MACON, Ga. — Mercer University‘s Dr. Natalia Cardelino, associate professor of civil engineering, and John Steele, supervisor of campus services, were awarded this year’s All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Awards.
The award is presented annually by the All-Southern Conference to university staff and faculty from the 10 member institutions who demonstrate outstanding service and dedication to their campus and its broader community. Faculty members are chosen based on strong contributions to teaching and research, while staff members are recognized for conditions for success within the university.
Cardelino has been an assistant professor in the School of Engineering since 2018. She worked as a structural consulting engineer for 17 years and is a licensed and LEED accredited engineer. She has previously led Mercer On Mission program trips to the Dominican Republic where students build systems that bring clean water to rural communities. Cardelino is currently interested and involved in research on eco-friendly alternatives to cement and a more sustainable approach to engineering.
“I am honored to receive this award. I thank Dr. Penny Elkins and the Mercer School of Engineering for supporting me,” Cardelino said.
John T. Steele is the campus services supervisor for the Physical Plant and has worked at Mercer for 26 years. He coordinates moving material throughout campus and for event setups. He was awarded the Mercer Spirit Award twice, in 2005 and 2018, for exhibiting a high level of service, respect, and caring to members of the Mercer community. He graduated from Mercer with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership in 2023.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award. I am extremely proud to be an employee and graduate of Mercer University,” Steele said.
The award was presented to Cardelino and Steele at the men’s basketball game against Georgia State on Dec. 2.
Featured photo: All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Awards presentation on Dec. 2 (from left) Southern Conference Commissioner Michael Cross; Dr. Natalia Cardelino; John T. Steele; Executive Vice President, Interim Provost and President-Elect Dr. Penny L. Elkins; and Professor of Chemistry and Mercer University Faculty Athletics Representative Jeffrey Hugdahl. Photo courtesy Kirkwood Connell Wetherington.
