Carrying the Legacy of Service: 2025 Chuck Thompson Award Winners Announced

Every year, the Facilities Services family pauses to celebrate two employees who embody the heart of what it means to serve the University of Tennessee with excellence, integrity, and care. The Chuck Thompson Awards are more than just recognition. They’re a reflection of a legacy that continues to shape the culture of this department.

The awards honor the late Charles F. “Chuck” Thompson, former Assistant Director of Facilities Services, whose leadership left a lasting mark on the university. His son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Thompson, established an endowment to recognize employees who share his spirit of dedication and humility. Each year, one recipient is chosen from the skilled craft areas and another from the clerical, services, and support areas. Both must have at least ten years of service to UT, a fitting tribute to Chuck’s lifelong example of commitment and excellence.

This year, 29 employees were nominated, representing 131 total nominations. That level of enthusiasm says something special about the people who make Facilities Services what it is. Behind every nomination is a story of hard work, teamwork, and genuine care for others.

A committee of peers, including Bryan Lord, Britt Hancock, Candis Sheehan, Johnathan Sawyer, Nikki Woolsey, Sam Shiflett, Barbara Tallent, Britt Patterson, Steve Bodenheimer, and chair, Sam Ledford, took on the challenging job of selecting just two honorees. After reviewing dozens of stories filled with gratitude and admiration, they found two individuals who truly reflect the heart of Chuck Thompson’s legacy.

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The 2025 Crafts Award: Robert Dykes

Spend any time around Robert Dykes and you’ll quickly notice two things: his easy smile and his willingness to help. He’s the kind of person who greets everyone with a positive attitude and a readiness to get things done. “I can’t” and “I don’t know” aren’t phrases you’ll hear from him. If an answer isn’t obvious, Robert will find it and he won’t stop until the job is finished.

Those who work with him describe him as even-tempered, kind, and thoughtful. He leads by example, never asking others to do what he wouldn’t do himself. One nominator put it this way: “I’ve had a fair number of bosses in my career, even worked for myself, and I’ve never had a better one.”

Robert’s generosity extends beyond his job description. When team members have needed extra help or resources, he’s been known to step in personally, making sure everyone has what they need to succeed. His leadership style is rooted in service, humble, steady, and full of heart.

Robert doesn’t just talk about excellence. He lives it out every day.

The 2025 Service/Clerical Award: Frank Tallman

Frank Tallman has a way of making every person feel seen. Those who know him say he’s never met a stranger, always smiling, always ready to lend a hand. Whether he’s helping solve a problem, teaching something new, or simply bringing positivity into a room, Frank turns every task into an opportunity to help someone else shine.

His colleagues describe him as a quiet force for good, the person who makes sure others have what they need and never asks for credit. He’s known for his professionalism, his patience, and his genuine care for people. One nominator called him “the kind of person who makes everyone around him better.”

Frank’s impact is felt across departments and teams, even if much of his work happens behind the scenes. He’s dependable, encouraging, and always willing to go above and beyond. He doesn’t seek attention, but his example of service speaks volumes.

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A Legacy that Lives On

The Chuck Thompson Awards remind us that great work is about more than skill. It’s about heart. It’s about showing up every day with the intent to serve others well, to make a difference, and to lead with kindness.

This year’s honorees, Robert Dykes and Frank Tallman, embody that spirit. Through their dedication and care, they carry forward the legacy of Chuck Thompson and continue to make the University of Tennessee a better place for everyone.

To learn more about Facilities Services employee recognition programs, visit https://facilities.utk.edu/news-notices/department-awards/. 

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List of 2025 Nominees