University News

2026 Student Employees of the Year

May 6, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University Student Employment is proud to recognize the 2026 Student Employees of the Year, the Student Employee Supervisor of the Year, as well as the Graduate Assistant and Teaching Assistant of the Year for their outstanding dedication and exceptional leadership on campus.

Sydnee Osgood, a Biochemistry major with minors in Zoology and Physics from Oak Lawn, IL, graduating in Spring 2026, is named Student Employee of the Year for being an outstanding worker in the Financial Aid Office since Spring 2023. When the Financial Aid migrated to a new system in 2025, Osgood stepped into a leadership role by updating students and student organizations on behalf of the Financial Aid office, serving as a key point of contact. Osgood is known for her problem-solving, initiative, dedication and commitment to student success. She played a critical role in improving the financial aid process and supporting her peers. Her nomination highlighted her determination, professionalism and ability to exceed expectations.

Molly Blust, a Speech Pathology graduate student from Oneida, IL, graduating in Spring 2026, earned second place as Student Employee of the Year. Blust has worked in the University Bookstore since the summer of 2021 and has been recognized for her exceptional leadership and customer service. She has gone above and beyond her responsibilities to assist students with everything from textbooks to navigating campus resources and online schedules and helping them with their access codes for new students. Her ability to anticipate others' needs and create a welcoming environment has had an impact on both students and colleagues.

Coming in third place is Bryar Townsen, a senior Music major from Galesburg, IL, graduating in Spring 2026, who has been a student employee in the School of Nursing since Fall 2024. Townsend is praised for his strong work ethic, leadership and innovation. Townsen's contribution to work updating program materials has enhanced the department's professionalism and visibility. He also proactively identifies areas where support is needed and volunteers for key roles, including assisting with open-house events, retirement and simulation activities, while maintaining a proactive, collaborative approach to student learning and program operations.

Thanks to the generosity of 1971 WIU alumni Dale and Lynn Johnson, the Student Employee of the Year recipients also receive monetary awards through the Dale and Lynn Johnson Student Employment Award Fund, which was established in 2024 to recognize and reward outstanding student employees. The Johnsons created the endowed fund to provide financial awards annually to the Student Employee of the Year and the two runners-up.

"Lynn and I were both student employees while attending WIU," Dale Johnson said. "We understand the students who step up to work while in college and the sacrifice this entails. We wanted to give back with a cash award, something to recognize this group of college students."

Joe Crisler, a Music Graduate student from East Peoria, IL, is named Graduate Assistant of the Year for his work in the Archives and Special Collections in Fall 2024. Crisler contributed to the organizational faculty music score collection, going beyond expectations through research and preservation efforts. His attention to detail, curiosity and commitment to the department's mission have distinguished him as an outstanding graduate student assistant.

Kaley Meyer, a Biology graduate student from Havana, IL, received the Teaching Assistant of the Year honor for her outstanding work in the Biological Sciences. Meyer demonstrated an exceptional dedication to student learning through thorough preparation of lab materials, consistent communication and meaningful feedback. Her weekly practice of contacting each lab section with reminders and guidance exceeds expectations, reflecting her commitment to student engagement and academic excellence and making a lasting impact on her students.

Alan Arvin, manager of Sports Facilities in Campus Recreation, received the Student Employee Supervisor of the Year award. Arvin was honored for his supportive leadership style, commitment to mentorship and ability to foster both professional and personal growth among staff and patrons, demonstrating the importance of
connection and respect in leadership. He regularly recognizes and encourages his
employees, which builds confidence and drives growth.

For more information, visit the student employment at go.wiu.edu/48MITuS

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing