Tulsa

 

Each year, Oklahoma State University-Tulsa recognizes two outstanding employees with service awards for excellence. Both awards honor outstanding leadership skills, effective communication skills and involvement in the community.

 

Kristi Taylor is the 2025 recipient of the Max Minor Service Award. Funded in memory of OSU-Tulsa employee Max Minor by friends and co-workers, this award is given to an Academic Affairs or Student Services staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to OSU-Tulsa.

 

Taylor is an administrative assistant in Academic Affairs and also supports Fiscal Affairs. She is described by her peers as a considerate, respectful and hardworking employee whose responsible stewardship of resources and steady efforts, often behind-the-scenes, helps keep things running smoothly on campus. Taylor has recently become the first person on the OSU-Tulsa campus to complete OK Corral Marshall training and has worked tirelessly over multiple years to ensure accurate billing of campus services to correct departments.

 

“Not only is Kristi always willing to help the campus, she does so with kindness and humility,” said Kelsey Mathis, administrative assistant in Academic Affairs, in her nomination submission. “When there is a student or staff event on campus, it is more likely than not that Kristi will be there helping to welcome people and helping to make the event a success. Kristi is a gem for our campus!”

 

Marqui Walker is the 2025 recipient of the Roberta Joan Cothran Hess Award. Funded in honor of Roberta Joan Cothran Hess by OSU President Dr. Jim Hess, the award is generally given to a staff member from one of OSU-Tulsa's administrative services teams who has excelled in their work.

 

Walker is a maintenance technician in the Facilities Management department. He is described by his peers as a dedicated and positive worker whose upbeat attitude and unwavering professionalism spreads to those he works with. According to his colleagues, Walker’s motivation for self-improvement and his thoughtful, responsive and kind approach to customer service cements him as an example of employee excellence on campus.

 

“What truly sets Marqui apart is his infectious positive attitude. He greets each day — and each person — with a smile and a willingness to help in any way he can,” said operations manager Travis McBride in his nomination letter for Walker. “His pride in the campus and his desire to positively impact everyone he encounters are evident in all that he does.”

 

All OSU-Tulsa employees are eligible to nominate fellow employees who work on the OSU-Tulsa campus. Recipients will be chosen by the Executive Team, receiving a cash award and campus recognition. President Johnny Stephens announced the 2025 awards at the Campus Holiday Gathering on Dec. 16.