Panther Dining Hall cashier Willie Gibson was named Most Valuable Panther for January 2026.
In announcing the award, the Office of Human Resources said:
“Willie Gibson started his career as a Panther in 2016 and serves in the Panther Dining Hall as a cashier. There is never a day that passes when students, faculty and staff are not greeted by Willie’s friendly face and voice at the front of PDH.
Gibson is personally invested in each and every customer he comes in contact with; he goes the extra mile for everyone. From cleaning up the mess others may have left to recognizing that not everyone is having a great day, Gibson understands that sometimes all it takes is a smile to turn someone’s day around. He genuinely cares about those around him in a way that surpasses casual kindness.
He is also a mentor and motivator for those employed at PDH. When time permits, Gibson takes prospective students and their families on a tour around PDH, explaining food options and how the meal plans work. He checks in on patrons, cleans tables and pushes in chairs, all with a smile.
Gibson is described as an absolute gentleman, an amazing representative of Florida Tech, and the best cashier and host! His engaging personality, ability to take initiative and commitment to providing quality service for Pather Dining Hall make him our Most Valuable Panther.”
Nominations are requested for the Most Valuable Panther program, which recognizes employees who embody the university’s standards for innovation as demonstrated by their excellence and quality service. Please include specific and concrete details; give an example. How exactly does the nominee benefit the organizational unit, department or university?
Providing specific examples, numbers, facts and/or anecdotes about the candidate’s contributions will help clearly paint the picture of why the individual deserves to be recognized. Submit nominations by Feb. 20, 2026.
