August 14, 2025
By Mikey Fuller

Three members of the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering were honored with awards at the College of Engineering’s Staff Appreciation and Wellness Day, held on August 6 at the Exhibition Hall.

Jaimie Hayes, senior director of development, won the Excellence in Leadership Award; Tiffany Johnson, faculty support coordinator, won the Soaring Jacket Award; and Jake Tompkins, mechanical engineer III, won the Service Award.

The Excellence in Leadership Award was presented to Hayes for embodying the highest standards of integrity, vision, and dedication. Recipients of this award are recognized for consistently exhibiting strong leadership qualities, inspiring their team, and driving success and positive change.

In her nomination letter, Kyriaki Kalaitzidou, associate chair for faculty development and Rae S. and Frank H. Neely Professor, recognized Hayes for her vision and innovation as a leader. Collaborating with Ashley Ritchie, communications manager II, and her team, they accomplished the large-scale effort of bridging the gap between development and communications within the Woodruff School.

The Woodruff School was the first department on campus to reach its initial campaign goal of $75 million, a milestone that Kalaitzidou credits to Hayes.

“I am amazed by her bold vision and the strategic planning and execution actions she and her team have taken to realize the vision,” Kalaitzidou said. “Jaimie is a role model and inspiration for many. Her positive attitude, high energy, and bold vision attract people within and outside the School. It is a pleasure working with and learning from her.”

The Soaring Jacket Award is presented to one staff member in each School who is a self-motivated, critical thinker who holds themselves accountable for the quality of their work and their interactions with others. Johnson received this award for going above and beyond in executing responsibilities, exhibiting high levels of professionalism, and being an effective problem solver.

Many of Johnson’s colleagues nominated her for her outstanding contributions and for exceeding expectations as an administrative professional.

Monifa Skelton-Wells, academic program manager I, wrote in her nomination letter that Johnson truly embodies all the qualities recognized by the College’s Soaring Jacket Award.

“She is an effective problem-solver, a motivator, and a shining example of leadership through service,” Skelton-Wells said. “She has played a key role in boosting and sustaining team morale.”

Tompkins earned the Service Award for exemplifying a deep commitment to serving others and strengthening the fabric of his community. The award celebrates selfless efforts in fostering collaboration, driving positive change, and inspiring others to contribute to the common good. His service reflects not only a dedication to collaboration but also a passion for creating sustainable, impactful changes that benefit the broader mission of the School, College, and Institute.

Amit Jariwala, director of design, innovation and experiential Learning, is Tompkins’ direct supervisor and has worked closely with him since he began working in the Woodruff School in 2019. He says Tompkins’ contributions and impact go far beyond the expectations of his role.

“In every sense, Jake exemplifies the core values of this Service Award: dedication, collaboration, innovation, and a spirit of service that inspires those around him,” Jariwala said in his nomination letter. “He is a tremendous asset to the School and the College, and his contributions have advanced our mission in profound and lasting ways.”

The College of Engineering has approximately 510 staff members providing critical support to faculty, researchers, and students. The Staff Appreciation and Wellness Day is designed to celebrate and recognize the contributions of College staff and thank them for their service and impact.