Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week series highlights the excellent and important work happening at all levels of the University. Nominations are still being accepted and encouraged, especially for faculty members and student employees.   

This week, the series celebrates three inspirational members of the University community.

Will Simpkins, Ed.D.

There are many amazing Roadrunners deserving of praise, but this weeks winners stood out to me because of their ability to dream big and follow through with unyielding passion and determination, said Will Simpkins, Ed.D., vice president for Student Affairs. Please join me in celebrating these exceptional co-workers.

 

 

Faculty winner — Brian Bagwell, Psy.D., professor of Human Services and Counseling

Nominated by Simpkins, who wrote: 

Brian Bagwell, Psy.D.“Prof. Bagwell is the force behind so much of MSU Denver’s work to be THE institution of choice for public servants on the Front Range. He built the Fire and Emergency Response Administration program to support fire and emergency personnel who wish to complete a bachelor’s degree, ensuring a robust array of transfer-credit options, and the partnership of so many fire and emergency-response departments across the state. He also did this while teaching a full load of courses in Human Services, continuing to support students, and being a ‘go-to’ leader for the external community. Prof. Bagwell is also an MSU Denver alumnus, representing the best of the best of what this University stands for!” 

Brian, you are a Roadrunner hero. Thank you for being a champion of the University’s values and continually going above and beyond to create opportunities for students. 

Staff winner — Sabrina Marymee, corporate-card administrator for the Office of the Controller

Nominated by Simpkins on behalf of the Student Affairs Leadership Team, who wrote: 

Sabrina Marymee“You have been recognized by the Student Affairs Leadership Team (Braelin Pantel, Ph.D.; Kathryn McFarland, Ed.D.; Adrienne Martinez; Emily Willan; Thuy Phan; and me) for your outstanding contributions to our work at MSU Denver! Thank you for being an awesome member of our team, leading by example and going above and beyond! 

“It is so easy to swipe our cards and spend, spend and spend. However, we are so thankful for you, Sabrina, for your behind-the-curtains work with corporate-card management — you ensure that our University is in financial compliance with everything that needs to be checked and balanced. We are not sure how many active corporate cards are floating around, but you are a true magician with ensuring that we are responsibly meeting deadlines, etc. We most appreciate your holding us accountable (particularly credit-card holders!), your solution-oriented skill set, timely responses and gracious/forgiving demeanor (especially for those of us who miss the Chrome River deadlines!). Thank you for demonstrating outstanding balance among everything that you do!” 

Sabrina, MSU Denver is so grateful to have someone of your caliber on a team working toward the University’s goals and supporting such an important aspect of operations. Thank you for all your hard work.

Student-employee winner — Briana Rendon, team lead for the Roadrunner Food Pantry

Nominated by Miguel Huerta, assistant director of Community Engagement and Programs, who wrote: 

MSU Denver mascot Rowdy, holding a laptop case.“Briana is tirelessly creative, ambitious and committed to serving the students of MSU Denver as team lead at the Roadrunner Food Pantry. Briana engages partners, tracks inventory, leads the team and serves hungry students with a positivity and joy that draw everyone in. Briana has helped roll out our Snack Cart to visit nearly 20 classes to spread the word about the Food Pantry. Briana at the last minute agreed to be interviewed by 9News when they reached out about the pantry. Briana is a major asset to our office and the University community. Her enthusiasm for service and her creative ideas will take her far.” 

Also nominated by Lisa Lanford, office manager for Academic Affairs, who wrote:

“Briana Rendon is a valued student employee who deserves a Road Runner Shout Out for her contributions to our office and the MSU community. Briana’s work and scholarship elevate our CADRE values. Briana works at the front counter in our office and has done an exceptional job of managing the day-to-day operations with commitment, respect, and professionalism. She treats everyone with courtesy and respect. She is also well respected by all of her co-workers. She is a kind and caring person and also works at the Food Pantry. This is a perfect job for Briana due to these qualities. She balances working for two MSU departments, while maintaining an impressive GPA! Briana is an exceptional scholar and has been on the Provost’s Honor List twice (so far). She is a first gen student. As such, she is an amazing trainer and mentor for all student employees. She is a natural born leader and shows this daily by taking on many responsibilities and always supporting other team members in their work. She is uplifting! Briana brings her intelligent, unique, Hispanic perspective to our table which reminds us that that there is power in diversity.”

Briana, thank you for the time, compassion and service you have invested into supporting students and co-workers. We are proud to call you a Roadrunner. 

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.