September BaylorPLUS Salutes
Below are Baylor employees and teams who have been nominated, for their "above and beyond" service in the month of September, for the BaylorPLUS Salute! Please use the following forms to nominate an individual faculty or staff member or Baylor team today!
Team BaylorPLUS Recognition
Department: Baylor Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development
"This team has built an incredible infrastructure for success that serves both Baylor and the Community. Providing education and talent development to students who are unable to be challenged in the school settings, the Baylor TIP programs support families seeking supplemental accelerated education for their children, while also receiving support and instruction themselves. Under Todd and Cheryl's direction, the Project Promise scholarship program has been revived and summer programs for all students have expanded to year-round options. Their kindness, inclusivity, and vision for the center make it a safe place to work, grow as a scholar, and thrive as a human."
Department: University Marketing and Communications
"During preparation for the Fall Faculty Meeting and strategic plan launch, University Marketing and Communications, from top to bottom, were incredible partners to work with on getting everything ready to share with our friends in the University community. From those building the sets to designing the banners, editing website typos, hauling tech equipment, and refining slide decks, it was a remarkable effort, with everyone excited, engaged, and ready to help one another. When plans changed, or issues arose, MarComm was collaborative and maintained the long view (which encouraged us to be positive as well). It was such a wonderful group to work with, and we are so grateful for them."
Department: New Student Programs
"The New Student Programs team sets the bar high for a group of individuals who coalesce as a unit committed to the strategic priorities and goals of the University, and they do so while creating personal, meaningful, engaging, and helpful experiences for incoming students and families. It is a true pleasure to partner with each of them as they thoughtfully integrate the piece of the Baylor experience for which they are responsible into the larger whole. From a strategic brand management perspective, this team is a dream because they are truly locked into what we are working to accomplish across the University. They work tirelessly throughout the year -- and triple overtime from Orientation to Welcome Week -- as the unsung heroes of the University's matriculation and retention efforts. They are exemplary brand ambassadors and consummate professionals. I'm grateful for each member of the NSP team and the good work they do for Baylor."
Department: University Advancement / Development Coordinators
"I am delighted to nominate the Development Coordinators for a Baylor Salute in recognition of their outstanding support to our fundraisers and the prospect management team. Over the past two months, I have observed them diligently work in the background in support of fundraising efforts. Their work is instrumental in ensuring the department's success. They foster a productive and harmonious work environment that benefits so many of us!"
Individual BaylorPLUS Recognition
Sonia Platt
Department: Baylor Bookstore
"Sonia was incredibly helpful to one of my students. We were in a confusing situation with a textbook appearing and disappearing on Brytewave, so we reached out to Sonia for assistance. It's the start of the semester and I'm certain her inbox was full of inquiries and her day busy with many needs, but she still responded quickly a clear, detailed, and helpful answer. Students can be easily stressed and I was worried we wouldn't get an answer right away, however, Sonia continually exceeds expectations in communication and clarity."
Tammy Sailer
Department: Truett Seminary
"Tammy Sailer has worked tirelessly to help transition Truett into Baylor's new financial protocols and procedures. Her patience and her kindness and diligent work behind the scenes has not gone unnoticed. We are so thankful and blessed for her and to have her part of the Truett and Baylor family."
Emily Holmes
Department: Financial Aid
"Emily goes above and beyond in supporting the Online MBA program through several issues we've had. Even though these issues are not in her direct scope of responsibility, she immediately will do the investigative work to track down problems to provide solutions. She does so with a positive attitude. She is excellent at her job and a joy to work with. Recently, Emily tackled a very complex problem that we'd be dealing with for several weeks. She took the initiative to go to other staff in the Registrar's Office and Student Accounts to get to the bottom of the issue. Within 24 hours, our problem was solved with Emily's quick-acting, problem-solving action steps."
Kit Riehl
Department: Office of General Counsel
"For the past twenty years, Kit Riehl has loyally and humbly served the Baylor community as Associate General Counsel. Over the past two decades, Kit has provided invaluable guidance, wisdom, and legal advice to a myriad of individuals and departments on campus as they faced a wide range of legal challenges and hard times. Throughout each hurdle and legal battle, Kit has been unwavering in his Christian faith and dedication to the people he serves. His love for this university and selfless service is readily apparent to those that have the opportunity to work with him. I firmly believe that Kit embodies the type of Baylor employee and Christian leader that we should all aspire to become, so I'm proud to nominate him for this award."
Bradley Linda
Department: Library and Academic Technology Services
"I found myself having issues installing a Baylor software. Others on the IT team had sent detailed instructions but nothing worked. Bradley received my trouble ticket and felt it necessary for us to Zoom rather than send additional problem solving details. He immediately found the issue; my laptop was not supporting the software and he gave me sound advice as to next steps. I was so thankful for our Zoom discussion because he was empathetic, kind, and professional. He also added that if I continued to have issues he would be more than happy to help me and gave me his business hours. I appreciate Bradley and his exceptional customer service in helping us students, remain focused on our work rather than on software issues, he's the best!"
Erin Bean
Department: Athletics - Marketing/Fan Engagement
"For the BU-AF/Family Weekend game, she not only juggled the routine pre-game elements of the BUGWB, prayer, Baylor Line run, and football team arrivals, for this game she managed the recognition of the 1974 SWC Championship football team, and a Salute to Heroes game theme (complete with the unfurling of two large flags, veteran honors, flight crew recognition, etc.). She also orchestrated the complex details associated with an Air Force flyby of two F-16 fighter jets. To accomplish this, she leads a strong team of motivated professionals who seek to ensure the Baylor environment produces a winning home field advantage for our football team. The results: another Baylor victory for 46,000+ satisfied fans. Further, the Air Force pilots and support crew were truly honored to participate and be welcomed by the First Family and the entire Baylor family. Thanks to Erin for her tireless contributions to the Baylor community."
Pieter DuPlooy
Department: School of Music
"Pieter started here at Baylor in the spring of 2024. He has been such an amazing addition to our department. He is kind, funny and gives his all to our department. A few examples of how Pieter has gone above and beyond include painting the handrailing in the stairwells, washing windows outside our offices, redoing all of the bulletin boards in Roxy Grove and Waco Hall East, starting birthday celebrations in our department and attending recitals and concerts to support his colleagues. Pieter has a positive attitude and has increased the morale in our department in the last 5 months that he has been employed here. I believe Pieter provides exceptional service at Baylor University."
Patricia Sappenfield
Department: ITS
"As Baylor Law School has expanded our use of EPIC as a project management tool in addition to its event capabilities, Patricia has been incredibly helpful. She is always available to assist with questions and challenges, helping us navigate the system, utilize specific features, and support individual staff members in overcoming obstacles. Her availability enables us to manage our workload and address our teams needs much more efficiently and effectively."
