Ten staff members at the University of Pittsburgh have been recognized with the 2025 Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Awards for Staff. The awards honor employees who show strong commitment to the university community and embody its values.
The recipients were chosen in several categories, including innovation, mentorship, student impact, research support, community engagement, and outstanding career achievement. Each honoree will receive a $2,500 prize and will be celebrated at a reception on February 17. Their names will also be added to a permanent plaque in the William Pitt Union.
In the Community Engagement category, Erin Schuetz from the School of Public Health was honored for her efforts to improve quality of life through roles such as vice president of the Riverview School District Board and founder of Catelynn’s Kindness. She is also active in Staff Council and her school’s staff committee.
Jorden King from the School of Education received recognition for Exceptional Early Career Achievement by helping students feel they belong and succeed through improved programs like the Student Ambassador Program.
Zach Davis from the Office of Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing was acknowledged for his “exceptional leadership in fostering welcoming environments” across campus. He chairs Staff Council’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee and serves on other university committees focused on wellbeing.
Emily Bell from Finance and Operations earned an Excellent Mentor award for supporting colleagues’ professional development: “demonstrating a personal investment” in their growth.
Shallegra Moye from the School of Education also received an Excellent Mentor award for mentoring both staff colleagues and individuals outside the university: “extending [her] passion for mentorship to students and colleagues outside the University.”
Heather Lego from Pitt Digital was recognized for Innovation in Advancing Administrative and Operational Efficiency by making institutional data more accessible to decision-makers across Pitt.
Ruth Mullen from Facilities Management received an Outstanding Career Achievement award after more than 20 years at Pitt. She is described as someone who “raises and embodies the standard of professionalism that we should expect of all staff across Pitt” as well as being “a trusted and capable mentor.”
Heide Eash from the Office of Sponsored Programs was honored in Research Support for co-creating a Federal Contract Services team that helps navigate funding challenges so that Pitt can continue important research work.
Carrie Benson from Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing was awarded in Student Impact for her work supporting survivors of sexual violence on campus: “cultivating a culture of support and respect” while empowering student workers to take initiative.
Suzanne Lynch from Teaching and Learning won recognition in University Engagement by improving lactation resources on campus based on her own experiences as a new mother. She also represents staff interests on several key budget committees within Pitt governance structures.
The Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Awards are part of ongoing efforts at universities nationwide to recognize exceptional contributions made by non-faculty employees.
