Three Fine Arts staff members honored with President’s Outstanding Staff Awards
Three staff members in the College of Fine Arts were recognized this month with the 2025 President’s Outstanding Staff Award: Anita Bennett, Karli Capps and James Tolleson. The program honors and recognizes the invaluable contributions of outstanding staff members who have had a significant impact on the University. The recipients were all nominated by their colleagues and supervisors and selected for the award.
Please join us in congratulating these worthy recipients in the College of Fine Arts.
Anita Bennett, Assistant Director of Administration and Operations
Department of Art and Art History
Anita joined the Department of Art and Art History in 2022, where she supports human resources and operations in the unit. On the faculty side, she supports all faculty reviews, including promotion and tenure, as well as faculty searches and managing contracts. On the staff side, she supervises various staff positions and assists with all staff annual reviews. On the operations front, she oversees processes for the department in all areas to streamline and maintain efficiency and to help colleagues navigate a process-heavy environment.
“In the four years since she joined the department and university, Anita has transformed processes and operations for faculty and staff alike,” said Susan Rather, chair of the Department of Art and Art History. “She has worked tirelessly and imaginatively to cultivate a sense of departmental community and shared purpose, with measurable improvement for our large staff in particular. She has the rare ability to leaven principle, purpose, and standards with sensitivity, generosity, humor, and good will. Anita’s professionalism, work ethic, composure, and patience would distinguish her in any workplace — and my partnership with her has been a highlight of my career.”
Karli Capps, Accounting Office Manager
College of Fine Arts
Karli Capps joined the college in 2018 as a business affairs administrative associate and was later promoted to senior administrative associate. She now leads that team and plays a central role in supporting the college’s educational mission through financial stewardship and operational guidance. In her position, Karli works closely with faculty, staff and department leaders across the college to navigate purchasing, payments, travel and entertainment expenses, helping ensure that processes are both compliant and manageable for busy creative units.
Known for her attention to detail, responsiveness and collaborative approach, Karli is a key resource for interpreting university policies and translating them into practical guidance for departments. She supports everything from faculty performances and guest artist payments to onboarding new employees and coordinating with vendors and central offices.
“It has been incredible to see Karli’s dedication to her position, to the college and efforts to strengthen Dean’s Office and departmental relationships,” said Nisreen Singharaj, assistant dean for business operations. “She has a keen eye on customer service and recognizing needs, developing checklists and training materials for the College of Fine Arts community. Her work ethic and dedication are impressive, and Karli is always striving to learn more and expand her knowledge.”
James Tolleson, Director of Scholarships and Admissions
College of Fine Arts
James Tolleson joined the college in 2019 as the director of recruitment and admissions to oversee the processes by which prospective undergraduate students learn more about the college, apply for admission and ultimately enroll. In 2025, his role expanded to include oversight of scholarship administration, and he’s overhauled how scholarships are managed in the college. James leads the college’s undergraduate admissions and scholarships staff and collaborates closely with the college’s academic advising and career services leadership with the shared goal of ensuring an inviting, inclusive, and transformative experience for our students. James is an alumnus of the Butler School of Music and earned his Master’s in Education in Educational Policy and Leadership from the College of Education.
“James is an outstanding member of the college community and a dedicated team player,” said John Turci-Escobar, associate dean of undergraduate studies. “Over the past two years, James has transformed the College of Fine Arts’ approach to student recruitment, enrollment and scholarships. While leading our admissions and scholarships team through a transition period with several staffing changes, he also led an overhaul of scholarships processes in collaboration with department stakeholders to make our procedures more efficient, equitable and strategic.”