Bluefield University held a Distinguished Faculty-Staff Breakfast to honor its employees on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Jacob Key was presented with the Distinguished Staff Award, and Crystal Kieloch was honored for 25 years of service. History professor and department chair Wendy Beavers was recognized once again for receiving the Margaret N. Leonard Excellence in Teaching Award at the Honors Convocation in April.
Jacob Key ‘17 and MBA ‘19 joined the Bluefield University Athletics staff as a student worker in 2015 before joining full-time in 2017. He currently serves as the Associate Director of Athletics, the Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach, and an adjunct professor.
Key was nominated for being “always willing to help,” going “out of his way to ensure students get what they need,” and embodying “what it means to be a servant leader.” According to his colleagues, he is “caring and overflowing with integrity” and “makes it a point to make everyone he interacts with feel welcomed and loved.”
At the breakfast, several employees were also honored for their years of service.
- 25 Years of Service
- Crystal Kieloch, Assistant Professor of English
- 20 Years of Service
- Mike White, Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Baseball Coach
- 15 Years of Service
- Emily Lambert, Dean of the College of Sciences and Biomedical Sciences Program and Associate Professor of Biology
- Allen Roberts, Chair of the Graphic Communication Department and Assistant Professor of Graphic Communication
- Tim Robinette, Enterprise Systems Administrator
- 10 Years of Service
- Shellie Brown, Dean of the School of Education & Social Sciences, Director of Teacher Education and Associate Professor of Education
- Jacob Key, Associate Athletic Director
- Burma McChesney, Director of Academic Services
- Sherelle Morgan, Director of Alumni Relations
- Gary Ruth, Director of Campus Safety and Title IX Investigator
- 5 Years of Service
- Emily Coppola, Academic Advisor, Title IX Coordinator and Principal Designated School Official (PDSO)
- Linda Kirby, Assistant Professor of Nursing
- Challen Mabry, Co-Director of Counseling, Assistant Professor of Counseling and Assistant Professor of Psychology & Human Services
- Robbie Smith, Executive Director of Information Services & Technology
- Mason West, Director of Campus Ministries and Director of Worship