Plemmons Medallion

Mona Brandon, Susan Musilli, Esther Manogin, and William D. Windley (photo left to right) are this years recipients of the W.H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion from Appalachian State University. The awards were presented Sept. 10, 2009 during Convocation in the Holmes Convocation Center on campus.

Mona Brandon is internship coordinator in the Department of Government and Justice Studies. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Appalachian.

A 25-year employee of the university, Brandon also serves as the executive director of the Appalachian Regional Bureau of Government and has served as an instructor in the department. She was a faculty advisor to the Criminal Justice Club for more than 15 years.

Nominator Joel Thompson, a professor in the Department of Government and Justice Studies, wrote, During her career, Mona has directed thousands of student interns in our department. The sheer volume of her work probably qualifies her for the award, but it is her dedication to the welfare of our students that makes her especially deserving.

Thompson wrote that Brandon takes a real interest in each student as she guides them through the internship process, working with them to maximize the internship experience and nurturing them through the challenges of working with law enforcement, corrections or judicial agencies.

Her efforts have enriched the learning experience of our students, Thompson wrote.

Christina B. Tadlock, a graduate of Appalachian and now a financial analyst for the Town of Cornelius, also wrote of Brandons contributions to students. As a faculty advisor, she taught students the importance of professionalism, providing service to the community, leadership, as well as upholding criminal justice values and ethics. Her time, commitment and dedication has contributed to the success of many students.

Susan Musilli was nominated for the award for her past work as student services manager in the Department of Language, Reading and Exceptionalities (LRE) in Appalachians Reich College of Education. She was responsible for student services and advisement.

In that role, Musilli often was the first point of contact for students providing information about the departments graduate programs, application process, deadlines, graduation requirements and other information.

She assisted currently enrolled students with their class schedules and basic academic needs. Musilli also assigned graduate internships to students in the department and provided training in the computer processes required for their assistantships as well as their careers, such as developing databases or setting up spreadsheets.

Susan understands how important it is for students to have financial assistance while attaining a degree, wrote graduate student Sarah Coffey. She works very hard to ensure that every student who needs the money is assigned an assistantship.

Fletcher Hietpas, a graduate student in the communication disorders program, wrote Susans personal investment in the students in the LRE is reflected in the success of the department programs. She makes the extra effort to pair the interests of graduate assistants and faculty for a more satisfying experience.

Faculty in the department also praised Musillis dedication to students. Susan is a person who takes on the challenges unseen and puts all her energy into creating a more positive and useful environment, wrote Connie Ulmer, an associate professor in the department. She is a true leader and role model for students everywhere.

Musilli currently is a program administrator in the deans office in the Reich College of Education. She works with the doctoral program in educational leadership, the Public School Partnership, and she assists the colleges development officer.

Esther Manogin is Director of Financial Aid at Appalachian, a position she has held since 1994.

Nominator Cathia Silver wrote, Esther leads by example. She cares for our students in every sense of the word. Her compassion reaches across her desk and transforms lives.

Manogin directs an office of 18 employees who work to remove financial barriers for those who are unable to fully pay for college and to assist students and families in securing the financial resources necessary to attend college.

More than $89 million in grants, scholarships, loans or work-study assignments were awarded to 9,543 students at Appalachian in 2008.

She so deeply understands the needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and not only helps them navigate the complex world of financial aid but also takes the time to listen to their problems and their dreams, Silver said.

Angelique Ugiliwabo Dioum is one of the students who attended Appalachian with the help of financial aid. As a work study student in the Office of Financial Aid for all four years of my college career, I was constantly encouraged by Ms. Manogin to work hard and to believe in myself, she wrote in her letter of nomination.

Dioum came to the United States in 1994 after her parents were killed in her native country, Rwanda.

As an orphan who lost my parents at a young age in a war, I feared that I would not be able to afford or receive enough scholarships and grants to cover all of my college years, Dioum wrote. Conversations that I had with Ms. Manogin reassured me that the sky was the limit.

Dioum earned two degrees from Appalachian in four years. She currently is a case manager with the Franklin County Department of Social Services in Ohio.

Will Windley graduated from Appalachian in May with a degree in Finance and Banking. The former Gastonia resident was nominated for the award by members of the W.H. Plemmons Leader Fellow Program.

While at Appalachian, Windley served in a variety of leadership and service roles. As a freshman, he was selected as a W.H. Plemmons Leader Fellow and was involved in the leadership program for four years. He served as Student Government Association treasurer in 2006-07 and as vice president in 2007-08.

Windley served on the SGAs Tuition and Fee Committee for three years and was instrumental in getting students more engaged in the tuition and fees process. Under his leadership, the Student Senate was successful in advocating on behalf of the students and in working with the leadership of the university to address student needs.

As a member of the Plemmons Fellows Advisory Board, Windley worked with the Middle School Leadership Workshop that is sponsored annually by the W.H. Plemmons Fellows.

He also was actively involved in the Walker College of Business where he was selected as a Holland Fellow and traveled to China as part of this prestigious academic program. Windley was in the College of Business Honors Program and active in Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society.

Windley also served on the Chancellors Task Force on Diversity, which makes recommendations to the university for enhancing diversity on campus.

Will is a very successful example of a student who has excelled in the classroom and outside of it, wrote Dino DiBernardi, associate vice chancellor of student development. The range of his involvement is impressive, but it was his contributions to students that made him successful. From his involvement in the Plemmons Fellows Program, to SGA, to the College of Business, Will was recognized for his dedication to serving others, commitment to engaging students, and willingness to challenge the university to improve.

Windley will enter BB&Ts leadership development program as a business banker in January 2010.