeping system is just one of the many projects Movich has taken on while at IPSR. She also coordinated the Kansas Economic Policy Conference, the largest to date, which included everything from scheduling catering to prepping rooms. She has organized the physical space at IPSR and completed an inventory of all technological devices. 

Additionally, Movich, who has worked at KU since 2020, has found opportunities to engage in IPSR and campus-wide initiatives. She is a wellness ambassador and, in that role, planned a tour of the Spencer Museum of Art and an outing for staff to plant flowers in front of Blake Hall. She participates in the Support, Transparency, Accessibility, Respect and Solidarity committee and serves on Staff Senate. 

“This involvement enriches our office and better connects us across campus,” one nominator noted. 

According to colleagues, Movich is an exceptional team player whose efficiency and professionalism have improved IPSR and KU.

Charles Wooters has been selected as a June 2025 Employee of the Month, recognized for his exceptional thoroughness, attention to detail and professionalism in keeping the Lawrence campus secure. 

As supervisor of KU Lock Shop, a division within Operations’ Locks, Access & Security Technology Services (LASTS) team, Wooters oversees all key orders, lock changes and door hardware updates, as well as provides support for all keypads, card readers and biometric readers used for electronic access control.

Wooters’ peers and clients have noted he is detail-oriented in his technical work and in communicating with them, even going as far as proactively resolving issues related to door function and security that are outside of the shop’s scope of responsibility.

Wooters, who first joined the university in 2017, comprises half of the campus lock shop, providing support for more than 200 buildings and involving constant communication with clients and coworkers, making shop updates such as reorganizing key cabinets and testing electronic lock configurations in the lock shop lab for future campus improvements. 

“Charles has incredible in-depth locksmithing expertise and has consistently demonstrated the highest quality of professionalism in every capacity that I have worked with him over the last several years,” his nominator said. “He is a very hard worker who does not settle for acceptable but always strives for exceptional.”

As a leader, Wooters has also taken the initiative to organize meetings with those who work with the electronic access control system, keeping everyone informed about upcoming or ongoing projects or problems, while also being ready to lend a hand himself. He also provides updates and responses for any project or inquiry to anyone who asks, even during the busiest of times.

Wooters not only shares his wealth of knowledge with those around him, but he also strives for constant self-improvement. He recently attended out-of-state training to become a General Services Administration-certified safe and vault technician, which qualifies him to support potential high-security government contract needs for vaults or safes.

Always willing to answer questions, Wooters not only provides guidance but makes sure people understand the answer, one colleague wrote. They recalled how Wooters helped them pick up a new skill when they first arrived at KU. 

“His steady hand and knowledge helped me learn quickly. His in-depth knowledge helped me understand what the end result should be,” the colleague wrote. "That carries over every day with those who work around him. Charles always makes sure his work group has all the tools they need to complete the task. Charles’ work ethic cannot be matched, and I thank him for all his help and knowledge.”

Wooters' contributions and “tireless efforts” exemplify his dedication to serving the greater KU community.

When the School of Music was preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of KU Vespers, Laura McCorkill volunteered to organize the event’s first Alumni Choir. That act is one of the many reasons McCorkill, an administrative associate at the School of Music, is being recognized as a May Employee of the Month.   

During the fall semester, McCorkill, a two-time graduate at the School of Music and a former KU choir member, worked to bring past KU performers from around the country to Lawrence to participate in the beloved annual KU tradition. As part of the job, McCorkill reached out to former choir conductors and alumni who had sung in previous Vespers, organized a rehearsal, planned a dinner, provided tours of Murphy Hall and the Lied Center, and ordered Vespers-themed tote bags and anniversary pins for the participants. 

“She went above and beyond to do these tasks, none of which were in her job duties,” her nominator wrote. 

As the event and recital coordinator, McCorkill has been at the center of the school’s activities since she started working there in 2009. She schedules the hundreds of concerts and recitals the school has each year and manages the school’s Communications and Events Center. She also assists with organizing audition days for prospective students and graduation activities. 

“Her love and pride for the institution is profound and endless,” one colleague noted. “She lives and breathes all things KU School of Music and, in many ways, she is the heart and soul of the place.”

McCorkill’s office is known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, a place where students and faculty can grab a snack, talk and find emotional support. 

“She is the mama bear for countless students, finding a terrific balance of tough love and genuine compassion,” a colleague wrote. “She is patient, caring and integral to the operation of our school.”

During the 2020-2021 academic year when many worked remotely due to the pandemic, McCorkill was one of two staff members at the School of Music who were physically in Murphy Hall every day. She willingly comes in at night and on weekends and holidays, working as long as it takes to get the job done, one colleague noted. 

“Laura really sets the tone, pun intended, for the School of Music,” her nominator wrote. “She really keeps everything on track and running smoothly, making sure that the show goes on.”

Photo credit: Fally Afani

Ann Ryan has been selected as a May 2025 Employee of the Month at the University of Kansas for her dedication to promoting environmental stewardship and ability to connect others to Monarch Watch’s education, conservation and research efforts.

Ryan, research project manager at Monarch Watch, has long served KU and the environment. She first joined the university in 2006, and in her current role, Ryan serves several diverse functions, including managing the office, facilities, insect lab, greenhouse and community outreach. Ryan also helps with research projects and provides expertise on butterflies and moths to the KU community and beyond. 

Even while balancing a number of responsibilities, Ryan’s peers said she not only consistently goes above and beyond but does so with aplomb. This has included regularly hosting Project Search interns, a program that connects local youth with disabilities with job and life skills development opportunities, and assisting walk-in visitors and other requests as needed.

“She’s always active and outgoing, ready to share her love for monarch butterflies with everyone,” a former Monarch Watch volunteer wrote. “Whether you’re six years old or 50, or whether you’re a stranger stopping by or a longtime volunteer, Ann’s ability to reach out to everyone is truly impressive and deserving of recognition.”

Her nominator added she is a natural teacher and leader, elevating everyone who works with her.

“She has often been heard explaining procedures to new students or volunteers, including answering questions,” they said. “She is patient, encouraging and understanding, all while conveying enthusiasm for the work and conveying high expectations and confidence in those she teaches.”

Ryan is described as someone who is always willing to help with anything and everything, 

“One thing that really stands out to me about Ann is that she gives everyone her undivided attention,” her nominator said. “Ann truly values the contributions of everyone and makes everyone feel welcome, heard and appreciated. It is impossible to imagine what Monarch Watch would look like without her.”

Ryan’s composure, dependability and care for her work and those around her are evidence of being an outstanding employee who lives out KU’s values each day. 

Taylor Jones has been selected as an April 2025 Employee at the University of Kansas for her outstanding efforts to promote healthy relationships among students and caring for mental wellness.

As a prevention educator with KU’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Center, Jones focuses on educating and preventing violence among students, especially those at higher risk of involvement in sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking. She works directly with students to promote healthier relationships and prevent harmful behaviors. 

More recently, Jones launched five new high-engagement events in November alone that focused on men’s mental health and sexual violence prevention.

“Her ability to engage traditionally hard-to-reach student populations—particularly men—was a major success and showcased her skill in fostering participation and dialogue,” her nominator wrote. 

Described as a “passionate” and “selfless” team player, Jones is known for going out of her way to make others more comfortable or empowered during projects or events, as well as brainstorming ways to expand services so more communities can be positively impacted by the center’s work.

“Taylor’s infectious attitude and positivity play a crucial role in boosting team morale, especially during high-pressure periods,” her nominator wrote. “She is always the first to lift others up and inspire collaboration.”

Jones’ peers said her ability to make others feel heard and valued creates a safe space for her team members to share their ideas and challenges.   

“Taylor is the best of us,” one colleague said. “What makes her care so powerful is that she leads with hope and best intentions. She strives to see the best in others, their potential and capacity at large. She pushes us to think about how services, projects and events impact people on a holistic scale so that we can do better work as a whole. She pushes us to see the potential in not only who we serve, but in the team so we can do the best work possible.” 

Jones first joined the university in October 2021.

Jones’ dedication, drive and compassion make her an exceptional employee who leads by example, driving KU’s mission forward and embodying our IRISE values. 

As the super glue that holds International Support Services together, Regina Sherrill has been named an April 2025 Employee of the Month at the University of Kansas.

For more than 15 years, Sherrill has been a vital staff member at ISS, where colleagues said she works behind the scenes to ensure the office is running smoothly and sets a positive and supportive tone for the unit. In her multifaceted role as office manager, Sherrill

• Works with the director to oversee the unit’s revenues and expenses.
• Manages two administrative staff members who form the core administrative team for a 20-plus person unit.
• Makes sure students and other visitors are greeted and helped when they arrive at ISS.
• Completes insurance registration for all international students.

“She is always thinking of how to ensure the work is done well, on time and in a manner that is supportive to both students and other staff,” one nominator wrote. 

An example of Sherrill’s behind the scenes work occurred during ISS’ recent move within Strong Hall, which pulled staff from several different office spaces into one location. Sherrill took the lead on the project at a time when her area had limited staffing. Along with managing the move, she coordinated coverage for or worked at the front reception desk, met crucial year-end deadlines and completed her usual managerial and administrative work. 

Despite these challenges, colleagues noted Sherrill never lost patience, maintaining her composure and grace. During this time, KU Space Management received numerous compliments from custodial staff and the move team about their interactions with Sherrill and ISS director Lynne Vanahill. 

“Our entire team is grateful for the effort they put into ensuring a seamless transition. Their positive attitudes and resilient efforts have created a transparent and encouraging environment, demonstrating exemplary change leadership,” Director of Space Management Karen Lavendusky wrote in a message to KU International Affairs leadership. 

Additionally, Sherrill strives to create points of connection and boost staff morale within ISS. She organizes the unit’s potlucks and get togethers, gives cards to students and staff, and leaves a small goody bag in staff members’ mailbox for every major U.S. holiday. 

“She not only does her job excellently, but she also is caring about all those who work alongside her,’ one nominator noted.

Conscientious, self-directed and caring, Sherrill embodies the spirit of ISS and the best of KU. 

Crystal Mai has served as a longtime leader at KU, first joining the School of Law as career services director in 1996 and now in her current role as associate dean. While she oversees day-to-day building and administrative operations in Green Hall, much of her recent responsibilities have involved organizing the consolidation of the schools of law and social welfare. 

This undertaking alone has included coordinating with the project architect regarding floor plans, moving furniture and thousands of books from the library with the help of multiple organizations and units, and communicating updates with faculty, staff and students, culminating in a “Herculean effort,” according to her nominator.

A dedicated and detail-oriented go-getter, Mai was often in the building early and came in on weekends to help prepare things for the movers, whether it was strategically delegating tasks or packing and moving items herself. She also strategized where to move faculty and temporarily store excess furniture and materials during the transition and renovations. 

“Crystal made time to meet with everyone affected by the move,” her nominator wrote. “She was an advocate for the law school community and spent countless hours ensuring the needs of the law school were made known.”

In addition, Mai’s work has been critical to the school achieving compliance with American Bar Association accreditation standards and KU policies and procedures, especially during the school’s 10-year-reaccredication site visit in 2022. 

Mai’s nominator likened her work ethic to Major Margeret Houlihan from the show M*A*S*H.

“She knows what she's doing, will do what it takes to get it done, and won't put up with any nonsense while she's doing it,” they wrote.

Mai earned her juris doctor degree from KU’s School of Law, and before returning to her alma mater, Mai served at a private practice in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  

Recognized for her work to make internships more accessible to business students, Madelyn Mueller has been named a March 2025 Employee of the Month. 

Mueller, who is the internship program coordinator for the School of Business, recently revamped the internship scholarship process and expanded internship opportunities to better meet the needs of a variety of students.

“She has consistently demonstrated an ability to turn challenges into opportunities,” one nominator noted. “Her dedication to supporting students with unique circumstances —whether international students, those with disabilities, student athletes or others facing barriers — has been transformative.” 

Muller has been at KU for almost six years and in her current position for more than a year. Described as a “one-person powerhouse,” Mueller covers the work of what was once done by a team of three people and oversees the internship process for all 3,000-plus School of Business undergraduates.

“The school literally could not run without her,” a colleague noted.

Among Mueller’s duties are to develop and improve the school’s internship requirement policies and manage the application process to approve a student’s internship experience, which is required to graduate. 

Her role also includes teaching an online course that students take while completing an internship. The course can have as many as 900-plus students at a time. Additionally, she visits more than 30 classes a semester to ensure students are aware of the internship requirement and know the steps they need to take to complete it.

“Madelyn has risen far above the scope of her position description with creativity, excellence and an unmatched commitment to the success of our students and KU,” one colleague wrote.

In particular, the nominators pointed to Mueller’s efforts to codify and standardize the process for awarding internship scholarships. Those changes eliminated biases and expanded opportunities for students facing financial barriers. 

She has partnered with other KU units, including Athletics, ROTC and Human Resources, to create on-campus internships that wouldn’t have existed otherwise. Among those on-campus opportunities are ones that better align with neurodivergent and differently abled business students, enabling them to meet the internship requirement.

Nominators noted that Mueller was kind, dependable, thoughtful and respectful of her co-workers’ time and needs.

“She tirelessly and creatively infuses compassion, transparency and a culture of improvement into a crucial process for student graduation,” a colleague wrote.  “She sees gaps and fills them.”

As a data and assessment coordinator, Omar Safir's multifaceted role has had a profound impact on KU, as well as on numerous collaborating institutions. Often referred to as the "Swiss army knife" of the Center for Teaching Excellence, Safir performs a broad range of responsibilities that significantly enhance the work of the center and its programs.

Safir’s role includes planning, organizing, tracking and analyzing data from faculty development programs that interact with hundreds of KU faculty each semester. He collaborates with academic departments to design and analyze surveys, focus groups and exit interviews for students, alumni and faculty. Additionally, Safir plays a crucial role in providing consultative support on assessing student learning outcomes for all undergraduate and graduate degree programs at KU. He also holds a leadership position in the CTE’s external collaborations, such as those through the Bay View Alliance and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).

Safir's exceptional ability to integrate his diverse professional experiences into his work is what sets him apart. Since joining KU, he has transformed his role, bringing "out of the box" solutions to longstanding practices and taking on leadership in projects that were initially beyond the scope of his position. Notably, Safir has co-led two major initiatives over the past year: a multi-million dollar cross-institutional grant on equitable teaching practices from HHMI, and the Ideas to Action program, which promotes community and student success in the classroom. In both cases, his leadership has been indispensable in steering the direction and depth of these projects.

What makes Safir truly stand out is his deep moral clarity and his ability to foster a sense of community and collaboration. He is deeply committed to ensuring that the welfare of students and faculty, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, is always a central focus. His contributions have been invaluable in helping teams move beyond traditional, deficit-based views of education, encouraging difficult but necessary conversations about historical biases in higher education.

Safir is also a remarkable team player. He is known for his ability to listen carefully and offer insights that move discussions forward. His colleagues respect him for his perceptive and empathetic nature. Whether working within small teams or large, cross-institutional collaborations, Safir is always eager to contribute, shoulder responsibilities and offer support to others. His commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive and effective work environment extends beyond professional tasks; he is known for organizing office celebrations, checking in on colleagues and creating an overall positive atmosphere within the CTE.

As a collaborator, Safir consistently strives to build community and trust among faculty and staff. His efforts to connect people and ensure they feel valued have had a lasting impact on the CTE and KU as a whole. He has earned the admiration and respect of faculty and colleagues, who consistently praise his ability to engage, support and empower others in their work.

In the words of his colleague, “with a technical competency borne of diverse professional experiences and a moral force borne of personal trials and successes, Omar labors with diligence and empathy to center students in the work of faculty. Plus, he is a charming and affably quirky fellow."

Melissa Meyers has worked for KU for over 10 years. In her role, she prepares and maintains equipment and stocking supplies for the Introductory Biology Laboratory for STEM majors; oversees the safety and cleanliness of related work areas and teaching laboratories; collaborates with the director of labs, teaching assistants and other staff, interacting with a diverse student population; supervises student hourly employees hired to assist with lab preparations; aids the director in designing new or revising existing laboratory curricula; maintains the budget for the course; and assists with digital platforms and learning management systems associated with the course. In her role, she has helped enhance the learning of over 600 students every year.

Meyers plays an important role on the Undergraduate Biology lab team, making the labs run smoothly and helping the GTAs learn best practices in leading lab sections. The introductory biology laboratory that Meyers coordinates is often students’ first biology class and first lab course that they take at KU. Setting the right expectations and atmosphere for learning provides the foundation for all that the students will experience in future coursework.

One of her colleagues wrote, “Melissa has shown exceptional leadership and mentoring abilities. She makes sure each student and GTA has what they need to succeed. She is always willing to share knowledge, assist colleagues and support new team members as they adjust to the lab environment. She frequently volunteers her time in support of departmental activities. She never hesitates to talk GTAs through tough situations. I have become a better GTA from the mentorship I’ve received from such talks. Her positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond make her a joy to work with.”

Another colleague wrote, “One of the standout qualities that Melissa brings to her team is her passion for science and education. Her enthusiasm motivates everyone around her to embrace new learning opportunities. Her commitment to mentoring and training new student employees helps ensure that her lab continues to thrive and maintain its high standards.”

Meyers was nominated for Employee of the Month with 16 letters of support. She is described as a steadfast team player, and one colleague wrote, “Melissa truly embodies the spirit of excellence and service that this award represents.”

Tyra Kalman is a dedicated and compassionate professional who has become a cornerstone of the Jewish Studies Program at KU. With a deep commitment to supporting both students and colleagues, she has earned a reputation as a trusted adviser and leader. Kalman’s approachability, leadership and drive to create positive change within the academic community make her an invaluable asset. 

Since joining the university, Kalman has consistently gone above and beyond in her role, particularly when it comes to supporting students. Amid rising concerns surrounding antisemitism, Kalman has become a key figure for Jewish students seeking counsel. Her empathetic nature allows her to provide comfort and guidance, and she connects students with appropriate resources both on campus and beyond. Her ability to build strong, trusted relationships with students has made her a first point of contact for those navigating difficult situations.

Kalman’s contributions extend far beyond one-on-one interactions. Her leadership and adaptability have significantly influenced the Jewish Studies Program, where she has risen to the equivalent of an assistant director. Kalman has played an instrumental role in expanding course offerings, organizing engaging events and elevating the visibility of the program. Under her guidance, the number of students enrolled in Jewish studies courses and pursuing the minor has grown substantially.

A standout team player, Kalman has fostered a warm and supportive atmosphere among colleagues. She maintains an open-door policy, encouraging dialogue and fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Her leadership was especially evident when she took on the monumental task of coordinating the Jews in the Americas conference in April 2024. Kalman worked seamlessly with over 10 departments, external partners, alumni and donors, demonstrating her organizational skills and ability to make everyone involved feel integral to the project’s success.

In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, Kalman has also taken the initiative to organize significant student events, such as those connecting Jewish professionals with students. These events provide valuable networking opportunities and career insights for students in Jewish studies, preparing them for success beyond graduation.

On a personal level, Kalman's warmth and kindness are felt by everyone who works with her. As one colleague put it, she creates a "familial atmosphere" in the office, making it a joy to collaborate and share experiences.

Kalman consistently goes the extra mile to find the resources needed to support faculty and students . Her determination is fueled by a personal connection to the history and legacy of the Jewish people, particularly through her father’s experiences as a Jewish World War II officer of the Eighth Airforce, 457th Bomb Group, who survived 18 months in a Nazi POW camp in Barth, Germany. This personal history informs Kalman’s work and deepens her passion for Jewish studies, propelling her to seek out and share valuable information to benefit others.