Early Bird

Congrats to our Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week winners

These exceptional faculty, staff and student employees are shining examples of dedication, innovation and excellence.

By Josie Lavender

November 4, 2021

Nominations continue to roll in for Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week awards, highlighting the excellent and important work happening at all levels of the University. This week, we celebrate three members of our University community who inspire students and their colleagues.

“I am continually impressed with the ambition and resilience of the Roadrunner community,” said David Fine, J.D., general counsel and secretary to the Board of Trustees. “It’s an honor to highlight the hard work that goes on behind the scenes from this week’s winners, who are CADRE champions.”   

Faculty winner – Katia Campbell, Ph.D., associate professor of Communication Studies

Nominated by David Fine, J.D., general counsel and secretary to the Board of Trustees, who wrote:

“In addition to her faculty work as a professor of Communication Studies, Katia Campbell, Ph.D., does many things in support of the MSU Denver community. She is the president of the Faculty Senate, and she created the Dialogues Program, which brings together students, faculty and staff for small-group facilitated dialogues to deeply engage in listening, sharing lived experiences and challenging participants to think about perspectives other than their own. Katia is also a member of MSU Denver’s Free Expression Statement Task Force, and she and Michael Benitez, Ph.D., vice president for Diversity and Inclusion, also regularly present on freedom of speech and academic freedom. Dan Lair, Ph.D., chair of Communication Studies, said that Katia is one of the department’s most popular professors. Students describe her courses as challenging, engaging and supportive. She’s also one of the department’s most in-demand faculty advisors, and there’s often a line of students waiting to talk with her. Lair added that Katia makes a tremendous impact with her research, translating her expertise on diversity and communication into trainings for campus and community partners. In sum, Katia is a patient and passionate educator, a dedicated academic and a wonderful representative for the University. She is very deserving of this recognition.”

Katia, thank you for embracing the University’s CADRE values. Your student and community advocacy and guidance have been invaluable to the Roadrunner community.

Staff winner – Nicholas Grissom, director of the Enrollment Call Center

Nominated by Destiny Candelaria, coordinator in the Enrollment Call Center, who wrote:

“Nick has taken on a great role of being the interim director for the Enrollment Call Center prior to getting the director position. He took on all three queues when his co-workers resigned or moved on and ensured that our call center was able to function to the greatest of its ability. He was able to get through fall startup with the help of assisting offices and support from our President’s Office. He is constantly looking to be proactive in helping our students over the phone and ensuring that all student staff is up to date with all new information to be relayed to students. Nick is all about our community and ensuring that all students have access to the information needed to help them thrive in our community here at MSU Denver. He comes at everyone with the utmost respect. Nick embodies our mission here at MSU Denver and allows everyone to feel as if they belong here.”

Nick, your forward-thinking attitude and ability to adapt under pressure make you an excellent community leader. Thank you for investing your skills and expertise with MSU Denver.

Student-employee winner – Ana Elfring, learning assistant, Biology

Nominated by Clare Hays, DVM, professor Biology, who wrote:

"Ana has been an LA for my classes each semester since fall 2020, including summers. Her knowledge-base in science is outstanding and her communication skills with others are impeccable. She approaches her job with consistency and reliability. She has a friendly and yet humble approach with the students, and many have benefited from her help. Her dedication, motivation and enthusiasm exemplifies our MSU Denver student body."

Ana, your work ethic and commitment to your education and that of your fellow Roadrunners is inspiring. Thank you for all you give back to our University community!

To nominate outstanding employees for the Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week award, please complete the form on the Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week webpage. Tell us how your nominee is making an impact through great teaching, service to students or innovation. Winners will be selected each week and profiled in the Early Bird on Thursdays. Winners will also get a shoutout on social media.