Hensler honored for exceptional execution

On April 29, 2026, Grainger Dean Devesh Ranjan hosted a celebration at which he recognized engineering faculty and staff for outstanding daily work that shapes the heart of our college.

Delight Hensler, the assistant department administrator in electrical and computer engineering, received the early-career Staff of the Year Award.

Hensler is the stabilizing force of the ECE administrative team. Working with exceptional precision, professionalism and dedication in one of the college’s largest departments, she drives multiple high-impact activities—among them, faculty recruiting and onboarding, payroll and benefits, and committees that include tenure and promotions. While she is adept at managing the details, Hensler doesn’t just execute tasks. She also constantly seeks to improve processes—for example, she collaborated with the awards committee chair to implement a nomination-tracking system. It’s made sense out of wide-ranging award requirements and ensured nomination deadlines are met.

She also is able to step in as a backup for the department administrator and can fill in for other staff when they’re away from the office. In short, her work touches every corner of the department. Says a colleague: “Delight brings steadiness, energy and enthusiasm, and a deep sense of care to everything she does. … She is a trusted partner and a quiet force of leadership who steps up during times of change and ensures no one is left behind.”