Lake Campus student receives Wright State and State of Ohio Student Employee of the Year Awards

(L-R) Engineering lecturer Dennis Hance, Student Employee of the Year Kris Hyde and Lake Campus Dean Bonnie Mathies.

A Marine Corps veteran and engineering student lauded for his work ethic as a laboratory and teaching assistant has won both the Wright State and Ohio Student Employee of the Year Awards.

Kris Hyde, a mechanical engineering student at Wright State’s Lake Campus in Celina, Ohio, is a non-traditional student who embraces traditional work ethic with an unparalleled earnestness and zeal.

Hyde first became interested in mechanical engineering while serving as a heavy equipment operator in the Marine Corps and has followed his love to the classroom.

Hyde is one of about 2,000 students employed through Wright State University’s Student Employment Program. Each year, one outstanding student employee is recognized for his or her achievement, professionalism and creativity.

Engineering lecturer Dennis Hance nominated Hyde for the award because of his exceptional work ethic and technical understanding.

“Kris has the rare ability to be able to lead effectively or be a team member with equal ease. His professionalism is evident in every interaction with faculty, staff, students, administrators or guests,” said Hance. “His politeness and willingness to help has been noted by everyone and recognized by senior administrators. “

Hance also noted that he believes professionalism is not one single attribute or action, but more of a combination of qualities.

“And Kris has all of these qualities. He arrives ahead of time for work and manages time effectively. He takes direct responsibility for his own behavior and works effectively with a diverse set of faculty, students, guests and administrators,” said Hance.

Hyde’s peers say his high quality of work standards, honesty and integrity are evidenced in every aspect of his work. Further, they say he is able to communicate effectively and appropriately in every situation he encounters.

Known to be a meticulous planner when tackling a project, Hyde has impressed with his thorough attention to detail.

Hyde has a natural ability to work with students and, “he enjoys working with them and wants them to succeed. He spends a significant amount of his own time, beyond the normal ‘duty hours’ making sure every student is given his maximum attention,” said Hance.

Hyde resides in New Bremen, Ohio, with his wife, Christan, and their 18-month-old son, Everett.