Indiana University Bloomington will honor eight staff members during the annual Staff Merit Awards reception at 3 p.m. Feb. 5 in President’s Hall at Franklin Hall.

Presented by the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, along with the Office of the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, the awards honor staff members for their outstanding service to IU Bloomington. Anyone who plans to attend the ceremony is asked to RSVP.

Meet the winners:

Tavy Aherne

Tavy Aherne. Indiana University photo Tavy Aherne’s career at IU spans more than 20 years. Over the past seven, she has greatly strengthened the African Studies Program’s impact in her role as associate director.

The African Studies Program, recognized as one of the leading centers for the interdisciplinary study of Africa, has been designated a Title VI National Resource Center by the U.S. Department of Education. Aherne works closely with the director in completing reports and other activities related to this designation.

Aherne collaborates with African National Resource centers nationwide and centers at IU to provide professional development for faculty at 45 Minority-Serving Institutions and historically Black colleges and universities around the United States. It is but one example of her commitment to promoting institutional and curricular internationalization around the study of Africa, said Beth Lewis Samuelson, African Studies Program director.

Aherne also mentors students on academic matters, career development and personal growth.

“Tavy is a natural collaborator,” Samuelson said. “She highlights the accomplishments of others and is genuinely committed to ensuring that our students, faculty and non-IU collaborators are successful.”

Michelle Bartley-Taylor

Michelle Bartley-Taylor. Indiana University photo As director of the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology, Michelle Bartley-Taylor’s focus is helping women thrive in academic fields.

She’s been part of the center’s staff for nine years, and she leads a team of six professional staff and over 50 interns. She implements new initiatives and supports the center’s mission by empowering women on the latest issues.

Bartley-Taylor helped transform the idea for a sustainability and technology alliance into a thriving student program. This initiative has been recognized both locally and nationally, earning a Campus Catalyst award from the IU Office of Sustainability and recognition from the global organization SustainableIT.

She also created programs and initiatives such as the Emerging Scholars Research Experience for Undergraduate Women, Women & Technology Summit, Networking with Women Employers and Accelerator Crash Courses.

“I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition,” visiting lecturer Zolboo Dashmyagmar said. “Her forward-thinking approach has significantly improved the efficiency and reach of our programs, positioning CEW&T as a standout resource at IU for women and allies to belong, feel empowered and gain leadership and tech skills.”

Michael Chitwood

Michael Chitwood. Submitted photo Property manager Michael Chitwood directs the management and care of Research and Teaching Preserve properties, including eight land holdings and over 1,600 acres across the state.

The preserve is a field laboratory with forests, streams and lakes dedicated to faculty and student research and educational experiences. The Griffy Woods property houses a 10,000-square-foot LEED-certified building with classroom, meeting and laboratory space, plus a natural history exhibit that Chitwood built and manages.

He is the only full-time staff member dedicated to the preserve. Chitwood is a woodworker, and his handmade signage and construction can be seen across Research and Teaching Preserve properties.

Nominating letters cited Chitwood’s energy, passion and expertise, and praised him for maintaining a “space for students to be curious and learn.”

“Michael creates community wherever he goes, gathering people together from different backgrounds and disciplines around a shared love for land,” said Sarah R. Osterhoudt, director of the Integrated Program in the Environment and associate professor of anthropology. She also noted his vast ecological knowledge and deep respect and care for the landscapes he stewards.

Beverly Hankins

Beverly Hankins. Photo by Wendi Chitwood, Indiana University For almost 25 years, Beverly Hankins has been the graduate secretary for the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of English, which includes three branches: creative writing, literature and rhetorical studies. Hankins has taken on responsibilities from all three areas over the past decade and integrated duties once handled by separate staff members.

At the time of her nomination, Hankins was responsible for about 141 active graduate students and numerous other students working on completing their coursework, Department Chair Purnima Bose estimated.

“Bev sees all our students through their careers at IU, from the beginning when they arrive as first-year graduate students until they earn their degrees,” Bose said. “In fact, she is involved with them even before they arrive on campus and sometimes long after they depart. Bev is the first person prospective students contact.”

Hankins is a crucial “line of advice and support,” said Patricia C. Ingham, the Martha Biggerstaff Jones Professor of British Literature. Hankins helps students navigate university systems from the registrar to the bursar, informs them of degree requirements, helps them set up job placement dossiers and provides crucial advice at moments of crisis.

Kathy Heck

Kathy Heck. Indiana University photo

Kathy Heck, administrative coordinator for building maintenance in Facility Operations, has dedicated over a decade of service to Indiana University.

She plays an important role by preparing the weekly callout rosters, coordinating with multiple supervisors to properly notify each craft worker of after-hours responsibilities. This is crucial for maintaining student safety, protecting research and equipment, and ensuring positive guest experiences, especially during evenings and weekends, said Associate Vice President for Facility Operations Susie Johnson.

Heck “executes this responsibility with exceptional skill and grace, significantly minimizing errors that could lead to slower response times and employee frustration,” Johnson said. “She brings a positive spirit to the office, and her contributions greatly enhance our team’s effectiveness and morale.”

Managing the logistics for more than 100 craft workers — ensuring they receive uniforms, safety boots and other essential gear —requires organizational skills and a high level of patience and consideration for individual preferences, Johnson noted.

Colleagues described Heck as the glue that keeps the department together and lauded her attention to detail and professional demeanor.

Teresa Price

Teresa Price. Photo by Wendi Chitwood, Indiana University Teresa Price has a wide range of responsibilities in the Jacobs School of Music Operations Office, including managing an inventory of over 10,000 items such as musical instruments, computers and audio equipment. She also oversees the rental of more than 700 student lockers and tracks approximately 13,000 office keys each academic year.

Price supervises two employees and coordinates incoming and outgoing mail, printing requests, office supply orders and parking permit distribution. She collaborates with the Jacobs School of Music Facility Office to respond to phone calls and emails from faculty, staff and others, and she works with IU Facility Operations and IU Building Service by submitting work orders for building/room issues.

“Teresa has consistently taken on tasks that are essential to the school, whether they fall inside or outside of her job description,” Interim Eugene O’Brien Bicentennial Executive Associate Dean Brenda Brenner said. “She does this with a smile on her face, and without complaint. She is a vital part of our school culture and sets a high standard for everyone.”

Colleagues regard Price as a problem-solver essential to the smooth operation of the Jacobs School of Music.

Deanna Suter

Deanna Suter. Photo by Wendi Chitwood, Indiana University Deanna Suter, director for administrative affairs in the Department of Health & Wellness Design at the School of Public Health-Bloomington, has served the university for 29 years.

Suter oversees all administrative activities for the department and recently supported faculty, staff and students through a major rebranding (from Recreation, Parks and Tourism) and substantial growth. She has been praised for her enthusiastic nature, impeccable organization and strong commitment to the university community.

Under Suter’s guidance, colleagues said, new staff become effective and efficient in a very short period, and she cultivates a strong culture of respect and enjoyment in her team. Colleagues also described Suter as “among the kindest and most respectful individuals” at IU.

“Suter has been indispensable as a repository of institutional knowledge, understanding and know-how,” said Drew Pickett, assistant professor of health and wellness design.

“I recently spoke with several colleagues who unanimously agreed we collectively over-rely on her expertise. Ms. Suter freely shares her deep institutional knowledge to assist faculty, providing clear and honest input regarding the best way to solve problems and achieve our own work-related objectives.”

Holly Thrasher

Holly Thrasher. Indiana University photo Described by colleagues as a “true Hoosier,” Holly Thrasher has dedicated more than 10 years of service to IU and was recently promoted to director of content creation and outreach for the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington. For the previous four years, she had been a writer, editor and outreach specialist for the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington. Her work includes the weekly Momentum e-newsletter and Notes From the Dean’s Desk.

Thrasher supported the school during a time of change and transition, including functioning as a team of one at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the department’s needs grew, she advocated for adding key positions to the marketing and communications team.

“Throughout her time at our school, Holly has continuously proven her value and irreplaceable worth,” said Kate Wallace, the school’s executive director of marketing, communications and outreach. “Holly is a very forward-thinker. She aims to foster a team of proactive, visionary scholars. She not only sees the attention to detail in each of her projects but is able to organize and plan for the future.”