By Mary Myers
Huge Congratulations go out to Darin Conner, UVI’s 2026 Student Employee of the year!
Darin Connor: Darin Connor shows outstanding professionalism, leadership, and initiative through his effective contributions in the Office of Strategic Affairs and across the University. He played a central role in organizing and synthesizing thousands of data points for the University’s strategic planning process, assuring accuracy and timely delivery of materials that informed executive decision-making. He consistently operates with minimal oversight, anticipates needs, and improves processes while continuing a high standard of quality. Darin has also represented the University in high-profile roles, including co-hosting major institutional events and engaging with national leaders, demonstrating poise, preparation, and strong advocacy—particularly on behalf of international students. Reliable, thoughtful, and service-driven, he approaches every responsibility with integrity and a deep devotion to supporting others and advancing the University’s mission. Submitted by President’s Office
Kianno Fraser: Kianno Fraser shows exceptional leadership, reliability, and technical skill in his role as a web assistant, particularly during a key transition period for the University. After the University’s webmasters departed, he stepped in,, providing web support and ensuring continuity of operations while upholding accuracy and standards across web updates. He successfully managed complex tasks, including redesigning web sections and developing new forms, while also training and supporting multiple content contributors with patience and professionalism. Calm, solutions-oriented, and service-driven, Kianno consistently goes above and beyond to support his colleagues and add meaningfully to the University’s digital presence. Submitted by: Public Relations
Llewellyn Gaffney– Since attending UVI, Llewellyn has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, care for others, and selfless leadership. As both a CSS and a peer-led tutor, she has consistently supported students’ academic progress, keeping a positive attitude and affable demeanor while balancing an advanced course load. She works effectively with learners of all ages and skill levels, showing exemplary character, professionalism, and patience during every interaction. Her scholastic ability, communication skills, and devotion to helping others have been widely recognized and great. Submitted by: Center for Student Success
Seyah Nah Graham: Seyah has been a PLTL leader since Fall 2025. Seyah is consistently on time and prepared for PLTL training sessions. Seyah regularly shares strategies for teaching and learning mathematics in the PLTL training session. Seyah also shares strategies for building relationships with students and supporting students to participate. Seyah is willing to sub for her PLTL leader colleagues when needed. Seyah is reliable, dependable, and professional. Seyah is fair and equitable as a PLTL leader. Seyah’s students commented on her dedication to their learning and her patience as a PLTL leader. Submitted by: Science & Math
Sumyah Mark: Sumyah shows outstanding work ethic, professionalism, and attention to detail in all aspects of her role. She reliably completes tasks to a high standard and within required timelines, approaching her responsibilities with care. Her work to the library weeding process reflects her ability to organize work efficiently while securing accuracy and relevance. Dependable and accountable, she communicates responsibly and shows respect in all interactions. With her encouraging demeanor, integrity, and devotion to excellence, Sumyah adds significantly to her team and helps foster a supportive and productive work environment. Submitted by IT/Library
Kali Mills: Kali Mills demonstrates strong leadership, initiative, and professionalism in both academic and work settings. He consistently seeks opportunities to learn, take on new challenges, and add meaningful value, including tackling unfamiliar tasks such as designing an AI model to detect pH strip colors and examining innovative wellness and pupil engagement ideas. In the Wellness Center, he has shown sound judgment, composure, and emotional acuity—most notably via effectively de-escalating a difficult situation and promptly involving the appropriate support staff to ensure safety. Kali is also receptive to feedback, respectful in all interactions, and devoted to continuous improvement. His reliability, critical thinking, and steady presence make him a dependable and valuable team member who regularly surpasses expectations. Submitted by: Athletics Department/Support Staff
Emmanuel Roy: Emanuel Roy demonstrates strong professionalism, dependability, and attention to detail in his work. He manages his time effectively, takes his responsibilities seriously, and consistently maintains a courteous and articulate demeanor. He is willing to take on new assignments and exhibits initiative when needed, including going beyond his scheduled hours to ensure projects are finished on time. Emanuel is a helpful team member who readily assists others and makes a positive impact to the department through his reliability, integrity, and devotion to getting the job done well. Submitted by Accounting
Lomar Yearwood: Lomar Yearwood shows outstanding professionalism, versatility, and a strong devotion to excellence in his work with the Office of Public Relations. He consistently produces high-quality photography that conveys the essence of university events, while additionally contributing to graphic design, social media, website updates, and video production. His ability to manage multiple responsibilities, particularly during Charter Weekend, when he balanced roles as both a participant and an event photographer reflects his solid work ethic and attention to detail. Reliable, proactive, and team-oriented, Lomar goes above and beyond to support his team and contribute significantly to the office’s success. Submitted by: Public Relations
Selection Process: A panel of judges were selected to rate the 2026 Student Employee of the Year nominations submitted by supervisors and/or support staff. The rating scores were very close with the final winner exceeding by two points. After all the scores were received and calculated, the overall winner for the 2026 Student Employee of the Year was Darin Connor employed in the President’s Office. The carefully crafted nomination was submitted by his supervisor, Dr. Una Dyer of the President’s Office. We applaud Dr. Dyer for submitting the winning nomination.
Special Honorary Nominee Submission Mention (Not a Student Employee)
Sherona Stevens: Sherona regularly demonstrates patience, kindness, and a strong devotion to supporting her peers’ learning. She regularly goes out of her way to assist classmates during and after class, often taking additional time to ensure concepts are fully understood. Her willingness to work with any student and her readiness for collaboration make her a respected and dependable presence in the classroom. Through her integrity, consistency, and sincere dedication to helping others succeed, Sherona contributes to a stronger, more supportive, and more successful learning environment. Submitted by: Science & Math
STUDENT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Student Employee of the Year—Recognizes an outstanding student employee whose service, work ethic, initiative, and professionalism are exemplary. This is the highest student employment honor — awarded to a student who excels in every dimension of their role.
Qualifications & Eligibility Guidelines
To be considered for the Student Employee of the Year Award, nominees must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Nominee must have an evaluation rating of Good or above.
- Nominee must have worked a minimum of two semesters by Fall 2025 or Spring 2026.
- Nominee must be an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at the institution.
- Nominee must be in good academic standing.
*All student employees (graduate and undergraduate) who meet the above criteria are eligible.*
Supervisor’s and/or support staff were requested to submit information to the following questions provided which were evaluated in the following areas:
Nomination Criteria
Nominations submitted were rated on the following areas:
General Nomination Statement in your own words:
Why are you nominating this student for this award?
What makes them stand out?
Describe what you have personally witnessed or experienced that makes this student deserving of recognition.
Contributions: Describe a specific example or moment that best illustrates this student’s excellence, leadership, or service contribution. Think about a time this student went above and beyond. What did they do?
Character & Values: How does this student embody the values of Excellence, Leadership, Service, and Culture in their everyday life at UVI? Speak to who this student is as a person—their character, integrity, and the way they show up for others.
Thank you to all supervisors, support staff, and professors for taking the time to recognize the valuable contributions of your student employees. We also extend our gratitude to the judges who carefully reviewed and rated each nomination. Additionally, we sincerely thank the readers & score talliers who diligently reviewed, calculated the overall scores for each nominee.
