UNC Asheville Staff Council awarded eight new Staff Awards in June 2021, intended to recognize staff who don’t typically get recognized, who make UNC Asheville a better place, and who show a commitment to supporting staff colleagues. Each award recipient receives $100 and a certificate of recognition.
"Candace always has a smile and a kind word to share. She thinks of small ways to spread joy, which helps to build a culture of respect, appreciation, empathy and concern for others in our office. During the pandemic when most of Finance was working from home, Candace went out of her way to assist and take on extra responsibilities so others in Finance could remain at home. She is the ultimate team player.”
Candace has also “volunteered for the MLAS Program and maintained the alumni Facebook group to foster a sense of community among graduates. She regularly volunteered at the COVID clinic at the Reuter Center, showing her dedication to our community's health and well being. Furthermore, she's a photographer and poet, truly embodying the Liberal Arts spirit. She always has a kind word and a smile and can brighten even the worst days.”
"Katie Cox is a rock star. She not only officially supports the Department of Health and Wellness faculty and students, but also unofficially supports the Healthy Campus Initiative, and serves as back-up support for the entire NC Center for Health and Wellness staff. Even more impressive is that she also did Herculean support for the NC Policy Collaboratory funded projects this year, which includes the Student Health Ambassador program and the Social Bridging Project, and the evaluation team for those projects. She also has supported the team developing a cooperative Master of Public Health program with UNC Chapel Hill and MAHEC. Katie always does her work with care and quality, and she is a master at gentle follow-up. She's simply wonderful and an absolute pleasure to work with."
"Mitizy has worked in Advancement for about 8 years and is the glue that holds the Advancement Office together. Everyone in Advancement depends on Mitizy for help navigating purchasing, travel, visitors to the office, and more. She works hard and receives far too little recognition for her efforts. Mitizy is persistent in resolving issues and consistent in her support of members of our team. Through many leadership transitions and reorganizations, she has remained resilient and adaptable. Mitizy truly deserves to be uplifted by her colleagues and our University."
"David Earnhardt makes it his business to know almost everyone in Asheville and to connect them with our students. We may joke that he likes to lay out the mints and water for career fairs in a specific way, but that's because he's adamant that we show our employers we're glad that they're here. David always volunteers to help. When the gas shortage happened, he offered rides in his electric car to everyone in our office. He volunteered at the vaccine clinic, at graduation, and will often take the grunt work in our office of carrying heavy things, even mannequins wearing suits that he has to position rather awkwardly. When the pandemic put a pause on his travel, he started the Cool Jobs Email which goes out every Monday and the Cool Jobs Podcast, taking a deep dive into some very interesting careers. David is a strong member of any team he joins, jumps in with both feet when colleagues have questions, and offers his assistance and expertise in a way that is fun, informative and professional."
"Nick is a professional, trained mechanic who has worked tirelessly on our many aged vehicles for several years. Nick is an outgoing and friendly person who goes out of his way to help people. His positive attitude is contagious. If Nick is not repairing UNC Asheville's vehicles and equipment, you can find him hiking to a mountain vista or trying to outsmart Western North Carolina's trout with his fly rod and homemade lures."
"Kim Kessaris has served UNC Asheville and the Asheville City Schools Foundation as the AVID coordinator for over 20 years. The AVID program has a 100% success rate for high school graduation, and an impressive percentage of students going on to a 2- or 4-year college. This program changes their lives, and provides invaluable experience for our future teachers. Kim has an amazing connection with our students, our department, and she brings students to our campus, as recruitment. In addition she serves the Department of Education staff, faculty, and students by creating spaces for our students to work as tutors and she has worked with faculty and staff to lead book reviews around issues of race, equity, and inclusion. She has been instrumental in advocating for AVID scholarship students and works closely with the staff in Advancement. She is also an alumna of UNC Asheville so has devoted her entire life to helping support a mission of caring for others and serving all."
"Jhierry Lewis creates a wonderful atmosphere for students, faculty and staff as he manages the Circulation Desk in Ramsey Library. He consistently brings a bright, positive, friendly, professional, diligent, thoughtful, friendly, and supportive presence to the workplace. He fosters an atmosphere that encourages collaboration, openness and mutual respect and support among students and university colleagues. In all situations, he deftly handles interactions with library patrons with poise and professionalism. He demonstrates high standards of service by thoughtfully offering invaluable ideas that support his colleagues and students to ensure that the needs of each individual are met. Last March, right before we closed Jhierry hand delivered and made sure faculty had the books they requested. He always goes above and beyond for faculty, staff, and students."
"Alicia has deep institutional knowledge that has helped so many students graduate. She is a tireless worker whose job is one of those that helps to hold the campus together, but doesn't seem dramatic so it doesn't get noticed. On top of the work she does for all of us, she always has a smile and a friendly, supportive comment. She's a great colleague, and her efforts have supported other staff, the faculty and students for many years.”
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