2025 Staff Make Students Count winners honored

June 6, 2025

At the May 22 Board of Regents meeting, President Pitney recognized the winners of this year’s “Staff Makes Student Count Awards,” which celebrate staff from each university and the System Office who have made a difference in students' lives. Staff members are nominated by their peers, and each awardee receives a plaque, $1,000, and two Alaska Airlines vouchers. Congratulations to all of this year’s Staff Make Student Awardees!

This year’s recipients were:

Lynnette Dunn, UAF Department of Geosciences

Dunn serves as the primary liaison for undergraduate and graduate students, providing critical guidance and assistance. She is the driving force behind graduate course orientation, ensuring new students receive the resources, information, and support needed to transition smoothly into their programs. She manages faculty course scheduling and departmental logistics, creating an organized and efficient academic environment that benefits students and faculty alike. Dunn demonstrates dedication, professionalism, and efficiency as program coordinator. She does far more than what her job description requires—she proactively anticipates student needs, solves problems before they arise, and approaches every interaction with a level of care and commitment that is rare to find. Her dedication to student success is unmatched, and she has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of countless students.

Aimmee Richards, UAS Career Service Manager

Richards, despite being an office of one, transforms Career Services at UAS. Recognizing the growing needs of students, she spearheads the use of UConnect, an online digital career center that significantly expands career support for distance students. Her dedication to access and equity ensures that whether a student is on campus or studying remotely, they have the career resources they need 24/7. Richards’s unwavering commitment to student success, her innovative approach to career services, and her relentless drive to remove barriers for all students make her exceptional. She is constantly thinking of new ways to expand Career Services’ reach, ensuring that students of all backgrounds—whether they are first-year students or alumni—receive the guidance they need. Her advocacy for students is evident in everything she does, and she never stops pushing for students' rights and opportunities.

Zac Clark, UAA Associate Director of Student Life and Leadership

Clark is a dedicated, valued, and irreplaceable staff member. He consistently goes above and beyond in his role, demonstrating a genuine passion for supporting students and creating a vibrant campus community. His leadership and innovative approaches significantly enhance the student experience at the University of Alaska Anchorage. His exemplary commitment to making students feel like they matter and making successful leaders out of all of them cultivates a campus environment characterized by his own humility and genuine wish to make life better for others. One of Clark’s most commendable qualities is his approach to mentorship. Rather than imposing his ideas or directives, he empowers students to take the reins and shape the direction of activities. His willingness to step back and allow students to lead while providing guidance and support when needed exemplifies his exceptional mentorship style. His genuine concern for students as whole individuals, not just academic achievers, is truly commendable and sets him apart as a caring and empathetic leader. His contributions play a pivotal role in creating a thriving campus community that attracts and retains students, a testament to his invaluable impact on the university's overall success. A majority of the students Clark works with go on to become leaders in Anchorage, throughout the state, and staff at UAA.