Outstanding Staff and Program Awards

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Charlotte Davidson

DIRECTOR
NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSE

In less than three years as the director of the Native American House, Charlotte has made a significant impact on the university, elevating its profile and creating a thriving, inclusive environment for Native students. Her dedication to this work is rooted in a deep sense of responsibility, evident in her own words: “I was not raised by people who sat on their hands.” This philosophy drives Charlotte to go beyond the expectations of her position, leading with an unyielding commitment to advocating for positive changes in policies and practices to best impact Native students.

In the absence of an institutional Tribal Liaison, she has built and maintained relationships with Indigenous communities. She represents our university as a member of the Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative Education Committee. In 2022, Governor Jay Robert Pritzker appointed Charlotte as a member of the Native American Employment Plan Advisory Council to examine and assist in providing solutions for issues such as, but not limited to, the prevalence and impact of Native American state employees. She also represents Illinois as a member of the Big Ten Native Alliance, a collective of Native faculty and staff within the Big Ten who meet quarterly to share best practices and convene annually to celebrate and amplify Native student voices and experiences within our institutions.

Charlotte is an invaluable advocate for Native students, constantly seeking innovative ways to remove barriers and improve retention. She works tirelessly to collaborate across units, ensuring that Native students receive the support they need to succeed. Her creativity and passion have been instrumental in making the Native American House a thriving hub of support and opportunity for all Native students. Without her vision, dedication, and commitment, the university would not be where it is today—thoughtfully serving the needs of Native students and clearing a path for their continued success.

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Daniel Gray-Kontar

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ARTS & CULTURAL PROGRAMMING
BRUCE D. NESBITT AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER

Daniel Gray-Kontar has been a breath of fresh air for Black culture on campus. In just a short time, he’s brought an energy and vision that we didn’t even know we were missing. His presence is deeply felt, and his commitment to nurturing creativity and culture goes far beyond his job description. He’s not just programming events, he's building community and knocking down walls of stigma, opening up the doors of creativity to the Black community. Daniel Gray-Kontar brings an innovative approach to student engagement that seamlessly blends art, culture, and empowerment.

From the moment Daniel joined the BNAACC team in October 2024, he has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to excellence, initiative, and leadership. He has independently led multiple projects with exceptional attention to detail and creativity, setting a new standard for innovation within Student Affairs. One standout example of his dedication is his work with the Shelley Ambassador Program (SAP). In just one semester, Daniel has led SAP on 17 outreach and school events, averaging more visits than there are weeks in a semester and there are many more visits on the horizon through May. These events have provided hundreds of prospective and admitted students with meaningful engagement opportunities, deepening their connection to the university.

Beyond quantity, Daniel has also enhanced the quality of SAP's initiatives. He transformed the partnership with Orchard Down's Kids Corner, making sessions more interactive and engaging for young scholars. His ability to listen actively and tailor programming to the needs of students has led to higher engagement and greater impact. Daniel's support for his co-workers is equally remarkable. His positive demeanor, collaborative spirit, and ability to build authentic relationships have strengthened the team dynamic. His kindness and enthusiasm make him a trusted colleague and mentor for the students, even as a new staff member.

Beyond programming, Daniel is already recognized as a leader in the arts sector on campus. His expertise and innovation have led to invitations to guest lecture at Krannert Center for Performing Arts and F&S, where he received phenomenal feedback from attendees. His lectures showcased his ability to merge academic insights with practical application, further positioning him as a thought leader in student engagement through the arts. A key aspect of Daniel's approach is his ability to align efforts and avoid duplication. He recently initiated a research study to gather student feedback on arts programming, ensuring that future initiatives are directly informed by student needs and interests. His strategic thinking and community-building skills allow him to create experiences that are both impactful and sustainable.

Daniel is not just a rising star—he is already a recognized leader within Student Affairs and beyond. His ability to strategize, innovate, and execute with precision sets him apart as a promising future leader. One defining example of his leadership is his drafting of a strategic plan for the arts, which includes WBML and broader creative initiatives. This forward-thinking plan reflects his deep understanding of both student needs and institutional goals. He doesn't just come up with ideas—he ensures they are well-researched, feasible, and aligned with existing efforts, a hallmark of effective leadership. Moreover, Daniel's leadership style is rooted in joy, kindness, and inclusivity. He leads by example, showing us how to blend creativity with purpose. In every space he enters, Daniel challenges the status quo while uplifting those around him.

Award Criteria

The Outstanding New Staff Award recognizes individuals for exceptional service or special accomplishments in Student Affairs at the University of Illinois. This award will be presented to a new staff member who:

• has been employed full time as a staff member (Academic Professional, Open Range, or Civil Service) in Student Affairs at Illinois for three years or less
• goes above and beyond to support students and/or co-workers
• is innovative, creative, and delivers outstanding service to students and/or Student Affairs
• is viewed as a promising leader within Student Affairs

Reviewed and scored by: OSPA Committee Members

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Pankaj Desai

SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR INCLUSION INITIATIVES
THE CAREER CENTER

Dr. Desai’s work has intentionally and proactively helped support a wide array of students from diverse backgrounds and at the intersection of identities, many of whom identify as first-generation, traditionally underrepresented, students of color, international, undocumented, and LGBTQIA+ amongst other identity groups and affiliation. By championing identity-centered career development and actively engaging with diverse student populations, he has demonstrated his student-centered approach to the success of students belonging to diverse populations.

Committed to creating a more equitable campus, Dr. Desai’s contributions span both national and local levels, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education through collaborations across various campus units. Besides offering personal guidance to hundreds of students each semester, Dr. Desai has continued to offer mentorship to his Graduate Assistants, both of whom are Ph.D. students seeking to embark on non-academic careers within higher education. Similarly, Dr. Desai has helped train and onboard early career professionals as new Assistant Directors, as part of the Inclusion Initiatives team at The Career Center.

Dr. Desai has also rendered valuable service through his engagement with various cultural centers, especially with the Asian American Cultural Center (AACC) and the Native American House (NAH). At NAH, serving as an invited member of the Advisory Circle since 2023, Dr. Desai has worked closely with the Director to deliver customized training for the NAH Ambassadors. Dr. Desai has been invested in the Asian American Cultural Center (AACC) for the past three years, serving as the Chair of the AACC Advisory Committee for the last two years. Furthermore, he has facilitated the delivery of more than 140 two-hour long embedded career coaching sessions since 2023 at various cultural houses and resource centers on campus; thereby increasing access to career services for student populations being served by these campus units.

Award Criteria

The Outstanding Staff Awards recognize unique contributions and achievements of individuals who advance the mission of Student Affairs at the University of Illinois. One to a Civil Service award will be presented this year to a recipient who:

• go above and beyond to support students and/or co-workers
• consistently provide excellent service to students and/or Student Affairs
• exemplify the Values of Student Affairs: student centered, justice, learning, wellness, and integrity

Reviewed and scored by: OSPA Committee Members

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Sonya Holley

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HUMAN RESOURCES

Sonya Holley is the Executive Director of Student Affairs Human Resources. Her primary role is to provide senior leadership in developing and implementing human resources strategies, provide policy and procedure oversite, and employee relations while supporting Student Affairs mission in workforce management and professional development. She goes above and beyond through her commitment to excellence and unwavering passion for Student Affairs, its employees, and the University.

The best example of this is her work with Operational Excellence. Operational Excellence is a campuswide initiative to streamline, innovate and improve administrative services and processes at all levels. By rethinking “business as usual,” it is designed to eliminate barriers to support teaching, research and other university missions. Sonya is on the Functional Design Team representing Student Affairs alongside top level HR leaders in the various College/MAUs. Efforts began in May 2021, and she has served on steering committees throughout the five phases of the project. Sonya’s leadership and expertise has been a critical part of the project’s success in reimagining operations, increasing campuswide access to high-quality services, and empowering individuals by developing stronger professional development pathways for staff. Everything Sonya does contributes to Student Affairs’ success. There aren’t words strong enough to describe her character, morality, duty, and commitment to excellence.

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Kamau Grantham

CLINICAL COUNSELOR
COUNSELING CENTER

Dr. Kamau Grantham is a clinical counselor and has served students in various roles at the counseling center for 10 years. Throughout his tenure he has stepped into various administrative roles, training, clinical supervision, staff mentoring and many collaborative liaisons. Kamau contributes and makes an impact in so many ways. He is always willing to take on additional coverage so that his colleagues can take time. He never hesitates to support other student affairs colleagues by serving on searches, being a liaison and bridge to the Counseling Center or stepping into a formal mentorship to assist with the successful onboarding of staff.

Dr. Grantham consistently models what he teaches. His societal impact greatly improves the community as indicated through his ability to educate creatively. Kamau has an unassuming way of challenging negative belief systems, whether he is connecting with students in the therapeutic space, supporting Black men while co-leading group or enhancing the work environment through his hopeful positive attitude. He has a can-do attitude and always envisions new ways to support students. Dr. Grantham is a mainstay for competent and effective service to students with great cultural humility. He also serves his colleagues within the Counseling Center and across various campus units. Kamau is student centered and demonstrates this with an eye for social justice and great integrity.

Kamau is involved in training new clinicians, graduate students and mentoring new staff. How he models his own consummate wellness is a lesson. He is always caught up on clinical notes, he is dependable, and he is always encouraging and affirming regardless of position, title or role staff maintain. He is often thought of as a go-to-member to provide perspectives on committees internally and externally because he speaks truth to power without judgement.

Kamau works with integrity always. Because he is so immersed in the community doing service with his creative outlets, it is not uncommon that he may serve a student in both capacities. He consults and ensures he maintains ethical boundaries and ensures the wellness promotion of the student first always. While Dr. Grantham maintains therapeutic integrity, students tend to experience him as a role model and impetus for their success in matriculating through the University. Kamau is involved in making connections at most of the cultural houses on campus and often looks to expand the diverse experiences and service to all students.

Award Criteria

The Outstanding Staff Awards recognize unique contributions and achievements of individuals who advance the mission of Student Affairs at the University of Illinois. One Academic Professional award will be presented this year to a recipient who:

• go above and beyond to support students and/or co-workers
• consistently provide excellent service to students and/or Student Affairs
• exemplify the Values of Student Affairs: student centered, justice, learning, wellness, and integrity

Reviewed and scored by: OSPA Committee Members

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Advising & Mentoring

THE JEFFRIES CENTER

Advising & Mentoring (A&M) is a key program within the Jeffries Center dedicated to supporting student success. Our mission is to deliver world-class and empirically based academic mentoring services that enable the University to fulfill its mission of student excellence, retention, and timely graduation. To achieve this, our team of highly skilled A&M Student Success Advisors meets with students on a biweekly or monthly basis, guiding them in making informed decisions that align with their goals, strengths, and path to degree completion. Through personalized support, we encourage students to engage in campus life and explore pre-professional opportunities that enhance their overall success.

During the academic year, A&M Student Success Advisors engaged with 813 unique students, conducted 2,052 in-person and express advising sessions, and maintained over 33,000 points of contact, demonstrating our deep commitment to student success.

The Advising & Mentoring program has made a significant impact on both students and staff members alike. Hear from students how they’ve experienced their Student Success Advisors:

• Student #1: “I had a great experience, all of my questions were answered fully. Any doubts or concerns I had were addressed and I even have a helpful plan for my academic career going forward that I did not have prior to my meeting.”
   
• Student #2: “My Student Success Advisor is an ideal mentor that I plan on seeing throughout my college years. He has done a fantastic job helping me find my way in teams of education, career, and life. I have no suggestions or words of improvement as I specifically value my mentor dearly. He is greatly appreciated.”
   
• Student #3: “I enjoy the resources of the A&M program and appreciate what they do. I am grateful to have met myStudent Success Advisor and that he is a person I can go to for support.”

Award Criteria

The Outstanding Program Award will be presented to a Student Affairs program that demonstrates creativity, innovation, and appeals to a diverse body of students or staff. The program must be offered in 2022-2023. (since funds awarded are for the upcoming year). The primary goal of the program must be Student Affairs-related. Individual academic courses are not eligible, however, the program may have an academic component. The program can be for students or staff; can be ongoing or an event; offer a service and be of any size. The program must impact University of Illinois students. In order to be considered, the program should:

• have had a positive impact on student and/or staff learning, transitions, retention or success at Illinois.
• exemplify the Values of Student Affairs: student centered, justice, learning, wellness, and integrity 
• be effective with relation to its stated goals

Reviewed and scored by: OSPA Committee Members

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Devin Wilder

STUDENT CONDUCT COORDINATOR
OFFICE OF STUDENT CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Devin Wilder (Andersen) has been selected as the inaugural Student Affairs Assessment Champion for his role in improving the assessment cycle within the office for Student Conflict Resolution. Over the past two years, Devin has: 1) improved data collection methods for all students going through the conflict resolution process, 2) communicated with his team about how assessment data can be effectively used to improve student experiences, and 3) has used assessment data to create a workshop that was aimed at reducing the recidivism rate of students going through the academic integrity violation process. Additionally, Devin’s work on the Student Affairs Assessment Committee has been full of passion for assessment, an eagerness to build connections between departments, and a commitment to improving experiences with assessment for everyone across campus through his efforts in the Professional Development sub-committee.

Award Criteria

The Student Affairs Assessment Champion award recognizes an individual who uses assessment practices to productively build a culture of assessment in their area. An Assessment Champion may accomplish this in a variety of ways, all of which are worthy of recognition.

An Assessment Champion may do one or more of the following in the course of their work:

• Craft new and exciting ways to gather and analyze assessment data.
• Use assessments to inform strategic decision-making.
• Share data insights to inform others and prompt action.
• Encourage others to always use data-informed decision-making.
• Serve as a resource for others in developing assessment resources.
• Collaborate with other units and departments to expand data insights.

Reviewed and scored by: Assessment Committee Members

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Charlotte Davidson

DIRECTOR
NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSE

Dr. Charlotte Davidson is an exemplary model for a staff person who selflessly goes above and beyond to create an environment where students feel comfortable to grow and develop through trial and challenge. Dr. Davidson uses best practice to engage her students in opportunities on and off campus that help them develop academically and professionally. Her Student Ambassador Program for the Native American House is one where students do more than represent that area of campus. She ensures that they have opportunities to design, implement, and facilitate programs that center issues they care about and center the identities important to them. She's challenged them to think about their sovereignty and self-determination as they are moving through their college experiences.

Dr. Davidson often answers the statistical question of "who's not here" for inclusion and representation and has a gentle yet effective way of challenging university partners to think about how the campus could do better in incorporating Native voices at the university into conversations about policies that affect Native and Indigenous students. Dr. Charlotte Davidson is a leader in that she has a good pulse on where conversations are happening on campus that involve Native and Indigenous people, she invites herself into those conversations and is the representation she wants to see on this campus.

Her strategic presence is a reminder that people should not have conversations about populations of interests without consideration of their need to be at the table to represent and appropriately speak to pertinent issues. She's the first to speak up and out against misappropriations and invalid representations of Native and Indigenous people but she does this in a way that demonstrates her careful consideration of how conversations may go and with professionalism that commands the respect of her audience. A leader makes people better without them realizing it in real time and Charlotte does this for people in her presence, she has a gift for making an impression and impact.

The Outstanding Inclusive Excellence Award recognizes individuals for exceptional advocacy, service, or accomplishment advancing social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging activities in Student Affairs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Award Criteria

• Individual goes above and beyond to promote, create, or support experiences which center diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for students and/or staff.
• Staff member delivers outstanding service to students and/or staff related to equity, inclusion, belonging, or social justices.
• Individual is viewed as a leader on social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or belonging within Student Affairs at Illinois.

Reviewed and scored by: Inclusive Excellence Committee Members

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iJourney Workshops

DIVERSITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE EDUCATION  

I-Journey workshops are peer-developed, peer-led workshops that cover a wide variety of topics centered around creating a welcoming campus environment, a sense of belonging and inclusion, and a socially just, equitable campus for all. These workshops are facilitated by the social justice leadership interns that work with the Diversity & Social Justice Office. I-Journey workshops explore issues of social identity, exclusion/inclusion, and being an ally. I-Journey workshops are typically requested by registered student organizations, sororities and fraternities, college honors programs, and other peer groups on campus.

The mission of DSJE is to offer curricular and co-curricular opportunities that expand students’ capacity to effectively engage in dialogue and perspective taking; create transformative learning spaces that encourage critical self-reflection and intersectional solidarity, advocacy, and action; develop a community of students committed to fairness, justice, and collective democratic engagement; and empower our students with the knowledge and skills to become social justice leaders and positive community change agents. The intended learning outcomes from I-Journey directly align with the aforementioned mission and goals of DSJE.

Through student evaluations completed after attending workshops, 98% of participants stated that the workshop was good or excellent and 99% of participants indicated that they feel better equipped to create a more inclusive environment in their sphere of influence.

The Outstanding Inclusive Excellence Program will be presented to a student-centered program which inspires learning related to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, or belonging in Student Affairs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Award Criteria

• The programmatic experience should contribute to (1) a welcoming campus climate, (2) a sense of belonging or inclusion, and (3) a socially just and equitable UIUC community.
• The programmatic experience should be well-aligned with at least one core Student Affairs value (i.e., student-centered, justice, integrity, and learning).
• The programmatic experience should provide evidence demonstrating how it achieved its intended outcomes (i.e., include a statement of the program’s intended outcomes and evidence showing how it achieved those outcomes).

Reviewed and scored by: Inclusive Excellence Committee Members

Nominees for Civil Service & Academic Professional

Civil Service

• Nick Fink
• Wade Franklin
• Casey Freden
• Valeri Howard
• MK Kim
• Rhonda Kissling
• Sarah Miller
• Carson Petersheim

Academic Professional

• Sonya Holley
• Tionna Hunter
• Jennifer Mendez

Nominees for New Staff Member & Program

New Staff Member

• Monica Brigham
• Kimberly Eiemann
• Rebecca Hodson
• MK Kim
• David Martinez
• Rachel Plencner
• Shengxi Sun
• Travis Truitt

Program

• Circuit Pre-Orientation Program
• Day 1 Access
• Fresh Check Day
• Illinois Career Services Council
• Inclusion Initiatives of The Career Center
• Professional Portrait Lab
• The Name Project

Nominees for Inclusive Excellence Staff & Program

Staff Member

• Betoel Escobar
• Jeanette Weider
• Pankaj Desai

Program

• Asiantation
• Fall Break Cooking with Chefs
• Inclusion Initiatives of The Career Center
• Take Two