By remembering their names, offering encouragement, and greeting them with a warm smile, Kelso has become a trusted and familiar presence on campus. This spring, Catawba students returned that recognition by selecting him as the College’s Staff Member of the Year.
The annual award, determined by a student vote, honors an employee who has made an outstanding contribution to the campus community. Kelso is a member of the Catawba Dining team through Chartwells Higher Education.
For Kelso, the recognition is less about the award itself and more about the relationships behind it.
“I enjoy being around the students and getting to know them,” Kelso said. “You never know when a conversation, a smile, or a few words of encouragement might make a difference in someone’s day.”
Kelso joined the Catawba Dining team in August 2025, bringing more than 20 years of culinary experience as the owner of Smok’n Joe’s Catering. He began working at the evening sauté station in Cannon Dining Hall, where he quickly became a student favorite by preparing made-to-order dishes and sharing his signature seasoning blend.
He also helped prepare meals in the kitchen on Friday and Saturday evenings before temporarily stepping into the lunch pizza station for a colleague on maternity leave. It was there that the name “Mr. Pizza” became part of campus life.
His impact, however, extends well beyond the food he prepares.
Whether he is talking with students during lunch, supporting Catawba Athletics, or offering encouragement on a difficult day, Kelso has a way of turning an ordinary interaction into a meaningful connection.
“Joe likes to talk and doesn’t seem to ever meet a stranger,” said Joanne Faavesi, assistant director of dining services. “You can always find him chatting with different students and faculty during lunch. He makes people feel welcome, and that has helped him become an important part of the Catawba community.”
That sense of connection was evident last fall when Head Football Coach Tyler Haines invited Kelso to deliver the team’s pregame prayer. It was also apparent at Catawba’s Awards Day Ceremony, where he received one of the loudest rounds of applause as he accepted the Staff Member of the Year Award.
Kelso’s service has also been recognized by Compass Group through its Be A Star Award, which honors an employee whose dedication and daily contributions have made a meaningful difference on campus.
A proud father of three and grandfather of three, Kelso spends much of his time outside of work with his family and church community. He sings at church each Sunday and teaches Bible school during the week. He also enjoys fishing, camping, and spending time outdoors.
Students may still call him “Mr. Pizza,” but the nickname now represents something more than his place behind the counter. It reflects the familiar face who knows their names, asks how they are doing, and reminds them that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.
