The Honors College recognized three staff members who have provided outstanding support to honors students at a reception in Gearhart Hall last Thursday, April 19, 2018. EmmaLe Davis, Jonathan Langley and Leslie Yingling each received an Honors College Staff of the Year Award certificate, a succulent plant and a check for $500.

The Honors College launched these awards and the staff reception last year in an effort to recognize the efforts of staff members who go the extra mile to help students succeed. 

"U of A staff work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our students," said Honors College Dean Lynda Coon. "We couldn't do it without them, and with these awards, we celebrate their dedication to student success. In particular, we appreciate the exemplary efforts of EmmaLe, Leslie and Jonathan – thank you!"

Winners of the 2018 Honors College Staff of the Year Award include:

EmmaLe Davis, coordinator for residence education, University Housing, Student Affairs. Davis helped to launch Hotz Hall as an honors residence hall for freshman in 2013. She has been responsible for the resident assistant program there, training staff who are on the front line with honors students. She has also worked closely with the Honors College to develop and support programming that enhances the honors student experience on campus. Under her leadership, the Hotz staff has been consistently recognized for their programming and overall effectiveness by University Housing.

Jonathan Langley, assistant director, Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, Enrollment Services. Langley has assisted countless students with personal statements for medical school, graduate school, and for prestigious national fellowships and scholarships through the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards. He fosters intellectual experiences through frequent visits to honors sections of University Perspectives, where he shows honors students how internships, REUs, and grants can enhance their undergraduate experience. Langley also supports the Grad School Planning and Readiness Educational Program by offering a workshop designed to help students plan for graduate school.

Leslie Yingling, director, Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education, Dean of Students for Diversity and Inclusion. The Honors College strives to promote acceptance, respect, understanding, and empowerment. Leslie Yingling enacts these guiding principles on a daily basis through her work at the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education. Her relatability and empathy put students at ease and facilitate conversations about education and what one hopes to gain from the experience. Yingling also is part of the team of investigators who contributed to securing the NSF grant funding Path STEM Scholars.