HPU Presents Kahn Extraordinary Staff Award to Three Employees
Three High Point University staff members were recently presented with the annual Kenneth F. and Jana S. Kahn Extraordinary Staff Award for their dedicated service to students, students’ families and the entire campus community. Pictured from left are Security Sergeant Sheila Hammock, University Photographer Lee Adams and Lead Food Service Worker Kristy Norton, who each received a $5,000 check as an award recipient. They were recognized during a campus-wide staff meeting on April 7 in the Hayworth Fine Arts Center.
HIGH POINT, N.C., April 13, 2026 – Three High Point University staff members were recently presented with the annual Kenneth F. and Jana S. Kahn Extraordinary Staff Award for their dedicated service to students, students’ families and the entire campus community.
HPU President Nido Qubein presented a $5,000 check to each of the award recipients — University Photographer Lee Adams, Security Sergeant Sheila Hammock and Lead Food Service Worker Kristy Norton — during a campus-wide staff meeting on April 7 in the Hayworth Fine Arts Center. Adams, Hammock and Norton were joined on stage by friends and family members as a roomful of coworkers applauded for them.
The Kahn family was intentional about providing a gift through an endowed fund to help recognize staff from all levels and areas of HPU’s campus. More than 50 staff members were nominated for the staff award this year, and Melissa Marion, HPU’s assistant vice president of human resources, said all of the nominees are incredibly inspiring and deserving of the award.
Adams has served as HPU’s photographer since 2017, capturing thousands of images of faculty, staff, students and special guests on campus.
Colleagues who nominated Adams said he “has shown unwavering dedication and service to the university staff and students through his consistently hard work, kindness and selfless attitude. Beyond his talent, he is a true mentor to his student workers, leading with patience and encouragement, and he brings a jolly, down-to-earth presence that makes everyone around him feel supported and valued. He makes everyone feel at ease while capturing the moments that help tell HPU’s story.”
Qubein noted Adams’ family had a devastating loss after the death of his 16-year-old son in 2023, but rather than take an extended leave, Adams returned to work. He said he wanted to be with his HPU family. “If it weren’t for his faith and his courage, he couldn’t have done it,” Qubein said.
Sitting near the stage, prepared to take photos of the award winners, Adams was surprised when he realized he was one of the recipients. Staff members who filled the fine arts center rose for a standing ovation as Adams accepted the award.
“I thought, ‘Wow, these people think that much of me?’ It was just a humbling experience to get up there,” Adams said. “I felt like there are other people who deserve this more than I do, who are behind the scenes and haven’t gotten any recognition. It surprises me that the awards that have come my way have been the ones I never expected to get, which are that people appreciate me rather than just my work.”
A colleague described Hammock, who has served more than five years with HPU’s Campus Police and Security team, as “always willing to lend an ear to anyone who needs to talk.” Another nominator said Hammock looks for things that are a concern and need to be addressed, and she makes sure everyone and everything is taken care of for the safety and wellbeing of our campus.
“It’s shocking, but everybody on this campus works so hard and deserves this award,” Hammock said. “I love HPU. I love working here.”
Norton, who has worked since 2008 for the Harvest Table team in The Café in HPU’s Slane Student Center, was described by her peers as someone who “demonstrates genuine care for the students and others. She enhances the everyday experience through her positive energy and dedication, always greeting you with a smile and a hello.” She is a breath of fresh air when you walk into The Café and apparently makes an amazing omelet, Marion said.
Many students over the years have thanked Kristy for the kindness and care she shares with them each day.
“It actually means a lot because you meet so many people on this campus every day,” Norton said. “Sometimes it’s hard to stay focused, but everybody’s so nice. It’s easy for me to be nice. I love it, and I love everybody. The students are the No. 1 reason I’m here.”