The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has selected Jean Walston from the UTC Children’s Center and Melissa Laseter from Student Support Services as the Moc’s Golden Feather Award recipients for January 2026.
The Moc’s Golden Feather Award, presented by the Office of Human Resources, recognizes staff members who go above and beyond to make UTC a great place to work and learn. Recipients are nominated by colleagues, students and campus partners. Two staff members are selected every other month.
Each recipient receives a $1,000 monetary award, a $100 UTC Bookstore credit, eight hours of leave and recognition at a future UTC athletic event—along with four additional tickets for friends and family.
Moc’s Golden Feather Award winner Jean Walston (pink top) is joined by Children’s Center Coordinator Regis Richard, Provost Jerold Hale and Children’s Center Coordinator Jameshia Borders at Battle Academy. Photo by Angela Foster.
Jean Walston: Supporting early learning
Jean Walston was recognized by colleagues and community members for the steady, day-to-day impact she has on young learners at the UTC Children’s Center.
In nomination submissions, Walston was praised for her patience, kindness and ability to connect with each child individually. Nominators noted that she creates a nurturing environment where children build academic and social foundations that support long-term success, and that she consistently demonstrates care and professionalism.
Her influence also extends beyond the classroom. Walston was recognized for cultivating strong relationships with parents, colleagues and administrators and for helping ensure the Children’s Center operates with purpose and consistency.
Associate Director for Campus Recreation Corbin Hedges, Moc’s Golden Feather Award winner Melissa Laseter, Provost Jerold Hale and Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Success Stacie Grisham.
Melissa Laseter: Leading student support
Melissa Laseter, TRIO Student Support Services director, was recognized by colleagues for leadership during a season of significant transition while maintaining a focus on students.
Nominators highlighted her work stepping into expanded responsibilities amid unexpected staffing changes while continuing to lead TRIO Student Support Services and pursue doctoral studies. They noted that she effectively carried the work of two roles, moved initiatives forward during uncertainty and maintained a collaborative approach with campus partners.
In nomination submissions, Laseter was also recognized for supervising 15 student staff members, leading campus efforts for First-Gen and Transfer Week, and assuming leadership of the mentoring component of UT Promise, which serves approximately 750 students. In a four-week period, she personally met with more than 60 students to help ensure they remained connected and supported.
Submit your nominations
Faculty, staff, students and community partners are invited to submit nominations for future Moc’s Golden Feather Award recipients through the Office of Human Resources. Two staff members are selected and announced every other month.
To learn more about the award and to submit a nomination, visit the Moc’s Golden Feather Award page.
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