Fort Lewis College announces 2026 Employee Award recipients
Fort Lewis College is proud to recognize the faculty and staff members who exemplify excellence, dedication, and care for our students and community. This year’s Employee Awards honor individuals whose teaching, scholarship, service, and leadership strengthen FLC’s mission and enrich the campus experience for all.
Achievement Award: Marnie Clay, Assistant Professor of Health & Human Performance,
The Achievement Award recognizes a faculty, staff, or administrative member who has demonstrated exceptional competence, dedication, and resourcefulness. Recipients lead innovative efforts that expand Fort Lewis College’s impact on students and the community; and exhibit strong leadership in educational, social, or professional initiatives.
Marnie Clay has distinguished herself as an academic and institutional leader whose work strengthens 麻豆免费高清无砖码区across teaching, equity, community engagement, and program development. In the past year, Clay successfully led the Nutrition program through a rigorous national accreditation process, resulting in the only accredited Nutrition program in the region.
Clay’s impact extends beyond program leadership. She is a leader in student-ready and innovative teaching, participating in the Center for Teaching & Learning’s Data Equity Project to close equity gaps and integrating culturally responsive, high-impact learning into her courses. She has also emerged as a campus resource in the thoughtful use of artificial intelligence in teaching, builds strong regional partnerships that bring grant funding to campus, and mentors students through the final stages of their academic journeys.
“I interact with many other departments and business units. I honestly cannot think of anyone more worthy of this Achievement Award than Marnie Clay,” said nominator Mark Beattie, chair of the Health and Human Performance Department.
Kathy Wellborn Award Outstanding Teaching Award: Eli Barclay, Lecturer, Psychology
The Kathy Wellborn Award honors non tenure track faculty who demonstrate outstanding teaching, mentoring, and commitment to students.
Eli Barclay is a deeply valued educator whose inclusive, engaging teaching style leaves a lasting impression on students. A lecturer in the Psychology Department, Barclay teaches many of the college’s highest enrollment courses and consistently steps up during times of departmental need. His courses emphasize accessibility, active learning, and real-world application, creating classrooms where students feel comfortable, supported, and inspired.
Beyond teaching, Barclay contributes meaningfully to campus life through service on the JED Committee, participation in the Metlakatla Program, and mentorship of students outside the classroom—including supervising undergraduate research. Known for his warmth and humor, Barclay builds strong connections with students and colleagues alike.
“Eli is a phenomenal teacher and colleague,” said Natasha Tidwell, Sue Kraus, Megan Wrona, Betty Dorr in their nomination letter. “He shines in student support and instructional skill.”
Featured Scholar Award: Mark Boespflug, Ph.D, Philosophy
The Featured Scholar Award recognizes non tenured, tenure track faculty who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, teaching, and innovative academic leadership. Mark Boespflug, Ph.D., has distinguished himself as a prolific and nationally recognized scholar whose work spans early modern philosophy, ethics, epistemology, and artificial intelligence. Since joining Fort Lewis College, Boespflug has published a major scholarly monograph, authored numerous peer reviewed articles, secured competitive external funding—including support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the John Templeton Foundation—and presented his research at leading universities worldwide. His scholarship is matched by a strong commitment to mentoring students and contributing to the broader academic community through editorial work, conference leadership, and dissertation supervision. Boespflug’s work elevates FLC’s academic profile while modeling rigorous, engaged scholarship.
“Boespflug has engaged in a wide variety of scholarly activities during his time as a junior faculty member. He places Fort Lewis College in conversation with leading scholars across disciplines,” read his nomination form.
Alice Admire Teaching Award (Outstanding Teaching Award): William Mira, Ph.D., Psychology
The Alice Admire Teaching Award recognizes exceptional dedication to teaching excellence and student learning.
Mira is widely respected for his rigorous, student-centered teaching and his ability to foster supportive, engaging learning environments. He has taught a diverse range of psychology courses, from introductory classes to senior research, shaping the academic journeys of students at every stage. Students consistently praise his organization, clarity, and passion for teaching, as well as his genuine investment in their success. Mira integrates research and service into his teaching, mentors student researchers, and supports community engaged learning. His commitment to inclusive pedagogy and meaningful mentorship reflects the highest standards of teaching at Fort Lewis College.
“Mira is an exceptional educator who demonstrates deep commitment to his students and to excellence in teaching,” said nominators Betty Dorr, Natasha Tidwell, Sue Kraus and Megan Wrona. “He plays a central role in shaping the educational experience of many of our majors.”
Ginny Hutchins Outstanding Teaching Award: Sarah Schwarz, Ph.D., Marketing
This award honors new faculty who demonstrate outstanding teaching effectiveness, innovation, and commitment to student success.
In a short time at FLC, Sarah Schwarz has emerged as an exceptional educator whose teaching blends academic rigor with creativity and care. Teaching across the marketing curriculum, Schwarz designs engaging, well-structured courses that connect theory to real world application. Students consistently highlight her clarity, approachability, and dedication to inclusive teaching practices. She has incorporated emerging tools such as AI into the classroom and actively seeks student feedback to improve her courses. Her commitment to mentorship, innovation, and student well-being embodies the spirit of this award.
“Dr. Schwarz has quickly established herself as an outstanding educator whose commitment to teaching excellence, innovation, student engagement, and experiential learning clearly reflect the mission of FLC,” said her nominators. “She regularly integrates real-world projects into her courses, allowing students to apply marketing concepts in practical settings while providing valuable ideas to institutions in the local community.”
Staff Awards Excellence in Service Award: Ellie Simpson, Student Wellbeing Case Manager
The Excellence in Service Award recognizes staff members whose essential work often happens behind the scenes.
Ellie Simpson plays a critical role in ensuring students receive timely, compassionate support during some of their most challenging moments. As Student Wellbeing Case Manager, Simpson coordinates responses to every Person of Concern report submitted on campus, guiding students through complex situations with professionalism, care, and respect. Colleagues consistently rely on her expertise and trust her judgment, knowing students will be fully supported and connected to resources. Though much of her work is unseen, its impact is profound—helping students feel heard, valued, and cared for. Simpson’s dedication strengthens FLC’s culture of belonging and student-centered care.
“She approaches every case - often the toughest, most complex situations on campus - with remarkable grace, professionalism, and compassion,” said nominator Abigail Brooks. “I can always trust that any student who comes across her desk will be fully seen, supported, and connected to what they need.”
Outstanding New Staff Award: Nicole Guthrie, Manager of AI & Analytics, Provost’s Office
This award honors staff members with fewer than three years at 麻豆免费高清无砖码区who have made a significant impact.
Nicole Guthrie has brought insight, energy, and data informed leadership to her role in the Provost’s Office. Her work on student success initiatives—including the “Why They Stay” report—has provided meaningful perspectives on retention, particularly for first generation and underrepresented students. Guthrie’s collaborative approach and ability to translate data into action have helped advance campus conversations around student support and equity. Students and colleagues alike describe her as approachable, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in improving outcomes. Her contributions are already shaping institutional strategy and positioning 麻豆免费高清无砖码区for future success.
“Nicole seems to have a fresh approach to identifying what 麻豆免费高清无砖码区can do to help retain and graduate students,” said in her nomination Jenn Wagon. “Her experience and approach is friendly, wise, genuine, and encouraging. Her enthusiasm and forward momentum are particularly well-timed and meaningful to the college right now.”
Outstanding Staff Award: Kami Parrish Larson, Senior Lab Coordinator, Biology
This award recognizes sustained excellence, leadership, and service to the college. Known as the biology department mom, master gardener and social media extraordinaire, Kami Parrish Larson is widely regarded as the heart of the Biology Department and an indispensable resource for students, faculty, and the broader community. She oversees complex lab operations, mentors student employees, supports interdisciplinary research, and ensures safe, high quality learning environments. Beyond her formal role, Parrish Larson has transformed student spaces, led STEM outreach across the Four Corners, and fostered a strong sense of belonging for generations of students. An 麻豆免费高清无砖码区alum herself, she brings creativity, compassion, and tireless dedication to everything she does—strengthening both the department and the college.
“She is the go-to person when something breaks, or when supplies run short, when alarms are going off, she follows our graduates on social media. She is the departmental glue,” her nominators said. “She truly embodies dedication, generosity, and excellence.”
Maria Cristina Grabiel y de la Guardia Award for Diversity & Inclusion: Amy Cao, Collections Manager & NAGPRA Specialist, Center of Southwest Studies
This award honors staff who demonstrate leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Amy Cao’s work at the CSWS reflects a deep commitment to ethical stewardship, collaboration, and community centered practice. As Collections Manager and NAGPRA Specialist, Cao ensures that culturally significant materials are treated with dignity and respect while expanding access and strengthening relationships with Tribal Nations and Native communities. She has played a key role in developing institutional policy, mentoring BIPOC students, and advancing inclusive practices across campus. Through her leadership, advocacy, and action-oriented allyship, Cao continues the legacy of Maria Cristina Grabiel y de la Guardia by making equity a lived value at FLC.
“She is an adept and flexible collaborator who has spent years building reciprocal partnerships with countless Native and BIPOC artists as well as strong mentorship of BIPOC student interns who have gone on to successfully work in museums and attend graduate school in museum and arts-related studies,” said nominator Rosalinda Linares Gray.