Friday, May 30, 2008

Writer: Karen Coker, 706/542-3400, kcoker@franklin.uga.edu
Contact: Noel Fallows, 706/542-3400, nfallows@franklin.uga.edu

UGA’s Franklin College recognizes staff for service and excellence

Athens, Ga. — Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines the word “support” in many ways: “to carry,” “to promote the interests or cause of” and “to keep going” are among those definitions. And while these definitions may vary, they are, together, a way to describe the staff in the departments and units within the University of Georgia’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.

The college’s annual staff awards reception recognizes the hundreds of staff who dedicate themselves to their work on behalf of the college in the areas of administrative support, advisement and information technology as well as library, technical and laboratory services. The reception, held earlier this month, honored staff in two categories: years of service to the Franklin College and excellence in contributions to their departments.

This year 14 staff members were noted for their years of service, ranging from 10 to 40 years. These awards, which were presented by Associate Dean Noel Fallows, mark continuous years of service and help recognize the value of long-term commitment to working for the Franklin College. Honored were: Mary Elizabeth Brewer (10 years, senior accountant, cellular biology); Faye F. Chatman (18 years, program coordinator, Gwinnett and Griffin campuses); Steven D. Cox (10 years, piano technician, Hugh Hodgson School of Music); Dennis Curtis (20 years, piano technician, Hugh Hodgson School of Music); Joann Davis (40 years, laboratory technician, plant biology; pictured above, center) ;

Kevin O. Kelly (20 years, library associate, Hugh Hodgson School of Music); Shannon Kennedy (11 years, business manager, plant biology; pictured above, right); Genet Kibreab (10 years, administrative associate, chemistry); Nancy H. Perkins (10 years, business manager, microbiology); Pamela L. Riddle (10 years, administrative assistant, psychology); Louise F. Seagraves (15 years, administrative assistant, psychology); Carrie Dell Smith (10 years, administrative associate, chemistry); Melanie Smith (20 years, research technician, plant biology); Marilyn A. Steffe (30 years, student affairs professional, psychology); and Susan Watkins (20 years, admissions counselor, plant biology; pictured above, left) .

Dean Garnett S. Stokes, who welcomed this year’s attendees, presented staff excellence awards to individuals selected by a committee lead by Fallows. “The competition was particularly fierce,” Fallows said of the departments who nominated their employees for this year’s recognition, which includes a $500 award. Nominees were evaluated and selected based on five criteria: their excellence in fulfilling job requirements; their ability to demonstrate initiative and creativity toward improving the operation of their unit; their motivation to promote a positive morale in their workplace; and their dedication to improving the image and performance of their unit.

As Stokes introduced each of this year’s five recipients, she offered excerpts from comments she received from departments nominating each of the winners. She began with Patricia Bates, administrative associate in microbiology: “A senior grants officer from Sponsored Programs writes that Pat is ‘one of the most pleasant people I have had the opportunity to work with at the university,’” Stokes read. “‘I wish every department on campus had someone like Pat.’”

Next up was Michael J. Caplinger, systems administrator specialist in physics and astronomy. Stokes quoted Steven P. Lewis, a professor in the department: “‘Mike is responsible for overseeing and installing, maintaining, upgrading and troubleshooting all computing facilities,’” Stokes read. “‘Mike consistently performs his duties with a level of excellence that goes far above and beyond the call of duty, and he does this all with good humor and a smile,’” she continued from Lewis’ remarks.

Third among the recipients was Ernestine Malcolm, senior accountant in psychology. She read the opening words from Malcolm’s nomination: “Dr. [Richard] Marsh states, ‘if I had to pick a “mother” who helps and supports our mission as a department, then I would easily choose Ernestine; she is the glue and fabric that holds our university community together.’”

Stokes presented the fourth award to Zinetta P. McDonald, business manager in religion. “‘Another title for Zinetta might be Jack of All Trades,’” Stokes read from the nomination. “‘She is the budget officer, section control officer, assistant to the graduate coordinator, assistant to department head, receptionist, public relations officer and computer support assistant for the department.’” Continuing, Stokes said, “‘she is also the budget officer and administrative staff for an institute that falls within the department of religion.’”

The fifth award was given to Kathy Wilkes (right), business manager in cellular biology. Stokes noted that Wilkes’ nominator was a colleague, Genia King. “Kathy’s nominator writes, ‘I can honestly say that I enjoy coming to work each day and that Kathy Wilkes is a large reason of why I have such a positive attitude,’” Stokes quoted King. “‘In the cellular biology office we are a team, all working for a common goal and each supportive of the other. A smooth-running office does not happen spontaneously. It takes an exceptional business manager to establish such an environment, and in Kathy Wilkes our department is fortunate to have such an exceptional leader.’”

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at UGA is the oldest and largest college on campus. With more than 650 faculty members and 16,000 students – and 30 departments and 29 programs and centers – the Franklin College spans disciplines from anthropology to women’s studies, and includes the Lamar Dodd School of Art and the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. The Franklin College reaches nearly all UGA students, whether through such core classes as English and mathematics; advanced courses such as music theory and simulation physics; study abroad opportunities throughout the world; or through the advising office. The generosity of alumni and friends has established important endowment support for students, faculty members and programs throughout the Franklin College.

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