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 27, 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 couldn’t help but smile when I read the praises of this week’s winners,” said Alfred Tatum, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “The ambition and positive attitude our Roadrunners apply in their daily service to our University is contagious and commendable.”

Faculty winner – Krista Griffin, Ed.D., associate professor, Elementary Education and Literacy

Nominated by Sandra Leu Bonanno, Ph.D., assistant professor, Elementary Education and Literacy, who wrote:

"Dr. Griffin contributes, supports and leads so many initiatives and efforts to better our department and School of Education. Most recently, she reimagined our reading courses under the pressures of reauthorization to integrate recent state policy and still ensure student-centric learning. Dr. Griffin fosters meaningful student community that persists for years after students graduate from the program. She is the first to celebrate the accomplishments of colleagues and students and does so in a whimsical and humorous way that is so needed during these tumultuous times.”

Also nominated by Ofelia Schepers, Ph.D., assistant professor, Elementary Education and Literacy, who wrote:

“Dr. Griffin has been a phenomenal colleague and is always willing to go the extra mile for anyone under any given circumstance. Her ability to bring a smile to everyone is only paralleled by her contagious laughter and ability to find the silver linings. Over the past year, she has been an integral part of our School of Education reauthorization efforts. This has required many hours, and she has picked these up and supported others through collaboration.”

Krista, thank you for devoting your time and energy to lifting the spirits of fellow Roadrunners during difficult times and to ensuring the School of Education’s ongoing success. You are an A-plus educator as well as an outstanding colleague.

Staff winner – Matt Kring, associate director of Student Success and College Completion

Nominated by Mark Baccei, Ph.D., Enrollment Management research analyst, who wrote:

“The initial response to the question is, ‘Come on, it’s Matt! Who doesn’t know and love Matt Kring?’ It is hard to think of an area, office or maybe student whom Matt has not supported. Throughout his time at MSU Denver, Matt has held multiple roles and has always worked to help all students find their individual success. As the associate director for Student Support and Retention, Matt supports Undeclared/Exploratory Advising as well as newly readmitted students. Over the past year, he has partnered with multiple other areas to improve the re-recruitment process for readmit students and help successfully welcome them back to the Roadrunner marathon. He approaches his work with a sincere dedication to students but also with a friendly and welcoming attitude that is infectious.”

Matt, thank you for investing your time and talent into enriching the Roadrunner community. Thank you for thinking outside the box and creating new opportunities to support deserving students.

Student-employee winner – Callie Shelton, research assistant, Social Work

Nominated by Social Work Assistant Professors Ann Obermann, Ph.D., and Kristin Danhoff, Ph.D., who wrote:

“Callie Shelton is an MSW student that is making a difference as a research assistant for two Department of Social Work faculty and the research to which she is contributing. This past year, she has served as an RA to projects focusing on microaggressions in online learning, being well in a profession of well-being and OER course creation.”

Obermann writes, “Callie works very hard and meets all deadlines. She wrote the literature review, created recruitment and information documents and offers thoughtful consultation for our online microaggressions project. Callie constantly challenges herself and me to do better and practice inclusive and accessible research. Her ethics and values as they relate to research and policy analysis are exceptional and align with the social-work profession. In addition to her skills and work ethic, Callie is a delight to work with, funny, and motivates me to seek excellence. Our research project was just approved by the IRB, and the movement forward would not have been possible without her. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in the coming years.”

Danhoff said, “I have had the opportunity to be part of Callie’s journey for the last year. In that time, she has impressed me with her desire to learn, her capacity to grow and her unwavering commitment to the values and ideals of the social-work profession. As a research assistant, Callie enthusiastically tackles any challenge, idea or task she is presented, often putting her own thoughtful and informed spin on the project. After our discussions, I always walk away with a better and more thoughtful idea or product.”

Callie, you are an inspiration to those around you. Thank you for embracing the Roadrunner way by giving back to your community as we grow and challenge each other to reimagine possible.  

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.