Outstanding Classified Staff Award
The Outstanding Classified Staff Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies a positive and creative approach to problem solving and innovation. Their work significantly advances departmental goals and/or the university mission through initiative, leadership, or creative problem-solving. With the support of the President, the two classified staff unions on campus (WFSE and PSE) together select members to receive this award.
Nominations for the 2026 Outstanding Classified Staff Award are currently OPEN. Please fill out the online Outstanding Classified Staff Nomination Form to submit a nomination by the February 13, 2026 deadline.
Selection Criteria
To be considered, the individual must demonstrate contribution to the work unit, department, college, or university at large that furthers the university's mission and strategic goals through any of the following ways:
- Excellence in job performance.
- Personal initiative and leadership that supports and builds a positive work environment.
- Innovative approach to problem-solving that enables sustained improvement
- Commitment to student success, critical thought, creativity, and sustainability.
- Commitment to equity and justice, and respect for the rights and dignity of others.
Award/Recognition
Award Adminstration
Nomination Process
- Nominees must be a permanent classified staff member who has completed one year of service by January 31, 2026.
The nomination process for the 2026 award is now OPEN. Please follow the nomination link in the award description above to nominate someone by the February 13, 2026 deadline. Thank you to those that take the time to nominate a deserving colleague!
2025
Chris Baker - University Marketing
Since joining Western as a graphic designer in 2005, Chris Baker’s influence has been visible across campus—his designs are everywhere, from the ceremonial gonfalons at Commencement to campus maps and signage, to the light pole banners that line city streets. His work has been pivotal in shaping and enhancing Western’s visual identity.
Beyond his own designs, Chris is committed to mentoring both university and student designers. He invests time and expertise guiding students and staff colleagues, ensuring their work meets professional standards for print-ready publications while providing practical, real-world insights that complement classroom learning. Now a key member of the University Marketing team, Chris continues to make significant contributions, often on impossibly tight deadlines. His continued work on projects like Window magazine and the President’s Report has earned recognition for its exceptional quality and impact. His expertise brings each issue and publication to life, reflecting Western’s community through vibrant storytelling.
Chris gratefully acknowledges his graphic design colleagues. Their teamwork has been crucial in meeting the university's challenging graphics and marketing needs.
Elizabeth Heitkamp - Outdoor Maintenance
Grounds and Nursery Services Specialist Elizabeth Heitkamp has been an integral part of Outdoor Maintenance since joining in 2023. She is a natural leader who provides a positive and professional attitude for her team. She has set an example by working beyond her base job, and she is quick to volunteer to help her team members while guiding them to success. When the opportunity came up, she stepped up to maintain a second area of campus, working hard to improve both areas. She is diligent in every aspect of her life; she is currently taking night classes while pursuing a degree in Applied Business Management.
Elizabeth has been an advocate for the team’s success to become Certified Professional Horticulturalists. She passed this extremely rigorous test while also taking the time to create flash cards and Quizlets to help her team complete their certification, even leading small groups in nursery visits to help with the plant identification portion of the exam. She has committed her time to learning all aspects of gardening and plants, and she brings to the job the perfect balance of art and science.
Past Awardees
2 awardee(s) for this year
2024 Awardees
Diane Brearley - Economics
Diane’s journey at Western began as a student in 1979. She returned as an administrative assistant in the Equal Opportunity Office in 2006. In 2010, she joined the Economics Department as department manager.
Diane is the heart and soul of the Economics Department. She is hard working, caring, conscientious, and student-focused, and when combined with her kindness and genuine desire to help people, the result is something quite special. Diane goes above and beyond what is asked of her. She is a leader amongst the staff in CBE and is a valued resource for her fellow department managers. Diane is also one hundred percent committed to student success. Students can be assured that she has their best interests at heart and will do her utmost to help them succeed. She anticipates student needs, and they regularly turn to her for advice.
Diane arrives every day ready to take on whatever challenges are ahead and does so with a smile. She is the department organizer, photographer and historian, event planner, marketing and social media expert, newsletter author, technical adviser, and always, the department’s biggest cheerleader. She truly embodies the mission and values of Western Washington University.
Kyle Mikkelsen - Advanced Material Science and Engineering Center
Kyle Mikkelsen is an integral part of Western’s Advanced Material Science and Engineering Center (AMSEC), where he serves as the lab manager. With over nine years of experience in this position, Kyle has played a pivotal role in the operation and management of various advanced instrumentation crucial for teaching and research activities within the university.
"Kyle maintains a high level of productivity, despite the ever-increasing demand for our instrument center and his time," says Amanda Murphy, AMSEC director. “This dedication is evident in his meticulous oversight of sophisticated lab equipment, ensuring smooth coordination of researcher schedules,” says Milton From, associate professor of physics.
Kyle collaborates with faculty and students from the departments of Environmental Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, and Physics, fostering synergistic solutions to complex materials-related challenges. His expertise extends beyond lab management; he actively participates in planning, directing, and coordinating project requirements. "One of Kyle's key roles is to provide guidance and support to both students and faculty in research design and implementation," says another anonymous nominator. Through his leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Kyle plays a crucial role in fulfilling AMSEC's mission of supporting interdisciplinary research and fostering innovation.