August 27, 2026—Hendrix College honored staff members for their dedication, innovation, and service during its 2026 Employee Celebration on Tuesday, August 11.
View photos from the event on our Flickr.
Chief Human Resources Officer Britni Rush opened the celebration by acknowledging the contributions of dedicated staff who have defined the College over the past 150 years.
“Every day, staff members across this campus solve problems, support students, care for our community, and make the work of the College possible,” Rush said. “Our work is rooted in Hendrix’s Statement of Purpose, which calls us to inspire students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy. Today’s honorees embody those ideals in tangible ways every day.”
Before the awards began, Assistant Director of the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation Tim Purkiss recognized the retirement of longtime employee Rynnett Clark ’83 after 27 years of service to the College.
Purkiss said, “Rynnett always found a way to connect students with opportunity–whether that be as a faculty member in Education working with student teachers and school districts or in Career Services where she created meaningful alumni-student mentoring connections as well as counseling young alumni through career transitions.”
Following this recognition, several staff members were celebrated and presented with awards for 2025-2026. Honorees included:
The A.C. Millar Innovator Award, which honors innovative leadership that moves Hendrix forward. The A.C. Millar Innovator Award went to Lynette Long, Associate Director of the Spirit Store and Concessions. The nomination described her as a person who “never turns away from a challenge, and when she sees a problem, she isn’t afraid to step in and try something new to solve it.” Long’s innovation led to the creation of the Hendrix Spirit Store, and under her leadership, it has grown from a small corner in the post office to the store as it exists today.
The Helen S. Plotkin Team Excellence Award, which honors an office or cross-departmental team that has made a major impact. The Helen S. Plotkin Team Excellence Award was given to the Office of Marketing and Communications:
- Rhonda Brooks, Coordinator of Marketing and Chief Communications Officer
- Julie Janos ’94, Communications Specialist
- Courtney Martin, Communications Director
The Office of Marketing and Communications played a key role in positioning the College for the successful launch of the new Via Hendrix program. The office coordinated a week-long photoshoot, developed new admission and marketing materials, and coordinated with external consultants to completely overhaul the College’s website and ensure the Via Hendrix campaign was successfully received.
The Indi Award, short for “indispensable,” is awarded to a staff member whose service and presence has become essential to the Hendrix community. This year, two staff members were honored with the award.
The first recipient of the Indi Award was Kathy Pierce, Recruitment Events & Visit Specialist for Admission. Pierce’s colleagues described her by saying, “No one else can make a student or their family feel right at home like her. Her professionalism and attention to detail makes anyone feel as though they are the most important human on this campus.” The nomination went further by saying, “There is no way the Enrollment Division could do what it does without her.”
The second recipient of the Indi Award was Sheila Rupert, former Wellness & Fitness Director and current WAC Member Services Agent. The nomination highlighted Rupert’s kindness, professionalism, and work ethic. “She is an exceptional problem solver who approaches challenges with creativity and innovation, always seeking effective and thoughtful solutions. Her commitment to outstanding customer service sets a high standard,” the nomination said.
The Unto the Whole Person Award, awarded by President Karen Petersen, is given to a staff member who exemplifies the ideals found in the Hendrix Statement of Purpose—accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy—through exceptional conduct, mentorship, and character. The recipient of the Unto the Whole Person Award was TJ Ross, Director of Operations Maintenance.
The nomination for TJ Ross said, “His work often happens behind the scenes, yet it is foundational to the daily experience of students, faculty, and staff. From addressing urgent issues to implementing long-term improvements, he approaches every challenge with professionalism, determination, and a clear sense of responsibility.
The nomination went on to describe Ross’s leadership skills and open-minded approach to problem solving. “He effectively directs and supports the entire maintenance team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and pride in their work. He leads by example, never hesitating to step in when needed, and always ensuring that projects are completed with care and attention to detail.”
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of Purpose