Accolades
Faculty and Staff
Susan Bon (provost) was selected as one of 12 “Women of Distinction” by the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. A first-generation college graduation, she has dedicated her career to higher education, law, and leadership. She has held leadership roles at the US Department of Education and other prestigious institutions. As Pittsburg State’s lead academic officer, she oversees the strategic planning and development of the university’s academic programs.
Amanda Davied (head coach/basketball) was selected as one of 12 “Women of Distinction” by the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. In her first season as head coach in 2018, she led the Gorillas to a historic 21-9 record and a berth in the NCAA Division II National Tournament. This year, she led them to the Elite 8 in Philadelphia and is known for her unwavering commitment to the program and her leadership on and off the court.
Eva Sager (director) was named the recipient of the national Frank Harris Outstanding Student Government Advisor Award. Presented at the National Association for Campus Activities national conference each year, it was named for the first chair of the NACA Board of Directors who advised student government associations from 1968-1997. Sager has advised the Pitt State Student Government Association for 10 years. In letters of nomination, her students and co-workers wrote that she is “always willing to go the extra mile to ensure students have the support they need,” and “that her passion for student development, leadership, and advocacy are contagious.”
Sydney Anselmi (program coordinator), Bailey Talkington (assistant director), and Eva Sager completed certifications in Student Affairs granted by the Higher Education Consortium for Student Affairs Certification. All three passed the core certification, and each completed a specialty area: Anselmi in Fraternity and Sorority Life, Talkington in Student Conduct Administration, and Sager in College Unions. Few other higher education professionals in Kansas have been certified.
Steve Rosebrough (assistant director) was elected president of the Crawford County Local Emergency Preparedness Committee. Rosebrough serves as the campus emergency manager and liaison to off-campus community partners. The Local Emergency Planning Committee plays a crucial role in enhancing emergency preparedness and response.
Lauren Baldwin, along with Professor Alicia Mason (Communication) and Tatum Ahring (President’s Office), published an article in the Journal of Philanthropy called “A multilayer, multimethod web and language accessibility analysis of U.S. nonprofit organization websites: Considerations for the marketing and promotion of online giving.”
Holly Kent, director of the Center for Student Engagement and Support in the Kelce College of Business, serves as president of the local Elm Acres Foundation. In 2024, the Foundation awarded more than $22,000 in grant funding to regional non-profit organizations that serve the needs of at-risk youths.
