Three Research Staff Honored with OU Staff Senate Awards

Jacqui Middleton, storeroom operator for the Stephenson Research and Technology Center, has received the Waintroob/Myers Superior Performance Award after nominations from Hong Lui, Ph.D., Christian H. Lemon, Ph.D., John R. Clegg, Ph.D., Wei R. Chen, Ph.D., Michael S. Detamore, Ph.D., and Meghan Bomgaars.

“The scientists and students in my research laboratory, and myself, have worked closely with Jacqui for laboratory supply purchasing and reconciliation of laboratory expenses over the past couple of years,” Lemon said. “In these experiences, Jacqui has demonstrated herself to be an outstanding staff member who goes above and beyond in her job performance.”

Middleton joined the Stephenson Research and Technology Center storeroom in 2019 as the storeroom operator and specializes in OU’s procurement policies in ordering supplies and equipment, monitoring and receipt of shipments, as well quote solicitation and preparation of monthly billing statements for budgeting and reporting purposes.

“Jacqui is meticulous, prompt and accurate,” Clegg said. “She has saved my team thousands of dollars in equipment and supply funds, monitored shipping dates to ensure receipt of backordered items and negotiated return/replacement of multiple supplies that were damaged during shipping. By handling these items so quickly and professionally, she has saved us valuable time and associated stress, allowing us to focus on our teaching and research.”

According to Middleton, “I love the challenge of the nonstop pace. I love the methodical ‘system’ of the storeroom that allows me to efficiently complete my daily and monthly tasks. But above all, I love the people. I get to serve a fabulous group of gracious, hardworking professors and students who are passionate about their research and studies. It’s a joy to help by doing everything possible to make sure their work can proceed without interruption.”

Mandy Crockett, administrative coordinator for the Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute, has received a Distinguished Performance Merit Award after a nomination from Gene Kirkland, Lt Gen (ret) Air Force and OADII executive director.

“Over the past year, Mandy Crockett effectively administered and managed the highly successful launch of OADII, which in turn has resulted in major advancements for the VPRP’s aerospace, defense and global security strategic research vertical mission,” Kirkland said. “Her outstanding organizational skills, commitment and loyalty to the university have proven instrumental to the successful standup of OADII internal operations, development of campus-wide outreach programs and execution of numerous high-visibility initiatives that thrust OADII into national prominence across aerospace and defense.”

Crockett began working for OU on the Health Sciences Center campus in 2006 and joined OADII in 2022. Since that time, she has coordinated numerous initiatives, including the inaugural OU defense symposium, a campus-wide student poster competition, distinguished guest lecture series, as well as various networking events and more. Crockett has spearheaded OADII’s internal partnership efforts, orchestrated an outreach program, managed OADII’s internal seed grant competition, planned all logistical support of OADII’s first campus-wide networking event and numerous other outreach activities that solidified OADII’s brand on campus, at the state level and on a national scale.  

“It's such an honor to even be nominated for a merit award,” Crockett said. “I'm thankful for the team I get to work with each day and the opportunities to learn from the faculty, staff and students who are working hard to exceed OU's strategic goals. I'm excited to see what's next.”

Morgan Gammons, finance and reporting associate for the Advanced Radar Research Center, has received a Distinguished Performance Merit Award after a nomination from Robert Palmer, ARRC executive director, and Redmond Kelley, lead radar engineer.

“Morgan has a way of handling challenging situations that is refreshing. She gets her point across with conviction but always leaves the conversation with everyone knowing we are all on the same team,” Palmer said. “Based on my almost 30 years of experience in academe, I would rank her in the top 5% of all staff with whom I have interacted.”

Morgan joined OU in 2015 and became part of the ARRC in 2021. She was originally hired to be an apprentice project manager, but quickly advanced as the center’s financial manager.

“I work very hard at being hard working. Just being nominated for this type of award let alone to be chosen as a winner means the world to me,” Gammons said. “This acknowledgement means that I’m seen and respected by my peers and leadership. It means I am indeed moving in the right direction, and it emboldens me to continue with my professional endeavors and support of the ARRC.”

According to Kelley, “Working with Morgan has been a huge bright spot for me ever since she was hired. Her can-do attitude and generally pleasant demeanor have made her a joy to work with. Morgan is a loyal and devoted employee who models the exact behaviors that all OU staff should strive for.”
 

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships thanks Jacqui, Mandy, and Morgan for their contributions to the University of Oklahoma. Visit the Staff Senate website to view the full list of 2023 award recipients.