Employee of the Month
September 2023 – Bevan Warren
Administrative Assistant
Tutoring Center
A few words from his nominator:
"Bevan has shown leadership, dependability, and adaptability in his role at the tutoring center over the last several months and is a great example of a COMtastic employee. His attitude is always one of teamwork and helpfulness.”
Let’s get to know him a little better:
- What do you enjoy most about working at College of the Mainland?
Being able to see students of all ages come to COM and work hard towards a goal and eventually reach that goal through dedication and perseverance. It is truly an honor and a privilege to watch and play a small part in the process. - What is one thing about yourself that most people at COM would not know?
Distantly related to the Baron Baltimores, not exactly sure which Lord Baltimore we came from, but Cecil has always been a family name. Both my grandfather and great-great-great-grandmother were named Cecil. - What is your favorite TV show or movie?
As an adult, I do not really have favorites, I find it hard to choose or narrow it down to a singular best. But as a kid... definitely Ghostbusters. I even have a full-size movie grade Proton Pack replica, which crossed off a major line item on my childhood desires list. - What’s something that you hope to cross off your bucket list in the near future?
I would really love to go and take on some of the popular food challenges, although I am not sure I would actually complete any! Who wouldn't want to attempt to take down a 72oz steak or a 96oz burrito??? - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
This is probably the toughest question. I could make a compelling argument for almost any superpower. Ultimately, I would have to go with super speed. It is one of the few superpowers that could truly impact your way of life in almost all ways. Everything you do could be done 100 times faster, while you couldn't live a thousand lifetimes, you could complete a thousand lifetimes worth of work and activities. You would have the power to accomplish anything you ever wanted, without having to bother with living forever.
August 2023 – Katia Funes
TRIO - SSS Academic Advisor
TRIO Programs
A few words from her nominator:
"Katia makes every student feel safe, seen and heard. She talks to each person as if they're her best friend. She goes above and beyond for every student that crosses her path.”
Let’s get to know her a little better:
- What do you enjoy most about working at College of the Mainland?
I enjoy working with my TRIO team who are all extremely supportive and have helped me immensely since I started working at COM. In the last year, they have taught me a new skill set each day and bring endless positivity and comradery to my life. Another part of my job that I enjoy is seeing the evolution in my students as I work with them. They inspire me with their goals and dedication. They also make me laugh really hard! Which is nice, it makes coming to work fun. - What is one thing about yourself that most people at COM would not know?
I have a twin sister! She was born two minutes after me, but those two minutes feel like two years. It has given me the blessing of having older sister energy. I think that helps when I advise. - What is your favorite TV show or movie?
My favorite TV show is love island. My favorite movie is Meet the Robinsons or Ratatouille. I love documentaries as well. - What’s something that you hope to cross off your bucket list in the near future?
I want to travel to Spain/Puerto Rico/or Cuba. I will be crossing that off the bucket list in the next two years! - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could duplicate/replicate myself that would be awesome. I have multiple places to be and so many things to do, one of me is not enough sometimes.
July 2023 – Samantha Gathright
Development Coordinator - Fundraiser
VP for Institutional Advancement/Foundation
A few words from her nominator:
"Samantha is always so warm and inviting in all her interactions with students and staff. She's always willing to jump in and help in any way when it comes to spreading the word about scholarships! She does so much behind the scene work that legitimately change students lives. ”
Let’s get to know her a little better:
- What do you enjoy most about working at College of the Mainland?
I truly enjoy the opportunity to help students along their academic journey, but it would not be nearly as enjoyable without my Institutional Advancement/Foundation team! - What is one thing about yourself that most people at COM would not know?
I recently completed my Master of Science in Victim Services Management from Sam Houston State. - What is your favorite TV show or movie?
Hands down…. Big Bang Theory. - What’s something that you hope to cross off your bucket list in the near future?
Traveling more. - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation. I don’t like driving!
June 2023 – Nikki Haduch
Accounting Specialist
Financial Services
A few words from her nominator:
"Nikki is a hard worker and dedicated to her job. She is always striving to find better and more efficient ways to perform her tasks. You can tell that Nikki is very proud to work at COM.”
Let’s get to know her a little better:
- What do you enjoy most about working at College of the Mainland?
I absolutely love working with our students and helping them achieve their goals. I truly believe our COM family is one of a kind! - What is one thing about yourself that most people at COM would not know?
I actually hate the gym! LOL! All kidding aside, I have lived in 5 states, Washington, Oklahoma, Colorado, Illinois, and Texas. - What is your favorite TV show or movie?
Depends on the season so this is hard, but I love reality TV (HGTV/Survivor/Big Brother) and for movies all rom-com’s ♥ - What’s something that you hope to cross off your bucket list in the near future?
Any and all travel – Croatia - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
A time traveler – I think it would be interesting to go back in time and I mean way back to the time of Christ and be a fly on the wall or go way into the future and see how my grandkids are adulting.
May 2023 – Connor Jennings
Academic Advisor
Student Success Center
A few words from her nominator:
"Connor makes both students and staff feel welcome. She goes above and beyond to keep her office stocks with candy, snacks, squishmallows, affirmation cards, etc. literally anything she can think of to boost morale for everyone around her.”
Let’s get to know her a little better:
- What do you enjoy most about working at College of the Mainland?
I enjoy being an influential part of the student’s academic journey and their success here at COM. I also enjoy working with people who appreciate my energetic personality and passion for students. - What is one thing about yourself that most people at COM would not know?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and learned how to drive a tractor before a car. - What is your favorite TV show or movie?
I watch so many different shows and movies that it is hard to choose!
My husband and I are currently binge watching House M.D. and anything with Gordon Ramsay. - What’s something that you hope to cross off your bucket list in the near future?
Write a book! - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would LOVE to have the power to clone myself so I can accomplish twice as much in one day!
April 2023 – Marcus Taylor
Maintenance Technician II
Facility Services
A few words from his nominator:
"Marcus demonstrates outstanding dedication, service and commitment to COM because he is one of the first employees on campus each morning and will be one of the last to leave for the day when there is a special project or a spot that needs to be filled in the Facilities Dept.”
Let’s get to know him a little better:
- What do you enjoy most about working at College of the Mainland?
The staff and students are amazing! It is just a great place to work. - What is one thing about yourself that most people at COM would not know?
I love to go fishing and be outdoors. - What is your favorite TV show or movie?
Friday Night Lights - What’s something that you hope to cross off your bucket list in the near future?
Buy a truck and a boat. - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Fly, because I would be able to travel the world.
February 2023 – Nicole Lloyd
Buyer
Purchasing
A few words from her nominator:
"Nicole is dedicated to ensuring that you understand not just that purchasing needs certain information, but also why it is important to the process. Nicole is great at educating us on procedures in a way that makes you feel like we are on the same team.”
Let’s get to know her a little better:
- What do you enjoy most about working at College of the Mainland?
I enjoy working for the community I grew up in. - What is one thing about yourself that most people at COM would not know?
Most people may not know that I was a teenage runaway. It is a sad but true redemptive story and I love to tell people about it. If anyone would like to know how it went, just ask! - What is your favorite TV show or movie?
My favorite movies are most any starring or produced by Mel Gibson…Top three: #1- The Passion of the Christ, #2- Braveheart, #3- Apocalypto - What’s something that you hope to cross off your bucket list in the near future?
I hope to be a boat owner somewhere in the near future. Preferably a boat big enough to put my bucket in lol. - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I had to consult with the experts on this one. After a thorough debriefing with my sons, I think I would like the superpower where you can teleport anywhere and bring someone with you. I think it would come in handy when my boys need a reality check or change of perspective.
January 2023 – Greg Benefield
Academic Advisor
Student Life
A few words from his nominator:
"Greg demonstrates outstanding dedication with his work as an Academic Advisor for OSHA, Welding, and now has taken on the PTEC caseload. His work with the Minority Men for Excellence program, specifically the community service work he participates in, spotlights COM and the MM4E program.”
Let’s get to know him a little better:
- What do you enjoy most about working at College of the Mainland?
I enjoy working at College of Mainland because of the students first. I am happy to be able to give back to my community that I grew up in by assisting young men and women better themselves. I enjoy guiding students to be professionals, to be successful in their education, and helping them start their career pathways. - What is one thing about yourself that most people at COM would not know?
I won 3 football state championship at LaMarque High school as a wide receiver.
I also really LOVE to cook and travel; traveling has allowed me to explore different foods across the country. - What is your favorite TV show or movie?
My favorite movie is the Godfather. - What’s something that you hope to cross off your bucket list in the near future?
Go Skydiving! - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I want the power to change the hearts of all people so that we can grow as a nation and co-exist peacefully with others.
December 2022 – Andrea Crucian
Sr. HR Business Partner
Human Resources
A few words from her nominator:
"Andrea makes every interaction and question feel warm and welcomed. She is the best introduction to a new position that anyone could ask for. She makes new hires feel welcome and helps them through the often cumbersome process of onboarding. She shows that COM is a great place to work.”
Let’s get to know her a little better:
- What do you enjoy most about working at College of the Mainland?
I really enjoy all the great people I get to work with at COM. - What is one thing about yourself that most people at COM would not know?
I recently took up archery, but I find it challenging to find the time to participate in the activity. - What is your favorite TV show or movie?
I do not have an all-time favorite movie or TV show. However, I greatly enjoyed the Mandalorian TV series. - What’s something that you hope to cross off your bucket list in the near future?
I look forward to my youngest son graduating from high school in 2023-2024 and venturing into the next phase of his education. - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would like to have the power of persuasion to accomplish substantially more with fewer obstacles.
October 2022 – Ruthe Newman
Financial Aid Officer
Student Financial Services
A few words from her nominator:
"Ruthe is the model of what a dedicated, hard worker looks like. Ruthe goes above and beyond in the financial aid department…always with a smile and positive attitude.”
Let’s get to know her a little better:
- What do you enjoy most about working at College of the Mainland?
I like that each COM student’s situation is different. Never a dull moment in the financial aid office. No two days are the same. - What is one thing about yourself that most people at COM would not know?
I am a certified scuba diver. I was face to face with a hammerhead shark while scuba diving Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. I survived by remaining calm and very still in the water. - What is your favorite TV show or movie?
Impossible to name one favorite TV show or movie. Top 5 TV shows: The Wire, The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and The Americans. Top 5 movies: Silence of the Lambs, The Godfather-Part II, All the President’s Men, The Birdcage, and The Bridge on the River Kwai. - What’s something that you hope to cross off your bucket list in the near future?
African safari vacation. - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Time travel so I could find out who really killed JFK.
Employee of the Month Nomination Form