UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The University Staff Advisory Council (USAC) recognized three outstanding Penn State staff members at a ceremony with Jennifer Wilkes, vice president for Human Resources, on May 16 in Old Main’s Alumni Lounge at the University Park campus.
This year’s USAC Staff Award recipients are:
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Staff Leadership Award: Andrew Pron, director of instructional design at Penn State Great Valley
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Staff Excellence Award: Alex Zimmerman, multimedia specialist in the Department of Mechanical Engineering
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Staff Morale Award: Angela Dixon, department head staff assistant in the Department of Chemical Engineering
“The University Staff Advisory Council and the awards committee extend our sincere congratulations to this year’s staff award winners,” said Chris Adams, USAC awards committee chair. “We also want to extend our gratitude to the nominators who invested time to craft compelling submissions. The nominations along with letters of support highlighted the contributions of their colleagues and speak volumes to the caliber of individuals we have at Penn State.”
Staff Leadership Award
2025 recipient: Andrew Pron, director of instructional design at Penn State Great Valley
The Staff Leadership Award is presented to a staff member who leads by example and focuses on team successes while inspiring those around them. The recipient recognizes natural gifts in team members and works with them to continue their development, while seeking ways to improve the operations of their unit and the University.
According to his nominators, Pron exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader, visionary thinker and collaborative force within the Penn State community. Pron’s leadership has transformed the instructional design landscape at Penn State Great Valley and beyond. He has overseen the development and deployment of more than 100 graduate courses across engineering, business and technology. He led the development of a novel graduate pathways program that explores the use of AI in teaching and learning. His comprehensive course design framework, grounded in Bloom’s Taxonomy and Quality Matters standards has aligned course learning objectives with lesson objects and assessments and has become a benchmark of quality and consistency across programs.
Pron’s nominators noted that his human-centered approach to leadership is something that truly distinguishes him. Pron’s influence extends across the University through his work on cross-functional committees, professional development initiatives and his constant drive to elevate the learning experience for students and faculty. His nominators wrote, “Andy's open communication style and willingness to share knowledge encourage a collaborative environment where ideas are freely exchanged and innovation thrives. This dynamic has led to the successful implementation of numerous projects. Andy's team stands as a testament to the power of effective leadership and the positive impact it can have on an organization.”
Staff Excellence Award
2025 recipient: Alex Zimmerman, multimedia specialist in the Department of Mechanical Engineering
The Staff Excellence Award recognizes an employee who behaves in an honest and ethical manner; embraces an understanding of multiple perspectives; fosters creativity in problem-solving, takes the initiative to make processes and procedures better; and makes outstanding contributions to the University, its communities, and its work units.
Zimmerman’s nominators noted that his contributions to Penn State are a model of responsibility, innovation and service that reflect the highest standards of excellence. Since joining the University in 2018, Zimmerman has played a critical role in advancing the success of the Penn State World Campus master of science program in mechanical engineering. His technical mastery, calm professionalism and commitment to student-centered solutions have transformed the online learning experience for faculty and students.
Faculty in the College of Engineering praised Zimmerman for his ability to make complex systems simple and reliable, ensuring that teaching is seamless and that technology never becomes a barrier to learning. Zimmerman was recognized by his nominators for responding to an accessibility accommodation requirement that was not only more affordable and a better learning experience for the student who required the accommodation but also provided an enhanced learning experience for the entire class. Whether refurbishing physical spaces for online delivery, developing self-service recording studios or responding to accessibility needs, Zimmerman brings a forward-thinking, can-do attitude to every challenge.
Beyond his job description, Zimmerman is recognized for building connections—supporting research initiatives, assisting with special events, and helping design outreach projects such as grant-funded podcasts. His colleagues describe him not just as an essential team member, but as someone whose quiet leadership and humility elevate everyone around him. One nominator wrote, “The impact of his excellence is more than the sum of its parts.”
Staff Morale Award
2025 recipient: Angela Dixon, department head staff assistant in the Department of Chemical Engineering
The Staff Morale Award recognizes an employee who leads with enthusiasm, fosters a respectful and cooperative work climate, values the opinions of others, practices active listening, and is considered trustworthy by peers. Acting in an honest, optimistic and ethical manner, they work to create a culture that is safe and inclusive and encourage everyone to coalesce around institutional goals.
As the department head staff assistant in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Dixon’s nominators wrote that she has been a cornerstone of their community since 2019. Her unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and fostering a sense of belonging has profoundly impacted faculty, staff and students.
Dixon's nominators noted that her role extends far beyond administrative duties; she is the driving force behind the department's welcoming atmosphere. From meticulously organizing events that celebrate their community's achievements to ensuring that every visitor feels valued, her attention to detail and personal touch elevate every occasion. Her ability to seamlessly manage complex logistics while maintaining a positive and inclusive environment exemplifies the spirit of this award, her nominators wrote.
According to her nominators, Dixon’s resilience and compassion shine brightest in times of adversity. Following the tragic loss of a close colleague and lifelong friend, she selflessly assumed additional responsibilities, ensuring continuity and support for their undergraduate program. Her strength during this period provided solace and stability to the entire department, embodying the true essence of community and morale.
Dixon reminds us that leadership is not only found in titles or tasks, but in the way we uplift those around us, especially in times of difficulty. Dixon’s presence strengthens the Penn State community, her actions inspire us, and her example sets a standard of excellence and humanity that we all strive to follow. A letter of support from a colleague noted that, “her leadership, kindness and dedication to our department’s well-being set an inspiring example for all of us.”