Outstanding Administrator Award
Outstanding Administrator of the Quarter:
Pete VanHouten
Vice President for Academic Affairs
“Pete is a dynamic leader who exemplifies Casper College’s values through his ‘students-first’ mindset and dedication to faculty success. Known for his quick-thinking and creative problem-solving, Pete offers well-rounded perspectives that empower his colleagues to make informed decisions. Whether he is boosting morale with his signature humor, streamlining communication through weekly newsletters, or spearheading innovative school engagement events, his impact is felt across campus. Pete’s humility, collaborative spirit, and commitment to building strong relationships—both within Liesinger Hall and the broader community—make him an invaluable asset and a true model of administrative excellence.”
Liz Dobson
Residence Hall Area Coordinator
“Liz is an incredibly hard-working and student-focused professional who exemplifies a ‘Students First’ culture. Whether managing the unique, 24/7 complexities of campus housing or stepping up during leadership transitions, she balances unpredictable challenges with professionalism and care. An outstanding collaborator, Liz has built vital partnerships across campus to improve the student experience. Her work ethic and collaborative spirit allow her to be a present, visible leader for residents while serving the broader campus community through the Care Team, Title IX, and the Administrative Alliance.”
Heather Mangan
Wellness Center Counselor
“Heather is a cornerstone of student retention and well-being at Casper College. As an exceptionally effective counselor, she balances a record-breaking caseload with a ‘solution-focused’ approach, ensuring even the most high-need students feel safe, seen, and supported. Her commitment goes beyond the clinical; she is a strategic problem solver and an innovative collaborator who translates campus needs into impactful workshops and outreach. Despite the emotionally demanding nature of her work, Heather maintains an inspiring level of poise, professional ethics, and genuine kindness, serving as a trusted resource for colleagues and a life-changing advocate for students.”
Bethany Casali
Admissions Representative
“Bethany is the embodiment of ‘going above and beyond.’ In a year of significant departmental transition, she acted as a force multiplier for the institution, personally managing a 60% increase in applications in her area while training new team members during the busiest season of the year. Her leadership is defined by a rare blend of strategic problem-solving and a tireless ‘can-do’ attitude. By viewing every file as a student’s future, Bethany ensures her work is both efficient and deeply purposeful. Her decisive leadership and unwavering positivity have transformed the admissions experience, making her an indispensable asset to our students and the college’s future.”
About:
The Casper College Outstanding Administrator Award is designed to recognize an administrator who demonstrates an outstanding service reputation. This would include: job performance, knowledge, effectiveness, character, communication, cooperation, judgment and interactions. The nominee must have completed a minimum of two years of service as an administrator at Casper College and have not received the honor during the previous five years. Administrators may not nominate themselves for this award.
Below are details about the
- quarterly award
- annual award
QUARTERLY OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATOR AWARD
Quarterly award winners will receive a certificate, coffee mug and $25 coffee gift card (based on fund availability). They will also have their photo taken with the President, and be recognized on the website and at a Board of Trustees meeting.
Timeline:
Call for Quarterly Nominations announced across campus:
- Quarter 1: opens June 30; closes July 15; announced July 31
- Quarter 2: opens October 1; closes October 15; announced October 31
- Quarter 3: opens January 1; closes January 15; announced January 31
- Quarter 4: opens March 1; closes March 15; announced March 31
*Nominees will roll over for three subsequent quarters if not selected and new nominations will be requested in addition.
Quarterly Outstanding Administrator Winners (2025-2026)
- Quarter 1: Peter Van Houten – Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences
ANNUAL OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATOR AWARD
The four Quarterly Outstanding Administrators will move forward for the nomination of Annual Outstanding Administrator. The Annual Outstanding Administrator for the year receives $1,000 (based on fund availability), an award plaque, and will be recognized on the website and at the end of year Retirement and Recognition event.
Criteria for Nomination:
Nominations should address the following questions:
- How does nominee display outstanding professionalism?
- How does the nominee interact with others in an outstanding manner?
- What traits and qualities have you seen since their nomination of quarterly outstanding administrator?
Nomination Process
- Administrative Staff, classified staff, and faculty can nominate an administrator for this award.
- Please complete the online nomination form by stated deadlines. Any questions can be directed to the Vice Chair of Administrative Alliance.
Outstanding Administrators
- Dannielle Anderson [2025]
Successful Transition and Academic Retention Coordinator - Mike McLemore [2024]
Digital Learning Audio Visual Coordinator - Chelse DePaolo-Lara [2023]
Director of Adult Education and Lifelong Learning - Brian Clark [2022]
Network Coordinator - Linda Toohey [2021]
Vice President of Student Services - Joanne Theobald [2020]
Director of Counseling - Tracy Hasely [2019]
Director, Student Health Services - Linda Nichols [2018]
Registrar - Melissa Stahley-Cummings [2017]
Director, Assessment - Lisa Goss [2016]
Veteran and Hathaway Scholarship Coordinator - Leanne Loya [2015]
Student Success Counselor - Donna Sonesen [2014]
Director, Early Childhood Learning Center - Teresa Wallace [2013]
Director, Counseling - Robyn Landen [2012]
Director, Financial Services/Controller - Alison McNulty [2011]
Registrar/Director, Admissions and Student Records - Lois Davis [2010]
Dean, Educational Resources - Kim Byrd [2009]
Student Success Coordinator - Kevin Anderson [2007]
Western History/Automation Specialist - Janet de Vries [2006]
Director, Career Services - Barb Meryhew [2005]
Director, Housing/Student Activities - Mark Robinson [2004]
Campus Security Director - Jim Ochiltree [2003]
Vice President Student Services - Ron Mathisen [2002]
Buildings Maintenance Supervisor - Shirley Jacob [2001]
Grants Coordinator - Linda (King) Toohey [2000]
Director, Admission Services - Lynn Fletcher [1999]
Registrar/Coordinator Admissions and Student Records - William Landen [1997]
Director, College Relations - Darry Voigt [1996]
Director, Student Financial Aid - Jenny Black [1995]
Admissions Coordinator - Russell Poppen [1994]
Director, Student Placement/Career Services - R. Lynnette Anderson [1993]
Director, College Library - Garth Shanklin (1992)
Director, Counseling - Stan McDowell [1991]
Director, Intramurals - Paul E. Hallock [1990]
Director, Planning and Development - A. LeRoy Strausner [1989]
Dean of Students