The College of Sciences celebrated its outstanding faculty and staff on April 23 when it named winners of its Awards for Excellence and Wilma Jean Daley Award for Kindness. See photos from the event.

Nikki Price, the college’s assistant dean for culture, talent and human resources, and Tyler DeAtley, graduate services coordinator for the genetics, functional genomics and bioinformatics programs, were named the EPS and SHRA Awards for Excellence winners, respectively. Each will receive eight hours of paid time off and a $250 award. 

Elisabeth Brown, associate teaching professor in the Department of Mathematics, and Molly Malito, advisor for the Life Sciences First Year Program in the Department of Biological Sciences, were named winners of the Wilma Jean Daley Award for Kindness. 

Excerpts from the nominations for each of the winners is below, along with lists of the nominees.

Awards for Excellence

The college’s three EPS nominees and seven SHRA nominees were recognized in one of seven categories: Customer Service, Efficiency and Innovation, Safety and Heroism, Human Relations, Outstanding State Government Service, Public Service and the Spirit of North Carolina.

Price and DeAtley will be also honored at the University Awards for Excellence ceremony in June where they and other college and unit winners can receive special distinction as recipients of the NC State University Awards for Excellence. The university recipients are submitted for consideration for the Governor’s Awards for Excellence, which is the highest honor awarded to a state employee.

Winners

Nikki Price is the assistant dean for culture, talent and human resources for the college. She has been an instrumental force behind numerous campus-wide initiatives, consistently serving as a bridge between departmental needs and university-wide goals. She is a member of the University Human Resources senior leadership team and serves as project manager for the “Financials for Human Resources Professionals” initiative. Through this work, Nikki is addressing the gap in financial fluency within NC State’s HR community. She has created a model that improves operations across campus, specifically bridging the gap between HR, Finance and Research Administration.

One nominator writes, “Her career-long dedication to NC State, culminating in this innovative financial literacy initiative, has made our institution more efficient, transparent, and better prepared for the future.”

Tyler DeAtley is the graduate services coordinator for the genetics, functional genomics and bioinformatics programs. These programs have undergone significant structural changes and growth during Tyler’s service. These enhancements were due in large part due to his contributions and leadership. Tyler is known for providing exemplary practical and personal support to over 100 graduate students in at least 16 departments across five colleges. This work requires the highest degree of diplomacy, flexibility and organization. He completes all of his assigned duties at a near-perfect level, without the need for managerial oversight. 

One nominator writes, “Tyler clearly sees his role as not simply a job, but as a calling to support graduate students as individuals and developing scientists.”

All Nominees

EPS

Patty Aune, Biological Sciences
Nikki Price, Dean’s Office (winner)
Mike Smith, Dean’s Office

SHRA

Carmen Carter, Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Tyler DeAtley, Biological Sciences (winner)
Deidre Hartley, Mathematics
Allison Hubbard, Dean’s Office
Tony Radford, Sciences IT
Kathryn Snyder, Physics and Astronomy
West Wiggins, Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Wilma Jean Daley Award for Kindness

This award honors the legacy of Wilma Daley, former College of Sciences Foundation business officer, and recognizes individuals within the College of Sciences who exemplify kindness, collaboration, and a spirit of caring in their professional interactions.

Winners

Elisabeth Brown demonstrates extraordinary dedication by personally supporting hundreds of students, ensuring each one feels seen, valued, and supported. She builds inclusive communities through intentional programming and mentorship, particularly for graduate students. Her impact is career-shaping, fostering a culture of belonging, respect, and support across the department.

Molly Malito uses empathy and insight to support students holistically, creating impactful initiatives like resilience workshops and stress-relief events. She encourages collaboration through open communication and inclusive teamwork. Her influence has helped transform advising into a more connected, student-centered experience.  

All Nominees

Rhonda Bennett, Physics and Astronomy
Elisabeth Brown, Mathematics (winner)
Cassidy Hawkins, Biological Sciences
Andrea Hoch, Mathematics
Rick Johnson, Dean’s Office
Lex Kemper, Dean’s Office
Molly Malito, LSFY/Biological Sciences (winner)
Raschaunda McDonald, Dean’s Office
Jennifer McGuinness, Dean’s Office
Jada McKinney, Dean’s Office
Catherine Reeve, Dean’s Office
Vince Sisneros, Biological Sciences
Aaron Titus, Physics and Astronomy