School of Energy Resources Employees Honored for Outstanding Contributions at UW Staff Recognition Day and UW Experiential Education Showcase

The University of Wyoming (UW) celebrated its dedicated staff at the annual Staff Recognition Day, with three outstanding employees from the School of Energy Resources (SER) receiving prestigious accolades for their exceptional service and commitment.

 

James Christensen, SER business manager; Sabrina Summerfield, SER marketing outreach coordinator; and Carrie Ver Burg, SER assistant director of business operations, were each nominated by their colleagues for their exemplary work ethic, leadership, and unwavering reliability.

 

Both Christensen and Summerfield were among four UW recipients to receive the Unsung Hero Award, a distinction recognizing individuals who consistently make significant contributions beyond their defined roles without seeking public acknowledgment.

Christensen was honored for his multifaceted role, where he expertly balances high-level financial oversight with essential operational support. By managing the complex financials for the Wyoming Integrated Test Center and the SER Foundation portfolio while simultaneously serving as the school’s Human Resources liaison, he demonstrates a rare ability to bridge technical fiscal management with organizational leadership.

 

Summerfield was recognized for her pivotal role in elevating SER’s professional image through sophisticated, high-impact design and strategic outreach. By bridging the gap between complex technical research and public engagement, she translates intricate topics like carbon management and nuclear energy into visually compelling deliverables that resonate with diverse audiences. Ultimately, Summerfield’s behind-the-scenes creativity ensures that SER’s mission is presented with a polished, modern aesthetic that bolsters its reputation as a leader in the energy sector.

 

Ver Burg was selected as the recipient of the Jodi K. Humphrey Inspirational Staff Award for her ability to inspire others through positivity, professionalism, and dedication. Often behind the scenes, Ver Burg stands out as a pillar of SER, earning recognition for a decade of steadfast professionalism and a positive, mentorship-driven leadership style. Since joining the team in 2015, she has navigated nearly every facet of the organization and proven herself an adaptable and reliable lynchpin on the financial team. Ver Burg’s impact is felt most deeply through her commitment to others’ professional growth.

 

Meanwhile, Kristen Pritchett was recognized at the inaugural Experiential Education Showcase and Celebration with an Excellence in Experiential Education Award.

 

Featuring student-driven inquiry and educator excellence in experiential learning, the showcase honored the rich educational opportunities that are intricately driving high-impact learning, shaping the future of UW’s students.

 

As Co-Director of the Professional Land Management program, Pritchett leverages over a decade of firsthand industry experience as a landman to provide students with invaluable insights into the complexities of title work, leasing, and asset management. Her unique educational and professional background allows her to mentor students with a focus on both technical mastery and the personal resilience required in the energy sector.

 

The award was made in recognition of Pritchett’s work as an educator whose teaching, mentoring, or service in experiential education has been exemplary in fostering transformative experiential learning opportunities for UW students.

 

“We are incredibly proud to see our team members recognized for their unwavering dedication, hard work, and the exceptional attitudes they bring to the School of Energy Resources every day,” says SER Acting Director Scott Quillinan. “What makes these accolades truly heartwarming is that they originated from peer nominations; it is a testament to the fact that we are surrounded by a caring, cohesive team that consistently puts people first. From supporting our colleagues to championing the success of our students, this recognition reflects the culture of excellence and mutual respect that defines our school.”

 

To see other award recipients from Staff Recognition Day, visit here, and to learn more about the Experiential Education Showcase and Celebration, visit here.