Kellen named November’s Civil Service Employee of the Month

Michael Kellen, a Custodial Services supervisor for Facilities and Services, has been named South Dakota State University’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for November. 

He will be honored from 5:30-6:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, in the Facilities and Services building, room 110. 

Kellen has been employed with Facilities and Services for the past 10 years. He spent much of that time as training supervisor for new hires and recently became the supervisor for Athletics and the McFadden Biostress Lab. 

Daniel Wixon, a Custodial Services supervisor, says Kellen has been instrumental in setting up new hires for success. 

“Mike always has a positive attitude, and that really rubs off on everyone around him,” Wixon said. “He also helps custodial remain flexible by leading projects, most of which come up at the last minute.” 

Travis Fillbrandt, a facility worker, praised Kellen for always being courteous, kind and lending a hand. Kellen is always willing to help and finds the answers to coworkers’ questions. 

“I feel that his upbeat attitude helps uplift the morale of those of us lucky enough to work with him,” Fillbrandt said. “When I first started with Facilities and Services custodial, I was struggling to complete a task. Mike happened to come to my building, so I asked for advice and he spent an hour helping me.” 

Kenneth Schipper, a facility worker, said Kellen is always willing to help anyone. “I think Mike is great at his job,” Schipper said. “He will help find an answer to any question.” 

In his free time, Kellen enjoys four-wheeling in the Black Hills, fixing things, working on cars and spending time with family and friends. 

“I am honored to receive Employee of the Month award for November 2023,” Kellen said. “Thanks to all the co-workers who nominated me for this award.” 

All SDSU Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Service Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation. The trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.