On April 7, 2026, President Hendrix presented the Staff Awards to the winners.
The Above and Beyond Award goes to a staff member who has often exceeded standard expectations to assist people and accomplish goals. By being positive and productive, the employee helps to make Shepherd a great place to work. The 2026 Above and Beyond Award was presented to Sharon Carpenter.
Sharon has served as the Administrative Assistant for the Department of Social and Applied Behavioral Sciences for almost 16 years, where she is a dependable and highly valued member of both the department and the broader university community. She works closely with faculty to support student satisfaction and success, consistently demonstrating diligence and attention to detail. She responds to requests—such as classroom reassignments—with accuracy and efficiency, and is readily available to provide assistance and support, whether via email or in person. Sharon embodies the spirit of the Shepherd community through her positive attitude, willingness to help, and strong problem-solving approach, all of which contribute to the department’s smooth daily operations. Always welcoming, she brings a smile and words of encouragement to those around her. Sharon’s exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment truly deserve recognition, as she plays an essential role in making Shepherd University an outstanding place to work.
The Excellent Service to Students Award distinguishes a staff member who has been especially supportive of Shepherd students. They have shown that they value students by enthusiastically and capably serving them. The 2026 Excellent Service to Students Award was presented to Wendy Baracka.
Wendy Baracka, Director of Counseling, plays a central and comprehensive role in supporting student well-being and campus programming. She is deeply involved in initiatives such as Wellness Wednesdays and Sources of Strength, an evidence-based suicide prevention program, helping to foster a culture of care and resilience across campus. Wendy’s visibility and impact are remarkable, as she seamlessly takes on multiple roles—mentor, facilitator, teacher, coach, and counselor. Her ability to connect with students, faculty, and staff in meaningful ways makes her a trusted and inspiring presence within the campus community. Beyond her leadership in counseling and programming, Wendy also contributes to campus wellness by teaching a weekly yoga class open to faculty, staff, and students. Through her positivity, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to supporting others, she empowers the campus community in lasting and meaningful ways.
The Making a Difference Award is given to a staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to the importance and value of every student and every employee. They are a change agent working to improve the well-being of the Shepherd University community. The 2026 Making a Difference Award was presented to Madison Hale.
Madison exemplifies excellence, innovation, and wholehearted dedication in her role as Tabler Farm Coordinator. Over the past five years, her leadership has transformed the farm into a thriving center for education, sustainability, and community engagement. She has expanded programming and outreach to engage hundreds of students annually through hands-on learning, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and community events, strengthening the farm’s role in experiential education and environmental stewardship. A key element of Madison’s impact is her commitment to building a stronger local food system. She has increased fresh produce contributions, introduced new crop initiatives, and expanded the farm’s presence in local markets to improve access to healthy, locally grown food. Her leadership in organizing signature events—such as Fall Fun Day and the Farm to Table Dinner—has brought together students, families, and community members in celebration of agriculture and local food culture. She is also deeply committed to student development, mentoring and supervising student workers while leading major projects that support the farm’s continued growth. Through her creativity, dedication, and passion for cultivating both the land and the people it serves, she has made a lasting impact on Tabler Farm and is a highly deserving recipient of the 2026 Making A Difference Award.
The Ram Spirit Award is for a staff member who exemplifies long-term, passionate dedication to Shepherd University, and who has been a University employee for at least five years. The 2026 Ram Spirit Award was presented to Yulia Ponomarenko Friman.
Yulia serves as a Laboratory Technician and has been a consistent and highly valued presence in the science buildings since before COVID, demonstrating strong dedication to science programs and laboratory instruction. She possesses an exceptional depth of knowledge, with a clear understanding of every lab space, experiment, and piece of equipment, making her an indispensable resource for faculty and students alike. She is deeply committed to maintaining a safe and effective learning environment, diligently upholding lab safety standards and training incoming students in proper procedures and expectations. Her guidance helps foster a culture of responsibility and confidence in the lab. Yulia also goes beyond her core responsibilities, always willing to assist others and support departmental needs without hesitation. In addition, she contributes to the broader campus community through her involvement with the Advisory Council of Classified Employees and stays informed on issues related to Shepherd, science, and safety. Her professionalism, reliability, and commitment make her an essential part of the university’s science programs.