The Mundy Award For Exemplary Service was created in 2002 as a memorial to the leadership of former Southwestern alumnus and trustee, Joe Mundy. The award is given to faculty and staff who have demonstrated exemplary service to Southwestern. This year, three recipients were presented a Mundy Award: Jennifer O’Daniel, Michael Torres, and Jason Chapman.

Jennifer O’Daniel

Director of Administrative Computing

Jennifer has worked in the Information Services department at Southwestern since 1998. For the past 18 years, she has moved up the ranks by earning the positions of programmer/analyst, senior programmer analyst, associate director of administrative computing, and her current position – director of administrative computing. Although Jennifer wears a number of hats and has many administrative duties on her plate, professionals in her department say there is nothing she can’t fix or take care of, that she “goes the extra mile” every day to help others and always finds a solution, and that they “couldn’t ask for a better boss.” Jennifer’s colleagues describe her as an amazing collaborator with a work ethic second to none, and someone who always has a smile on her face. Jennifer has the ability to make the office feel like a cohesive team with her leadership, support, and the way she creates a positive work environment.

Michael Torres

Athletic Equipment Manager and Audiovisual Technician

Michael joined Southwestern as a lighting technician in 2006. In 2009, he also took on the role of audiovisual technician for campus weddings. In 2013, when Southwestern football was reinstated, Michael took on his current role as the athletic equipment manager. He is known as the “father hen” of the athletes, is the first one on the fields, and the last one to leave. He directs assistant coaches and students, and puts in many hours preparing for both home and away games. He is responsible for the travel checklist, laying out jerseys, and fitting the athletes for safety equipment. Michael also served in the United States Navy from 1989 to 1994 and is a  highly decorated Persian Gulf War Veteran who has traveled the world three times. He has been awarded a National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Navy Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (second), Navy “E” Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and good conduct. Michael is also a motivational speaker at men’s retreats, and a worship and music leader at his church. He is known for supporting and encouraging every person he comes in contact with. Michael listens to students and his colleagues with a kind, caring, and compassionate heart. He also helps many fellow colleagues achieve a healthier lifestyle.   

Jason Chapman

Assistant Director of Student Activities and Residence Life

Jason Chapman is a 2003 Southwestern alumnus, who right after graduation, went on to become a teacher and coach in Spring, Texas. He quickly returned to Southwestern in 2004 as the student activities coordinator and resident associate. In 2009, Jason was promoted to assistant director of student activities, and by 2015, he also took on the role of assistant director of residence life. Jason immerses himself into an array of committees and duties at Southwestern. He also moved to campus last year to help with residence life. He works many after-hours events including Catalyst, Friday Night Live, Soundwave, and a multitude of Greek Life events. He is also a long-time volunteer assistant with the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams, which provides support and encouragement for both the athletic department staff and student-athletes. As an alumnus and long-time employee, he is also a trusted colleague, friend, and confidante to many faculty, staff, and students.