Staff Employee of the Month 2025

A project manager with the Office of Talent Strategy, who has been with Columbus State for six years, was named the Staff Employee of the Month at last week’s First Wednesday.

Maria Santiago was nominated by Jeff Spain, senior director in the Office of Talent Strategy. “Santiago has been instrumental in helping hundreds of students complete their training within the MEP Technical Training Lab, demonstrating her ability to lead with compassion and inspire others to get involved. Recently, a Target facilities operation manager contacted us with gratitude for Marie’s work. As a result, Target Distribution felt confident sending their employees to Columbus State for professional development.”

Office Director Chaylee Liberator, her supervisor, said, “Santiago takes on a lot of manual processes where software and automation are lacking to create a seamless plan for training. She also develops deeper relationships with our manufacturers by providing clear, concise instructions and expectations.”

Melissa Terry, material hander in Facilities Operations, was named the February Full-time Staff Employee of the Month. (The award was delayed until March.) Lori Gage, Columbus Foundation coordinator, nominated Terry, who started at Columbus State in 2022.

Melissa is always so helpful and professional; we just really appreciate working with her,” said Gage. “She will go out of her way to make the task easier for others, even when it means extra steps for her.” 

“I recently asked if I could access some of our Taste the Future items on short notice. She volunteered to not only find the items I needed but to get them delivered where I needed them. You can rest assured she is running the warehouse well.”

Mike Bradley, Information Technology system administrator, has been with Columbus State for more than seven years. He was nominated as the March Full-time Staff Employee of the Month by Ben Dalton, Information Security director. “Mike has a profound depth of knowledge in addressing technical issues, enhancing Information Technology (IT) security, and providing customer service,” said Dalton. 

“Mike Bradley continues to provide exemplary services to the IT security office. Whether aiding in evaluating a new security feature, testing new phishing simulations, reviewing reported phishing scams, or assisting in IT security events.”

Dalton added, “Whether interacting with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders, he consistently exhibits a demeanor characterized by respect, courtesy, and poise. This attribute has not only enhanced our team’s image but also significantly contributed to fostering a positive work environment within our organization.”

Stellan Bargar, who works as a Blend Café+Bakery barista, was named as the March Part-time Staff Employee of the Month. Having just started in mid-2023, she has already made an impression on staff and customers. Cafe Manager Faith Kemmerer said in her nomination form, “Stellan is a team player. She is always volunteering first if any needs arise, organizes the workspace, and keeps it clean. And she is a great trainer, teacher, and listener.”

Kemmerer added, “Stellan has gotten to know the customers who come to Blend daily, knows their order and is always willing to help them in any way.”