51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ

PLAINVIEW, TX — 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ Baptist University honored eight employees for excellence in service, scholarship, and leadership during its annual Employee Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 9.

Staff awards were presented in four categories: University Service, Community Service, Campus/Student Involvement, and Excellence.

Karen Greer, Academic Coach and Testing Coordinator, received the Staff University Service Award, presented by Dr. Rosemary Peggram. The honor recognizes exceptional service to the university through leadership, special projects, and campus-wide impact. Greer was commended for her consistent, behind-the-scenes leadership and her commitment to initiatives that strengthen student success and institutional effectiveness.

Addison Pratt, a Development Officer in Institutional Advancement, was named the recipient of the Staff Community Service Award, presented by Jeffrey Vera. Pratt was recognized for her Christ-centered approach to service, demonstrated through her care for others and her active involvement both on campus and in the broader community. Her dedication reflects 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ’s mission and has made a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.

Alyssa Shealor, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, received the Staff Campus/Student Involvement Award, presented by Ryiann Araujo. Shealor was honored for her active participation in campus life, regularly supporting student events and activities while fostering a strong sense of community among students and employees.

Sydnei Morrison, Pioneer Store Operations and Inventory Manager, was presented the Staff Excellence Award by Jessica Hernandez. Morrison was recognized for her daily commitment to her role, her dedication to serving students and coworkers, and her consistent demonstration of professionalism and reliability.

Faculty awards were also presented in four categories: University Service, Community Service, Scholarship, and Contribution to the Profession.

Dr. Autumn Lass, Professor of History, received the Faculty University Service Award, presented by Dr. Rebekah Crowe. Lass was honored for her extensive involvement in university committees, projects, and initiatives, as well as her leadership across multiple areas of campus life. Her dedication and energy have contributed significantly to the university’s ongoing success.

Dr. Elise Adamson, Professor of Mathematics and Physics, was named the recipient of the Faculty Community Service Award, presented by Ashley Edlin. Adamson was recognized for decades of service in the Plainview community, including leadership in church ministries, educational outreach, and numerous volunteer roles supporting youth, educators, and families.

Dr. Justin Lawrence, Professor of Criminal Justice and Public Administration and Associate Dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences, received the Faculty Scholarship Award, presented by Dr. Crowe. Lawrence was honored for his recent academic contributions, including the publication of three textbooks in two years. His work has been adopted by institutions beyond 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ, reflecting a significant impact in his academic field.

Dr. Crowe, Professor of History and Dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences, was presented the Faculty Contribution to the Profession Award by Dr. Cindy McClenagan. Crow was recognized for her leadership in national professional organizations and her work in public history, including projects that preserve and share 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ’s heritage with broader audiences.

The annual Employee Awards Luncheon highlights the dedication and impact of 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ’s faculty and staff, recognizing those who exemplify the university’s mission through service, scholarship, and leadership.