We are thrilled to announce DELTA’s recipients and nominees for the 2026 Provost’s Unit Awards for Excellence, Pride of the Wolfpack Awards and Cheers for Peers awards.

Read excerpts from each person’s nomination materials below. 

Provost’s Unit Awards for Excellence 

The Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost recognized five outstanding staff members as recipients of the 2026 Provost’s Unit Awards for Excellence, and we are proud to highlight two DELTA staff members who received one of the awards this year — Jill Anderson and Jessica Lama.

The Provost’s Unit Awards for Excellence represent NC State’s highest honor for non-faculty members. Each nominee demonstrated excellence in one of the following areas: customer service, efficiency and innovation, human relations, outstanding state government service, public service, safety and heroism, and the spirit of North Carolina. Award recipients were honored at an in-person ceremony held Thursday, March 26, at the NC State University Club.

Jill Anderson, Customer Service

Serving on the DELTA Instructional Technology and Training team, Jill Anderson anticipated the significant challenges posed by the Department of Justice’s 2024 rule regarding accessible web content. Instead of taking a ‘wait-and-see’ approach, Jill went above and beyond her usual role at DELTA by proactively designing a comprehensive support system to help our instructors navigate these complex changes without feeling overwhelmed. Her work wasn’t just about one-off workshops; she built a sustainable foundation that includes a 10-part training series and the first-ever ‘AccessFest’—a hands-on co-working event that brought experts and faculty together. She isn’t just checking boxes; she’s ensuring our instructors have a steady partner to help them create a more inclusive digital learning environment for all our students

Jessica Lama, Efficiency and Innovation

Jessica Lama is the driving force behind the seamless administrative support for thousands of NC State students. In 2025, when faced with critical staffing shortages during peak enrollment, Jessica proactively stepped into an operational leadership role, designing a fast-track training program and onboarding website that allowed new hires to contribute almost immediately. Her ability to transform a crisis into a sustainable framework stabilized operations and ensured that essential services for nontraditional students remained uninterrupted.

Beyond her immediate team, Jessica has spearheaded transformative digital initiatives, including the total reorganization of the Online and Distance Education website and ServiceNow Knowledgebase to enhance usability while reducing staff workload. She also streamlined the Nondegree Studies application for more than 3,000 applicants and improved registration processes for local high school partners. Known as a trusted, results-driven leader, Jessica’s commitment to efficiency and cross-unit collaboration makes her a truly invaluable asset to the NC State community.

Pride of the Wolfpack Awards 

DELTA honored its Pride of the Wolfpack award recipients at the annual all-staff DELTA Picnic held May 14 at Pullen Park. 

The Pride of the Wolfpack award recognizes individuals who demonstrate university values — excellence, representation, integrity, sustainability, community, freedom and collaboration. 

Please join us in celebrating the following DELTA staff members for their remarkable contributions to NC State and beyond! 

Stephen Bader

Stephen was being recognized for his leadership, resilience and commitment to excellence during a period of significant change. He embraced new challenges, mastered new systems and guided his team with clarity, stability, and purpose. By turning a period of change overload into an opportunity for growth and modernization, Stephen has demonstrated integrity and a true “lead from the front” mentality.

Jeff Barnes

Jeff was recognized for his reliability, adaptability and the critical role he plays in strengthening operations across the MarComm team. He tackles complex, behind-the-scenes challenges that keep systems running smoothly and plays a key role in preserving institutional knowledge during organizational transitions. Jeff’s service-oriented mindset, positive energy and ability to bridge our history with future goals continue to elevate the entire team.

Cortney Hagans

Cortney was recognized for the care, empathy and trust she brings to every interaction across DELTA and NCSCaLE. She supports employees through some of their most vulnerable and challenging moments with clarity, compassion and a steady presence that ensures they never feel alone. Cortney’s thoughtful, people-centered approach reflects the very best of public service, and her contributions continue to strengthen our shared culture of care.

Anjul Singhvi

Anjul was recognized for her strategic leadership, data-driven approach and significant impact on digital marketing across DELTA and NCSCaLE this year. She successfully led a major transition to an in-house model that eliminated a significant annual contract while simultaneously strengthening internal capabilities. Anjul’s data-driven mindset, collaborative spirit and commitment to maximizing impact continue to transform how we approach digital marketing.

Jennifer Tagsold

Jennifer was being recognized for her leadership, initiative and commitment to supporting faculty and student success. She consistently steps into complex challenges, mentors others and leads high-impact work across accessibility, emerging technologies and course design. Jennifer’s contagious enthusiasm, collaborative spirit and readiness to step forward when leadership is needed continue to strengthen the NC State community.

Cheers for Peers Awards

Congratulations are also in order for the following Cheers for Peers recipients! 

• Jill Anderson
• Cassidy Colson
• Dajha Houston
• Q Peiffer
• Andrew Wiedner