Current Pure Gold Recipients

Pamela Trevino Harvey embodies what it means to be Pure Gold. As the Academic Scheduling Manager in the Registrar’s Office, Pamela updates the Schedule of Classes each semester. That's 12,000 sections over the course of a year! Such work demands strong attention-to-detail and great patience as this monumental task requires manual processes, spreadsheets, and open communication. Plus, scheduling MSU's courses is not a one-and-done affair. As enrollment and accessibility needs arise, Pamela finds solutions that meet student and faculty needs. Even in these instances, Pamela's patience, flexibility, and creative problem-solving shine.

In University Studies & Academic Advising, our work with Pamela stretches well beyond scheduling. She has taught us how to use AdAstra togauge course demand. When we’ve sought improvements to the Schedule of Classes, she's connected with colleagues to see what's possible. When orientation andpre-registration are going full force, she’s right beside us in the labs sleuthing out anomalies and supporting students. Her willingness to share her deep institutional knowledge makes her an invaluable resource. While much of her work is behind the scenes, its impact is visible in the smooth functioning of the entire academic schedule. Thank you, Pamela, for your professionalism, generosity, and steady support!

Nominated by Tara Sewell-Lasater.

Morningstar (Star) Thomas is a Library Technician at theVande Bogart Library on the MSU-Northern campus. In just over a year, Star has transformed the Northern Brew Coffee Shop into a vibrant gathering hub that draws students, faculty and staff together, complementing the library's study spaces while becoming a self-sustaining revenue stream. All while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where people genuinely want to spend time together.
Star has also distinguished herself through meticulous stewardship of library resources, upgrading equipment and strengthening policies at the MSU-Northern Copy Center. She approaches her work not merely as a technician but as a community member, asking not what the copy center needs, but how it can benefit the campus community.
After the closure of the Little River Institute (LRI) in January 2026, that had been the cornerstone of support for Native American students due to the nationwide loss of federal funding, Star played a vital role in supporting affected students. She handled the transition with care and intention, ensuring Indigenous students remained a central focus on campus and has continued advocating thoughtfully for their support, representation and connection amid ongoing change.

Also in 2026, Star was named advisor to the student-ledSweetgrass Society, which promotes education and understanding of Native American cultures through mentoring, support and celebration. In this role, Star provided exceptional leadership by planning and executing the 49th AnnualSweetgrass Society Powwow and is already planning a more ambitious 50th anniversary celebration next April. Her leadership ensured strong team cohesion and a vibrant celebration of Indigenous cultures and traditions. The event also forged meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations beyond the borders of Montana, thus extending the library's reach and positioning it as an active partner in cultural preservation and MSU-Northern's future.

Nominated by Christopher Markus.

Since joining the EHHD Dean’s Office Team as Assistant to the Dean in 2021, SkyWernik has made such a positive impact to our college and campus community. I marvel at her versatile skill set and capacity to excel across her doctoral studies, daily work, and Staff Senate responsibilities simultaneously. Further, Sky hasproven quite adept at her communication in compiling our weekly Tuesday Times newsletter, Dean’s Office Business Operations, and in providing critical updates on building related matters—Including occasional squirrel and bird alerts! Her dedication extends beyond the workweek as she recently came in on the weekend to allow a painting crew access to ensure timely completion of a classroom space before the start of the semester. All throughout, she models a tremendous calm and patient approach that conveys a high value on human connection. Over the years, Sky has served as an outstanding advocate for her fellow graduate students serving in a leadership role with the Department of Education Graduate Student (DEGS) club and the development of the annualEHHD Graduate Garage Sale to ensure access to essential resources for her peers. Finally, she has exhibited a true curiosity and assumed a high level of responsibility in helping prepare aspects of RTP, NTT Title Advancement, EFAC/CFAC, and most recently assisting with Suspension Appeals meetings. I am inspired by Sky’s commitment to making each interaction meaningful and for the leadership she has provided at so many levels. SkyWernik is most worthy of this Pure Gold distinction!

Nominated by Joe Hicks.

We nominate Madalyn Eglian, the Academic Services Coordinator of the Department of Ecology. The Department hosts the second largest population of undergraduate students in theCLS. Madalyn supports over 500 undergraduates and 55 graduate students, and coordinates withadvisors, faculty, staff, and administrators in numerous departments, colleges, and the Graduate School. Additionally, she meets with potential MSU students (high school students) and all incoming freshmen, which isn’t a trivial task. She is the first person that new students see and an outstanding advocate for MSU and the Department of Ecology. All STEM programs in the College of Letters and Science have two positions to cover the work Madalyn accomplishes in the Department of Ecology. She pairs our undergraduate students with facultyadvisors who best align with students’ interests and curricula. Recently, Madalyn established advising sessions where ecology students can drop in and receive one-on-one support from faculty—this speaks to her dedication to advising. She has also coordinated help sessions for some of our students’ most challenging courses, such asBIOB 170 andCHMY 121. Madalyn puts the students’ needs first and is truly a student advocate. She manages course scheduling, enrollment, and wait lists, preparing students and faculty for registration each semester. Madalyn has been a critical “go to” staff member as weonboard new graduate students and initiate our roles asadvisors to undergraduates. The number of processes and policies to learn can be overwhelming, but Madalyn has gone above and beyond to help us navigate the systems and answer our endless questions. She does all of this with grace, patience, and genuine care. What could be a stressful and burdensome endeavor is smooth and easy because of Madalyn’s knowledge, professionalism, and generous personality. We hope you will consider recognizing her for the “sustained effort of exemplary service” that she provides MSU.

Nominated by Travis Belote.

Jessica is the one person who helps keep DAEE running efficiently and is highly valued for her steady, long-term expertise in budgets related to MAES, Hatch, grants, and Extension within the department. Her longevity and dedication at MSU have given faculty and staff confidence in her extensive knowledge of University and College of Agriculture policies, procedures, and financial processes. Without Jessica, the DAEE would not be the same without her. Jessica has consistently gone above and beyond, especially during periods of staff shortages within DAEE. She has willingly learned new software, including SmartBuy, adapted to changing procedures, and taken on additional responsibilities to ensure the department continues to function smoothly. She has also built and maintained outstanding working relationships with Fiscal Operations Managers across the College of Agriculture, fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and helping explain processes that benefit the department. Her professionalism, institutional knowledge, and dedication make her an invaluable asset to DAEE. This is why I am nominating her as Pure Gold!

Nominated by Keri Hayes.

Toby Blake is one of the most phenomenal and student-oriented people I’ve encountered at Montana State University. Even as a College of Engineering student, I regularly trek down to Jabs 110 because Toby consistently goes above and beyond to serve students.Since meeting Toby my freshman year, I’ve personally experienced his impact and encouraged other students to take advantage of his mentorship. One of my friends, a philosophy major, was a finalist for the Cameron Presidential Scholarship. I encouraged him to meet with Toby for a mock interview, and he went on to excel in the interview and earn the scholarship. That story is emblematic of Toby’s impact: he invests in students regardless of their major or career path.

Toby and the Bracken Center have been instrumental in my college experience. He has guided me through every stage of the career process - from resume workshops and mock interviews to career exploration, interview preparation, and introductions to industry professionals. His connections have opened doors to incredible opportunities, but more importantly, he has taught me to walk through those doors with confidence.What distinguishes Toby most is his unwavering belief in students. No matter how ambitious or competitive an opportunity I pursue, he encourages me to go for it and helps me find a way forward. Tobyis more than a careeradvisor. He is a mentor, advocate, and bridge between Montana State and the professional world. His impact reaches far beyond Jabs 110, and Montana State is better because of him.

Nominated by Finn Growney. 

Madison is the Academic Services Coordinator in the departments of Sociology & Anthropology and Political Science. In reality, Madison wears so many more hats than that. Madi is an incredible resource to students, providing with them immediate help rooted in solving problems. Just in the performance of her ASC role, Madi is worthy of this recognition. But Madi also teaches classes in anthropology, assists faculty and staff from other departments, and makes herself available for outreach and engagement events and activities. Madi's enthusiasm for her subject matter and students is infectious for the rest of the department.

As Department Head, I can't count the number of times that I was working with a student, couldn't figure out an issue, and would just say "Madi, are you out there?". Madi has an incredible grasp of MSU policy and procedure related to scheduling, DegreeWorks, and Banner. She makes my job easier every day. Recently, I was meeting with a new transfer student to plot out a timeline to graduation. After talking through everything, the student asked why some transfer credits were not inDegreeWorks. I encouraged the student to reach out to her prior institutions and the Office of Admissions for more information because I could only see what was there. Madi, overhearing the interaction, came in and gave the student more specific advice and recommendations that helped the student feel more positive and empowered about the situation. It really demonstrated the depth of Madi's knowledge on all things "academic" related.

Nominated by Cody Warner. 

Jessi is the embodiment of what it means to be Pure Gold. As the Director of Dual Enrollment at Gallatin College, she is deeply committed to helping students succeed. She not only helps high school students get a head start on their college careers through dual enrollment courses but also guides them in exploring careers. Through her leadership dual enrollment participation has more than doubled during her time at GC.
Jessi also serves as the enrollment manager for GC where she works closely with prospective students and their families. She takes the time to listen, understand their goals and concerns, and helps them find an educational pathway where they can thrive. He thoughtful guidance gives students confidence and reassures parents that their child will be supported throughout their journey atGC.

Jessi also leads the planning of GC 360, Gallatin College’s largest annual event. Each year, more than 1,000 middle school students attend to learn about Career and Technical Education opportunities and connect with local employers. Coordinating anevet of this scale requires collaboration with business, school and community partners across the Gallatin Valley. Thanks to Jessi’s dedication and leadership, GC360 continues to inspire students to explore exciting career possibilities.Beyond her many accomplishments, Jessi is an exceptional teammate who is always willing to help, support her colleagues, and step up when needed. Jessi truly is PURE GOLD!

Nominated by Charly Malcom and Meredith Allen. 

When I think of Jovanka, the image that comes to mind is her squinting at someone intently, with a small smile waiting to burst into big laughter! Despite managing an extraordinary workload, she finds a way to keep the department's happy side thriving.
During our weekly staff meetings, I am constantly amazed by her decision-making capacity. By the time my auditory processing kicks in and I make sense of what is being discussed, she has already offered a thoughtful solution! As a supervisor, she is genuinely invested in the success and well-being of those around her. She is encouraging, exceptionally supportive, and generous with her time. Thanks to her, I feel respected, trusted, and empowered to do my best.
Jovanka knows MSU extremely well, and MSU knows her equally well. As a new recruit, I once walked with her across campus and watched people stop to chat with her every few steps. I witnessed firsthand how she made each one feel seen and valued. Whether speaking with a student, staff member, faculty colleague, or campus partner, she remembers names, details, and personal connections in a way that creates a genuine sense of belonging.When I joined MSU, Jovanka played the biggest role in helping me feel welcome and connected. Now three months later, I met enough people who feel the way I do to know that she is truly Pure Gold. Through her leadership, warmth, optimism, and genuine care for others, she makes MSU a better place for everyone.

Nominated by Lekha Pillai.

Rebecca's dedication and perseverance shine in her duties as the Program Coordinator and now Program Manager of University Compliance. Her work has encouraged a surge in updating policies, increasing campus safety, and improving employee training, while more than doubling University Compliance's capabilities. Anyone who has worked with her admires her integrity, as she helps hold us all accountable to our deadlines and commitments while providing kind, skilled assistance. Rebecca spreads Pure Gold wherever she goes, and we are lucky to have her as an integral part of University Compliance.

Nominated by Justin Arndt.