Sept. 3, 2026
Contract: Travis Zimpfer, zimpfert@missouri.edu
University of Missouri Board of Curators recognized staff members, including three from Mizzou, from across the UM System as the inaugural recipients of the Curators’ Outstanding Staff Awards.
"Today, we congratulate six staff members who exemplify the dedication, professionalism and commitment to service that make the University of Missouri thrive," Board Chair Todd Graves said. "Their impact is felt every day in our classrooms, clinics, offices and communities by countless people across our state."
Recipients were nominated by their campus leaders and approved by the Board of Curators. In recognition of their achievements, each award recipient will receive a $1,000 honorarium and a certificate presented during a Board of Curators meeting on their home campus.
Mizzou’s 2026 recipients of the Curators' Outstanding Staff Award are:
Jeff Liptak
Jeff Liptak is an associate senior in energy management at the MU Power Plant, where he specializes in performance and controls efficiency projects.
"Jeff has a vast knowledge of [the] power plant… but he doesn't keep this information to himself,” his nominator wrote. “Jeff is constantly working with not only control technicians but all plant staff to share his knowledge and help educate others with the information he has learned about the plant through the years."
Ashley Mitchell
Ashley Mitchell has served as associate director of student support services in Mizzou Admissions since 2024 and has been with the Mizzou for 19 years.
“Her job performance is extraordinary and mission-critical,” Mitchell’s nominator wrote. “Her work directly influences enrollment outcomes, the lifeblood of this institution, through recruitment events, communications, budgeting and operational execution. Her contributions have led to measurable increases in applications and admissions success, while ensuring that every student touchpoint reflects the university's standards of excellence.”
Amanda Simpson
Simpson has been a care team associate - clinical in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at the University of Missouri Health Care since 2014.
"Amanda delivers care through a deeply human-centered approach,” her nominator wrote. “Regardless of a patient’s background or the circumstances that brought them to the hospital, Amanda sees the person first — someone who deserves compassion, dignity and exceptional care. She consistently meets patients where they are and responds to their needs with empathy and understanding."
