BGSU honors dedication of University's administrative and classified staff members at annual awards ceremony

The annual ceremony celebrates the many people who help shape the BGSU experience

The 43rd annual Administrative Staff Awards ceremony saluted the best of the best – some of the primary sculptors who help make the Bowling Green State University experience for students, faculty and fellow staff members an exceptional one.

Hosted by the Administrative Staff Council, the event is a celebration of the outstanding contributions of administrative and classified staff members who have distinguished themselves in their roles building and strengthening the University community.

“There is great momentum at Bowling Green right now. I’m so proud of what we have continued to achieve, and I want to thank each of you for a great year.," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers told the May 6 gathering at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Ballroom.

The BG Best Award: Kaylani Othman, Ph.D.

An award that recognizes exceptional work and commitment to the university community and celebrates excellence and outstanding contributions by administrative staff members.

As the coordinator of recruitment and retention in the BGSU College of Education and Human Development, Othman leads the college's recruiting efforts, which have met or exceeded its recruitment goals in each year under her direction. She has proven to be an “extraordinary colleague whose professionalism, creativity and compassion” in her work have made her an invaluable member of the campus community, according to Dean Dawn Shinew and Associate Dean Brian Campbell, who jointly nominated Othman for the award.

“Kaylani's contributions reach far beyond metrics and milestones. She radiates positivity, brings people together and models what it means to serve with integrity and generosity. Her work strengthens not only our programs, but also the spirit of our entire institution,” the duo stated about Othman, who earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate at Bowling Green.

“In every sense, Kaylani Othman is BGSU at its best – a leader, colleague and alumna who uplifts everyone around her and represents the highest ideals of our University.”

The Newcomer of the Year Award: Bryan Bove-Wimberley and Shannan Connelly

An award honoring the dedication and positive impact of individuals who have been administrative staff members employed for at least one year but less than three years.

Bove-Wimberley is a student success coordinator in the Radbill Center for College and Life Design, and is currently a candidate for a Doctor of Philosophy degree in American Culture Studies at BGSU. His colleagues in the Radbill Center cited his exceptional gift for helping students navigate any uncertainty on their academic journey and instilling them with confidence along the way.

“His ability to meet students where they are – academically and personally – has made a meaningful difference in their experience at BGSU,” said Natalie Tranelli-Jacobs, the 2025 recipient of the Newcomer of the Year Award, who serves alongside Bove-Wimberley as a Life Design coach in the Radbill Center.

“He has quickly learned to navigate the diverse needs of undecided students and approaches each interaction with professionalism and care.”

Shannan Connelly works as a financial aid advisor in the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. As the assistant director in that vital office, Jamie Masters has had a ringside seat to watch Connelly meld into her role and cited her “dedication, growth and collaborative spirit” when nominating her for this prestigious award.

“Shannan has quickly mastered the complexity of the financial aid field while remaining deeply committed to the human side of the work,” Masters said. “She asks thoughtful questions and consistently advocates for their individual needs. Students naturally gravitate toward her as many return and specifically request to work with her again because of the care, patience and trust she builds through meaningful one-on-one connections.”

The Falcon Impact Award: Adrea Spoon 

A new award that recognizes an individual, office or team from the administrative staff whose work has contributed significantly to BGSU in areas that might not fit into other awards categories.

This honor was offered for the first time, and Spoon, who carries the dual role of assistant vice president of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, and executive director of the Alumni Association, moved to the top of the list of nominees. She was recognized as a leader who instills in her staff the support, respect, communication, understanding and positivity that she displays on a daily basis.

“Collaboration and community are always at the forefront of her mind,” said Karri Knoblauch, who, as an administrative assistant in University Advancement, interacts with Spoon regularly.“ She believes we can provide the best experience for our alumni and students if we work together alongside our campus and community partners. Adrea makes it a point to support other departments’ initiatives, bring colleagues together to share information and make connections that create new ideas.”

Spoon began working at BGSU as an undergrad and became a full-time member of the administrative staff following her graduation from the University in 2001. She earned a master’s from BGSU in 2006 and has filled a variety of roles in the quarter of a century she has been an integral member of the Bowling Green campus community.

"Adrea embodies the core values of our University and has been making an impact at BGSU for years," Knoblauch said. “Her influence can be felt across campus, even by those who may not realize she is behind the effort."

The Dr. Michael R. Ferrari Award: Chelsea Chandler, Ph.D. 

Named after Dr. Michael R. Ferrari, who inspired countless colleagues as interim president of BGSU from 1981-82, this award is the highest honor an administrative staff member can receive, recognizing the administrative staff member of the year.

As the director of the Center for Faculty Excellence, Chandler has consistently displayed innovation, exceptional performance and a genuine commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative university community, according to Eric M. Cooke, Ph.D.

Cooke, an assistant professor and graduate coordinator of the criminal justice program in the Department of Health and Human Services, frequently collaborated with Chandler in recent years on a variety of initiatives, including the President’s AI Fund grant, the University’s AI Police Workgroup and a project focused on AI literacy.

“Across each of these efforts, Dr. Chandler has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to bring people together, guide complex projects with clarity and elevate the work of those around her,” he said.

“Dr. Chandler’s innovation and initiative are especially evident in her leadership around emerging technologies in higher education. Her work reflects a forward-thinking approach that has strengthened institutional capacity and positioned BGSU to respond proactively to rapidly evolving educational challenges.”