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

May 20, 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.

“Reading about this week’s winners is a reminder that the MSU Denver community is rich with ambition and compassion,” said David Fine, J.D., general counsel and secretary to the Board of Trustees. “These winners balance heart with hard work, and that certainly deserves celebration.”

Kathy Heyl, professor and chair, Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Nominated by Rebecca Trammell, Ph.D., interim dean, College of Health and Applied Sciences, who wrote:

“Kathy has been a dean, associate dean, faculty member and chair at MSU Denver. She currently serves as the faculty associate to the dean of CHAS. In her tenure at this University, she has taught countless students, mentored faculty and helped run the College of Professional Studies. She just earned the honor of being named the Colorado Dietitian of the Year by the Colorado Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I think this deserves a BIG shoutout! We are honored to have her represent the college and the University.”

Kathy, thank you for sharing your talents and expertise with MSU Denver. You have impacted so many Roadrunners on their journeys to success. Your leadership is greatly appreciated.

Cora Potter, manager of University Events and Protocol, Strategy, Marketing and Communications

Nominated by Kylie Henson, special-events coordinator, SMC, who wrote:

“This year, the pandemic put many roadblocks in our way, but Cora has continued to persevere and lead the University Events team. She worked on not only the 2020 Commencement ceremonies but also the spring 2021 ceremony. It is not an easy task to rethink how we have traditionally done Commencement; however, she does not let a challenge defeat her. She will do whatever it takes to make sure graduates have the best opportunity to mark this huge milestone in their lives. Cora and I are a two-person team, which is relatively small compared with other University Commencement teams, but she doesn’t let that stand in her way either. Since we’re both MSU Denver alumni, she knows how special this day is. She was even a student employee on the Commencement team when she graduated! I really look up to Cora because she manages so many University events, all while maintaining poise and eloquence.”

Cora, your positivity and work ethic are inspiring. Thank you for working tirelessly to create such a memorable Commencement week for graduates and the entire University.

Casey Black, front-desk assistant, Modern Languages

Nominated by Meredith Jeffers, Ph.D., professor, Modern Languages, who wrote:

“Casey has gone above and beyond for the Department of Modern Languages since starting as our front-desk administrator. He has made a positive impact on hundreds of current and prospective students as well as our faculty, staff and administrators. He is genuinely kind, hardworking, responsible and professional. However, his respect and empathy toward all individuals on campus are his two most outstanding traits.

“As part of our fall and spring-enrollment call campaigns, Casey contacted hundreds of Modern Languages students, encouraging them to register for upcoming terms and providing relevant contact information for further advising help. His work was invaluable and had a clear impact on retention for each of our language programs. Casey also helped put together our department’s Spring 2021 Virtual Award Ceremony to honor scholarship, minigrant and book-award winners, making the program more fun and relevant for the student recipients. We are so proud of his contributions to MSU Denver and will miss him when he graduates this month!”

Casey, thank you for supporting your co-workers and fellow students as you work hard to achieve your academic goals. Best of luck as you graduate and move on to your next chapter as an MSU Denver alum! (Since we couldn't find a photo of you, here is one of Rowdy and President Davidson applauding your achievement and graduation!)

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.