Elizabethtown College recently announced the 2023-24 recipients of the second annual David C. Beidleman Exemplar Staff Award at the institution’s Employee Milestone Celebration, Assistant Director of the Honors Program & Program Assistant for Academic Affairs Luke Mackey ’17, M’18, and Associate Dean of Students for Student Success Stephanie Rankin.
This year, 35 Etown employees were nominated by their colleagues, with a total of 45 nominations being submitted for the award.
The Staff Award was established in 2022 by former Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Elizabethtown College David Beidleman, who created the award to honor and recognize staff members for their selflessness and service to others for the benefit of Elizabethtown College and/or the greater community.
Luke Mackey ’17, M’18, Assistant Director of the Honors Program & Program Assistant for Academic Affairs
An Etown alumnus, Mackey returned to his alma mater in 2021 as a full-time employee in the Honors Program. He was nominated by his colleagues for profoundly impacting the campus community with his kindness, work ethic, and outstanding interpersonal communication skills.
“Luke’s nominators cited his attention to detail and creativity in effectively representing Etown’s Honors Program, Stamps Program, and Office of Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships, as well as embodying the College’s Educate For Service mission in his vocation, calling, and purpose,” Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider said.
Mackey also offers an Honors First Year Seminar (FYS) and has been serving as an additional Honors academic advisor to students. In addition to his primary role, Mackey is an active member and leader in Etown’s Alumni Peace Fellowship, and he serves on the Advisory Board of the College’s Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking.
Stephanie Rankin, Associate Dean of Students for Student Success
Rankin has served at the College for more than 22 years and played a key role on the initial team that developed the Center for Student Success, envisioning an office committed to the growth and wellbeing of Etown students. Colleagues noted her stand-out problem-solving abilities, dedication, and commitment to the College and its students.
“Stephanie is the person who people come to when a job needs to be done, with one nominator explaining that her approach to finding solutions is made up of, ‘only positivity, only kindness, only a unique vision of problem-solving honed from so many years of service,’’ Rider said.
Rankin is an active member of the campus community with her support extending well beyond her required duties. In addition to teaching an FYS, Rankin serves on numerous committees and is involved in initiatives across campus.
Both recipients of the David C. Beidleman Exemplar Staff Award receive a $1,000 prize for their contributions.