University of Mount Olive Honors Faculty and Staff with Service Awards

November 12, 2024
Contact:  Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations

MOUNT OLIVE – During the University of Mount Olive’s Annual Founder’s Day event, Dr. H. Edward Croom, President, recognized several faculty and staff members for their dedicated service and contributions to the University. The 27 employees have a combined 340 years of service to the institution.  Each award recipient received a gift engraved with the University logo, honoring their commitment to UMO’s mission and values. 

The following faculty and staff were acknowledged for reaching service milestones:

5 Years of Service

• Dr. Kimberly Bryant – Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
• Mr. Daniel Polders –  Field Hockey Head Coach
• Mr. Greg Saulmon – Senior Support Technician
• Mr. Gary Whaley – Flight School Director
• Ms. Shonyna Green-Russell – Mailroom Attendant 
• Ms. Caitlyn Capps – Director of Student Accounts
• Ms. Holly Rector – Assistant Professor of Music
• Ms. Lester Rector – Director of Campus Outreach
• Dr. Lori Sheppard – Assistant Professor of Psychology
• Mr. Brian Blackburn – Director of Financial Aid
• Mr. Matthew Sharp – Campus Pastor
• Ms. Jennifer Ovanna – Enrollment Coordinator

10 Years of Service

• Mr. Anthony Cowan – Facilities Technician
• Ms. Jennifer Mignone – Operations Coordinator
• Ms. Michele Meza-Romero – Assistant Director – Seymour Johnson Location
• Mr. John Warren – Acting Librarian
• Ms. Penny Whitman – Financial Aid Counselor

15 Years of Service

• Dr. Glenn Coffey – Professor of Justice Studies 
• Ms. Laurie Evans – Assistant Controller
• Mr. Jay Rebman – Controller 

20 Years of Service

• Dr. Linda Holland-Toll – Professor of  English
• Dr. Karl Reimers – Professor of Computer of Information Systems
• Dr. Gerald Seaton – Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences
• Mr. Charles Spiron – Golf Head Coach

25 Years of Service

• Ms. Rhonda Jessup – Director of Public Relations
• Mr. Robert Pruett – Director of Technology Support

40 Years of Service

• Ms. Sonya O’Brien – Director of Traditional Academic Advising

Dr. Croom commended each honoree, stating, “These dedicated individuals embody the spirit of excellence and community that defines UMO. Their commitment to serving our students and supporting the University’s mission has strengthened UMO in countless ways.”

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists.  For more information, visit www.umo.edu.