Each year, the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) community celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding staff members. These awards, recognizing staff excellence in student engagement, job skills, leadership and performance above and beyond daily responsibilities, were presented during the annual Staff Recognition Day held each spring.
2026 Carolyn J. Mock Staff Excellence Award
The award was presented to Sara Boyer ’02, ’13MLD, associate vice president for student success and student life. Named in honor of an administrative assistant who served The Woods as a strong leader and as an advocate for staff development, the award is presented to a staff member who demonstrates job knowledge and skills above and beyond normal responsibilities, provides excellent customer service, exhibits creativity and innovative thinking in meeting challenges, and displays respect and enthusiasm toward students and colleagues.
Boyer’s nominator wrote, “Sara has developed a consistently strong team of individuals who are our biggest cheerleaders for students. Sara has quietly and steadily provided unwavering support to the students, her peers and the administration as each year seems to get more difficult and lean for the College.”
Boyer received $300 (before taxes), five personal days, a parking spot of her choice for one year and a framed certificate.
Spring 2026 Outstanding Staff Award
The award was presented to Michael Munro, MS, director of academic services for student success. It recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond normal responsibilities and exhibits significant dedication to their profession.
Munro’s nominator wrote, “What makes Michael especially valuable to our campus community is the respect and enthusiasm he extends to everyone he encounters. Whether working with students, faculty, staff or alumni, he treats each person with kindness, patience and genuine care. Michael exemplifies excellent customer service in both the big moments and the everyday interactions that often go unnoticed. He understands that service is not just about completing a task, but about how people feel in the process. Because of this, his impact reaches far beyond the immediate situation—he leaves people better than he found them.”
Munro received $100, two personal days, a parking spot of his choice for six months and a framed certificate.