FRIB Homeland Security Officer Melissa Congleton has received the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award from MSU. This award recognizes support staff members who are pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree while also performing "above and beyond” in the scope of their duties at MSU.

Officer Congleton has served as an officer with the MSU police department for the past 19 years. She is currently assigned to FRIB as the Homeland Security Officer. At FRIB, Officer Congleton has successfully started a new security force for the laboratory. Her work with FRIB ensures the world-class facility can conduct its research in a safe and secure environment.

"I am pleased to be recognized with this award and to represent the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams and MSU Police in a positive way,” said Officer Congleton.

Throughout her career as an officer with the MSU police department, Officer Congleton earned the designation of professional emergency manager through the Michigan State Police. Through this designation, Officer Congleton led a group to have MSU be the first university in Michigan and the Big Ten to obtain accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program. Earlier in her career, Officer Congleton supervised the Greencoat Security program. There, she developed a recognition system, enacted a discipline system and revamped the training program.

Officer Congleton is currently working to earn her masters of divinity degree at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit. In order to accomplish this, Officer Congleton drives to Detroit to attend night classes after working a full day at MSU. She currently holds a 4.0 in the program and plans to serve as a priest in the Episcopal Church upon degree completion.

Officer Congleton's body of work exemplifies MSU's mission of advancing knowledge and transforming lives. Her commitment to MSU is evident in all aspects of her distinguished career and dedication to her studies.

“Melissa has accomplished much during her career and is a role model for us at FRIB. We are honored she is assigned to our laboratory,” said FRIB Laboratory Director Thomas Glasmacher.

Officer Congleton was presented with the award at a special ceremony on 21 May.