Linfield University recognizes employees with 2025–26 university awards

Tiffany Burgess, accounts receivable manager/bursar, is recognized for her leadership, professionalism and commitment to student success. Since stepping into a leadership role, she has worked to streamline processes and strengthen collaboration across departments. In addition, she has placed an emphasis on improving outreach to students with account balances. Colleagues credit her efforts with improving both internal operations and the student experience. She has also inspired others to identify new opportunities for improvement. One nominator praised her willingness to ask, “Is there a better way to do this?” while maintaining a positive, welcoming presence.

James Vander Meide, properties supervisor, is known across campus as the person who makes things happen. Whether preparing for athletic events, major campus celebrations, community gatherings or unexpected needs, he approaches every task with reliability, flexibility and a commitment to service. Nominators also praised his ability to anticipate needs and ensure events run smoothly, often behind the scenes and without recognition. One colleague described him as a “get-it-done kind of guy” who “swoops in and gets our school ready” for whatever comes next.

Jesse Donaldson, assistant professor, is an energetic teacher whose creative writing courses challenge students to refine their craft and think deeply about language, voice and structure. Since joining Linfield in 2020, he has strengthened the creative writing program through curriculum development, mentorship and leadership of Camas, Readings at the Nick, and new experiential learning opportunities. A published novelist and nonfiction writer, he brings extensive professional experience into the classroom. Donaldson’s teaching, creative work and service have significantly enriched student learning and the literary culture at Linfield.

Chase Andrews, collection dev and engagement librarian, has made a significant impact on student success. Andrews played a key role in the development and ongoing success of Linfield’s Provisionally Admitted Student Program, which recently earned the Beacon Award from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. He helped redesign the Learning Skills course, which he has taught since 2023, and regularly supports the Summer Academy. Colleagues credit his student-centered approach, noting his ability to connect with students, inspire confidence and help them overcome academic challenges.

Hannah Fisher ’19, director of student care and support, exemplifies what it means to “put students at the center of her work.” She has played an important role in supporting student retention and success. Specifically cited was her leadership of the student stoplight survey and midterm grades outreach efforts. Students describe Fisher as someone who listens deeply, offers encouragement and empowers them to advocate for themselves. Her collaboration with faculty and staff across campus has strengthened Linfield’s network of care and support.

William Campbell, associate professor and chair of the Department of Music, is recognized for his original score for “Keep Quiet and Forgive.” The fully original composition serves as an essential storytelling element, shaping pacing, deepening emotion and reinforcing narrative structure. Campbell demonstrates strong command of thematic development, orchestration and cinematic form, reflecting professional-level craft and collaboration with the film team. The score has reached audiences through public screenings, including PBS exhibition, extending its impact beyond the university. Through this work, Campbell exemplifies sustained creative practice, interdisciplinary engagement, and professional recognition in applied musical composition.

Rachel Norman ’08, associate professor and chair of the Department of English, is recognized for her peer-reviewed scholarship in Arab diasporic literature and translingual poetics. Her work challenges U.S.-centric frameworks and has been published in leading journals such as American Quarterly and Amerasia. She is currently completing a monograph examining language, identity and power across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Norman’s research advances global conversations in literary studies and reflects sustained engagement with international contexts.

Heather Long, stockroom supervisor/lab coordinator, is described by colleagues as the “linchpin of the biology department.” She provides essential leadership across teaching labs, operations and planning. In her role, she supports faculty across disciplines and is the “go-to person in the department” for problem-solving and logistics. Colleagues note that “without Heather, this lab could not have worked,” underscoring her central role in student learning and faculty success. She anticipates needs, manages complex systems and fosters collaboration.