The recipients of the 2015 Chancellor’s Awards for Staff Excellence include (from left) Mary Brown, Debra Black and Samuel Darko. (Photo by August Jennewein)
Three University of Missouri–St. Louis employees were named recipients of the 2015 Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence at the State of the University Address on Sept. 16.
UMSL Chancellor Tom George presented the awards, honoring each of the staff members for superior achievement and accomplishment. First given in 1988, the annual staff and faculty awards continue a campus tradition of recognizing excellent work and commitment.
Mary Brown, coordinator of technical training for ITS administrative services, received the 2015 Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in the administrative/professional category.
Frequently working with people of varying technical skill levels, Brown regularly puts to use her tremendous knowledge and ability to communicate ideas. She is known for her eagerness to assist, often developing her own training and support materials as go-to resources for colleagues across campus.
“When the web office deployed a new design for the sites in the domain this year, Mary acted as a frontline conduit for issues and feedback,” said Jon Hinderliter, assistant director in University Marketing & Communications. “She updated user guides based on the new design and wrote new ones for new features that were deployed.”
Administrative assistant Debra Black received the 2015 Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in the office/technical category.
Black’s work in the UMSL Police Department earned her a Triton Star Employee of the Month Award earlier this year. Her dedication, efficiency and teamwork have garnered high marks from colleagues in other departments as well.
“Debbie is one of the best team players I have seen on this campus,” said Sandra Ray, billing and office supervisor for Parking and Transportation. “She works collaboratively with Parking and Transportation and the police department. That means large amounts of work. She does not stop until the task is done.”
Custodian Samuel Darko received the 2015 Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in the service/maintenance category.
Best known for his upbeat personality and positive attitude, which earned him the Triton Star Employee of the Month award in August 2014, Darko demonstrates his caring nature and helpful, courteous attitude on a daily basis. His dedication to the custodial support of the offices in his care is also evident.
“Sam demonstrates exceptional interactive skills with customers and coworkers,” said support staff member Donna Bonner. “If he sees someone struggling with a package, he will help carry it. He always greets customers and coworkers with a warm hello and a smile.”
The event also included 25-year service award presentations to the following staff members:
Jerry Richard Bennett, mechanical trades specialist, Maintenance Services
Renee Crothers-Garner, custodial supervisor, Custodial Services
Deborah Doering, senior business support specialist, Professional & Continuing Studies
Rufus Dyle, financial and accounting analyst, College of Optometry
Lis Ellerbusch, office support assistant III, College of Optometry
Diane A. Goodwin, executive assistant II, College of Education
Octavia Hollins, office support assistant II, Admissions
Derrick Holmes, building coordinator, J.C. Penney Building Operations
Diana S. Johnson, associate registrar, Registration
Shelley Kerley, senior director advancement, St. Louis Public Radio
Brenda M. McPhail, associate vice chancellor, University Advancement
Mark Tranel, interim dean, School of Public Policy and Administration
Dennis E. Usery, groundskeeper II, Grounds
Karen Ann Walsh, office support assistant IV, College of Business Administration
Paul Wilmarth, instructional technical specialist, Academic IT Services
Click here to view Chancellor George’s State of the University presentation.
Media Coverage:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
This story was written by Rob Barrett, a UMSL student pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing.
