Staff Shout-Out Honorees
Staff Shout-Out Honorees
At Kent State University, it’s the people behind the scenes who help our campuses thrive every day. The KSU Staff Council created the Staff Shout-Out program to celebrate the staff members who go above and beyond — whether through exceptional service, teamwork, leadership, innovation, or simple acts of kindness that make a lasting impact.
This page recognizes the outstanding classified, unclassified, and part-time staff members who have been nominated by their peers for making Kent State a better place to work, learn, and grow.
Every Staff Shout-Out tells a story of dedication, support, and community. We invite you to explore the honorees below and join us in celebrating the individuals who embody the spirit of Kent State.
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July 2026 - Katie Schalmo, Kent Campus
Staff Shout-Out Spotlight: Katie Schalmo
July Staff Shout-Out Recipient
Director of Scholarships | University Office of Scholarships and Financial AidCongratulations 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!
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June 2026 - Moneeka Pelley, East Liverpool
Staff Shout-Out Spotlight: Moneeka Pelley
June Staff Shout-Out Recipient
IT User Support Analyst | Kent State East LiverpoolCongratulations 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!
Why Staff Shout-Out Matters
Recognition strengthens community. By highlighting the everyday contributions of our staff, the Staff Shout-Out program helps foster a culture of appreciation across all Kent State campuses. From helping a colleague through a challenging day to leading impactful initiatives, these moments deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated.
Know Someone Who Deserves a Shout-Out?
Help us continue spreading appreciation across campus. If you know a staff member whose efforts have made a difference, we encourage you to submit a Staff Shout-Out nomination and recognize the positive impact they bring to the Kent State community every day.
