On Friday afternoon, six employees from the McMinnville and Portland campuses were honored at the annual Linfield University Staff Awards. The ceremony recognized staff for their contributions to the institution. A total of 87 nominations were received for 55 individuals. This is the second year that Linfield has presented these awards.
Announcing the inaugural winners of Miles K. Davis Leadership Award
New for 2024 is the Miles K. Davis Leadership Award. The Linfield University Board of Trustees created this award to recognize staff members for their outstanding leadership qualities, ability to inspire collaborative work environments, support of colleagues and demonstration of initiative beyond their regular duties. Recipients of this honor are selected by the president of Linfield University. The inaugural winners are Beth Garcia, director of conference and event planning, and Nina Tall, director of Portland Campus Operations.
Garcia started at Linfield in 2016 as the director of conference and event planning. In her role, she organizes Linfield’s institutional events (including commencement) and is the direct contact for events hosted on campus, from weddings to large-scale events like the International Pinot Noir Celebration. She most recently became the administrator overseeing Acorn to Oak Wine Experience, Linfield’s experiential learning wine bar in downtown McMinnville. Garcia is a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) who earned her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and a master’s degree from Mountain State University.
From Garcia’s several nominations:
Beth Garcia is a constant role model not only regarding her outstanding leadership and contributions beyond her regular duties, but also as a genuinely kind person. Beth has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, initiative and commitment to both her role as the director of conference and events, and to the broader Linfield community. Whether it be helping teach ASLU how to effectively plan Wildstock, managing all Acorn to Oak Wine Room logistics and accounting, or making a client’s big day at their wedding memorable, Beth has never failed to give 110% and keep the spirits high of all those around her.
Beth consistently rises to meet new challenges, combining the breadth of her existing experience with newly acquired skills and knowledge to deliver positive results and raise the bar. Beth’s seemingly boundless energy, enthusiasm, curiosity and contagious optimism are truly exceptional.
As director of Portland Campus Operations, Tall ensures that the Portland campus environment is conducive to teaching and learning. She oversees activities from facilities management and campus cleaning to mail management and event support. A member of the Linfield community since 2021, Tall earned her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and master’s degree from Purdue Global University. She also is a Facility Management Professional (FMP), Certified Quality Event Planner and secretary of Linfield’s Staff Council.
From Tall’s multiple nominations:
Nina’s extraordinary leadership skills have had a profound impact both at Linfield and beyond. As a Staff Council member she works to ensure that the Portland campus has an equitable seat at the table … Nina consistently goes the extra mile to build bridges in our Linfield community.
Nina’s contributions to Linfield and the broader community exemplify her outstanding leadership qualities and commitment to excellence. I am proud to have Nina as a colleague and cannot think of a more deserving staff member to receive the inaugural award.
Honoring excellence in work and impact on Linfield
Receiving this year’s Dedication Award are Doug Hire ’88, senior associate athletic director, and Misako Murphy, associate registrar for recruitment and articulation. The Dedication Award recognizes the exemplary dedication and service of Linfield staff members who have gone above and beyond in their roles to support the university’s mission and community. This award celebrates staff members who have demonstrated exceptional diligence, professionalism, and excellence in their work, making a positive impact across the university and its community.
Hire is a recognizable face at any athletic event or venue. A 1988 Linfield alumnus, Hire was a four-year football letterwinner who went on to play professionally. He returned to Linfield in 2000 as a member of the football coaching staff and the assistant athletic director in charge of facilities. He became senior associate athletic director for facilities, operations and events in 2020, and most recently, spent nine months as interim director of athletics earlier this year. Hire earned his master’s degree from Linfield and was inducted into Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007.
From his nomination:
Doug’s dedication and service to Linfield have been evident throughout his tenure—which includes being a Linfield student, All-American athlete and award-winning coach — but his actions in his final year truly exemplify his commitment to the university’s mission and community. What sets Doug apart is his selfless commitment to Linfield. Despite nearing retirement, he willingly took on the responsibilities of interim AD. Doug puts the needs of others above his own … Doug’s tireless efforts to innovate and improve exemplify his deep commitment to the university’s mission and the well-being of its students, leaving an enduring legacy of excellence and ingenuity within the athletic department.
Murphy has worked in the Office of the Registrar since 2012. In her role, she works frequently with prospective, transferring and current students. She finds the best part of her job is working with students. During the 2023-24 academic year, she was promoted from assistant to associate registrar. Murphy earned degrees from the Kansai Gaidai College and Clatsop Community College.
From Murphy’s multiple nominations:
In all functions of the registrar’s office, there is an element of service and Misako takes this very seriously … Misako leads by example and sets a standard of excellence for the registrar’s office and the whole university.
In addition to the behind-the-scenes work in all our software systems, Misako provides a wonderful experience for students. Whether she is advising a student on how a course might transfer in, talking about their semester abroad, connecting with Japanese exchange students, or helping an alum order a transcript, students feel supported when Misako is involved and their issues/questions get resolved.
Recognizing those building an inclusive community
The 2024 Engagement Award winners are Jane Samuels, associate director of academic advising, and Abby Thomas ’17, director of diversity, equity and inclusion. The Engagement Award recognizes staff members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to engaging and supporting the university community. This award celebrates staff members making significant contributions to creating an inclusive environment for students, employees and other members of the Linfield community.
Samuels first joined the Linfield staff in 2019 as the NCAA compliance officer and Senior Woman Administrator in the athletics department. In 2022, she moved into the Office of Academic Advising and became the associate director. In her current role, she coordinates key components of the first-year student experience and first semester registration, co-leads the Registration Orientation Leader Program and provides support for faculty advisors and students across all programs. Samuels earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and master’s degree from Marylhurst University.
From Samuel’s multiple nominations:
Throughout my time at Linfield, I cannot think of a more deserving colleague given their significant contributions and notable efforts to create a welcoming environment for all members of the Linfield community … Jane brings a caring, personal and supportive approach to the advising and programming experience to create a welcoming environment for all students we serve. At a personal level, Jane excels at meeting students where they are with a personal and caring approach that promotes opportunities for individuals to succeed
Jane Samuels epitomizes what it means to be engaged with, and exceptionally committed to, the Linfield University community … She cares about students, staff and faculty and makes those she interacts with feel appreciated, listened to and supported.
As director of diversity, equity and inclusion since 2021, Thomas works directly with the Linfield First Scholars Program, Black Student Union, Hui o Lōkahi, Linfield United in Pride and Linfield University Latine Adelante. She empowers students to celebrate diverse cultures, foster a climate of mutual respect and create an inclusive environment. After earning her bachelor’s degree at Linfield, she earned a master’s degree from the University of Miami.
From the 11 nominations submitted:
Abby Thomas has brought a spirit of inclusivity and equity to Linfield University. She meets students, staff, and faculty where they are at and brings them together to build a diverse culture of thriving.
Abby regularly brings the diverse Linfield community together in ways that simultaneously celebrate our differences and build unity.
Abby is integral to so many efforts that make our campus welcoming and inclusive … Her work makes for a more cohesive and kind experience not just for students, but for staff and faculty. We are beyond lucky to have her on staff.
Congratulations to all nominees
Congratulations to the winners and the rest of the nominees (in alphabetical order): Kenneth Adams, Jason Arnoldt, Elizabeth Arnott, Kellie Berger, Kelly Williams Brown, Keri Burke, Andrea Bylerly, Maria Castaneda-Cervantes, Doug Catt, Yu-Shan Chen, Erin Childers, Diane Crabtree, Keri Dixon, Shannon Dunn, Fredrik Eriksson, Kim Etherton, Brent Flanders, Kathy Foss, Nate Gage, Felix Garcia, Dustin Gilbert, Miguel Gonzales, Craig Haisch, Debbie Harmon Ferry, Jennifer Haubenreiser, Allison Horn, Kathleen Jensen, Jodi Jones, Joe Latulippe, Heather Long, Javier Mendoza, Diana Pacheco, Mark Patten, Seth Phelps, Julia Sanchez, Deanne Schroeder, Veronica Siller, Toni Silva, Joe Smith, Paul Smith, Lainie Sowell, Erik Stenehjem, Tim Stewart, Carol Stowell-Heller, James Vander Meide, Jesus Velazquez, Amy Ward, AshLee Williams and Beth Woodward.
