Professional News

34 Receive Outstanding Staff Awards

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 23, 2011) -- Thirty-four University of Kentucky staff members were singled out recently for their outstanding dedication and contributions to the university. UK President Eli Capilouto, Staff Trustee Sheila Brothers and Staff Senate Chair Mike Adams recognized the winners of this year’s Outstanding Staff Awards at an event recently.

The OSA Planning Committee included Mike Adams, Holly Clark, Chris Crumrine, Melanie Justice, Melinda McCulley and Robynn Pease.

Below are the 2011 Outstanding Staff Awards winners including quotes from those who provided them:

 

·        Jessica Baer, College of Arts and Sciences, academic advisor, 4 years with UK -- “When students develop a rapport with an advisor, these sometimes challenging constraints can be gradually addressed and barriers to success mitigated. This relationship can make the difference to a student who is connected to our university and one who is not.”

·        Debra Bailey, College of Dentistry, staff support associate, 9 years at UK

·        Carla Braun, Human Resources, employment consultant, 8 years

·        William Buntin, College of Communications and Information Studies, senior academic coordinator, 5 years

·        Kevin Campbell, UK Libraries, technical support services aide, 17 years

·        Laverne Carter, College of Public Health, student affairs officer, 16 years

·        Phyllis Copher-Mattox, College of Agriculture, staff support associate, 6 years

·        Karen Couch, Office of Controller and Treasurer, administrative staff associate, 13 years -- “I am always willing to fill in where I am needed within my department or division. I take my job to heart and try to do my best every day.”

·        Sandra Dunn, College of Engineering, operations & business development manager, 23 years

·        Amy Ferry, College of Health Sciences, research analyst, 10 years

·        Rick Garrett, UK Libraries, facilities specialist, 31 years

·        Jon Gent, Human Resources, program coordinator, 15 years

·        Mary Gregory, College of Nursing, administrative assistant for academic affairs, 6 years – “My position contributes to the nursing students and faculty in providing current/up-to-date information such as program information, scholarships, and job opportunities. I put together student handbooks; write ‘The Dose,’ which is a bi-weekly undergraduate newsletter; and help with the College of Nursing Pinning and Hooding ceremonies.”

·        Kathleen Harman, College of Arts and Sciences, finance director, 26 years

·        Susan Hayes, College of Agriculture, research analyst, 33 years -- “I have contributed to UK by educating people and promoting the University through assistance with teaching and extension programs. Work that I do in the laboratory and at the University farm has helped to provide important and often award-winning results from research projects. This helps to establish respect from our peers for both our College and the University.”

·        Anne Jack, College of Agriculture, agricultural research specialist, 9 years

·        Brandi Jones, College of Dentistry, administrative support associate, 2 years

·        Angela Leeber, Human Resources, compensation analyst, 23 years -- “My job contributes to the University by assisting departments in creating and filling their staffing needs and by helping to ensure consistency in job classifications and pay rates. This can translate into a department’s ability to attract, hire and retain employees. “

·        Zachary Leitch, College of Communications and Information Studies, instructional assistant, 2 years

·        Cynthia Lynch, College of Dentistry, clinical clerical supervisor, 20 years

·        Debbie Martin, Human Resources, administrative support associate, 12 years

·        Stella Matuszak, College of Arts and Sciences, administrative services coordinator, 20 years

·        Betty McCann, College of Education, assistant to the director of graduate studies office for curriculum and instruction, 17 years -- “I assist the director of Graduate Studies Office by helping to manage the graduate application process for Curriculum and Instruction, by assisting graduate students with the issues that arise in the application process and providing directions for applicants.”

·        Angie Melton, College of Agriculture, Extension staff assistant, 17 years

·        Jim Monegue, College of Agriculture, research assistant, 8 years

·        Tina Music, College of Pharmacy, pharmaceutical care lab technician, 15 years

·        Anthony Nall, College of Dentistry, storekeeper, 5 years -- “My work contributes to UK through my customer service skills as a storekeeper at the UK College of Dentistry. I ensure that faculty, staff, students and vendors receive first class service in the selling and receiving of dental supplies.”

·        Erica Odusayna, College of Dentistry, clinical unit manager, 4 years -- “I believe that not only my work, but my overall perspective, contributes to the University of Kentucky’s goal of promoting a diverse and inclusive environment. I know that through differences we all have value and treat stakeholders in a way to make that view evident.”

·        Erin Pyrek, College of Engineering, administrative support associate, 4 years -- “My work directly supports the research and education of graduate students. I help them with paperwork and lab supplies, and they work to improve people’s lives through advancements in drug delivery, water purification and cancer therapy, thus contributing to UK and its dedication to excellence in education and research.”

·        Marvin Redmon, College of Agriculture, operations superintendent, 20 years

·        Jeff Rion, UK Libraries, computer support specialist, 2 years

·        Lee Walker, College of Education, staff support associate, 3 years -- “My success is part of a team effort! Each member of the department plays a vital role in helping to keep the department moving forward, reaching and achieving goals set forth by the college and university, and progressing to ensure the best education for our students.”

·        Glen Weinberger, College of Agriculture, research analyst, 28 years -- “My work contributes to UK by providing good technical support to the tobacco farmers of Kentucky and Tennessee. I work for the Tobacco Breeding Program and our main goal is to provide new varieties of tobacco that meet the needs of the farmer, producer (tobacco companies) and the consumer by increasing disease resistance, maintaining yield and hopefully reducing the carcinogens in the tobacco product.”

·        Stephanie Wurth, College of Pharmacy, director of admissions & student diversity, 6 years -- “My work contributes to UK by recruiting, advising, and admitting an academi­cally strong and diverse class for the UK College of Pharmacy.”