Each year, Fisher College of Business acknowledges the contributions and exemplary commitment of its staff with the Coykendale Staff Awards. The awards — the Coykendale Rising Star Award and the Coykendale Service Excellence Award — recognize peer-nominated employees who contribute to one or more of the core values of the college: trust, innovation, lifelong learning, collaboration and inclusiveness.

Katie Mellett, senior director of operations and donor relations at Fisher, was named the recipient of the Service Excellence Award, which is presented to a staff member with five or more year of service to the college. Amber Coffey, program assistant in the Department of Accounting & Management Information Systems (AMIS), received the Rising Star Award, presented to staffers with less than five years of service.

The Office of Advancement staff members who nominated Mellett described her as "an originator of ideas who fosters innovative thought in her team and with those in the office." Her colleagues noted her crucial role in the successful implementation of Fisher's Centennial Celebration, writing that she was "instrumental in creating an event with an electric atmosphere that celebrated the 100-year tradition of the college."

Mellett, a 10-year veteran of Fisher, said she was shocked and honored when she learned that she'd won the award. The generosity of Fisher’s alumni and friends are the principal drivers behind her dedication, she added.

"Our donors make an incredible impact on the college every day," Mellett said. "I am inspired by their joy and passion for Fisher and Ohio State."

The AMIS faculty and staff members who nominated Coffey noted that she "has always been immensely helpful in her assistance of faculty research and teaching objectives." The AMIS team also added that "Amber is not only an extremely competent and efficient assistant, she goes beyond her work with an extremely positive attitude."

When she learned that she'd won the award, Coffey said her initial reaction was shock, considering the number of deserving staff members at Fisher. But, she said that her shock quickly turned to a feeling of gratitude.

Coffey, who joined Fisher in May 2015, said the faculty, staff and students at the college drive her dedication.

"They are consistently kind, caring and supportive," she said. "I am continually amazed at how appreciative everyone is for even the smallest of completed work tasks, and I'm even more in awe at their efforts to welcome me and help me grow — both personally and professionally. Thanks to my department and the rest of Fisher, I feel like more than just an employee; I feel like part of an incredible family."