October 12th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Frostburg State University honored Kristin Bachtel, Crystal Miller and William Vasko with the annual Staff Awards for Excellence, which recognize exceptional service to the institution. Recipients are nominated and choses by their colleagues.

Bachtel, a housekeeper at FSU, joined the Bobcat family in 2019. According to her colleagues, she has a tireless work ethic and positive attitude and pays incredible attention to detail. “She has definitely been an asset, enhancing the atmosphere for both students and staff alike,” said Dr. Latisha Cooper, director of Student Engagement, Accessibility and Learning. Doug McKenzie, assistant director of Facilities, Housekeeping and Plumbing, agrees. “Kirsten is an outgoing person who pitches in to help all the staff on her team when called upon. She maintains her building to the highest level.”

Since joining the FSU team in 2018, Miller has served in a variety of roles on campus. Currently the executive administrative assistant for the Office of Student Affairs, she provides key administrative support for the vice president of Student Affairs, the senior associate vice president, the dean of students and the senior diversity officer. “Mrs. Miller is absolutely vital to our role of diversity and inclusion,” said Dr. Artie Travis, vice president for Student Affairs. “She is genuinely aware and exercises the core value that we hold true daily in all her actions, deliberations and work – institutional promotion, academic excellence, student experience and organizational culture.”

Vasko, the head women’s softball coach at FSU, has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to developing scholar-athletes on the field and in the classroom. “What sets Coach Vasko apart is not just his ability to cultivate winning teams but also his unwavering dedication to empowering young women,” said Travis. “Under his leadership, the women of the softball team have flourished in an environment where teamwork is paramount.”

A former member of Vasko’s team, Jamie Roberts, credits him with some of her accolades. “From the time I took my first step on the Frostburg softball field, Coach Bill has provided me the means to accomplish my greatest dreams. I am a two-time Second Team All-American, a three-time All-MEC First Team, a two-time All-Region First Team and Frostburg Female Scholar Athlete of the Year (2024). This simply would not have been possible without Coach Bill.”

Award recipients are given a plaque commemorating their dedication and a monetary award. Staff Awards for Excellence are funded by the FSU Foundation’s Annual Fund.