Three staff members accepted the Christopher Ware Staff Award on Wednesday morning at the Staff Senate meeting in the Student Government Association Chambers.
The senate introduced the inaugural Staff Star Award at its February 2021 meeting. Christopher Ware, former technology officer for the Staff Senate, received the first award in memory of his outstanding contributions to WKU, according to the Staff Senate’s website.
The website stated that the senate renamed the award in Ware’s memory after his unexpected passing in December 2020.
School of Media and Communication Budget Specialist Teresa Jameson, Academic Services Coordinator Katie Burchfield, and the College of Health and Human Services’ Academic Advisor Braedyn Rutledge received plaques honoring their achievements as the December 2025 Staff Star Award recipients.
Staff Senate Technology Committee Chair Kent Johnson, military student services director, took on the role last summer of presenting the Staff Star Award. The award is presented to typically three nominated staff members each month, Johnson said.
“The Staff Star Award is designated to celebrate those who constantly go above and beyond their roles, demonstrating outstanding commitment, teamwork and excellence,” Johnson said. “These individuals embody a spirit of service that Chris represented, and through their hard work and dedication, they inspire us all.”
Ron DeMarse, director of the School of Media and Communication, gave a few remarks about Jameson. DeMarse said Jameson has been an “indispensable” member of the School of Media and Communication for many years.
“Most days, I would call her our chief chaos containment officer,” DeMarse said. “She’s my personal sanity manager.”
Marrissa Bryant, the academic advising associate director, gave a few remarks about Burchfield following DeMarse. Bryant said Burchfield always reaches out to fix any issues that arise in their department.
Bryant said Burchfield always finds ways to bring fun into meetings, and she is a vital part of the team.
“I think about even when we send out a card in our department, your message is always one of the most heartfelt, sweet things that is on our cards to people if they’ve lost somebody or they’re going through something,” Bryant said while looking at Burchfield. “And that’s just because of your empathetic heart and how you’re so good at sharing that.”
Marybeth Hunt, College of Health and Human Services’ senior academic advisor, nominated and gave a few remarks about Rutledge, the final award recipient.
Hunt said she hears positive comments from students about the services Rutledge provides them as an advisor. Hunt said Rutledge offers new ideas to improve the advising process for both the students and advisors.
Hunt said Rutledge has always been a team member she can go to for a second set of advice on anything. She said as a supervisor, she can count on Rutledge to make sure things get done.
“For me, Braedyn has always been that person,” Hunt said. “She can take something, run with it, handle anything. So, I really appreciate her, and I’m glad we get to honor her at this meeting.”
In addition to award recognitions, the Staff Senate announced that the spring semester book scholarship applications are due on Jan. 1, 2026. The Staff Senate also announced that the Spring Meet and Greet will be at 10:30 a.m. on April 15, 2026.
