Staff Stars
UNCG Employees are long known for volunteering and service.
Do you know a UNCG employee that has been caught in the act of caring?
The council encourages all staff, campus-wide, to nominate employees whom they observe being kind, thoughtful, helpful or considerate.
Ready to Make Someone a Star?
Complete the Staff Stars Recommendation Form
(Requires UNCG username and Password)
Visit the Archives to see winners from previous years.
2010-2011 Academic Year: |
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| Name: | Department: | Details: | Photo: |
| Jennie Armstrong-Bettini | Parking Operations and Campus Access Management | Went above and beyond to make arrangements to find transportation for out of town Hispanic visitors. It was a last minute rush request and Jennie made it happen. Cherry Callahan said "she saved the day for them and her." | |
| Jonathan Britton | The Graduate School | Jonathan went above and beyond expectations recently when The Graduate School migrated from Novell to Microsoft Active Directory. He worked very long hours to ensure that the transition felt as seamless as possible for staff. He showed his true commitment to effectively supporting staff and providing service that goes beyond his job description. |  |
| Lisa Walker | 318 Stone Bldg | Lisa is the Dept of Nutrition Office Manager and because of her, the department office runs smoothly and efficiently. She has an amazing grasp of budget, personnel, and policies and procedures. She multitasks effortlessly, and is constantly interrupted, yet she is always extremely cheerful, energetic, kind, courteous, professional, and helpful. She treats everyone with care and respect, regardless of their position, their needs, or their questions. She is able to accomplish her work quickly and efficiently, meeting deadlines and engaging the appropriate faculty and/or staff as needed. She understands the big picture as well as the details. She loves to learn, and loves challenges. She has also created a very positive working environment through her outstanding supervisory skills, work ethic, and personal demeanor. She works endless hours to take care of everything asked of her. She’s truly a UNCG Staff Star. |  |
| Linda Anderson | School of Nursing | Linda works with the Hickory Outreach Students in the School of Nursing. She assists them in the application, progression, and graduation process. Linda takes an indivdual interest in each student and does everything in her power to make the process as easy as possible. Some comments by the students are: 1) "Your commitment to follow-up speaks well of your organizational skills and caring attitude." 2) "Thank you again, for ALL the help you have given me each semester, Linda - I would have NEVER been finishing up so soon and may have even given up had you not helped me with the electives I had to have. I mean it." 3) "You are so welcoming and always have a smile to offer. I appreciate all you do to make and keep things together" 4) "Your words of wisdom and encouragement helped me through this difficult decision." 5) I just wanted to send a huge thank you for all your help and understanding." Comments from a former supervisor: "Linda's performance is consistently outstanding, from working with prospective and current students to supporting faculty who teach in these programs. Her work is always timely and one to the highest standards. I couldn't ask any more from anyone in terms of quality and timeliness. Students rave about her supportiveness and encouragement. A STAR that definitely shines BRIGHT in the School of Nursing Hickory Outreach Program! | |
| Denyse Coker | School of Nursing | Mrs. Coker is always friendly and helpful. She epitomizes the notion of being a "team player". In her role as the Dean's secretary, she handles an assortment of things that affect many people within the School of Nursing. When asked a question she can always be counted on to address that question to the best of her ability. She never indicates that something "isn't her job". While she is good at setting boundaries, always putting the Dean's work as her priority, she will help others with things like contracts with agencies, minutes, etc. in a helpful, friendly way. Her office is in a high traffic area in the School. I imagine she gets many, many interruptions throughout the day. Despite this, she is ALWAYS friendly and helpful. What an asset to the School! |  |
| Jeanne Irwin-Olson | Anna Gove Student Health Center | Jeanne has always been a pleasure to work with as a co-worker. However, this year I have relied heavily on her expertise in campus programing. She has always been willing to answer questions and guide me in the right direction and has been a patient teacher. She really puts the "T" in teamplayer. |  |
| Aldenia Batts | Registrar's Office | Aldenia has been with the Registrar's Office since 2006. She's seen people come and go in her area. She's seen and endured much political upheaval in her tenure in the office, yet she continues to work with grace and poise, fulfilling her duties and sometimes those of others. Aldenia is an inspiration to us all and we should all strive to have her work ethic. |  |
| Terrica Williams | Registrar's Office | Terrica is the degree audit guru for the campus. Her job affects every student on the campus, providing them with an instrument to let them know where they are in their educational career. Terrica is constantly having to update and maneuver her way through Banner's CAPP in order to make the degree audit reports display properly for the students and their advisers. Because of all the recent Banner updates and upgrades, she has had to keep constant check on the behind the scenes programming to be sure nothing has "broken" It's a very tedious job. I am recognizing Terrica for her ability to handle her very stressful job on a daily basis in a very professional manner. | |
| Stephanie Burns | Registrar's Office | With the many Banner upgrades that the campus has experienced over the past several months, Stephanie's job has been complicated by several new procedures, such as reserved seating and wait listing. Because of these new procedures, plus the implementation of pre-req checking, the campus has called and emailed her non-stop with questions about why this student can't do this and why this student can't do that. Stephanie has handled all the many changes in stride and maintained a calm composure when communicating with the departments and students. My hats off to her for putting the best foot forward in a very stressful time. | |
| Sherry Stevens | Facilites Operations | "Sherry is my boss and a great person. She talks to you and helps you any time. She is a great teacher." Another co-worker said, " She has the best attitude, covers all areas of new hire, does all training classes and give excellent information." "Sherry has her ways to talk to you and makes sure that you understand your job." | |
| George Rivera | Facilites Operations | George Rivera has been in our zone for 2 months and has done an outstanding job. On my floor in McIver Building he makes sure that we get the supplies that we need, that our floor stays buffed and shinning. He goes out of his way to get repairs taken care of. He was so much needed in Zone 2. For his outstanding work he deserves an outstanding staff star. He goes out of his way to make sure we are okay everyday. He has not missed on yet!! |  |
| Valerie Nall | Accounts Payable/Travel | Valerie Nall is a great source of knowledge and is always ready and willing to assist with any issues or concerns dealing with travel. She processes travel forms quickly and efficiently. She does everything in her power to get answers to resolve any questions without delaying the process. Valerie has gone above and beyond her duties on many occassions in assuring that issues are resolved so reimbursements are not held up. Valerie does an outstanding job! | |
| Jason Morris | Human Resources Department | Jason is an inspiration and role model for many on campus with his work in Staff Development; UNCG Staff SenateUNC Staff Assembly, as well as his representation of Staff on many committees on campus. Jason's support and example have encouraged me to persevere in my own efforts to make UNCG a better place to learn and work. |  |
| Jonathan Mitchell | Information Technology Services | A little while ago the Chancellor held a "fireside chat" with staff...and a staff member (Jonathan Mitchell) raised the issue that commuting cyclists have no place to shower when they ride in unless they pay a monthly $20 fee to the rec center to use the showers. Due to Jonathan's efforts, Campus Recreation has set up a "Bike to Work Shower Pass Program" which enables faculty and staff who walk or ride to work to get a free shower in the campus rec center. As one of a number of cyclists who have attempted to establish such a program in the past, we are all very grateful for Jonathan's fresh approach to this issue. For bicyclists at UNCG, Jonathan you are a STAR! |  |
| Dawn Wyrick | Nursing | You meet people and see them on a regular basis and you get to know them and their work ethics. Dawn is a hard worker. She is punctual, shows great attention to details, and most of all respected and admired by all her peers. She is a star in nursing. We as co-workers do not always show how we feel so I now wanted to express she is a deserving employee and friend. |  |
| Jennifer Aguilar | ICA | Day in/day out, week in/week out, "Aggie" has the thankless job of assuring the maintenance, repair, security, and cleanliness of athletic facilities. Aggie is the recipient of requests/suggestions by both UNCG Athletic personnel and those from the community who utilize the facilities. She is an excellent problem solver, very handy, full of useful knowledge and quick to get her hands dirty. Her attitude is always one of "We'll get it done," and with a smile!! |  |
| Brian Hinkle | Campus Enterprises - Dining Facilities Maintenance | Brian and Bob are two of the busiest staff on campus. Still, despite an incredibly heavy work load maintaining food service equipment and facilities, Brian volunteered his valuable time to perform maintenance on two Spartan Cycles Bike Share bikes. These particular bikes had been in storage for weeks because no one had the skills to fix them. Thanks to Brian's expertise, the bikes were quickly repaired and returned to service for use by our students. Without his help, the bikes would still be in storage waiting to be fixed. Thank you Brian!! |  |
| Chris Fay | 800 Oakland Ave. -Sink building | Chris has worked for the university of the over thirty years. He started out as a Grounds Worker. He was promoted to Grounds Manager in 1988. He oversee 231 acres of campus ground and manages 30 employees. When we walk on campus and we see the beautiful grass, flowers, shrubs and trees they are there because someone made it happen. When we have ice and snow he makes sure that our campus is safe for the faculty and staff to come to work. Chris is most deserving to receive a staff star for his years of dedication to the university. |  |
| Terry Goins | Sink Building-Grounds Department | Terry Goins has worked for the university for twenty eight years. He supervises four employees and is over the irrigation system for the campus. He makes sure that the grass is water during the drought. He is at work during snow and ice helping remove snow and ice from the side walks and campus streets to keep the campus safe for faculty,staff and students. When he is not working with irrigation he is busy mowing grass and pruning shrubs at Elliott University Center. He supports the Spartan men basketball team. Terry is most deserving of a staff star because of his dedication to the university. |  |
| Cathy Mutarelli | (North Campus) 5900 Summit Avenue, #201 | Cathy is the Executive Assistant to SERVE Center's Executive Director. Besides keeping one the busiest men in American organized, she finds time to boost office morale by cooking, literally rubbing our backs and sending encouraging emails. Cathy also does the planning and organizing of many staff events. We all love her at SERVE Center and she is irreplaceable! |  |
| Jody Hughes | (North Campus) 5900 Summit Avenue, #201 | Jody is an Administrative Support Specialist in Operations at SERVE Center. What does Jody NOT do?! Okay, so on top of her other Operational duties, Jody processes time sheets and travel forms for all staff at SERVE Center, including our telecommuters. She reviews every time sheet and travel form for accuracy and will let people know if and when they need to make corrections. This may not seem like a lot, but with a staff of almost 60 people who travel extensively, this can be a daunting task. However, Jody always has a smile on her face and even keeps candy at her desk when other staff is not feeling so "smiley". She also volunteers for all of our office socials. Jody ROCKS! |  |
| David Kinsey | School of Nursing | David Kinsey is an outstanding member of our technology team in the School of Nursing. He is highly knowledgeable about his technology responsibilities and treats all faculty, staff, and students with great respect. David quickly responds to any technology problem and resolves most within a matter of minutes. He received the School of Nursing's Staff Excellence Award this past year. We're glad that David has chosen to work with us at UNCG! |  |
| Jan Szelkowski | North Carolina Entrepreneurship Center | Jan goes over and above to work with the students, gets donations for the Southern Entrepreneurship in the Arts, including the bags from Time Warner for the conference, picks up extra items, is really involved in making things a success, helps donors with questions, gets them to their cars, and all in all makes it work! |  |
| Bruce Holland | African American Studies | Since Bruce came to AFS and UNCG, the African American Studies Program has grown substantially including a new Graduate Certificate Program, many more majors and minors, and new tenure-track professors. With his extensive military background in HR, Bruce has streamlined all office procedures,created a more extensive newsletter, supervised up to four workstudy students and one graduate assistant, coordinated several successful conferences, and so many more improvements in the program. He is always friendly and helpful to the students and faculty, always goes above and beyond his job duties with enthusiasm, and it is a joy to have him as a co-worker in the Foust 200 suite |  |
| Andrew Sharpe | EUC | For many years, Drew very quietly goes about the business of fixing "emergency" tech issues in the EUC. Whenever there is a small or large set up requiring technical support, Drew is ALWAYS on the spot, spending countless hours ensuring events take place without issues. Many times, people who use the EUC fail to request the proper equipment and support and then at the last minute expect service from the EUC. Drew will hustle to get everything set up, without complaining and without expecting anything in return, even though a mistake was made by someone else. It's a very behind the scenes and thankless job, but he deserves recognition for his expertise and quick service. |  |
| Eric Laudenbacher | Parking Services | I recently left the Walker Deck Parking garage in a considerable hurry because the departmental Holiday social was being held in my home that evening. While loading up my car with final exams I sat my computer bag down. You guessed it … I drove off without my computer bag. When I got home and unloaded the car I realized my error. I quickly contacted my assistant and explained the situation. She was able to get in touch with Mr. Eric Laudenbacher (Parking Services) who immediately went to the parking space and fortunately he was able to secure the bag with computer intact. Mr. Laudenbacher was also kind enough to stand in the cold, on the corner of Theta and Stirling Street, so that I could retrieve the bag "drive-thru" style and get back to my last minute holiday social preparations. This was indeed a great early Christmas present for me and I saw a STAR in Eric Laudenbacher that day. |  |
| Kate Budries | Parking Services | I would like to nominate Kate Budries for Staff Senate Star Staff due to her excellance in customer service. She has the most radient smile and manages to keep smiling no mater how long her line of cars exiting the Walker Deck gets. She is very helpful to all customers on the phone and gives 100% to any task she is given. She is an elaboriate team player and we are proud to have her in our department. | |
| Joseph Hall | Housing and Residence Life | I wanted to take a minute to share with you how one of your employees turned my anxious moment at UNCG into a “feel good” experience. I was submitting a proposal for upcoming work to your housing office and, with the final minutes to the submission deadline ticking down, I could not find Housing’s Grey House. I walked into one of your residence halls and asked an employee, Joseph Hall, for assistance and being new himself, he did not know the answer. However, rather than just telling me he didn’t know the answer, Joseph spent about ten minutes working with me to find the right building. Joseph’s willingness to assist me made my day and says a lot about the culture at UNCG and made such an impression that I thought it worth sharing the story with you. |  |
| Steve Siler | Facilities Operations | I would like to nominate Steve because of his outstanding commitment to Facilities Operations. He has been a faithful employee for thirty eight years and he has worked in several different Divisions in Facilities. He is now the acting Director for Facilities and he goes above and beyond his duties to assit his co-workers and other departments on campus and the campus community. Steve with his years of service to the University deserves to get a Staff Star. |  |
| Jermaine Sinclaire | Registrar's Office | Over the past two days, ITS has been working with the Registrar's Office to migrate away from Novell to ADS and XP to Windows 7. Jermaine has been instrumental in being sure that even with the work of the ITS folks, each person has been able to get to the different areas of their computer. My computer has had a lot of trouble, but Jermaine has been right there to be sure that I'm able to get up and running. I've greatly appreciated his dedication to his job and wonderful attitude about the whole process. Therefore, I'd like to nominate Jermaine for the Staff Star. |  |
| Ada Baldwin | Facilities | I nominate Ms.ADA Baldwin for she is the STAR of Facility Services. She goes fare an beyond the call of duty for her department and for her employees, She makes sure employees get the supplies that they need to get the job done.She also makes sure that her supervisors have what they need to supply these buildings and i think that is a very tough task for such a time as these,you may see her walking these buildings making sure that the students are happy and satisfied.Ada is a peoples person she loves her job and what she does,when you see her she always has a smile on her face an an open door policy to her employees,thats why she is our STAFF STAR.FRIENDLY,FARE,FACTUAL,thats ADA. |  |
| Paul Bigelow | Facilities | Nomination 1) This staff star is very deserving,this guy is always on the job.He goes far beyond the call of duty just take alook at his floors in HHP he keeps them spotless HE is the general utility man for zone 3.He also makes sure the gym floors are at their best.He is committed to the mission/vision and values of the campus.He has an OUTSTANDING can do attitude,always willing to go that extra mile with every task placed in front of him.He embraces change while providing a high level of value to our department,He has an enormous sense of humor,always with a smile on his face and gleam in his eye!He truly is the poster guy for our department and he is very deserving of this STAFF STAR. Nomination 2) I would like to nominate Paul Bigelow for his outstanding work ethic here at the University. He is an outstanding employee who goes well above the call of duty to assist me in our daily operations as well as his co-workers with anything that is needed. He takes pride in anything that he does and always wants the areas he works in to look the best as well as having an overall great sense of pride about the department. He is very deserving of this award and I look forward to him receiving it! Thank you-Sherry Stevens |
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| Ray Riggins | Facilities | Ray is a dedicated employee, who goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist his co-workers with anything in our zone. His attitude, behavior, respect and interaction demonstrates not only the kind of employee he is, but the kind of person he truly is as well. His willingness to go far above what is expected of him daily is often over-looked, but never forgotten! |  |
| Lilwanda James | Facility Services | I would like to nominate Lilwanda James for a Senate Staff Star because of her outstanding commitment to job excellence. Lilwanda ensures that our trashcans are kept clean, our offices are dusted, and our bathrooms are sanitary. She regularly checks with us to see if we need anything from her and she has happily helped many of us in Curry Building when we’ve forgotten our office keys. Lilwanda has a wonderful personality and takes pride in her duties. We are extremely lucky to have an individual like her in our building! |  |
| Brenda Jones | Dean's Office | The School of Education Student Advising Center is one of the busiest offices in the entire School. As the Administrative Assistant, Brenda Jones is the first contact for prospective, current, and former students and sets the tone for students' experiences within the School of Education. She is always willing to assist a student or faculty or staff member in need and is the person people tend to turn to for "the answers." Essentially, she is a key cog in the wheel that is the School of Education. |  |
| Linda Gillis | Housing & Residence Life | Linda has the hardest job in Housing. She is responsible for the key and access management for all 24 residence halls. She gets requests from literally dozens of people on a daily basis, and manages access for more than 5000 students, faculty, and staff. She is especially taxed during the fall move-in process, but always finds a way to get the job done. Linda is a true asset to the department and the students of UNCG. |  |
| Mary Carter | Facilities Operations | Mary is a joy to work with. She has been a dedicated employee to the University for over 30 years. She will go above and beyond her call of duty to assist you when needed. She has a very pleasant personality. Her thoughtfulness, caring and giving heart, dedication to the University, and her utmost respect from her co-workers is what makes her a staff star. |  |
| Mary Katsikas | Chemistry | Mary has been one of the most dedicated and long serving employees that I have had the privilege of working with at UNCG. Her dedication focuses on her students in the Chemistry Department, keeping them supplied and safe. She is fierce in efforts to protect her department and it's resources. Any time someone needs help or information, she is always willing to offer her extensive knowledge. If you ever want to learn more about UNCG's history take a minute to talk to Mary who was an undergrad here before her career with the Chemistry department. Thanks for all the help you have provided to your students and others at the university. |  |
| Dawn Avolio | History | Dawn is an exceptional staff member who is a joy to work with. She is instrumental to the smooth running of the department and makes our office a warm and welcoming place for faculty and students alike. |  |
| John Meroney | POCAM | John has always been a great team player and extremely helpful. He's assembled signage for me many times this week during my staff shortage at night. He has always been a dedicated worker and willing to help in any way! He balances his school work and his position here very well. We are lucky to have him on our team. | |
| Brian Downs | School of HES | I want to publicly acknowledge the extraordinary efforts Brian exerted earlier this month to address/correct a virus that affected nearly all of my research lab computers (10+ computers) and could have affected 25+ external drives/memory sticks on which we back up data that is in various stages of entry, transcription, scoring, etc. All of the data from my ongoing longitudinal study was potentially at risk. He spent two entire days cleaning our highest priority computers up. In addition, he volunteered to check home computers/laptops of all of my staff to ensure that we do not transfer the virus back in again. He has also provided me with some guidance about better approaches to backing up our extensive data. Brian made this his top priority without even being asked. He worked effectively and courteously with me and all of my staff and students. I am so appreciative to have Brian in our school. I can only imagine how long a process this would have been otherwise. | |
| Kevin Bullard | ITS | ||
| Joe Bundy | Biology | Joe Bundy is an asset to UNCG. He was my lab instructor for Microbiology and he did such a superior job of connecting what we were learning in lecture with what was happening in our labs, which from my previous experiences is rare! The lab was not just another thing to do and study for, but a way to deepen my understanding of the subject. Joe approached each lab with humor and excitement for the subject that he teaches. It was rather infectious and appreciated for a morning lab. He is a person that is so intelligent, but appreciates opportunities to teach when asked questions. I looked forward to lab each and every day and that is an "Ellen Cox Guarantee!" He was also a great fill-in for Robin Maxwell when she needed to be away. The two of them work in tandem to create one of the best college-level learning experiences that I have had! |  |
| Hal Shelton | Facilities | I would like to nominate Hal Shelton for a Senate Staff Star because of his commitment to the University. He helps to make our campus shine through the heat and snow. He schedules the masons repairs,garage, special pruning and mechanical repairs. When you see the beautiful campus with all the shrubs,flowers,trees and the grass trimed and mowed you know someone made it happen. |  |
| Bill Hardin | Facilities | I would like to nominate Bill Hardin for a Senate Staff Star because of his service to the University. Bill has worked in the Grounds Department over thirty years and he is in charge of training new employee on safety. He makes sure that the chemicals that are used in the grounds department are mixed and used properly. He is also in charge of tree maintenance. Bill with his years of service to the University deserves to be honored with a staff star. | |
| Shonda Drake | Office of Safety | I have had the pleasure of working with Shonda on several "Building Safety Inspections" and am impressed with how thorough she is and how sharpe her eye is. I am also impressed that she takes the time to explain in as pleasant a way as possible, why something is a violation, and how it might be a hazard. I find her personality to be very "disarming", keeping most folks from becoming defensive. I think she is a fine addition to the staff at UNCG and look forward to working with her in the future. |  |
| Dedrick Curtis | University Registrars' Office | Dedrick consistently provides exemplary service to both his VA students as well as any fellow staff members who requests his assistance. I cannot count the number of times I have overheard VA students and their families discussing amongst themselves how impressed they have been with Dedrick''s knowledge of even peripheral subjects, his professionalism, and his willingness to help them in any way possible. Dedrick is an enormous asset to our office and to the entire University. |  |
| David Alcon | Facilities- Electric Shop | David is very knowledgeable and is always willing to assist when needed. He is always willing to take the time to explain to the customer what the problem is and what can be done to remedy it. He is a pleasure to work with and offers excellent customer service. He is an asset to the university. | |
| Roberta Maxwell | Biology | I am a professional developer for a NC school system. My job is to teach educators best practices to use in order to achieve student learning. My elementary teachers are great at trying some of the things that I teach them, but the older the group of kids that a teacher teaches, the more unlikely they are to deliver quality instruction that allows for processing time and many modes of learning (Gardner''s Principles). I was expecting my return to college, especially in a Biology course, to be an inhumane way to spend a few weeks of vacation in the summer. I was absolutely shocked at all of the ways that Robin went out of her way to help students reach their educational goals. She provided outlines for each class so that the class time was not spent hurriedly writing down everything from a power point slide, but making sure key information was noted and that we could truly hear what she had to say about the topic. She also created moments within her lectures for students to group together to solve a problem. This was a great way to help process the new information and integrate it with what we already knew. She even found a way to demonstrate how bacteria recombine using student volunteers and some toys so that a microscopic function was crystal clear. She was not just a lecturer, she showed up at almost every lab session to help her outstanding partner, Joe Bundy, answer student questions, facilitate students'' learning of the aseptic techniques and just to genuinely check-in on us outside of class time. She was always very fast at returning grades so that students could readjust their thinking and work on material that they may not have understood very well. She met with students when they asked and before each test she gave an hour the night before to log into the collaboration suite on Blackboard so that students who had questions or needed something restated had an opportunity to do so before they were tested. Her tests were also something that I certainly appreciate! She uses many modes of testing besides the usual multiple choice and for that I thank her! With over 200 credit hours at institutions of higher learning, I say with confidence that this was the best class that I have ever taken! Who knew that I would learn so much in a few weeks and am starved to know more! | |