The Florida State University College of Fine Arts recently honored its staff at the 2026 Staff Excellence Awards. Two outstanding employees, Megan Mellino, Office Administrator for the School of Theatre, and Sheri Patton, Business Administrator for the Department of Art History, were chosen as this year’s recipients and were recognized at the ceremony on April 1.
“The work of our staff makes everything we do at the College of Fine Arts possible,” said Dean James Frazier. “We are deeply grateful for their support of our students, faculty, and academic programs, their flexibility, and their consistent willingness to go above and beyond. As a student at Florida State University, I experienced firsthand the lasting influence of staff who took the time to check in and offer support, an experience that informed how I entered the professional world.”
The winners were selected by a panel of their peers from a pool of nominations submitted by College of Fine Arts faculty and staff.
2026 Staff Excellence Award Recipients
Megan Mellino
Office Administrator, School of Theatre
“Kind, patient, and empathetic, she is the knowledgeable, steady presence everyone relies on. She supports faculty, staff, and students with consistency, clarity, and care, ensuring that daily operations run smoothly and that people feel welcomed and supported.” – Nomination for Megan Mellino
Sheri Patton
Business Administrator, Department of Art History
“Sheri goes above and beyond to keep everything running smoothly in the Department of Art History. When things get difficult, she always has a clear head and addresses the problem. She is creative and finds solutions for making things work. Without Sheri, international research would be complicated. She treats everyone with respect and fairness. In my career, I have worked at five different universities, and Sheri is by light-years the best administrator I have ever worked with!” – Nomination for Sheri Patton
Congratulations to all staff who were nominated:
- Mikayla Blue, Advising
- Chris Cameron, School of Dance
- Rebecca Cowart, Department of Interior Architecture & Design
- Noelle Enright, Dean’s Office
- Kevin Grab, School of Theatre
- Kelly Hendrickson, Museum of Fine Arts
- Celeste Ivory, Department of Art
- Marcia McClellan, School of Theatre
- Chris McVicker, School of Theatre
- Nick Parparian, Dean’s Office
- Ian Plouffe, School of Dance
- Jamie Rager, Dean’s Office
- Jennifer Reichert, School of Theatre
- Meredith Rubin, Department of Art Education
- Madison Weber, School of Theatre