Mentzer and Simmons receive Excellence In the Call awards

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Faculty and staff at Mount Vernon Nazarene University celebrated their peers during the Excellence In the Call awards reception held Sept. 12, in the R.R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium. Two staff members, Lisa Mentzer and Michael Simmons, were honored as recipients after being nominated by peers and selected by the award committee through a review process.

Mentzer, Assistant Accreditation Coordinator, was honored for her graciousness, compassion, and servant heart. She received nominations for her work as education licensure coordinator and her current position, both in the Education Department. Nominations praised Mentzer’s dedication to her advisees, her commitment to excellence in all areas, and Christ-like character.

“Since coming to MVNU, Lisa has been an invaluable source of wisdom and insight for the students in the Education Department as well as a pure joy to work with colleague-to-colleague,” a peer reflected. “Lisa epitomizes the servant heart of Christ, consistently seeking to go above and beyond in all endeavors. She is presently transitioning into a new role while still helping facilitate key items from her previous role. It is an immense load, yet she is always found looking serene and sharing a smile with everyone she meets. I am so very thankful for her godly presence in our department!”

Michael Simmons serves as Assistant Director of Academic and Registration Services. Nominations describe him as humble and extremely hardworking, as well as being flexible to the needs of faculty and students during the pandemic-affected semesters.

“Michael has outstanding customer service,” stated a nomination. “He is meticulous about making sure that classrooms are ready for the first day of classes. His easy nature has developed respected relationships with faculty and staff. Michael is quick to laugh, slow to frustration, is humble, and works incredibly hard to make sure that MVNU is a better place than it was yesterday. He also cares deeply about our students and can be found mentoring on-the-fly in countless situations.”

The quarterly award includes recognition at an employee reception, a certificate, and $500. The honor was developed and sponsored by donors, who are members of the faculty and staff, to applaud outstanding service, innovation, collegiality, peer leadership, and going beyond the call of duty as recognized and nominated from their peers. Nominations are reviewed by the Excellence in the Call Award Committee, chaired by Mel Severns, University Registrar. 

For information on open positions at MVNU, visit mvnu.edu/jobs.