Kirsten Hoeflaken ’18MED, Ayelen Valeton Receive College of Education’s 2024 Dr. Louis D. Hunt Service Leadership Award

Kirsten Hoeflaken ’18MED and Ayelen Valeton are the recipients of the College of Education’s 2024 Dr. Louis D. Hunt Service Leadership Award, which recognizes two staff members in the college each year for exemplary service and leadership.

Hoeflaken, the college’s university program specialist for knowledgement management and assessment, is the Dr. Louis D. Hunt Service Leadership Award SHRA Recipient; and Valeton, the college’s business operations manager, is the Dr. Louis D. Hunt Service Leadership Award EHRA Recipient.

Hoefklanen: Dr. Louis D. Hunt Service Leadership Award SHRA Recipient 

As a staff senator and an alternate staff senator who has worked for the college for over eight years, Hoeflaken has led the way in helping redefine staff governance in the College of Education. She was instrumental in forming in 2022-2023 the College of Education Staff Organization (CED So), which is believed to be the first staff governance organization of its kind among colleges at NC State. 

“I feel honored to receive the Dr. Louis D. Hunt Service Leadership Award for the work I do in our college. Staff serve in roles that are unique from that of faculty or students, and therefore have different needs, challenges and pathways. Getting this award means that I am valued for the work I do and gives me a sense of belonging,” Hoeflaken said. “A part of this award is for my wonderful colleagues in the College of Education Staff Organization (CED So) committee. Advocating and providing a voice for staff in the College of Education cannot be done without my colleagues in CED So. Our organization is dedicated to promoting the well-being of staff in the College of Education and to being a voice for the college’s Leadership Team.”

In her role in knowledge management and assessment, Hoeflaken has always been responsive to data requests and turns around accurate information in a timely manner. “Kirsten has been an outstanding colleague, and she has displayed outstanding leadership as a staff senator and as an alternate staff senator,” a nominator said.

Valeton: Dr. Louis D. Hunt Service Leadership Award EHRA Recipient 

As the Business Operations Manager who has worked for the college for over 11 years, Valeton has led the way in establishing new practices and tools that are more efficient, and she has strengthened business services that College of Education faculty and staff rely on every day. 

“I’m honored not only to be considered for this very special service leadership award but also for being part of this wonderful college,” Valeton said. “I will always strive to support and assist our faculty, staff and students to the best of my ability. It truly is my pleasure.” 

Valeton has developed comprehensive training manuals and a newsletter to help keep the college informed about policies and regulations; she has developed an innovative and streamlined financial transaction system that is more user-friendly; and she has been creative in finding solutions to business and financial issues while also ensuring compliance with federal, state and university policies. She is also a member of the College of Education Wellness Committee. “Ayelen Valeton is a deserving candidate due to her exceptional contributions in creating a culture of trust and fairness, and commitment to excellence for both herself and those around her,” a nominator said. 

About the Hunt Award

The Dr. Louis D. Hunt Service Leadership Award recognizes two staff members in the College of Education each year—one SHRA staff member and one EHRA non-faculty staff member or administrator— for exceeding expectations in their positions and demonstrating outstanding service leadership.

The award honors the career of College of Education alumnus Louis Hunt ’00PHD for his distinguished 32-year career at NC State. Eligible recipients have been employed in the college for at least three years, work at least 30 hours each week and have been nominated by peers.  

The College of Education awarded its first two Hunt Awards in 2023. The 2023 recipients were Anona Smith Williams, who is retiring in Spring 2024 as the associate dean for student success and strategic community engagement, and Ann Van Elsue, formerly the graduate student services coordinator in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development.