Employees of the 1st Quarter Announced

The U of A is proud to recognize five outstanding staff members as the 2025 First Quarter Employees of the Quarter. Winners were selected across five award categories that highlight excellence in service, innovation, leadership and campus support. These individuals embody the university's core values through their dedication to students, colleagues and the institution. You can nominate staff colleagues for Employee of the Quarter using the online form on the Staff Senate website.

Student and Campus Experience: Dr. Lucas Simmons, director of advising and retention specialist, Bumpers College Student Services

Simmons has set an exceptional standard for student support, ensuring that every student, particularly first-generation and transfer students, has the resources and guidance they need to succeed. Whether leading summer orientation for more than 400 students and families or overseeing the Waldrip Student Services Center, Simmons is known for a proactive, student-centered approach. He personally reaches out to students throughout each semester, checking in on those facing challenges, monitoring DFW rates and responding to attendance concerns. He also keeps faculty and department heads informed about key deadlines and student issues, contributing to the college's strong retention record. In Bumpers College's hybrid-advising model, Simmons plays a critical role by advising freshmen, sophomores and several specialized student groups. His leadership, outreach and unwavering advocacy for students make him an invaluable asset to the college and campus community.

Business and Organizational Operations: Stephanie Caley, administrative specialist III, Department of History

With just four years of service, Caley has become an indispensable member of the History Department. Known for her initiative and commitment, Caley immersed herself in Workday and then took it upon herself to train all 58 department members. She created detailed "how-to" PowerPoint guides for Workday Student and provided ongoing support, all while maintaining her daily workload. Her colleagues emphasize that Caley truly embodies "other duties as assigned." She anticipates needs before they arise and consistently seeks ways to make department operations smoother. She has become the lead planner for major departmental events, including the annual awards ceremony, History Meet and Greet, and Graduate Bootcamp, many of which serve more than 100 attendees.

Technology, Data and Research: Shelly Walters, director of Enterprise Data Services, IT Services

Walters is recognized for her exceptional leadership in advancing the university's data infrastructure through the Enterprise Data Hub, which is transforming how the institution uses, accesses and governs data. She brings clarity, collaboration and strategic insight to every challenge, ensuring the platform remains secure, scalable and innovative for analytics, APIs, automation and cross-departmental decision-making. Walters has delivered critical functionality for fast-moving projects, supported major system launches such as the News Email System and advanced data solutions for the Academic Catalog and directory accuracy. She also deployed foundational Bicep templates to support future automation, helped launch the first Azure App integrated with the Data Hub and shared her expertise with students as a panelist for the Data Science Department.

External Relations and Strategic Initiatives: Lisa Ault, membership director, KUAF

During one of the most challenging moments in KUAF's history, Ault demonstrated extraordinary dedication and leadership. After the loss of $210,000 in annual CPB funding, KUAF launched the emergency "Bridge the Gap" fundraising campaign, and as the station's only PCI-compliant staff member, Ault was solely responsible for processing all credit card donations. For more than four days, she worked nearly nonstop, fielding every call, processing every contribution and reassuring concerned listeners. Her efforts raised $250,000, achieved a $100,000 challenge goal, unlocked a major matching gift and resulted in one of the most successful fundraising outcomes in KUAF's 50-year history. She then led efforts to expand PCI training to additional staff and interns, strengthening the station's resilience and preserving a vital public media resource that serves more than 750,000 Arkansans and supports the university's regional presence.

Facilities and Campus Support: Kristin Seals, associate director of facilities and special events, Bumpers College

Described as an "unsung hero," Seals has made a profound and lasting impact on Bumpers College through her advocacy, leadership and vision. Since joining the college in 2016, she has steadily expanded her role and strengthened campus operations, overseeing more than $10 million in renovation projects, modernizing major events and enhancing recruiting and employer-relations programming. She has also elevated signature experiences such as tailgates and large-scale recruitment events while supporting departments with event planning, ROI evaluation and best practices. Her contributions to student success include leading the Golden Boot Challenge to raise more than $8,000 in scholarships, supporting the MS in Food Safety Program and developing the proposal that secured funding for the Waldrip Student Center. Widely regarded as one of the most relied-upon professional staff members in Bumpers College, Seals is known for her dedication, creativity and tireless commitment to the university community.

About Staff Senate: Created in 1976 by Board of Trustees Policy 810.1, Staff Senate and its elected senators have the responsibility of making recommendations to university leadership on any matter of staff concern, including quality of work life, the efficiency of operations, and staff service to the campus community. Staff Senate advocates in the areas of compensation, working conditions, health and wellness, fringe benefits, safety, parking, and other workplace issues. In addition, Senate works to celebrate, recognize, and give back to staff through programs such as Employees of the Quarter & Year, awards for Staff Team and Part-Time Employee of the Year, Staff Appreciation Week, the annual Staff Appreciation Picnic, Staff Senate Scholarships, and RazorGifts.

Monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month from 1:30-3 p.m. and are open to the public both in-person and virtually.  Meeting details, lists of sitting Senators, and additional information can be found at the Staff Senate website.