Staff Shout-Out Honorees

Staff Shout-Out Spotlight: Celeste Dawson

August Staff Shout-Out Recipient
Assistant Director of Student Organization Support | Center for Student Involvement

Congratulations to Celeste Dawson, our September Staff Shout-Out honoree!

Celeste has been part of the Kent State University community since January 2022 and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Student Organization Support in the Center for Student Involvement.

Celeste was recognized for her dedication, positive attitude, and commitment to supporting her colleagues, even while navigating a transition into a new role.

Her nominator shared:

“Celeste has recently transitioned to a new position at the university, but I want to shout her out for the exceptional work she did in her previous position. She left everything needed to prepare the next person to pick up where she left off.

Additionally, while transition is challenging, Celeste has remained a supportive colleague and brings a positive attitude to every space she is in.”

When asked about her favorite Kent State memory, Celeste shared that one of her proudest moments was watching her first group of Provost's Leadership Academy students place at the Undergraduate Research Symposium and having the opportunity to celebrate all their hard work.

Outside of work, Celeste enjoys attending concerts and live shows. In fact, she has attended 19 and counting this year! She also shared that her sister works at Kent State, making her journey at the university even more special.

Thank you, Celeste, for your dedication, positivity, and willingness to support those around you. Your contributions and the care you show your colleagues make a difference in the Kent State community!

Staff Shout-Out Spotlight: Brian Feciuch

August Staff Shout-Out Recipient
Mover | University Facilities Management

Brian Feciuch was nominated for his can-do approach to his job as a mover in University Facilities Management on the Kent campus. His nominator shares: “He always shows [up] every day with a positive attitude and [is] always willing to go extra for the students' needs.” Thank you for all you do for the KSU community, Brian!

Congratulations, Brian, and thank you for all you do here at Kent State!

Staff Shout-Out Spotlight: Katie Schalmo

July Staff Shout-Out Recipient
Director of Scholarships | University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid

Congratulations to Katie Schalmo, our July Staff Shout-Out recipient!

Katie’s Kent State story began when she arrived as a student in 2003—and she has been part of the Kent State community ever since! She began her professional career at the university as a Graduate Assistant in May 2008 and transitioned to a full-time position in July 2012. Today, Katie serves as the Director of Scholarships in the University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Katie was nominated for the positive and supportive environment she creates for those around her. Her nominator, a former member of her team, shared that one of the hardest parts about leaving the department was leaving such an exceptional supervisor. Katie was described as someone who makes employees feel valued and respected and who approaches even challenging situations with a calm, optimistic, and solution-focused attitude.

Her nominator also highlighted Katie’s ability to truly listen to her staff, recognize their strengths, celebrate their accomplishments, and provide support when challenges arise. Through her empathy, integrity, and professionalism, Katie has made a lasting impact on the people she supervises and helped create a workplace where teamwork and encouragement are a priority.

Some of Katie’s favorite Kent State memories include Halloween dress-up parties and contests in her office, along with work trips and the memories she has made with colleagues over the years. Kent State also holds a special place in her personal life—she met her husband here! They have been married for 15 years this October and have two children and a goldendoodle.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys gardening, shopping, decorating, and taking trips to Florida with her family.

From arriving as a Kent State student more than 20 years ago to becoming a leader who has had such a meaningful impact on her staff, Katie’s story reflects the relationships and connections that make the Kent State community special.

Congratulations, Katie, and thank you for the positive impact you continue to make at Kent State!

Staff Shout-Out Spotlight: Moneeka Pelley

June Staff Shout-Out Recipient
IT User Support Analyst | Kent State East Liverpool

Congratulations to Moneeka Pelley, our June Staff Shout-Out recipient!

Moneeka’s connection to Kent State East Liverpool spans more than three decades. She first arrived on campus as a student in fall 1994, became a student employee in the campus computer lab from 1998–2000, transitioned to a part-time employee, and has served Kent State full time since 2011. Today, she supports the East Liverpool campus as an IT User Support Analyst.

Moneeka was nominated for the way she consistently goes above and beyond to help others, make people feel welcome, and build a sense of community. Her nominator shared that she collaborates across departments to ensure faculty and staff have the IT support they need while always remaining positive and professional. She is also known for sharing ideas, embracing creative brainstorming, and approaching challenges with empathy and care.

When asked about her favorite Kent State memory, Moneeka reflected on when she first arrived as a non-traditional student with two small children. Although she was initially nervous, she remembers being surrounded by faculty, staff, and students who were positive and excited about the future. She describes Kent State East Liverpool at that time as “truly the oasis for our community.”

Outside of work, Moneeka enjoys nature and old country gospel music, which help her focus on appreciation and counting her blessings. She also enjoys cooking, relaxing, and spending time with her family, including her fur baby, Rudy, and grand-dog, Otto.

Family is especially important to Moneeka. She and her husband, Scott, have been married for almost 12 years. Their blended family includes five adult children, and Moneeka also helps care for her 86-year-old mother.

Moneeka’s journey from student to longtime staff member is a wonderful example of the lasting connections that can be built at Kent State. Her kindness, creativity, professionalism, and commitment to helping others continue to make a meaningful difference at the East Liverpool campus.

Congratulations, Moneeka, and thank you for all you do for Kent State!