August 22, 2025 – Hendrix
College honored staff members for their dedication, innovation, and service
during the 2025 Staff Awards Celebration.
Chief Human Resources Officer Britni Rush
opened the celebration by acknowledging the resilience of staff over the past
year.
“It is a privilege to gather and recognize
the incredible people who make Hendrix College such a special place,” Rush
said. “You’ve shown up, supported our students, leaned on each other, and kept
our mission alive—every single day. Today is a chance to pause, to say thank
you, and lift up individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in
embodying the spirit of Hendrix College.”
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This year’s honorees included:
The Indi Award which recognizes
indispensable service to the College. The Indi Award was presented to Tabitha
Hasson, Registrar & Institutional Research Reporting Coordinator.
Nominations praised Hasson’s efficiency, intelligence, and adaptability across
multiple roles, describing her as “the person you count on to get it right, and
get it done.” She was commended for improving systems, supporting new advising
models, helping launch a summer session on a tight timeline, and providing
clear, creative, and collaborative solutions to complex data requests.
The A.C. Millar Innovator Award which honors
innovative leadership that moves Hendrix forward. The A.C. Millar Innovator
Award went to Bob Engeler-Young, Director of User Services. Colleagues
described him as “the champion of a new and innovative idea for the betterment
of Hendrix College.” Engeler-Young led the initiative to move the HelpDesk to a
new location in the Technology Services Building, a change designed to create
better student spaces and improve services.
The Helen S. Plotkin Team Excellence Award which celebrates
collaboration and impactful results. The Helen S. Plotkin Team Excellence Award
honored a cross-departmental collaboration between Technology Services and
Residential Life:
- Em Depre, Software Systems Analyst
- Greer Veon, Director of Residential Life
- Shane Atchakey, Administrative Systems
Developer and Analyst
- Alex Chandler, Assistant Director for Housing
Operations
Together, the team redesigned Hendrix’s
housing process with a fully online housing application and room selection
platform. Nominations praised the team’s rigorous analysis, openness to change,
careful testing, and tireless support of students. Their work resulted in a
smooth, transparent process that improved the student experience while reducing
staff workload.
The Unto the Whole Person Award which
recognizes one who reflects the ideals of accomplishment, integrity, service,
and joy through exceptional actions, conduct, and mentoring. The ceremony
concluded with the presentation of the inaugural Unto the Whole Person Award,
which went to Head Football Coach Justin “Buck” Buchanan.
When presenting the award, Hendrix President
Karen Petersen said, “The inaugural recipient of the Unto the Whole Person
Award embodies the mentoring role. I’ve seen his work with students… He sees their
worth and potential and also helps them to see their worth and potential.”
Buchanan, who has led the Warriors football
program since 2013, said he was “truly honored and honestly taken aback to
receive this award.” He added, “While my name may be on it, this is truly a
tribute to everyone who has been part of our football program over the past 13
years. This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and heart of so
many coaches, players, administrators, faculty, staff, alums, and supporters
who have poured themselves into what we’ve built together.”
Reflecting on the College’s Statement of
Purpose, Buchanan said: “Our motto was one of the first things I read that drew
me to Hendrix, and I absolutely believe in ‘Unto the Whole Person.’ It is part
of what makes this place and our students so special.”
About
Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges
That Change Lives: 40 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