The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences recognized four staff members with its 2026 Outstanding Staff Award.
Outstanding Staff Award recipients are nominated by their peers at Eberly College and are selected based on their demonstration of WVU’s core values: service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation.
This year’s recipients are Lydia Dugger, Nicholas Haas-Brown, Lisa Lively and Melissa “Mickey” Sackett Scoles.
Lydia Dugger serves as Professional Technologist for Web Design and Development in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. Dugger develops and maintains websites for the College and works closely with faculty, staff and University communications partners on digital and web-based projects. In addition to providing daily assistance to faculty and staff throughout the College, Lydia has redesigned many departmental websites, as well as the Eberly College website, in the last three years to bring the College’s digital portfolio up to current WVU brand standards. Faculty and staff describe Dugger as responsive, creative and practical in her work supporting programs and events across the College. One colleague described Dugger as “a true asset to our College and University” and praised her as an “exceptional all-around professional.”
Nicholas Haas-Brown serves as Academic Program Coordinator for the Foundational STEM Collaborative STEM Learning Center. Since joining the Center, Haas-Brown has helped hire and train more than 75 learning consultants, and he has collaborated with campus partners to create additional opportunities for students and visitors to the Center. He earned certification from the National Tutoring Association and used that training to support tutor development focused on pedagogical skills as well as resumes, cover letters and interview preparation. Colleagues noted his willingness to assist with tutoring services, recruitment efforts, workshops and student programming, including events held outside normal working hours. One nomination described Haas-Brown as “the real reason for the welcoming, supportive, and friendly atmosphere found daily in our Learning Center.”
Lisa Lively serves in the Eberly College Business Office. Colleagues noted her professionalism, reliability and dedication to supporting faculty, staff and students across the College. Her work includes assisting departments with business processes, reimbursements, grants, hiring procedures, procurement, travel and budget-related tasks while helping ensure compliance with University, state and federal policies. Nominators highlighted her role in training and onboarding faculty, staff and graduate assistants on financial, HR and administrative systems and praised her ability to troubleshoot issues quickly and help maintain continuity during times of change. One nomination described Lively as providing “timely and effective support, often anticipating needs before they are expressed.”
Melissa “Mickey” Sackett Scoles serves as Office Administrator for the Department of Biology and Building Manager for the Life Sciences Building. Colleagues described Scoles as an essential part of the daily functioning of both the department and the building through her administrative support, organization and communication. Her responsibilities include supporting departmental operations, coordinating calendars and guest visits, assisting with building updates and maintenance requests, and helping students, faculty and staff navigate day-to-day needs in the department. Nominations noted her efforts to support students and staff by helping maintain a food pantry and creating a quiet space in the building that can be used for studying decompressing. One colleague wrote that “Mickey thinks of everyone” and praised her “remarkable ability to make people feel at home in the Life Sciences Building.”
