Staff Awards
In 2005, the Student Affairs Division initiated awards for staff excellence with the inaugural winners announced in April 2005. Every year, the Student Affairs Recognition Committee will present awards to permanent full-time and part-time employees (not available to probationary and temporary employees) in the division of Student Affairs that meet the criteria described below.
- Review the criteria below carefully before making nominations. All criteria must be met in order to be considered. Most of the awards call for “truly outstanding service, above and beyond the expectations of the position.”
- Applications are needed for each award nominated. The nominations should come from people familiar with the candidate’s service to The Division of Student Affairs.
- Questions regarding nominations may be directed to Dwayne Hines (k_hines@uncg.edu), Chair of the Student Affairs Recognition Committee.
The primary criteria for consideration for each award are service and job performance that goes beyond the daily work of the employee.
- Exemplary performance both in the employee’s own responsibilities as well as service beyond assigned duties. Established record of significant achievement sustained over a period of time.
- Continuous leadership in the programs, services or operations. Contributing to positive relations by offering helpful and friendly assistance which can serve as a model for other employees.
- Innovative and/or creative ideas that have improved the efficiency and/or effectiveness of Student Affairs, UNCG, or the community. Ideas that might contribute to the resolution of a difficult problem or a method which would improve department output or quality of work.
- Distinguished service and meritorious contributions within Student Affairs and/or the university and/or the community. Contributions could include services at the University, State or National level that have had a significant influence on the university or the division, i.e., brought recognition to the division or university. Extensive contributions to division or university committees or organizations.
- Activity fostering cooperation and harmony; making the division a more humane place to work. Successful use of human resources with fairness, respect and equal opportunity. Outstanding concern for the welfare of others which has led to an improved work environment.
Student Affairs Recognition Awards
The Partnership Award is presented to a person or department outside of Student Affairs for their collaborative efforts with Student Affairs.
The Unsung Hero Award is given to an individual who works quietly behind the scenes for the good of Student Affairs and UNCG and, while not being publicly celebrated, demonstrates leadership through dedication and service.
The Team Player Award is given to a Student Affairs employee(s) who treats other team members with respect. They consider the ideas and opinions of others, share information, are willing accept to responsibility and work beyond their office and/or department. They utilize strong interpersonal skills, work towards maintaining harmonious relationships while enhancing team productivity and broader university collaboration.
The Graduate Assistant of the Year is an award recognizing a student serving in a graduate assistantship in Student Affairs who has displayed exemplary performance both in their own position as well as in service to the division, university, and/or community beyond their assigned duties.
The Rookie of the Year is an award recognizing a Student Affairs employee who is in their first year of employment and has displayed exemplary performance in both the employee’s own responsibilities as well as service to the division, university and community beyond assigned duties.
The Culture of Care Award recognizes a Student Affairs employee who has made a significant difference in the life of one or more students, by being an example of providing a culture of care and going above and beyond to impact.
The Community IMPACT Award is presented with a focus to highlight and recognize a professional and/or graduate staff member that has demonstrated a commitment to community service throughout the fall and spring academic term. This identified individual(s) would have contributed ongoing impact and service to communities of Greensboro and/or beyond; which may include their investment of the 24 hours of community service university allocation. All staff are eligible for this award and more than one recipient may be selected.
The Diversity and Inclusion Award recognizes a DSA staff member who has excelled and provided distinguished service in the areas of diversity and inclusion. Whether maximizing or creating an opportunity, this staff person prioritizes diversity and inclusion when supporting and engaging with students from various backgrounds and identities, when collaborating with colleagues and departments within the division, and/or when engaging in their own ongoing professional development. All staff are eligible for this award and more than one recipient may be selected.
The Excellence in Assessment Award recognizes an individual’s significant accomplishment in assessment. The peer nomination should outline the specific project, impact, and how it contributed to student learning and division priorities.
The Department Assessment Award will be presented to the department which made a significant contribution to the culture of assessment for student affairs. The senior leadership team will meet to decide the department to highlight each year.
Student Affairs Awards – PAST WINNERS
Unsung Hero – Ashley Marshall. (RecWell)
Unsung Hero – Anna Gray (EUC)
Team Player – Meredith Atchison (CAP)
Graduate Assistant of the Year – Cedric Dunham (Esports)
Rookie of the Year – Arrius McCain (CPD)
Rookie of the Year – Tyeesha “Tye” Wesley (HRL)
Culture of Care – Annette Isley (HRL)
Community Impact – William Parrish (EUC)
Excellence in Assessment – Vivian O’Brien (CPD)
Department Assessment – Office of Intercultural Engagement (OIE)
Partnership Award- Dr. Heather Adams (English Department)
Legacy Award – Melvalyn Pate (Division Office)
Rookie of the Year Award: Vivian O’Brien (Career & Professional Development), Unsung Hero Award: Keeyana Talley (Housing & Residence Life), Diversity & Inclusion Award: Michael Clinton (Career & Professional Development), Legacy of Excellence Award: Robert Barker (Student Rights & Responsibilities), Team Player Award: Jayla Beeler (Housing & Residence Life), Excellence in Assessment Award: Erik Unger (Recreation & Wellness), Excellence in Assessment Award (Department): Recreation & Wellness, Graduate Student of the Year Award: Abby Draut (Recreation & Wellness), Partnership Award: Dr. Jessica McCall (Senior Lecturer, Communication Studies), Culture of Care Award: Denisha Bland (Dean of Students)
Rookie of the Year Award: Katelyn Bodwell (Leadership & Civic Engagement), Unsung Hero Award: Carol Bell (Recreation & Wellness), Diversity & Inclusion Award: Megan Karbley (Dean of Students), Legacy of Excellence Award: Michelle Parson (Division of Student Affairs Central Office), Team Player Award: Jolie Helton (Division of Student Affairs Central Office), Excellence in Assessment Award: Paul Lentz (Housing & Residence Life), Graduate Student of the Year Award: Caroline Forrest (Dean of Students) & Amberlina Alston (Intercultural Engagement), Partnership Award: Emily Wiersma (New Student Transitions & First Year Experience), Culture of Care Award: Colleen Burford (Recreation & Wellness)
Rookie of the Year Award: Stephanie Larson (Career & Professional Development), Unsung Hero Award: Mary Dennis (Housing & Residence Life), Diversity & Inclusion Award: Diana Aguillon (Housing & Residence Life), Legacy of Excellence Award: Chris Gregory (Housing & Residence Life), Team Player Award: Charles Smoot (Housing & Residence Life) & Lindsey Woelker (Leadership & Civic Engagement), Excellence in Assessment Award: Natasha Young (Housing & Residence Life), Graduate Student of the Year Award: Janay Crosland (Housing & Residence Life), Community Impact Award: Catie Payne (Recreation & Wellness), Partnership Award: Vicki Cathcart (Religious Life Council), Culture of Care Award: Dr. Traci Millian (Student Health Services)
Rookie of the Year Award: Ashley Owens (Housing & Residence Life), Graduate Assistant of the Year Award: Jessica “Twitch” Twitchell (Office of Intercultural Engagement), Unsung Hero Award: Kristina Gage (Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement), Team Player Award: Caitlin Payne (Department of Recreation & Wellness), Culture of Care Award: Alex Hauer (Department of Recreation & Wellness), Excellence in Assessment Award: Shelley Wald (Office of Housing & Residence Life), Department Assessment Award: Office of Campus Activities & Programs, Community IMPACT Award: Christine E. Woods (Office of Housing & Residence Life), Diversity & Inclusion Award: Demarcus Merritt (Office of Housing & Residence Life), Legacy of Excellence Award: Venoria Douglas, Partnership Award: Austin McKim (Office of New Student Transitions and First Year Experience)
Partnership Award: Dr. Julie Mendez Smith (Psychology Department); Unsung Hero Award: Dr. Will Dodson (Housing & Residence Life); Team Player Awards: Charles Clency (Housing & Residence Life) and Elliott Kimball (Office of Intercultural Engagement); Graduate Assistant of the Year: Candice Johnson (Campus Activities & Programs); Rookie of the Year: Lindsey Vega (Dean of Students Office); Culture of Care Award: Terri Spears (Student Health Services); Legacy of Excellence Award: Dr. Mary Anderson (Dean of Students Office)
Employee of the Year: Curtis Tarver (Campus Activities and Programs); Team Player – Kory Burgess (Housing and Residence Life); Unsung Hero – Ian Aitken (Housing and Residence Life); Partnership Award – UNCG Police Department; Graduate Assistant of the Year – Jonathan Hennessy (Department of Recreation & Wellness); Legacy of Excellence Award – Derek Lankford (Student Health Services); Rookie of the Year – Ricquita Dillard (Office of Intercultural Engagement)
Employee of the Year: Kala Taylor (Career Services Center); Team Player – Robert Barker (Dean of Students); Unsung Heroes – A Pu (Student Health Services); Partnership Award – Dr. Keith Mobley (School of Education); Graduate Assistant of the Year – Alex Stanczak (Department of Recreation & Wellness); Legacy of Excellence Award – Dr. Tresa Saxton (Student Health Services)
Employee of the Year: Ericka Gonzalez-Smith (Leadership & Service-Learning); Team Player – William Parrish (Elliott University Center); Unsung Heroes – Eric Alston & Wayne Michaux (Housing & Residence Life); Partnership Award – Beyond Academics; Graduate Assistant of the Year – Lisa Santiago (Career Services Center)
Legacy of Excellence Award: Barbara Gainey; Employee of the Year: Patrick Madsen; Team Player: Erik Unger; Unsung Hero: Emily Nanna; Partnership: Auxiliary Services