The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' Staff Council recently recognized four staff members for their outstanding contributions to the college through the CLAS Leadership Award and the Mary Louise Kelley Staff Excellence Award.
Genette Campbell, facilities and events specialist in the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology, and Evelyn Knight, facility coordinator in the Department of Chemistry, were selected for the Mary Louise Kelley Staff Excellence Award. This annual award recognizes staff members who provide exceptional service, contribute ideas that improve the work of the department or college, and go beyond the expectations of their role.
Monica Madura, director of retention and student services in CLAS Undergraduate Programs, and Jeff Donoghue, associate budget officer for CLAS, were selected for the CLAS Leadership Award. This annual award recognizes staff members who motivate and encourage those around them while promoting development and collaboration within the workplace.
Read more about this year’s honorees and the impact they have each made across the college.
Monica Madura
Monica Madura, director of retention and student services in CLAS Undergraduate Programs, leads college-wide initiatives focused on student success, retention, and graduation.
With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Madura works with academic departments, advisors, and campus partners to support students navigating academic difficulty, re-engagement, and persistence toward graduation. Her role has evolved from managing individual student cases to leading broader college-wide systems and intervention strategies designed to help students receive earlier, more coordinated support.
Madura said her leadership approach centers on collaboration, trust, and helping students and colleagues navigate complex situations.
“Some of the most meaningful moments in my work come from supporting students through difficult transitions and helping them re-engage with their goals,” Madura said.
She said the recognition is especially meaningful because retention work often happens behind the scenes.
“To have that work recognized is incredibly validating,” Madura said. “This recognition serves as both an honor and a motivator to continue strengthening the systems and relationships that help students succeed.”
Jennifer Bertrand, director of academic policies and student services, said Madura’s leadership has directly contributed to strong retention and graduation outcomes within CLAS and the university.
“Through her inclusive approach, constructive feedback practices, and unwavering advocacy for students, Monica Madura exemplifies the highest standards of leadership in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,” Bertrand wrote.
Jeff Donoghue
Jeff Donoghue, associate budget officer for CLAS, has worked at the University of Iowa for nearly 15 years, all within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Colleagues describe Donoghue as a steady and dependable leader who approaches his work with professionalism, patience, and integrity. In his nomination letter, Jennifer Graham, business intelligence architect in CLAS administration, highlighted the role Donoghue played in supporting leadership transitions and helping colleagues navigate complex financial processes.
“Jeff’s leadership style is quiet but influential,” Graham wrote. “His constructive approach helps create an inclusive and healthy workplace culture.”
Donoghue said he approaches leadership by focusing on communication and relationship-building.
“I approach each day with a commitment to lead by example—treating others with respect, encouraging open communication, and recognizing contributions,” Donoghue said. “Through this, I work to build strong relationships and help individuals feel confident, capable, and motivated in their roles.”
He said receiving the award reinforces the importance of building supportive and collaborative environments.
“I am truly honored to be selected for this award,” Donoghue said. “It validates the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative environment and inspires me to keep growing as a leader.”
Genette Campbell
Genette Campbell serves as facilities and events specialist for the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology (HSHP), where she leads facilities operations, strategic space planning, and large-scale projects supporting teaching, research, and clinical collaboration.
A University of Iowa alumna, Campbell has worked at the university for more than a decade, and joined HSHP in 2018. Before working in her current role, she contributed to flood evacuations, disaster preparedness efforts, and FEMA mitigation work.
Campbell is currently helping lead HSHP’s transition into the Health Sciences Academic Building, which will bring the department together in a single building for the first time in its more than 100-year history. Her work includes coordinating specialized instructional spaces such as anatomy labs, pediatric play labs, teaching labs, and media production studios.
"Genette’s work has not only supported our transition into HSAB, it has elevated the standard for what exceptional staff leadership looks like," said Jessica Gorzelitz, associate professor in HSHP. "Her commitment, integrity, and unwavering dedication have made a lasting impact on our department’s success."
Drawing on her Project Management Professional certification, Campbell has introduced governance models and operational systems designed to support the department’s continued growth.
“I approach leadership with a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and responsibility for outcomes,” Campbell said. “My role requires setting direction, establishing structure, and ensuring that complex, interdependent work moves forward successfully.”
Campbell said the award was both surprising and meaningful.
“It was also, quite honestly, a genuine surprise to feel so seen and appreciated,” Campbell said. “I take a strong sense of personal ownership in my work and consistently push beyond what is expected, often in ways that happen behind the scenes.”
Evelyn Knight
Evelyn Knight is the facility coordinator for the Department of Chemistry, and she manages Chemistry Stores, a laboratory supply store serving researchers on and off campus.
In her role, Knight coordinates facility projects, research lab turnover, and other space transitions across the department. Since joining the university, she has helped clean out approximately 12,000 square feet of laboratory and office space.
In her nomination of Knight, Elizabeth Stone, professor in the Department of Chemistry, highlighted her leadership during the transition of Chemistry Stores inventory management and self-checkout systems to PeopleSoft.
“This transition essentially overhauled and modernized Chemistry Stores operations,” Stone wrote.
Stone credited Knight with leading customer training and support throughout the transition, helping ensure the process was smooth and effective for department staff and faculty.
“I strive to make everyone I meet feel welcome, appreciated, and supported on campus,” Knight said.
Knight said being selected for the MLK Staff Excellence Award is both exciting and affirming.
“Being selected and nominated for this award has been a huge honor,” Knight said. “It feels great to be recognized for all the big and small accomplishments I have made since working for the University of Iowa.”