Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Roadrunner Shoutout series highlights the excellent and important work happening at all levels of the University. Each person nominated exemplifies MSU Denver’s core values of community, access, diversity, respect and excellence (CADRE). Winners are recognized at the monthly President’s Cabinet meeting.
Staff winner
Leah Butler, Academic Lab coordinator for Math and Statistics
Nominated by Denise Daphne, Academic Advisor II, Biology
“Leah is a powerhouse, a whirling dervish, gracefully balancing her advising, volunteer and leadership commitments. She is extremely methodical, detail-oriented, punctual and thorough. I could set my clock by her. Leah prepares for each advising appointment in advance, scrutinizing the student’s Degree Progress Report, looking them up in Banner and AppXtender and reading their SSC Notes and then reaches out to them in advance with action steps. It’s like an appointment before an appointment. She’s extremely thorough with students, ensuring that all their needs are met. Students are lucky to have such a holistic, dedicated advisor.
“I had the pleasure to work closely with Leah when she was an interim advisor for Chemistry and Biochemistry and, later, Biology. She was eager to learn those roles and understand the nuances of curriculum and continually asked insightful questions. Additionally, Leah is kind, approachable and caring. She is always among the first to volunteer for things and has impeccable follow-through. Working with Leah is one of my absolute favorite things about advising.”
Faculty winner
Jennifer Gagliardi-Seeley, Ph.D., interim chair and professor, Biology
Nominated by Victoria Mitchell, student employee
“Never in my life have I met a professor who was so passionate about their subject! Dr. Gagliardi-Seeley is a firm believer in creating hands-on environments to help us learn, and I have learned more in these last two years taking Professor Gagliardi-Seeley’s courses than I have in my entire college career. It makes me sad that I did not take Biology 1 and 2 here at MSU Denver, because I would have gotten a lot more from those classes. I have heard from all the students that have gone on her field courses that these trips are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and that they learned so much. I believe she is one of the best professors at MSU Denver not only for her knowledge and passion but also how she interacts with and gets to know each and every one of her students.”
Student-employee winner
Juan Vargas, office assistant, Department of Music
Nominated by Elaine Stanley, Music Department program manager
“Juan started working as our front-desk receptionist in fall 2021 and quickly began adding value to our student/faculty/staff team. Juan, a Theatre major, immediately took initiative to learn the ins and outs of Music Department procedures in order to best serve our student clients. In addition, he quickly became a resource for faculty members, providing direction and assistance whenever possible. We seek out his advice to help create efficiencies with regard to our processes.
“Finally, Juan is an excellent communicator. He ensures that he has heard and understood directions correctly prior to working on assigned tasks, which results in high-quality work. His upbeat attitude and attention to detail make him an ideal student assistant.”