Two deserving Houston Christian University (HCU) staff members have been named 2023-2024 Mayfield Outstanding Staff Award recipients.
Named in honor of Dr. Ray V. Mayfield, Sr. and his son, Dr. Ray V. Mayfield, Jr., the prestigious award is presented annually to one male and one female staff member with a record of outstanding job performance and service to the University and the community. Honorees are chosen by a committee based on nominations received from faculty/staff during the spring semester.
Brenda Woods, Administrative Assistant to the Provost, and Larry Blakley, Manager of Maintenance & Operations, were announced as this year’s Mayfield Outstanding Staff honorees during HCU’s Faculty and Staff End-of-the-Year Celebration.
“Brenda is recognized for her outstanding work in student success, student life and all areas of the campus. Certainly, our Kaleo Discipleship and so many other areas where she’s made a commitment not only to our students, their parents, but to the entire university,” said Sharon Saunders, Vice President for Advancement and University Relations.
Woods, who joined HCU in 1996, was commended for her loyalty and positive work ethic and spirit.
“Brenda has been at the University over 25 years and has experienced lots of change. Throughout it all she has remained loyal and positive in her work ethic and spirit. She loves the Lord deeply and this is reflected in her giving her time every year under the Kaleo Discipleship program where she discipled young women each week helping them to understand on a deeper level what it means to be a Christ follower in our world today,” wrote one of her nominators.
Woods expressed her appreciation for the award. “I am super grateful to be recognized for this significant award. I humbly acknowledge that my work is just a small part of a greater work here in Student Life and HCU and beyond,” said Woods. “We strive to always do what the Lord has given us to do with excellence, knowing it is the Lord that we serve in these ways! Thank you for this honor and affirmation. It is a privilege to serve in my small way in the greater mission of HCU.”
Blakley, who began working at HCU in 2014, was commended for his dedication and commitment for going above and beyond the call of duty and working after hours to ensure the campus is always ready for students, faculty and staff.
He called the award a surprise and honor. “I am so happy to be thought of for this prestigious award. It only makes me strive harder to be a better person and do better every day. I am truly honored,” said Blakley.
Female finalists for the 2023-2024 Mayfield Awards included Denisse Roman, and Administrative Analyst in the Linda Dunham School of Nursing and Aubrey Claussen, Asst. Director of University Events & Conferences in University Events & Conferences Department.
Male finalists for the Mayfield Award included Seth Huey, Events Operations Manager in University Events & Conferences and Jacob Wonders, Director of Academic Research and Effectiveness in the Office of the Provost.