Recognizing exceptional service and impact: Broad College honors 2025 Distinguished Staff Award recipients

By Layna Anderson

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Presented annually, the Distinguished Staff Award honors Broad employees who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the college’s mission and values through their professionalism, innovation, leadership and service. The award celebrates individuals whose contributions strengthen the Broad community.

For the first time since the inception of the award in 2018, two people are being honored.

The Broad College of Business is proud to recognize Jessica Gray, coordinator of student wellness and academic success, and Cindy Majeske, academic operations manager, as recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Staff Award.

Jessica Gray: Championing wellness and belonging

Jessica Gray

As coordinator of student wellness and academic success, Jessica Gray has fundamentally reshaped how the Broad College approaches support and well-being. Her leadership has transformed student services from a primarily reactive model into a proactive, inclusive culture of wellness that supports students, staff, and faculty alike.

Gray’s vision and leadership were instrumental in conceptualizing and launching the Broad Care Center, an initiative that has become central to the college’s identity. What began as an idea to address students’ basic needs has evolved into a thoughtfully designed space where Spartans can access personal essentials, find a moment of rest, or connect with additional resources.

“Jessica exemplifies the highest standards of service, leadership, and impact within the Broad College,” shared one nominator. “The Broad Care Center stands as a visible commitment to dignity, access and student success — a testament to Jessica’s ability to turn vision into meaningful action.”

In building the Care Center from the ground up, Gray brought together partners across the college and university, navigating logistical challenges with determination and empathy. Her efforts have enhanced the student experience and elevated Broad’s visibility within and beyond MSU as a model for holistic student support.

“Jessica is not only a systems builder — she is a relationship builder,” the nominator added. “Her collaborative spirit and deep empathy allow her to support students through personal, academic and mental health challenges, while advising faculty and staff with compassion and professionalism. She defines what it means to lead with care in a high-achieving environment.”

Through her innovative approach to wellness and unwavering commitment to community, Jessica Gray continues to shape the Broad College’s culture of care — ensuring every Spartan feels supported, seen, and empowered to succeed.

Cindy Majeske: Leading through excellence and collaboration

Cindy Majeske

As academic operations manager, Cindy Majeske has made significant contributions to the success of the International Business Center and the MSU Center for International Business Education and Research (MSU-CIBER) since joining the Broad College. Her deep knowledge of university processes, meticulous attention to detail, and collaborative leadership have made her an invaluable part of the college community.

“In a short period of time since she joined our unit, Cindy has made substantial contributions to the success of IBC and MSU-CIBER,” shared one nominator. “She quickly earned the respect of our team members through her professionalism and the quality of her work. Her contributions have actively added to the growth and success of Broad students, faculty and staff.”

Beyond her administrative excellence, Majeske has taken on leadership roles that extend well beyond her day-to-day responsibilities. In the CIBER national network, she has become one of the more visible associate directors, offering mentorship and strategic insight to colleagues across institutions.

“She brings her expertise, time, and support not only to our team but to the broader CIBER community,” the nominator said. “It is a pleasure to work with Cindy.”

Through her commitment to efficiency, mentorship, and collaboration, Majeske embodies the values of the Distinguished Staff Award, demonstrating how operational excellence and teamwork drive the Broad College forward.

The 2025 honorees join a proud legacy of Broad College staff whose leadership, innovation, and service continue to strengthen the college’s mission: to create and disseminate business knowledge through collaboration, developing global leaders who positively transform organizations and society.

Gray and Majeske’s dedication reflect the vision that defines Broad Spartans — to work hard, work smart and work together to cultivate excellence in the next generation of business leaders.