Kristen Bernas Honored as First LOVE Award Recipient for Exemplary Collaboration
Illinois State University proudly recognizes Kristen Bernas as the inaugural recipient of the Living Our Values in Excellence (LOVE) Award, a distinction that celebrates individuals who embody the University’s core values as outlined in Excellence by Design 2024–2030, the University’s strategic plan. Kristen, an office administrator in the Department of Accounting, was selected for her outstanding commitment to collaboration, consistently going above and beyond to support faculty, staff, and students.

Her leadership in designing a comprehensive onboarding process for new employees has not only improved departmental cohesion but also garnered attention from other units across campus. Kristen’s proactive approach, creative problem-solving, and unwavering dedication have made her an indispensable part of the team. She was nominated by Department Chairperson Bahae Samhan, who described her as “simply amazing” and a “pillar of daily support.”
Kristen’s impact extends far beyond administrative duties. She fosters a culture of kindness, respect, and teamwork, always finding ways to help others and never hesitating to take on additional responsibilities. Her care for students is especially notable—coordinating Registered Student Organization (RSO) travel logistics, checking in on individual needs, and ensuring safe and smooth experiences for all involved. Faculty, students, and parents alike consistently praise her for her warmth, organization, and reliability. Kristen’s daily actions reflect the very essence of collaboration, making her a true cornerstone of the department and a deserving recipient of this honor.
Click Here to learn more about the award or to nominate a current Illinois State University student, faculty, staff member, or group working on a program or initiative that reflects the University’s core values:
- Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship
- Individualized Attention
- Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging
- Collaboration
- Community and Civic Engagement
- Respect
- Integrity
Latest Publications
- Illinois State professors and alum honored with Outstanding Paper Award for groundbreaking study on inmate handbook readabilityDr. Jessie Krienert and Dr. Jeffrey Walsh from Illinois State University, along with alum Malia Kohls, won the 2025 Outstanding Paper Award from the Midwestern Criminal Justice Association.
- Make a lasting impact by mentoring a Redbird studentCareer Services invites you to join the Alumni Mentor Network, where your experience becomes a powerful tool for student success.
- Board of Trustees action items, October 17, 2025The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University approved several resolutions at its regular meeting on October 17, 2025.
- Queer Talks to explore Girth & Mirth clubs November 19Queer Coalition, Illinois State's sponsored LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff, and graduate student affinity group, invites the University community to attend a lunchtime presentation November 19 by Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program Interim Director Dr. Jason Whitesel on the history and visual representation of Girth & Mirth clubs from their advent in 1970s San Francisco through their last hurrah in the early 2000s. This event will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in 401 Stevenson Hall.
- Creatively critical tech virtual fall 2025 speaker seriesThis fall, the Creatively Critical Tech: Research + Practice + Design virtual speaker series will host four leading scholars whose work advances innovative and inclusive research, art, design, and practice with emerging technologies and media.
- Nominations open for 2026 Strand Diversity and staff awards through November 21Nominations are open through Friday, November 21, at 4:30 p.m., for the 2026 David A. Strand Diversity Achievement Award, Administrative/Professional and Civil Service Distinguished Service Awards, Administrative Professional Emerging Leader Award, Team Excellence Award, and the Environmental Stewardship Award.