The inaugural cohort of the Staff Senate Cornerstone Awards was presented on March 4, 2026. More than 50 staff members from across the university were nominated for this award by fellow faculty and staff colleagues at NC State. The Award is presented in recognition of outstanding service and enduring commitment to the NC State University community. The Staff Senate Cornerstone Award honors staff members whose dedication, integrity, and collaboration strengthen the foundation of our institution.

The nominees were invited to attend the March Staff Senate meeting, where they were recognized and presented with award certificates. The four finalists also received their engraved awards.

View the photo gallery from the event.

Congratulations to our Inaugural Cornerstone Awards Winners!

• Jessica Williams
  College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (SHRA)
• Hillary Stone
  College of Engineering (EPS)
• Keith Smith
  Campus Enterprises (SHRA)
• Dr. Charla Blumell
  Division of Academic and Student Affairs (EPS)

Jessica Williams (CALS – Agricultural and Human Sciences) Jessica Williams is a Public Communications Specialist whose work consistently exceeds expectations across a remarkably broad range of responsibilities. Beyond her core communications duties — storytelling, newsletters, and digital outreach — she advises graduate students, instructs an internship course, and leads the AHS Awards Committee. Her reliability, attention to detail, and customer-centered approach have made her a trusted resource for faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and students alike.

Hillary Stone (COE – Materials Science and Engineering) As the sole academic advisor for the MSE department, Hillary Stone single-handedly manages advising, curriculum oversight, course scheduling, graduation processing, and scholarship distribution for more than 200 undergraduate students — responsibilities that would typically require multiple staff members. She also mentors eight Student Ambassadors and drives data collection and program assessment. Faculty, staff, and students consistently turn to her in complex situations because of her unwavering precision, judgment, and commitment to student success.

Keith Smith (Campus Enterprises – NC State Dining) With 35 years of service to NC State Dining, Keith Smith embodies reliability and institutional dedication as Director of Board Operations. His daily hands-on presence across all dining units keeps operations running smoothly, and his initiative in founding the Campus Enterprises Safety Committee demonstrates a proactive commitment to campus wellbeing. His co-leadership of the 200-member “Wolves on the Run” club further reflects his drive to build community and wellness across campus.

Charla Blumell (Division of Academic and Student Affairs – LGBTQ Pride Center) Dr. Charla Blumell leads the LGBTQ Pride Center with exceptional responsiveness, inclusivity, and a collaborative, non-hierarchical leadership style that elevates her entire team. She is equally willing to handle high-level budget work and everyday operational tasks, modeling a culture of shared effort and mutual respect. Since becoming Director in 2022, she has meaningfully strengthened the culture of care and visibility for LGBTQ faculty, staff, and students at NC State.

We are also proud to recognize those who were nominated for this year’s award!

Employee	Department
Alyssa Elliott	Poole/Undergraduate Programs
Amanda Simmons	Office of Finance and Administration
Andrea Hayes Pennix	Sciences
Andrea Monique Burnett (Monique)	Sponsored Programs & Regulatory Compliance Services within the Office of Research & Innovation
Ashley Shepherd	College of Engineering
Ayana Ruffin	Engineering
Carolyn Argentati	University Libraries
Cassidy Hawkins	College of Sciences
Cassidy Hawkins	College of Sciences
Cheri Pipkin	Office of Information Technology (OIT)
Christine Terwilliger	College of Education
Danielle Herman	Engineering Communications
Dave Solloway	Poole College of Management/Career Center
David Hammermann	Office of Finance and Administration
Debbie Robertson	District 6
Diana Roberts	College of Sciences, District 17
Hector Junco	CED
Jesse Möschler	EHPS
Josh Agner	College of Sciences
Katie Cartmell	Division of Academic and Student Affairs
Keith Smith and Lauren Smith	CALS/NC State Extension
Laurinda Perez	Engineering/Research Administration
Liora Tal	College of Veterinary Medicine
Maritza Ramos	Facilities Division
Marshaun Jackson	Office of Equal Opportunity
Megan Johnston	NC State Athletics
Meggie Romick	CHASS - SPIA-DPA
Michael Cuffney	Biological Sciences
Michelle Spain	College of Education
Mitsu Suyemoto	Vet Med
Paige Doster-Grimes	College of Engineering
Patricia Mulligan	Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Center
Rachel Maguire	COS
Rhonda Bennett	College of Sciences
Rick Johnson	College of Sciences
Robin McWilliams	College of Education
Robin McWilliams	College of Education
Robin McWilliams	College of Education/SAY Village
Robin McWilliams	North Carolina State University
Sharon Williamson	College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Sophia Mallinson	Sciences
Sophie Mallinson	College of Sciences
Susan Uy	College of Sciences
Tammy Coates	College of Engineering
Tammy Coates	College of Engineering
Taryn Shelton	Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs
Terri Chance	NC State Libraries
Tina Adams	NC State Libraries
Tracy Ferry	OEO
Victoria Bliss	University Communications and Marketing
Vince Sisneros	COS/Biological Sciences/LSFY
Yessi Doradea	Facilities
Zorica Craciun	NC State Libraries

A special thank you to all who submitted their team members for consideration!