Supervisor of the Year Nominees (2025)

Bette Fariello is the office coordinator in the Office of Student Engagement, but she is so much more than that. She is incredibly smart, kind, and always looking to help. Anytime I go into the office she is working on a new event, budgeting for the Student Government, or helping run the Nest Food Pantry. Personally, I work in the Nest Food Pantry and Bette is my supervisor. Helping run the Nest is not a requirement of her job. She helps out of the kindness of her heart and she tries to make the Nest the best it can be for students.

Even though I do not work in her office directly, she has included me to the point that I am colleagues with full time and student office employees. This was not part of her job, but she went above and beyond to make me feel included when she didn’t have to. Bette has also provided the other student employees and I plenty of support and guidance while working for her. She will always take the time to walk us through a problem and help come up with well thought-out solutions. She will not solve the problem for you but show you how to do it. This helps student workers develop better problem solving and critical thinking skills while at Monmouth University. Bette has also given encouragement in non-work situations. She will frequently check in to see how her student workers are doing and if she can help us. When I have been under stress from academic work Bette has been the first person to give support and inspire me to keep achieving. She really believes in and supports her student workers, while bringing positive energy into the workplace.

Bette is aligned with Monmouth Universities mission statement and core values. While Bette is not in a teaching position, I feel that I have learned so much from her. She has been a role model for showing how to be kind, respectful, and to always be improving. She always treats people with respect, she is consistently kind to everyone, and thinking of new ways to innovate. Bette is a woman of integrity. When talking to her, you know she really means and believes in what she says. Which only makes her words more powerful.

Bette is constantly doing or helping someone, even when it is not her responsibility. With her help at the Nest Food Pantry, there have been many improvements. She steps in to help keep things running smoothly and is always trying to improve it! Overall, Bette is an absolute joy to have as a supervisor and I couldn’t imagine my position without her. She offers so much support and advice in both the professional and personal lives of her student workers. She makes students feel welcomed and inspired while also helping us grow as young adults!

I would like to formally nominate Professor Erin Fleming for the 2025 Supervisor of the Year award. She has provided my coworkers and I with invaluable knowledge, opportunities and teaching that will transcend beyond the walls of Monmouth University, and will carry into our professional careers. She goes above and beyond to ensure that we are fully equipped to be top contenders in the professional world, extending her expertise across the ins-and-outs of the TV and documentary industry. I truly believe that her hard work, knowledge of the field, and dedication deserve to be recognized.

I have worked for professor Fleming since September of 2024. As a transfer student, I already took my TV production courses at a different school, fulfilling those requirements so I was not taking any courses for TV or film while at Monmouth. I am a member of HawkTV but there I am limited by the knowledge that my peers and I already possess. Between these two causes, I felt that I had a gap in actively continuing to learn and progress in this craft, until I joined Production Services. Since then, I have been able to learn under Professor Fleming, an industry professional of 20 years. to help grow in this field. I am honored to be able to learn under her and participate in real client video projects for things like art guilds, traveling art exhibits, nonprofits and documentaries.

Professor Fleming truly cares about her employees and makes it a goal to push us to be our best. She goes out of her way to ensure her employees get the very most out of their time working under her and are equipped for real, on-the-job scenarios. During my time with her, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that myself, my colleagues, as well as future students, have a space to call our own in our brand new Production Services office in the Plangere Center. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from Professor Fleming and cannot wait for all the works of art that we will continue to create.

I am honored to nominate Andrew Kurtz, Director of Live Production for Monmouth University Athletics, for the 2025 Supervisor of the Year Award. Andrew’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the professional and personal growth of student employees make him an exceptional candidate for this recognition.

Drew has continuously demonstrated his ability to integrate students as valued members of Monmouth Digital Network. His guidance and mentorship have significantly contributed to the success of countless students, providing them with hands-on experience in the world of sports media and live production. Under his leadership, we as student employees have gained invaluable industry knowledge preparing us for future careers in broadcasting, media, and communications.

He continues to provide students with opportunities beyond campus, including visits to professional production sites such as the CBS facility in Clifton, New Jersey. These experiences allow students to witness their potential careers at a higher level and gain industry insights.

Furthermore, he actively connects students with his professional network, including Monmouth alumni, helping them secure internships and job opportunities in the field.

Not only does Andrew create opportunities beyond campus, but on campus as well. Starting last year he created a brand new opportunity for students to do Monmouth Digital Network Pregame Shows, many of which I was able to do, witnessing Andrew’s leadership, dedication, and commitment. Andrew treated these as professional as any other live broadcast while teaching us students who were experiencing that type of experience for the first time.

Andrew took the time to prepare for these Pregame Shows, creating graphics, collecting video footage, setting up interviews, and creating rundowns. Personally, I can say that from this opportunity I gained a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge that I will be able to carry with me throughout my career. Andrew also took the time to send these Pregame Shows back to us, so that we were able to review and grow going forward.

Beyond his professional achievements, Drew’s commitment to student success is evident in his day-to-day interactions. He takes the time to teach, encourage, and support students, ensuring that we feel confident in our roles. His open-door policy and willingness to provide constructive feedback create an atmosphere of growth and learning.

Drew’s impact extends beyond production; he embodies the mission and values of Monmouth University. His initiative in advancing the quality of digital broadcasting while simultaneously fostering student development exemplifies the essence of a dedicated mentor and leader. His role is not just about producing content—it’s about shaping the next generation of professionals in sports media.

For these reasons, I would like to nominate Andrew Kurtz for the Supervisor of the Year Award as he is more than a deserving candidate.to work under their guidance.

Kelly Valentine is the best supervisor on campus! She cares about the well-being of every member of the Shadow Squad, checking in on them academically, emotionally, and making sure everyone is doing their best work. Whether it’s a football game, basketball game, or another event Kelly always ensures that her student’s know exactly what they are doing. In instances where something might go wrong she allows for her students to work through it on their own giving them helpful guidance and real world experience. In addition to excelling in helping students advance their careers she also creates a loving and welcoming environment. Her students have formed an amazing community allowing for friendships to grow beyond the workplace. Everyone has each other’s backs while wanting to do the best they can and it stems from the attitude of their supervisor. This year we asked Kelly’s student workers to share a little about their amazing supervisor Kelly Valentine. Here’s what we have to say:

I could have never imagined the amazing work and opportunities I’ve gotten working for Kelly. Whenever I’ve expressed interest in learning something new she’s always found a way to make it happen, which has given me job experience that I am excited to use in the real world. Besides being an amazing supervisor she is also a great human being who’s always there when I need her. I will never be able to thank her enough for all she’s done for me! –Cat Senatore

Over the past 3 years, Kelly has taught me invaluable lessons and presented me with numerous opportunities that have provided me with skills that will last a lifetime. She truly is a role model for all of her student workers, whether they want to pursue a career in sports or not. Her impact extends far beyond Kessler Stadium and the OceanFirst Bank Center, leaving a lasting impression on both current and former students. It is a true testament to her character and lasting impact that she stays in touch with many of her former student workers to cheer them on even after graduation. –Kylie Schadt

Kelly Valentine has shifted the culture in Monmouth Athletics. After COVID lockdowns Monmouth saw a drop in students’ participation in clubs, events and just about everything on campus. But this year Kelly has made the Monmouth basketball games electric. Kelly oversees marketing and fan experience for athletics at Monmouth and she has done a tremendous job this year that shouldn’t be overlooked. Students have been filling the stands and have been bringing absolute energy to the games. This is because of how fun the game experience is. Promotions like “Miss 2 Get Free Tacos”, beanie and rally towel giveaway, and “Fowl Shot Contest” have the students going crazy. I’ve been to other CAA games, and they struggle to get a student section. It’s hard to get students interested in these mid-major conference teams, but Kelly has found a unique way to get people interested and excited. Monmouth Basketball 37-12 at home in the past 2 seasons. –Luke Moleski

Kelly is not only an amazing boss but an even better person. She makes my job 10 times easier, teaching me important skills and lessons I know will translate well in my future. –Matt Hill

Kelly is not only my supervisor, she’s a loving soul who has a genuine care for the well being of anyone who she comes across. She is truly one of a kind and a blessing to myself and many others. The world needs more people like Kelly and she deserves her praises and her flowers now. –Gareth Lewis

Kelly is one of the most caring, hardworking and talented supervisors I’ve ever had. She always knows how to make coming to work fun while teaching her employees new things and holding us accountable. Kelly loves and cares about all her staff and wants to see them succeed in the sports industry or whatever they decide to make a career in! –Gina Estrada

Kelly is honestly the best supervisor I’ve had. She was able to teach me so much during the time I interned with her. She also made coming to work really fun! Kelly is the best candidate to win supervisor of the year! –Taisha Exanor

I’ve only worked with Kelly Valentine for a short period of time but every experience I’ve had working with her has taught me so much. She demonstrates for students and workers to be organized and determined. She makes sure that not only work gets done but also that everyone has fun and enjoys what they are doing. –Jaci Cascone

Ever since starting my job freshman year, Kelly has been the best supervisor I could ask for. She is always the nicest person and genuinely cares about the students that work for her. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of an award like this then Kelly. She works hard and is a great person to go along with that. –Frank Hoarle

Kelly is the best because she is always putting in 100% no matter how crazy things get. She is super supportive in making sure everyone feels valued by creating personable relationships with all of us. Kelly also has a great sense of humor which translates into creating a great atmosphere to work in. Working for Kelly the past 3 years has been nothing but fulfilling! –Julianna Caccamo

Kelly is a great supervisor because she leads by example. She works hard and does so much in her position while making it fun to work with her. She goes above and beyond to make sure game day runs as smoothly as possible. She’s the GOAT! –Landon McGallicher

I have been working for Kelly for a year and a half now and she is not only a great supervisor but a great leader and someone I look up to everyday. She has taught me so much in this short time and I am so grateful that I get to continue working with her for another 2 years. She always goes above and beyond for her students and on top of that she makes work fun and enjoyable for all of us. I think Kelly is more than deserving of supervisor of the year! –Mason Rowe

Kelly Valentine deserves to win supervisor for the year for numerous reasons. She is engaged and able to connect with the students who work within her department. She always has everything ready and set up so that it makes our jobs easier and more fun. Lastly, she is a personable person that I feel very comfortable talking to whether it be something related to work or in my personal life. Overall, Kelly isn’t just a supervisor, but a great person and therefore should strongly receive the award for supervisor of the year! –Justin Nyers

Kelly Valentine is one of the best bosses I’ve ever had the pleasure of working for. She has always made the environment so fun to work in, and gives all her employees an equal opportunity to grow and learn more. I started off not knowing a lot about marketing and was shy about learning but Kelly was instrumental in helping me become confident in my skill set. Working with her has been one of the best parts of my college experience! –Beyonce Carranza

Kelly is a great role model and more than just a supervisor to us. Anyone who meets her knows how much she cares about each of her students. She is extremely knowledgeable, kind, and always makes work fun. I appreciate all she does for us and am so grateful I get to not only work with her, but have her as a resource and a friend. –Hailea Anderson