Rhodes employees Brenda Webber, Amber Lewis, Lance Kimbrell, and Stephanie Chockley were recognized with the college’s 2025 Outstanding Staff Awards at the annual Service Recognition Brunch held May 23. Staff members with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 50 years of service also were honored at the program held in the McCallum Ballroom.
The Outstanding Staff Awards are by nomination and recognize employees who continually strive for excellence, keeping the mission of the college in focus.
The Outstanding Administrative Services Staff Award was presented to Brenda Webber, housekeeper, and the Outstanding Administrative Staff Award was presented to Amber Lewis, departmental assistant in the Department of Urban Studies. Outstanding Administrator Awards were presented to Lance Kimbrell, associate director of Instructional technology, and Stephanie Chockley, Rhodes Express and student services manager.
Here is what nominators had to say about recipients of the Outstanding Staff Awards:
Brenda Webber
“Throughout her long career she has shown a commitment to the students and staff by the way she conducts herself daily in the performance of her work. She is good natured and seems to uplift those around her. Brenda is very steady in her demeanor and her actions with co-workers and the students and staff. Brenda will always lend a helping hand to anyone who may need it, and she is respected throughout Physical Plant.”
“Brenda is always a friendly face to see. She keeps a positive and upbeat attitude and takes pride in her tasks. She performs her duties with grace and unforgettable style! Southwestern Hall has her magic touch.”
Amber Lewis
“Amber exemplifies dedication, serving students and the Rhodes community with enthusiasm and care. She oversees work-study students with cheerful leadership, fosters a collaborative work environment, and supports faculty projects with competence and attentiveness.”
“Amber is listed as the admin for urban studies, but she does so much more! She serves health equity, Africana studies, and other programs. She is creative, hardworking, and I’ve never seen an admin vibe with our students the way she does. She has an admirable way of connecting with them while also being a great manager. To be honest . . . she just gets stuff done!”
Lance Kimbrell
“Lance fuels his broad skills and experience with an expansive curiosity. Yet he will also focus highly specialized knowledge on a problem. We see his energy flowing deep and wide. And we have observed his strength, with comfort, in times of crisis. But we should appreciate more his consistent, quiet success in preventing crisis. Lance plans ahead and inspires others to do so. Lance is diligent in his applied research, and rightfully proud to offer new technology and services. And he is humble enough to temper or redirect his energy when data indicates that our students want or need something else from us. Lance brings richness, reliability, and responsiveness to our teaching and learning community. I am grateful that he is a part of it.”
“Lance has gone above and beyond in his work for the college. By ensuring that our classroom and event spaces on campus are well-maintained and up to date, he has ensured that students can learn effectively and that faculty can utilize a plethora of tools to teach them. He is integral to the college maintaining its rigorous academic standards.”
Stephanie Chockley
“Stephanie is loud. But she's loud in the good way. Hers is the voice you hear above everyone else's in the room, but you want to hear it because it's cheerful, honest, intelligent, and mixed with laughter. That unique, infectious demeanor of hers is a huge part of the success with which Rhodes Express fulfills its mission of providing excellent service to its customers.”
“Stephanie has served more than one role at Rhodes, but she really shines as manager of student services in Rhodes Express. She is on the front line there, helping a continual stream of students, faculty, and staff (but especially students!). As a Rhodes alum, Stephanie understands what it takes to meet our students' high expectations, and she delivers.”
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At the student-run Campus Life Awards ceremony held in April, two Rhodes staff who are critical to housing operations were honored by students. Robbie Taliaferro was recognized as the Loretta Watkins Outstanding Housekeeper and Shundreka Jenkins was recognized as Campus Safety Officer of the Year.