UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) recognized exceptional staff at its annual Dean’s Staff Appreciation Luncheon held in December 2025 at the Nittany Lion Inn. The awards program consists of three annual awards, the Future Star Award, Circle of Excellence, and the EMS Ambassador. The Charles Hosler Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Staff Award was also recognized.
Honorees were nominated by EMS colleagues and selected by review committees. The EMS Staff Advisory Committee (SAC) organizes the annual program.
Lee Kump, the John Leone Dean in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, thanked the staff for their incredible work, dedication and commitment exhibited throughout the year.
“This is a special event that not only celebrates our achievements, but more importantly an opportunity to thank you for your contributions to the success of the college,” said Kump. “We have tremendously talented staff, and this is a chance to honor them.”
The 2025 recipients are listed below.
Future Star Award
This award honors a staff member who has been with the college for less than two years, who demonstrates initiative and commitment to their unit, and has made a significant impact within their short employment.
Angie Miller, administrative lead in both the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute and EMS Energy Institute, received the award. She supervises the staff assigned to each institute as well as those who are shared between them.
In that role, nominators said, Miller has demonstrated exceptional initiative, leadership, adaptability and growth — all qualities that make her profoundly deserving of this honor.
Circle of Excellence Award
This award honors a staff member who motivates and inspires others while fostering excellence in achievements and performance, encourages the growth of others, promotes diversity, provides superior customer service and is viewed as an outstanding staff member.
Lan Lewis, administrative support assistant in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, received the award.
Nominators said Lewis is often the first face students, faculty and staff see when they engage with the department. They said she’s a trusted, friendly presence who always offers assistance with a cheerful, can-do attitude.
EMS Ambassador Award
This award honors a staff member who promotes a positive work environment within their unit, the college and the University. This person performs beyond their job description, exhibits innovation, and fosters creativity and process improvement.
Jackie Pettenger, financial and postdoctoral coordinator in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, received the award.
Nominators said Pettenger consistently performs her work beyond her job description daily, while demonstrating the highest standards of excellence, embodying qualities that motivate, inspire and elevate those around her.
Charles Hosler Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Staff Award
This award honors a staff member who has demonstrated exemplary leadership that manifests the ideals of diversity, equity and inclusion into practical action.
The Charles Hosler Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Staff Award is named after Hosler, professor emeritus of meteorology, and senior vice president emeritus for Research and dean of the Graduate School, who died in 2023. He also was a strong proponent of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Meg Abplanalp, academic adviser and recruiter in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, received the award.
Nominators said Abplanalp goes above and beyond in her commitment to promoting and fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the department, especially among the undergraduate student population. She also works to ensure a smooth working relationship between the department and the advisers elsewhere in EMS.