UA Cossatot hosted a retirement reception on Thursday, May 13 at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium to honor five longstanding employees: Michael Wright, Christine Vertiz-Atkins, Steve McJunkins, Sonya Robinson, and Mark Kutak.  

Vice-Chancellor of Academics, Dr. Ashley Aylett stated, “The College is extremely fortunate to have so many long-tenured employees. While we hate to see them go, we know each one of these individuals made positive contributions in the lives of our students and the entire staff of the college. We hope their retirements are as awarding as their service to the college has been.”

Michael Wright, Math Instructor, was hired on May 19, 1986.

“Michael Wright has such deep compassion for math yielding him the ability to teach a subject many despise. Michael not only taught math, he made a difference in each student’s life. Our math department will not be the same without Mr. Wright,” said Aylett. 

Christine Atkins, Testing Center Coordinator, was hired on October 27, 1998.

“Customer service and trying to reduce the stress of the testing experience for students was at the center of everything Christine did,” said Aylett.

Steve McJunkins, Division Chair for Skilled and Technical Programs and most recently YouthBuild Instructor was hired on August 18, 1999. Aylett stated, “Steve McJunkins was instrumental in building our Skilled and Technical programs, especially the Lockesburg Industrial Maintenance Institute. Steve also spent a year sharing his knowledge from many years in the construction industry to establish our YouthBuild program.”

Sonya Robinson, Psychology Instructor, was hired on January 1, 1996. Aylett stated, “There’s not a student that failed to enjoy Mrs. Robinson’s Psychology courses. She made every single lecture exciting.”

Mark Kutak, Automotive and Diesel Instructor, was hired on August 8, 2006. “After teaching Automotive Services for many years, Mark saw a need for Diesel Technology and led the development of our program,” said Aylett.