Current Honorees

President's Distinguished Service Award

Mandy Harmon, Undergraduate Admissions, Academic Affairs

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
For a long time, I wanted to be a teacher. I started my collegiate journey as an education major, because I had so many wonderful teachers throughout elementary, middle and high school. I wanted to be just like them when I grew up. Even though I didn't go on to be a teacher, I still use many of the life lessons I learned from the amazing educators who helped shape me.

What was your first job and how does that compare to what you do now?
My very first job at 15 years old was sorting corn at Gaeddert's Corn Farm. Several of my friends and I would arrive at 5:30 a.m. in the summer and sort the corn into "good" and "bad" on the conveyor belt. I've tried to think of how it compares to Admissions, but I think the only comparison is that I'm still waking up at 5:30 a.m.

What is your favorite meal to cook? Are you a "master chef" or do you specialize in takeout?
I am not a master chef and absolutely specialize in take-out. I do love to bake though – monster cookies are my favorite to bake.

What is a skill (or skills) you'd like to master?
I would love to learn to sew. Our daughter is a dancer and gymnast, so I think sewing would be a good skill to learn with many dance costumes and leotards in our future.

What is the best thing that happened to you this year?
There's not one thing I can pinpoint as I reflect on the past year. It's been a great year of watching our kids thrive in school and their activities, spending time with my husband, and continuing to do the job that I love.

What's the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
During my first year in Admissions, I was given a simple piece of advice: "Love what you do." It now hangs in my office as a reminder that fulfillment matters—and that if you don't love your work, it's worth considering what might inspire you more. As a freshman in college, my choir director said "X=X" which means what you put into something is what you're going to get out of it.

What qualities do you admire in others?
Kindness, loyalty, honesty, a drive to do the best work possible.

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
I would go back in time and give my younger self some advice.

If you had an opportunity to travel through time, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go back in time to my middle school years and help 13-year-old Mandy not worry so much about what other people thought.

Describe yourself in three words.
Organized, dependable, loyal

What is one item on your bucket list?
One item on my bucket list is to travel to every state in the U.S.

What is the best concert you've ever attended?
I don't attend many concerts. In fact, I probably haven't been to a concert in over a decade. Of the handful I've been to, the best was probably Kelly Clarkson.

Who would you choose to play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
Anne Hathaway

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
"You don't have it all figured out" – The pressure to know exactly what you're doing in life is overrated. At 21, your job is to try things, not to perfect them. The most meaningful careers and lives are shaped through pivots, not plans.

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be? Why?
Only because I loved this show as a kid in the 90's – I would be on Legends of the Hidden Temple.

What hidden talent do you have or what is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
It's not a hidden talent but the rest of the campus community probably doesn't know that I love to sing and have been on our praise team at church for over 15 years.

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
This university has given me so much. I transferred to Wichita State as a junior and was quickly connected to the Admissions Office through what is now known as the Shocker Career Accelerator. That opportunity led to my first job out of college as the Campus Visit Coordinator, inspired me to pursue a master's degree in educational administration, and ultimately shaped my career path with the Admissions team. I love Wichita State and am deeply grateful for all this university has given me.

Name a hidden gem or favorite place at Wichita State?
There's no place I'd rather be than Charles Koch Arena on a Shocker game day during basketball season.

FILL IN THE BLANK: If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink chips and queso every day.

Are you right or left-handed?
Answer

President's Distinguished Service Award

Robin Henry, Department of History, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
History professor. I loved history from a very early age. We lived in Delaware for a few years and were close to so many US historical sites that my parents took us to. As I grew older, I continued to enjoy going to sites across the United States and when we lived abroad or travelled. But I also developed an interest in understanding better the deeper, more complex version of history, the limited inclusion of marginalized people, and attempts to erase significant historical events.

What was your first job and how does that compare to what you do now?
I was a lifeguard and swim instructor during summers in college. Lifeguarding developed my observational skills for sure! It also gave me a sense of responsibility and allowed me to learn when to let things play out and resolve themselves and when to intervene. Teaching swimming lessons to a spectrum of ages from toddlers to adults taught me that everyone can learn but often needs to be taught in different ways. The students taught me to show up with a plan but to be flexible in my approach, especially when something is not working, and to celebrate the small victories that may not feel small to a new or fearful swimmer!

What is your favorite meal to cook? Are you a "master chef" or do you specialize in takeout?
I can cook and bake really well. I'm vegetarian and love all sorts of food from simple fare to complicated "all the pots and pans" meals. I tend to experiment more in the summer or over winter break when I have time and can figure out how the meals may fit into my weekly rotation. As much as I like to cook and bake, I tend to want the same few meals for a while and then move on to others. My current comfort food is a combination of farro, black beans, spinach, avocado, toasted sesame seeds, and chili crisp.

What is a skill (or skills) you'd like to master?
Because of a brain aneurysm rupturing in 2023, I am no longer able to play my clarinet, an instrument I have played and excelled at since 1987. I also play piano but currently don't have room for one. I think I would like to learn to play cello just so that I can exercise that part of my brain again. I do love making music and the concentration it requires clears my mind from all my other thoughts and worries. But that needs time, so later?

What is the best thing that happened to you this year?
I've been part of a few really great historical projects lately, that have allowed me to make new colleagues and reconnect with others at conferences and workshops. On campus I enjoyed the cross-college collaboration of writing essays for WSU Professor, Jennifer Ray's photography book project, Shouting Fire. I've also been able to revive my biographical project on Ben Lindsey and start a new project I've been thinking about for a long time on the 14th Amendment. In addition, we welcomed two nieces, my spouse Paul started work as City Administrator in Peabody, KS, and is in his second year in seminary to become ordained as an Episcopal priest. Over the summer, I got to take a road trip with my parents to St. Paul to visit my brother and his family. They are approaching 80, so I know that I need to prioritize these moments. Family and friends are important to me, and I appreciate being able to spend time with them.

What's the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
Before starting my job at WSU in 2006, I had lunch with one of my professors who was in her first year at Indiana University. We were always more like colleagues, and I asked her for advice on handling people and the first year. She said never say yes first. ALWAYS, say "I'll think about it" (or something like that). I have used this invaluable piece of advice to cultivate my career, especially where and when I do service to fit my research and teaching interests and be on a clear path. Of course, things come up, but with the pause of "let me check" I can react more thoughtfully. This has allowed me to experience less burnout and be fully engaged in what I'm doing.

What qualities do you admire in others?
Honesty, kindness, directness, humor, intelligence and a desire to learn, and empathy.

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
Read faster! I'm a pretty fast reader already, but there is too much to read on my work and personal TBR piles!

If you had an opportunity to travel through time, where would you go and what would you do?
As long as I could take antibiotics with me, I could go almost anywhere or anytime. I think I would like to be able to hear the quiet and the common sounds of different periods of time. Our world is so loud, mostly with unnecessary noise. The quiet or soundscape of the 18th or 19th century city would be fascinating.

What is one item on your bucket list?
Do an open water point to point swim. I used to train with channel swimmers when we lived in the UK and I miss that style of training and the calm of swimming against natural wake.

What is the best concert you've ever attended?
Music: Paul McCartney (2017) or Tom Petty (1997, 2002), Bikini Kill (1996), Neko Case (2022) Experience: Lillith Fair (1998), Lalapalooza (1993), Wilco (2013), Belle and Sebastian (2013), Madonna (2002), Neutral Milk Hotel (2014). I like a variety of music, prefer it live, have been going to live music events since birth, and appreciate a concert that focuses on the music or has a show that supports the music. My dad is a jazz musician on the side and so music was prioritized and appreciated in our house. We currently have a subscription to the Wichita Symphony and enjoy the concert season.

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
You're not lazy, the random pain you are starting to have is your gall bladder (it was removed in 2002), and just keep swimming.

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be? Why?
This might be my least favorite form of TV, so none of them?

What hidden talent do you have or what is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
I have a really good imagination and wicked deadpan sense of humor.

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
The students and commitment of the faculty to excellent teaching, as well as excellent research. I have actually recruited 5 students, children of my friends, to WSU and everyone has loved their experience. Even the handful of others that chose not to attend really enjoyed their experience learning about WSU.

Name a hidden gem or favorite place at Wichita State?
Definitely the Ulrich Museum. I love that it's across from my Fiske office and I can just go over and wander around the exhibitions when I need a break.

FILL IN THE BLANK: If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink French fries. Hands down. With a crispy diet Coke or chocolate milkshake, it's just perfect. every day.

Are you right or left-handed?
Like the majority of my family, I am lefthanded! In fact, in one of my classes last fall, we discovered that there was only one right-handed person in the class. We decided to keep him!

President's Distinguished Service Award

Scott Jensen, Housing and Residence Life, Student Affairs

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
A sports agent, I was/am a big sports fan and thought it would be amazing to make a living representing athletes.

What was your first job and how does that compare to what you do now?
I was a custodian for a small office. In a lot of ways not much has changed, I still feel like I have to clean up for other people's messes 😊

What is your favorite meal to cook? Are you a "master chef" or do you specialize in takeout?
I do not cook a lot, but do enjoy making a sausage/hashbrown dish we referred to as campers grill when I was growing up.

What is a skill (or skills) you'd like to master?
I would have loved to learn to play either the guitar or piano

What is the best thing that happened to you this year?
Our family completed a quest to visit all of the Disney parks around the world by visiting the parks in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo last March (having been to Orlando, Paris, and Anaheim before that).

What's the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
An organization's value is easily demonstrated by what you give resources to and what you assess.

What qualities do you admire in others?
Critical thinking and efficiency

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
I would love either be able to fly or teleport for quick travel

If you had an opportunity to travel through time, where would you go and what would you do?
I would travel back in time and invest in bitcoin and apple

Describe yourself in three words.
Sarcastic (dry sense of humor), helpful, and boring

What is one item on your bucket list?
Travel to New Zealand and/or Iceland

What is the best concert you've ever attended?
Paul McCartney in Wichita or Van Halen on my 21st birthday

Who would you choose to play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
John Cusack- he plays sarcastic well

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Put more in retirement

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be? Why?
Deal or no deal- I feel like I would be able to take a deal early and walk with a good amount of cash

What hidden talent do you have or what is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
Not a talent, but we have a fairly large pez dispenser collection (over 1500)

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
I think Wichita State is a great place to work because we are big enough to offer a ton of different opportunities, but small enough to still feel like you are part of a family

Name a hidden gem or favorite place at Wichita State?
I think the echo spot is amazing and I enjoy the roof of the Flats apartments

FILL IN THE BLANK: If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink caramel delight girl scout cookies every day.

Are you right or left-handed?
Right

Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I am extremely humbled and grateful to receive this honor knowing how many great colleagues I work with who would also be very deserving of this award.

President's Distinguished Service Award

Jacob Mendez, Engineering Student Success Center, College of Engineering

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
As a child, I always wanted to be a teacher because school was a place where I felt safe, supported, and inspired. I was fortunate to have educators who poured into me and made a lasting impact, especially in music. While I once envisioned myself as a music teacher, that passion ultimately led me to a career in higher education where I can continue to support and uplift students in meaningful ways.

What was your first job and how does that compare to what you do now?
My first job was at Cinnamon's Deli, where I worked as both a cashier and a cook and learned early on the importance of hard work and serving others. While my role has evolved, that same foundation still guides me today. I now serve students in a different way, but I take just as much pride in supporting their success and being a small part of their journey.

What is your favorite meal to cook? Are you a "master chef" or do you specialize in takeout?
My favorite thing to cook is mac and cheese — it's simple and always good. I wouldn't call myself a master chef, though; I definitely lean more toward takeout. After a hard workout, I'm usually grabbing something from Meddy's or stopping by Smoothie King — it's a bit of an addiction.

What is a skill (or skills) you'd like to master?
One skill I would like to continue developing is my endurance and running. After completing my first marathon in Boulder last September, I've been motivated to keep improving and push myself toward running another one. It's been a great way to challenge myself both physically and mentally.

What is the best thing that happened to you this year?
The best thing that happened to me this year was buying my new home. It's always been a goal of mine to have a place I'm truly proud of, and it's been really meaningful to see that become a reality. It's even more special being able to host my nieces and nephews — especially with all 14 of them.

What's the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
One of the best pieces of advice I've received is to "protect your peace." At the end of the day, your peace of mind and integrity matter most. It's a reminder to be intentional with my energy and not focus on people or things that disrupt that peace.

What qualities do you admire in others?
I admire people who show kindness and a strong work ethic. Those who treat others with respect while consistently putting in the effort stand out to me. People who bring negativity, gossip, or try to drag others down don't align with my personal values.

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
If I could have a superpower, it would be the ability to run super fast. I love running races and have completed half marathons in all four corners of the country, and it's something that truly brings me peace. Plus, you can't beat earning a new shiny medal at the finish line.

If you had an opportunity to travel through time, where would you go and what would you do?
I would travel to Tudor England between 1533–1536 to meet Anne Boleyn. As a history major and a big English history nerd—with a Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn tattoo — it would be incredible to experience that time firsthand. I'd also love the chance to go back and see my parents when they were young and learn more about their story.

Describe yourself in three words.
Competitive, empathetic, and adventurous.

What is one item on your bucket list?
I've been fortunate to live a very full life and experience a lot already, but one item on my bucket list would be to run a race in all 50 states. Running and challenging myself physically has really helped me, and that would be a fun and meaningful goal to work toward.

What is the best concert you've ever attended?
This is a tricky one — my students and friends always joke that I've seen just about everyone because I'm always at concerts or music festivals. I even got the call to interview for my first position at Wichita State right before heading to see Beyoncé at Coachella. But if I had to choose, I'd say Fleetwood Mac when I saw the full group together on their final tour — it was an unforgettable experience.

Who would you choose to play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
I'd choose Neil Patrick Harris because I asked my staff and that was one of their top answers — either him or Tobey Maguire. I'll take that as a compliment — witty, a little dramatic, and able to keep things entertaining.

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
I would tell my 21-year-old self to start taking care of yourself sooner and prioritize your physical fitness. Investing in your health early makes a difference in every part of your life.

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be? Why?
I'd choose Big Brother because it combines strategy, competition, and social dynamics. I'd love to be on Survivor too, but I don't think I could go that long without a shower.

What hidden talent do you have or what is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
It may not be a hidden talent, but one of my greatest joys is waking up three days a week to coach at Omega Training. It truly fills my cup to help others work toward and achieve their physical goals.

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
I'm proud to be a Shocker because of the hard work and strong focus on student success across the institution. We're often seen as a scrappy underdog, but the work being done here is truly innovative and impactful. As an alum of the Educational Leadership program, I'm especially proud of my alma mater and the faculty and research that shaped my graduate experience.

Name a hidden gem or favorite place at Wichita State?
My favorite place on campus is the John Bardo Center lobby and second floor. It's always energizing to walk through, connect with students, and see them in their element — studying, collaborating, and working hard toward their engineering degrees.

FILL IN THE BLANK: If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink Hershey's with almonds every day.

Are you right or left-handed?
Right-handed

President's Distinguished Service Award

Naquela Pack, K-12 Connections and Special Projects, Wichita State Connect

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
I wanted to be an attorney to help people.

What was your first job and how does that compare to what you do now?
Dairy Queen - Vastly different but at its core still serving people with a smile.

What is your favorite meal to cook? Are you a "master chef" or do you specialize in takeout?
I like whatever the Hungryroot box provides me to cook. They provide the fresh ingredients each week and recipes to make. I have made a lot of things I probably wouldn't have on my own.

What is a skill (or skills) you'd like to master?
Gardening.

What is the best thing that happened to you this year?
Got to see HipHop orchestra and celebrate grandpa's 90th.

What's the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
Make sure to always reach back.

What qualities do you admire in others?
Integrity and the ability to create with big picture and strategy in mind

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
Time travel

If you had an opportunity to travel through time, where would you go and what would you do?
I'd go to the past and not allow our waters to be polluted.

Describe yourself in three words.
Connection, Learner and Intellect (pulled from CliftonStrengths 😊)

What is one item on your bucket list?
Visit the 7 wonders of the world

What is the best concert you've ever attended?
I don't attend many concerts - too loud LOL

Who would you choose to play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
Halle Berry

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Listen to your gut and surround yourself with good people.

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be? Why?
Family Feud

What hidden talent do you have or what is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
Certified to teach yoga ... I lived in Thailand for almost a year while finishing my master's program.

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
It allowed me to advance and provide an avenue to create pipelines for the next.

Name a hidden gem or favorite place at Wichita State?
Wichita State Connect - our location in close to the food trucks and perfect beautiful walking areas.

FILL IN THE BLANK: If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink everything every day.

Are you right or left-handed?
Right

President's Distinguished Service Award

Alexander Ziegler, Department of Marketing, W. Frank Barton School of Business

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
As a child, I wanted to be a gemstone cutter. My dad took me on took a trip to Idar-Oberstein, Germany's famous gemstone region, when I was in elementary school. I was completely fascinated by the process of cutting and polishing stones into something valuable and beautiful. Much has changed since then lol!

What was your first job and how does that compare to what you do now?
My first job was working at a school for children with learning and developmental disabilities after I graduated high school. This was part of my required service, as Germany still had a draft at the time. In many ways, that experience stayed with me and likely influenced the path I chose.

What is your favorite meal to cook? Are you a "master chef" or do you specialize in takeout?
I enjoy cooking with my wife, Jessica. I have a weakness for pasta and often prepare a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce to go with it. I wouldn't claim to be a master chef, but I do enjoy spending time in the kitchen.

What is a skill (or skills) you'd like to master?
I'd like to get better at a few things outside of work: Gardening and golf, both of which still have plenty of room for improvement.

What is the best thing that happened to you this year?
There have been some great professional milestones this year, including earning tenure and receiving this award. But my wife and I are expecting a daughter this summer, and that easily tops it all.

What's the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
Dream big!

What qualities do you admire in others?
Patience!

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
If I could have a superhuman power, it would be the ability to stop time. To catch up, think things through, or enjoy a moment a little longer.

If you had an opportunity to travel through time, where would you go and what would you do?
I'd go back to 1989 to experience the fall of the Berlin Wall firsthand.

Describe yourself in three words.
Let's do it!

What is one item on your bucket list?
Visit Australia! I've been to Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, so it's the one continent still missing ... Antarctica might take a bit more planning.

What is the best concert you've ever attended?
Metallica

Who would you choose to play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
I'd go with Chris Hemsworth. I used to throw hammer, so it feels like a fitting choice.

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Focus on what you can control and don't spend energy worrying about the rest.

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be? Why?
Family Feud. I watched it as a kid and still enjoy it. It's one of those shows that never gets old.

What hidden talent do you have or what is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
I'm not sure I have any hidden talents. Mine are or were fairly visible.

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
I'm proud to be a Shocker because of Wichita State's focus on first-generation students. I was a first-generation college student myself, and was lucky that I had mentors who helped me when I was in over my head. That's why it's meaningful to be part of a place that provides that same support to so many students.

Name a hidden gem or favorite place at Wichita State?
The cafeteria at NetApp. Great food and a great place to unwind during a lunch break by the pond and gardens.

FILL IN THE BLANK: If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink I think I mentioned it before, but I will reiterate: Pasta is my weakness every day.

Are you right or left-handed?
Right

Wayne Carlisle Distinguished Service Award

Debra Franklin, Strategic Initiatives, Industry and Defense Programs

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
When I was a child, I wanted to be an accountant when I grew up because I appreciated precision and order.

What was your first job and how does that compare to what you do now?
My first job was a babysitter. I enjoy taking care of people and encouraging and supporting them as they do new things. (i.e., being home without their parents, etc.)

What is your favorite meal to cook? Are you a "master chef" or do you specialize in takeout?
I am not a master chef. My family and friends appreciate my lasagna.

What is a skill (or skills) you'd like to master?
The skills that I would like to master are kindness; being a good listener; encouraging, elevating, and empowering others; and of course, AI.

What is the best thing that happened to you this year?
The best thing to happen to me this year is that we have a new grandson in Lubbock, TX.

What's the greatest piece of advice a colleague or mentor has given you?
My favorite quote related to work is from Harriet Woods, "You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims."

What qualities do you admire in others?
Qualities that I admire in others are honesty, imagination, kindness, and persistence.

If you could have a super human power, what would it be?
Superhuman powers that I would like to have are love, forgiveness, and patience.

If you had an opportunity to travel through time, where would you go and what would you do?
If I could time travel, I would want to return in 50-100 years and see how my grandchildren and their families' lives unfolded.

Describe yourself in three words.
Three words to describe myself are persistent, determined, and forward thinking.

What is one item on your bucket list?
A bucket list item is to attend the Farnborough International Airshow.

What is the best concert you've ever attended?
Best concert that I attended was Billy Joel and Elton John, Dueling Pianos.

Who would you choose to play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
The actress I would choose to play me in a movie would be Sandra Bullock.

What piece of advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Advice to my 21-year-old self would be ... Life has many seasons. Embrace and be present in each season and welcome subsequent chapters.

If you could be on a TV game show, which one would it be? Why?
The game show that I would like to be on would be Wheel of Fortune.

What hidden talent do you have or what is one thing that would be surprising to learn about you?
A surprising thing about me is that after I graduated high school, I worked in a sewing factory making blue jeans for three years.

Why are you proud to be a Shocker?
I am proud to be a Shocker because Shockers are impacting the future.

Name a hidden gem or favorite place at Wichita State?
I am very excited about the work being done in the Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research (HAMR) building! Another favorite place at Wichita State is the open meeting space on the third floor of the John Bardo Center. And a hidden gem is the Strategic Initiative's team members.

FILL IN THE BLANK: If calories did not matter, I would eat / drink I would eat too much candy if it did not have calories every day.

Are you right or left-handed?
I am right-handed

Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you for welcoming our family to Wichita, sharing your joys and aspirations, and enabling us to be part of Wichita's bright future.