College of Engineering names 2013 Awards for Excellence winners

The College of Engineering at North Carolina State University has recognized Hailey Queen in the College of Engineering Academic Affairs office; Meghan Johnston in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering; and Debbie Allgood-Staton in the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering as winners of the 2013 Awards for Excellence.

The awards were announced at a ceremony held April 4 in the Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center on Centennial Campus. Dr. Louis A. Martin-Vega, dean of the College of Engineering, presented the winners with plaques and $250 gift checks. The winners also received eight hours of paid time off and are now nominees for the NC State University Award for Excellence.

Also nominated for the College awards were Amy Matthews, Academic Affairs; Darwin “Jake” Rhoads, Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering; Donna Horton, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Jason Stappenbeck, Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center; John Royal, building construction and management in the College; Catherine Lull, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Seth Crossno, FREEDM Systems Center; and Tammy Coates, Department of Computer Science.

About the Winners

Hailey Queen, advisor in Academic Affairs, was selected for this award for her community service work. Hailey founded and serves as Raleigh chapter director for the Coalition to Unchain Dogs, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of dogs in Wake County. The group identifies and builds fences for chained dogs, provides free vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries, and educates the public on the dangers of chaining. In 2011, Hailey was instrumental in ensuring the passage of an ordinance prohibiting tethering in Garner. She has also planned successful fundraising events for the organization. Her work improves the lives of dogs and prevents numerous litters of puppies from being euthanized each year.

Meghan Johnston, accounting technician in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, exhibits excellence in attitude, service and performance. Her resourcefulness helps her solve problems for faculty without their knowing the problems ever existed. Meghan is extremely loyal to the Department, but she also has lots of positive energy, a contagious laugh and a heart of gold. One faculty member writes, “Meghan is the best staff member I have ever worked with. She is efficient and resourceful. What is more important: she tries to find the best answer for the situation you present, rather than just finding an answer.”

Debbie Allgood-Staton is the university business officer in the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. For everything from administering funds to coordinating events, Debbie is the “glue” holding the Department together as a cohesive unit. Debbie addresses all matters with integrity, determination and compassion, and her extensive knowledge of the university system have made her an excellent resource for others in the Department. Among Debbie’s many important contributions has been serving as division leader of NC State’s Wolfpack Gives Back campaign for the past three years. Under her leadership, the College’s participation rate has grown by 4.7 percent annually, and the total donation amount has also increased each year.