Three Frostburg State University Employees Receive Staff Awards for Excellence
Sep 10, 2026 10:30 AM
Frostburg State University honored Carl Haas, Lori Kimble and Brandon Blank with Staff Awards for Excellence at an FSU Welcome Back Celebration held on Sept. 10. The annual Staff Awards for Excellence recognize exceptional service to the institution. Recipients are nominated and chosen by their colleagues.
Haas serves in two key roles within FSU Athletics as an assistant men’s lacrosse coach and equipment room coordinator. In addition to his responsibilities as a coach, recruiter and defensive coordinator, Haas oversees equipment and laundry operations for the University’s 25 varsity sports and supervises nearly a dozen student workers. He also leads the men’s lacrosse team’s Bobcat Bros mentorship program, which pairs incoming students with returning student-athletes to help build relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
Haas’s nominators praised his professionalism, dedication and commitment to student-athletes, colleagues and the University community. His work extends well beyond his formal responsibilities, from improving equipment and laundry operations to mentoring student-athletes and helping build a strong team culture.
“Carl’s willingness to go above and beyond, often without recognition and all behind the scenes, makes him an invaluable member of the FSU Athletics family,” said Assistant Athletic Director for Engagement Nicole Lewis. Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communication and Equipment Services Ben Crowder '11/M'13 echoed those sentiments. “Carl’s willingness to do whatever the job requires reflects exactly the kind of dedication that strengthens our athletic programs and our university as a whole.”
Senior men’s lacrosse captain Ryder Walter highlighted Haas’s impact on student-athletes. “Coach Haas is an incredible people person who is always making sure everyone is doing well, feels comfortable on the team, and most importantly, feels like they belong. He has created an environment where people know they can count on him, whether they need help with lacrosse, school, or something going on in their personal lives.”
Kimble, executive administrative assistant in the College of Education, Behavioral and Health Professions, was recognized for her exceptional service, leadership and commitment to continuous professional growth. She provides critical support to faculty, staff and college leadership and has served as a steady presence through organizational changes and leadership transitions. Her nominators praised her professionalism, adaptability and dedication to helping others succeed.
A graduate of the inaugural ADAPT (Administrative Development and Professional Training) cohort in 2023, Kimble has served on the ADAPT Steering Committee since 2024 and recently became chair of the Campus Resource Guide Workgroup. She has also embraced emerging technologies, developing resources to help colleagues use Microsoft Copilot and artificial intelligence more effectively and preparing to lead an ADAPT professional development session on the topic.
Donnell H. VanSkiver, executive administrative assistant to the president and ADAPT programming director and founder, wrote “What has been particularly rewarding to witness is Lori’s growth into this leadership role. While stepping into a position of responsibility outside her traditional duties may have initially felt daunting, she embraced the opportunity with quiet confidence and determination.”
Interim Dean Yum Nguyen, PhD, also praised Kimble’s contributions to the college and University. “Lori provides outstanding day-to-day support to faculty and staff across every department in the College of Education, Behavioral and Health Professions. Whether coordinating complex schedules, facilitating communication across units, preparing materials for meetings and accreditation processes or helping colleagues navigate university systems and policies, Lori consistently delivers high-quality support that allows faculty and staff to focus on their core teaching, research and service responsibilities.”
Blank, a maintenance aid II in the Office of Residence Life, was recognized for his exceptional dedication, leadership and service to the University community. Since 2022, he has been responsible for residential furniture maintenance, inventory and distribution while also supporting the maintenance needs of 10 residence halls. During the past year, Blank coordinated one of the largest furniture relocation projects in recent years, overseeing the movement of thousands of pieces of furniture from Brownsville and Westminster Halls while continuing his regular responsibilities. His planning and leadership helped the University save tens of thousands of dollars by completing the work internally.
Blank also expanded his leadership responsibilities by supervising a crew of six student employees during the summer. His work consistently centers on the student experience, from ensuring residence halls are safely and appropriately furnished to working directly with students during furniture replacements and relocations.
Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Jeff Graham '15 wrote, “Mr. Blank is the epitome of professionalism when interacting with students, maintenance colleagues and professional staff. I can’t fully describe the effort that Brandon put into moving the amount of furniture he was required to move in such a short period of time. His willingness to commit to accomplishing this massive task on behalf of the University is noteworthy.”
Director of Residence Life Kim Hinds-Brush also highlighted Blank’s initiative and ability to turn challenges into solutions. “You might think that moving residence hall furniture is part of Brandon’s job, and it is, but not on this scale and running a crew of professional staff is not part of his job description. Under his leadership, the RLO maintenance crew completed enough work this summer that we had significantly less issue during move in this year.”
Recipients of the Staff Awards for Excellence are given a plaque, a certificate commemorating their dedication and a monetary award, all funded by the FSU Foundation, Inc.