MSU’s Office of Safety, Health and Environment Earns Top State Honors at 2025 SERMA Conference

OSHE Recognized with Multiple Awards for Individual Achievement and Overall Excellence in Workplace Health and Safety

In a proud moment of recognition and affirmation, Morgan State University’s Office of Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) has again emerged as a statewide leader in occupational safety and health. At the 2025 State Employee Risk Management Administration (SERMA) Conference, OSHE received the prestigious Health and Safety Award of Excellence, marking the second consecutive year the office has been honored by SERMA for its outstanding contributions.

Alongside the team honor, three individual members of the OSHE staff were also recognized for their dedication, innovation, and impact in advancing a safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible campus culture:

• Dwayne L. Jackson, director of OSHE, received the SERMA Award for Individual Achievement in acknowledgment of his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to building a proactive safety culture at Morgan.
• Tanya Foster-Flack, environmental safety program manager, and Tyneissa Watlers-Brown, program administrative specialist, were each named recipients of the Unsung Hero Award, acknowledging their behind-the-scenes excellence in enhancing environmental safety protocols and ensuring operational compliance across campus. Foster-Flack was recognized for her tireless efforts in improving the University's environmental safety protocols, while Walters-Brown played a crucial role in supporting the implementation of safety initiatives and ensuring compliance with regulations.

“These awards are a testament to the tireless efforts of our OSHE team,” said Jackson. “Safety is often a quiet, behind-the-scenes mission—but it’s vital to every corner of campus life. I’m proud to work alongside a team that embraces this responsibility with such integrity and purpose.”

The Health and Safety Award of Excellence—awarded to OSHE as a department—acknowledges the team's collective efforts in fostering a culture of health, safety, and regulatory compliance at Morgan. From ensuring lab safety protocols and environmental standards to leading emergency preparedness planning, OSHE plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the University community.

Operating under the Division of Finance and Administration, OSHE serves as the primary interface between Morgan and regulatory agencies, ensuring that the University meets and often exceeds local, state, and federal safety standards.

Administered by the State of Maryland, SERMA aims to reduce occupational accidents and injuries and promote workplace safety and health among state employees. The agency’s annual awards program spotlights institutions and individuals making exceptional strides in safety performance.

Being honored for a second year in a row reinforces OSHE’s commitment and leadership in this mission: protecting people and the environment while creating a secure learning and working environment for all.