Described by colleagues as a “silent wizard of the institution,” Mickey Soltys works quietly in the background at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, fixing problems before anyone realizes they could become problems.
As an instructional evaluation specialist for the Center for Teaching Excellence, he also helps students succeed and goes above and beyond the requirements of his job to help anyone on campus. In recognition of his quiet but invaluable service Soltys has been named a recipient of SIU’s 2026 university-level Staff (Civil Service) Excellence Award, one of eight awards the university presents to honor faculty and staff for superior scholarship, creative endeavors, teaching and service. This award goes to a staff member whose performance exceeds the normal requirements of the job, furthering SIU’s mission and contributing to student success.
Quiet and efficient service
Soltys recently celebrated 25 years at SIU, and he’s known across campus for being “quiet, unassuming and deeply kind,” wrote Rachel Shurtz, biological sciences laboratory manager. “When people come to him flustered or uncertain, he meets them with patience and respect.”
He avoids the spotlight, working in the background to write computer scripts with code, automate process and perform his ‘magic,” award nominators say.
Indeed, Soltys was surprised to win the award, saying “I appreciate being considered and am humbled and a little embarrassed.”
Soltys may be unassuming, but his work is fast and superior, with considerable attention to detail, officials said.
Long-ranging impact felt
“Recently, I asked him to write another program to make it easier for student employees to process exams using our new Inspiroscan software, wrote Craig Engstrom, director of the Center for Teaching Excellence. “He generated a usable program in just over a day. What he produced will save thousands of dollars of lost productivity each semester.”
Engstrom said Soltys’ “impact spans decades and units. He modernized scanning and evaluation processes at Morris Library and became the backbone of instructional evaluations and assessment operations at CTE. He maintains scanners, secures servers, supervises and mentors student employees, trains staff and ensures the integrity of sensitive data, all while continuing to write new code to solve emerging problems.”
In addition, Soltys is a talented folk musician known at venues across the country. And, if that’s not enough, he also devotes considerable time and energy to caring for deaf cattle dogs.
“By every indication – technical, relational and institutional – Mickey embodies staff excellence,” Engstrom wrote. He is a rare combination of deep expertise, humility, kindness and sustained commitment. SIU has benefited enormously from his presence.”
Get to know Mickey Soltys
Name:. Mickey Soltys
Department and job title: Center for Teaching Excellence, instructional evaluation specialist
Years at SIU Carbondale: 25 years.
Give us the elevator pitch for your job.
I am the administrator for the Course Evaluations online system and also provide support for data analytics in D2L. I was previously responsible for scantron processing of exams.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Solving problems.
Why did you choose SIU?
They took a chance and hired me.
What are three things you cannot live without: (and is there a special reason for any of them?)
My wife, music and dogs.
What one word best describes you and why?
Stubborn. Enough said.
