Dooley, Lawson Recognized With Top Staff Awards at UCM

From left, Brenda Dooley, support coordinator for the Communication Disorders Program, UCM President Roger Best
and Joyce Lawson, senior strategic HR partner/benefits specialist.

 

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) has recognized two staff members for their dedication and service to the university. Joyce Lawson received the J.P. Mees Award for Outstanding Professional Staff and Brenda Dooley received the Outstanding Staff Award during the annual Staff Appreciation Breakfast hosted by the UCM Staff Council on May 8.

To determine the two recipients, the award selection committee reviews nominations submitted by campus members.

The J.P. Mees Award is named in honor of John Paul “J.P.” Mees, a longtime and respected UCM staff member who died unexpectedly in 1999. He began working at UCM in 1988 as executive assistant to the president and professor of Education. In 1994, Mees was appointed provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, and in 1998 he assumed the roles of vice president for planning and policy and executive assistant to the president. In 2000, Mees’ wife, Joan, honored his legacy by establishing an award in his name. It is given annually to a staff member who is classified as exempt and has demonstrated outstanding commitment to UCM, the community, professional activities, and service to students.

Joyce Lawson, a senior strategic HR partner/benefits specialist, has worked in the Office of Human Resources for more than 20 years. According to her nomination, Lawson exemplifies the spirit of the award through her dedication to UCM, steadfast service to employees and students, professionalism in her field and deep commitment to community engagement.

Lawson is one of the first people many employees meet when starting at UCM, and she is often the last person someone visits with as they wrap up their journey on campus. Her nomination described Lawson as empathetic, patient, helpful and knowledgeable, adding that she goes above and beyond to ensure each person she works with feels informed and supported.

“She is a compassionate and knowledgeable guide through some of our employees' most important decisions, including navigating health benefits, retirement planning and wellness resources,” her nominator wrote. “Her work has a direct and lasting impact on the quality of life for our university community.”

Lawson is also a long-serving member of the Staff Council. Through the HR office and Staff Council, she is a valued member of campus-wide initiatives focused on wellness, employee engagement and policy development, where her insights are routinely sought and respected.

The Outstanding Staff Award is given annually to a non-exempt employee who has worked full-time at the university for at least one year and has demonstrated superior service to students, staff, faculty and community. They must have also modeled professionalism and a commitment to go above and beyond their normal duties and promote teamwork and collaboration.

Brenda Dooley is the support coordinator for the Communication Disorders Program in the Department of Human Services. Dooley’s nomination referred to her as an indispensable team member who wears many hats and consistently goes above and beyond to support academic and clinical operations. 

Dooley has deep institutional knowledge, and her ability to manage the complex logistics of the on-campus clinic allows the program to serve more than 125 clients each year. She is the first face many students and community members encounter, and she consistently fosters a warm, inclusive and professional environment.

In addition to her operational expertise, Dooley supports UCM’s National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) chapter, where she goes above and beyond by hosting annual events, including a beloved bonfire at her home. These efforts create a sense of community and belonging for students. 

She is also a vital resource for faculty, offering mentorship and insight that is especially valuable to new team members. She offers fresh ideas and approaches every challenge with a solutions-oriented mindset.

“Brenda Dooley is more than just a support staff member—she is the heart of our program,” her nominator wrote. “Her service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her more than deserving of this recognition.”

During the breakfast, the Staff Council also presented Staff Educational Awards to Samantha Dixson, an operations coordinator in the Office of Technology, and Cassandra Rowbotham, a student financial resource assistant in the Office of Student Financial Services. Each year, scholarships are presented to two staff members who are pursuing degrees at UCM.