UK HR recognizes Elijah Williams as Student Employee of the Year

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 29, 2025) — Every year, a University of Kentucky student employee is awarded Student Employee of the Year. The award acknowledges their hard work and dedication to their role and community and highlights their achievements on campus.  

This year’s recipient of the 2025 Student Employee of the Year award is Elijah Williams. A junior majoring in public health, Williams is a resident advisor with Residence Life in the UK Office for Student Success. He’s served as a resident advisor at Chellgren Hall for the past year and a half and says he takes great pride and responsibility in his role. 

“First, I want to say none of this is my doing alone. I do everything I can do, so God can do what I can’t do,” Williams said. “I am incredibly blessed to be recognized as Student Employee of the Year. Being a senior resident advisor allows me to serve, support and uplift the residents of the university. I strive to show up fully when needed so that I can help create a safe and welcoming environment for students and staff.” 

Williams also thanked his supervisors, past and present, Adam Blevins and Sussana Machinga. Machinga is the resident director of Chellgren Hall and nominated Williams for this award.  

“Elijah didn’t step into this role quietly; he kicked the door down and immediately proved that he was the right person for the job,” Machinga said. “His ability to foster genuine relationships isn’t just impressive, it’s legendary. He’s one of the most outstanding student leaders I have ever seen.” 

Williams received the award during UK HR Student Employment’s Student Employee Appreciation Week. Hundreds of UK student employees turned out to events throughout the week.   

“As we enter our fourth year of celebrating Student Employee Appreciation Week, the excitement and dedication of our student employees continue to inspire us,” said Ben Ward, program coordinator for HR Student Employment. “Their contributions are invaluable, and we are grateful for their hard work and commitment.” 

UK Human Resources congratulates the 2025 finalists:   

• Alex Masterson, Lewis Honors College — nominated by Adrienne Clarke
  “Alex has demonstrated a level of creativity, organization and professionalism beyond his peers as he filmed over a dozen events and 14 interviews,” Clarke said. “He immediately elevated the social media presence of the LHC with dynamic content and will be instrumental in reimagining a series of LHC recruiting videos, which will be completed this semester.” 
• Cayla Barreiro, Student Organizations and Activities — nominated by Ellyce Jernigan
  “Cayla is an outstanding involvement advisor. She consistently provides kind and compassionate service to students who meet with her to learn more about getting involved,” Jernigan said. “Her willingness to help students, her courage in serving as a representative for our office by giving formal presentations to large audiences and her dedication to helping out last minute when others are sick or need coverage all make her an exceptional student employee.” 
• Emma Kooi, College of Nursing — nominated by Sandy Rogers 
  “Emma has made a significant impact on both her peers and the broader community,” Rogers said. “Recognizing that many students struggle with complex medical concepts, she developed interactive pre- and post-exam preparation and review, as well as hosting weekly study sessions. This has created a supportive learning environment that improved class performance.” 
• Jennifer Bukowski, Utilities and Energy Management — nominated by Britney Ragland 
  “In addition to researching best industry practices to educate in her first year, she facilitated eight working group meetings and three training sessions concerning best practices for lab efficiency for UK faculty and staff,” Ragland said. “She has demonstrated top-notch initiative and responsibility in working with students and professionals of various levels at the university, as well as with external vendors.”  
• Juan Cabrera Estrada, Stuckert Career Center — nominated by Abbie Wood 
  “Juan is truly the best student worker I have ever encountered. He is hardworking, friendly, always positive, knowledgeable, an eager learner and always quick to help anyone in need,” Wood said. “His positive attitude and exemplary work ethic have had a profound and lasting impact on both the university and our unit.” 
• Madi O’Daniel, Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition — nominated by Christopher Fry 
  “Madi displayed true initiative this past summer. After we acquired a new piece of equipment (DigiGait), Madi spearheaded the set up and deployment of the equipment and coordinated with the company to set up onsite training,” Fry said. “Madi multi-tasks exceptionally well and is an excellent problem solver.”  
• Meg Barker, College of Design — nominated by Liz Swanson 
  “Meg has instantly and continuously proven to be one of the most valuable, organized and intellectually rigorous individuals within our group,” Swanson said. “She routinely updates the class log, contributes new and innovative ideas to our discussions, communicates with the entire class and, most important, she provides me with regular feedback on my lectures and opportunities for creating increased student engagement.”  
• Samantha Crisp, Philanthropy — nominated by Elizabeth Blair 
  “Sam has consistently exceeded expectations in her role as the Phonathon program raises significant funds, especially Fund for UK, that support scholarships and university initiatives, which have had a direct, positive impact on students and the UK community,” Blair said. “She has shown remarkable growth in her supervisor role here, especially in leadership and communication.” 
• Ty Reynolds, College of Design — nominated by Lakesha Ferguson
   “I can honestly say that I have seen a tremendous maturity in a confident and focused young man. Before, I had to give him tasks to do but now he takes the initiative to work in a preventive mindset versus a reactive mindset — two qualities that anyone would want for a leader,” Ferguson said. “If things become out of order, he will get to the source of it and correct it while communicating the corrections to the team.”