2024 Staff Awards of Excellence Recipients

The 2024 recipients of the Awards of Excellence for engineering staff, shown below, were recognized at the 23rd annual Staff Awards Banquet on December 13, 2024.

Leah H. Jamieson Leadership Award

Curt Oechsle
Engineering Education

For transformative leadership, innovation, and steadfast dedication to fostering a collaborative, student-centered environment.

Long-Term Impact Award

Sundeep Rao
Purdue IT

For consistently demonstrating innovative leadership, resilience, and a commitment to service excellence, transforming IT support in the College of Engineering, and advancing research, education, and operational effectiveness at Purdue for over two decades.

Long-Term Impact Award

Joe Tort
Office of Professional Practice

For consistently exemplifying visionary leadership, fostering innovation, and making an enduring impact on the College of Engineering through transformative programs in work-integrated learning, student success, and global partnerships, resulting in long-term advancements in the Office of Professional Practice and Purdue's national recognition.

Management & Professional Customer Service Excellence Award

Dean Dilley


For exceptional dedication, innovative problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

Management & Professional New Employee Award

Lea Greathouse
Mechanical Engineering

For exceptional leadership and innovation in fostering community engagement and an inclusive environment.

Outstanding Academic Advisor Excellence Award

Jeffrey Myers
First Year Engineering, Engineering Education

For exemplary dedication, innovation, and leadership in academic advising, empowering students and colleagues through mentorship, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.

Outstanding Business Office Staff Excellence Award

Brin Reed
Industrial Engineering

For outstanding leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to fostering excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Outstanding Research Staff Excellence Award

Rohan Gejji
Aeronautics and Astronautics

For extraordinary contributions in research excellence, innovation in experimental methodologies, fostering a culture of collaboration, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Professional Achievement Excellence Award

Caryn Morgan
Undergraduate Education

For exceptional dedication, innovative leadership, and steadfast commitment to fostering student success and professional development.

Support & Service Customer Service Excellence Award

Jeffrey McGlothlin
Chemical Engineering

For dedication, innovation, and exceptional mentorship, fostering excellence and having a positive impact on the College of Engineering community.

Support & Service New Employee Award

Vivian Scott
Mechanical Engineering

For demonstrating outstanding initiative, leadership, and a commitment to excellence, fostering an environment of collaboration, growth, and student success.

Staff Team Excellence Award: The Mechanical Engineering Indy Integration Team

Photo of Chris Finch.

Chris Finch

Professor of Engineering Practice

Photo of Alan Jones.

Alan Jones

Assistant Director, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Photo of Sheri Tague.

Sheri Tague

Senior Graduate Program Manager

Photo of Mike Logan.

Mike Logan

Senior Director of Technical Services

Photo of Steve Kessler.

Steve Kessler

Electronic Shop Manager

Photo of Pam Graf.

Pam Graf

Building Operations Manager

Photo of Stephanie Winder.

Stephanie Winder

Program Coordinator

Photo of Zach Sigafoes.

Zach Sigafoes

Executive Assistant

For exemplifying extraordinary teamwork, innovative problem-solving, and seamless collaboration during the integration of the Mechanical Engineering programs across West Lafayette and Indianapolis, ensuring excellence in operations, curriculum, and student support while fostering a unified and positive workplace culture.