Lone Star College-Montgomery recently honored four staff members with the 2012 Staff Excellence Award. Barbara Holman, Tracye Howell, Shari Tracey, and Valerie Shepherd, have all been recognized for their contribution to student success.

“They’re not in the classroom, but our staff members are instrumental in guiding the students and meeting their needs,” said Dr. Austin A. Lane, president of LSC-Montgomery. “Our campus depends on these leaders in excellence, and we’re proud of their hard work and dedication to the students of our college.”

Barbara Holman, a division assistant in the theatre, education, arts, humanities, math, and music division, truly enjoys working at LSC-Montgomery.

“I enjoy that LSC-Montgomery continually encourages and provides opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to learn and grow,” said Holman, a self-proclaimed “life-long learner” who has been at the college since 2005. “I love working with the division to serve the students and the community.”

Holman is the vice president for the Professional and Support Staff Association (PSSA) and serves on the Faculty/Staff Lounge Committee and the Lyceum Speakers Series Committee.

She received her bachelor of liberal arts degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in December of 2010.

Another recipient, Tracye Howell, has been working in LSC-Montgomery’s professional development department for more than nine years.

When the position opened up, it was a friend who told Howell she would be a good fit.

“It turns out her intuition was right,” said Howell. “I love working here. It’s a beautiful place to come to work each day, and I couldn’t ask for better co-workers.”

Howell is currently involved in the Empower U program, a leadership academy for staff offered by Lone Star College-CyFair. She began last September and will graduate in July.

Shari Tracey, program coordinator for the testing center, said she was completely surprised and honored to win the Staff Excellence Award.

“Working for LSC-Montgomery is a privilege,” said Tracey. “I enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge and appreciate this award.”

Tracey began working at LSC-Montgomery in 1998 as a computer specialist. In 2002, she transitioned to her current position where she coordinates testing services for students and faculty, supervises the proctors, and does “whatever else necessary to make the testing center run smoothly.”

“I really enjoy my position,” she said. “I enjoy coming to this beautiful campus every day and working with the students, faculty, and especially my coworkers.”

Finally, Valerie Shepherd, a student support specialist, has worked at the college for six years. She works directly with LSC-Montgomery’s veterans, assisting them in getting their educational benefits.  

“The veterans are a great group of students,” said Shepherd. “I appreciate the commitment they made to serving our country, and I enjoy helping them.”  

Shepherd was actually a non-traditional student when she started her college education at Lone Star College-North Harris and was admittedly a bit nervous.

“My instructors were encouraging and supportive,” said Shepherd. “It’s been great to see how this college provides students an excellent education in their own backyard. I’m always proud to say I work here.”

LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call 936.273.7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.

With 75,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball, and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.