2020 Bender of Twigs Honoree

The Order of Bender of Twigs is receiving one of its most deserving members this year. Nancy Pauly Thompson always radiates happiness, provides unwavering support, and brings a sense of comfort to everyone around her. Her 25 years of service have been a tremendous blessing to Wichita State University and the Office of Human Resources.

Nancy has been one of the very first faces that many employees encounter when they begin their journey at WSU. That initial meeting with her is far more than just completing a stack of forms—it’s an introduction to WSU life and to her HR team in a way that makes you feel truly at home. Years later, Nancy can often recall what department someone started in and where their career has taken them. It’s no surprise that many still reach out to her whenever they have an HR question.

I first met Nancy in 2008 when I joined the Human Resources team. Even as reporting structures changed, I never stopped relying on Nancy for her knowledge and insight. She is a wealth of information on Banner HR, state regulations, HR forms, practices—and, most impressively, the people of WSU. Nancy doesn’t just know what needs to be done—she knows why it needs to be done.

For many years, Nancy led the bi-weekly timekeeping process for payroll. We often joked that if staff missed the deadline and payroll didn’t process, she’d have to enter witness protection! But of course, there was never any risk of that happening—Nancy’s dedication and reliability ensured that everything was always completed on time. Whether it was timekeeping, service awards, budgetary records, or any other project, Nancy handled it all with precision and grace. What others might consider an overwhelming mountain of records, Nancy would simply brush off with a smile and say, “Oh, it’s just data entry—we’ll be fine.”

In her 25 years of service, Nancy has consistently gone above and beyond for the HR team. Whether it’s organizing holiday parties, birthday celebrations, retirements, or any special event imaginable—Nancy was often the one leading the charge. She made sure every celebration was special, with tablecloths, centerpieces, plates, napkins, decorations, and heartfelt speeches. Her care and thoughtfulness turned simple moments into cherished memories.

You simply won’t find someone more deserving of this recognition. Twenty-five years of dedicated service is a fantastic accomplishment, and we thank you, Nancy—from the bottom of our hearts—for the countless lives you’ve touched and the joy you’ve shared. You are truly a blessing to Wichita State.