Lone Star College-CyFair celebrates five employees - Dallas Brown, Sandra Granier, Anum Khan, Lakshmi Neupane and Luis Zelaya - chosen as Staff Excellence Award winners in recognition for their dedication to helping students with success they can take anywhere.
Brown, LSC-CyFair’s Student Life Department Coordinator since 2023, said the most rewarding and impactful part of her work is building meaningful connections with students one-on-one as they discover their place on campus, though she added being able to wear jeans is a nice perk.
“Hearing students share that an event was their first time, such as ice skating, trying a fried oreo, or simply attending something outside of class and making new friends, reminds me that the work goes far beyond programming,” she said. “The logistics matter, but the lasting impact on students’ experiences and sense of belonging is what truly drives me.”
Joining LSC-CyFair as an Academic Advisor in 2017 and serving as Manager of Success and Completion since 2024, Granier said being a part of a campus that puts students first in helping them succeed makes her work meaningful. She also takes pride and finds inspiration in working alongside a dedicated Admissions and Records Department team who care and have heart for the work done every day.
“What I enjoy most about my job here is knowing that the work we do - often behind the scenes - directly supports students at important moments in their academic journey,” she said.
Khan has been making a difference in the Student Outreach and Recruitment Department as a part-time coordinator since 2022. In this role, she supports and mentors students navigating decisions as they explore how LSC-CyFair can help them achieve their goals.
“I truly love the work I do. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing prospective students I once guided successfully transition into enrolled students,” said Khan, who also previously worked part time for a year in Admissions and Records. “Knowing that my efforts play even a small part in helping someone reach their aspirations is incredibly fulfilling.”
Neupune said knowing her work is valued as the Social Sciences and Business Division Operations Manager since 2024 supporting faculty, students, processes and outcomes behind the scenes is rewarding and motivating. Since joining LSC-CyFair in 2022 as Coordinator in Business Operations, she has enjoyed how LSC-CyFair makes her feel connected and grounded.
“Walking around campus and the beautiful trails in the morning gives me quiet time before the day begins,” she said. “And once the work starts, it’s the people who make it meaningful - our students, faculty, staff and especially my team.”
Guiding students on their academic journey as a part-time advisor starting in 2018 (only six months after he graduated college) to a full-time advisor in 2020, Zelaya currently focuses on assisting First Time in College (FTIC) students. In addition, he believes he has developed an expertise and self-assuredness that helps foster a culture that prioritizes student success in part by creating an environment where all feel they belong and can thrive.
“I enjoy being able to work with incredibly talented and passionate peers who teach me so much on a daily basis. In addition, our leadership serves as a positive motivational force for me,” he said. “Lastly, I'm proud that my work leaves indelible marks guiding students toward success.”
All these deserving award recipients are recognized at the campus and system level.