UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Fawn Hosterman, director of graduate records in the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, has been named the 2025 Staff Excellence Award winner.
Established in 1993, the award recognizes the consistently outstanding performance of a staff member who has demonstrated and practiced the philosophy of continuous quality improvement, team spirit, managerial excellence in the performance of assigned duties, and leadership in establishing a quality service orientation, so as to benefit their unit and the University.
Nominators said Hosterman is dedicated to enhancing efficiency within her unit. One area where she had an impact was streamlining several forms through automation. Nominators said this allowed them to increase capacity while reducing errors.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hosterman again shined. She digitized many operations to allow remote work and expanded her skills to implement meaningful changes. She designed a portal for program staff, created fillable documents and supported her team through these significant changes — all while managing her own increased workload, nominators said.
“Hosterman’s commitment to our mission never wavered,” a nominator said. “Her determination and work ethic ensured that we continued to support students and programs effectively, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles.”
Nominators said Hosterman continues to advocate for automation, which nominators said frees up time for staff to develop meaningful partnerships with graduate programs. With every decision she makes, nominators said, she has graduate student interests in mind.
One notable process Hosterman rolled out as a key contributor is the Graduate Records Management System. Nominators said it’s user-friendly and streamlines the workflow for its more than 600 users.
“Beyond her visionary skills and deep understanding of the work that needs to be done, Hosterman is a compassionate leader who advocates for clear and concise policies to enhance understanding for students and staff alike,” a nominator said. “She engages in difficult conversations, trains others and collaborates to solve problems, embodying the qualities of a true leader.”
Nominators said Hosterman is someone who also elevates those around her. They said she’s a resource and willing to share what she knows.
“Hosterman is not only supportive and open to new ideas but also a strong advocate for team members’ growth and positive solutions,” a nominator said. “She inspires us to strive for excellence in our work, and I genuinely love collaborating with her. Her impact on our team, our students and the broader University community is profound, and I am grateful for her unwavering commitment and leadership.”