Employee of the Month
December 2025 Employee of the Month - Ellie Cox
Congratulations to this month’s Employee of the Month, Campus Recreation Technology Support Agent, Ellie Cox! Ellie has been an outstanding employee for SIUE Campus Recreation since September of 2023. She loves a challenge and is a determined troubleshooter who never gives up on a Campus Recreation technology-related problem. No job is too big or too small for Ellie, and she is always looking for ways that technology can improve the efficiency of Campus Recreation processes. Her supervisor said, “Ellie is as dependable and reliable as an employee can be, and when she leaves us for her internship next semester, she will be sorely missed.”
Ellie expects to graduate in May of 2027 with degrees in mechatronics and robotics! She hopes to go on to a career in designing, building, and programming robots or drones. When Ellie has free time, she enjoys running, learning new things and watching sports.
Ellie says that she likes working for Campus Recreation because, “I love working with my co-workers and the challenging nature of working with technology.” Campus Recreation is lucky to have had Ellie as part of our team, and we wish her the best of luck!
November 2025 Employee of the Month - Erica Bigtas
SIUE Campus Recreation is proud to recognize Erica Bigtas as the November 2025 Employee of the Month! Erica has been an integral part of the Department of Campus Recreation since July 2024, beginning as a Member Services attendant at the Reception Desk and at the Equipment Issue Desk. In February of 2025, Erica was promoted to facility supervisor where she keeps a watchful eye on the Student Fitness Center and its programming and serves as a model employee and guide to all of the Campus Recreation student employees.
Erica is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work and anticipates graduating in May of 2026. Her career goal is to specialize in military clinical mental health, where she hopes to make a meaningful impact in supporting US veterans and service members through her work.
Beyond Campus Recreation, Erica is highly engaged in the campus and the community. She serves as the vice president of the Student Social Work Association, participates in Adopted Programming, and is an Equal Opportunity, Access, and Sexual Assault Prevention Awareness Program member. She also volunteers with the St. Louis Area Food bank as a resource partner, demonstrating her dedication to service and advocacy.
In her free time, Erica enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and baking. She values working for Campus Recreation because it provides opportunities for personal growth, community engagement, and well-being. Erica appreciates how her role allows her to support student development through inclusive and health-focused programs. Her dedication, leadership, and positive attitude make her a standout member of the SIUE Campus Recreation team!
