Recipients of 2011 Board of Regents Staff Awards Announced
Adelphi, Md. (Sept. 9, 2011) -- University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents Chairman Orlan M. Johnson and USM Chancellor William E. Kirwan honored winners of the 2011 USM Regents' Staff Awards during today's board meeting at the University of Maryland University College.
The awards recognize staff members who have made exceptional contributions to their organizations, students and the university community.
Award winners are selected based on nominations and letters of support from colleagues, culminating in a formal recommendation from the Council of University System Staff, which provides non-faculty USM employees with a voice in system governance.
Each award carries a $1,000 prize, provided by the institutions and the University System of Maryland Foundation.
The following USM staff members were honored:
Regents' Staff Award for Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment
Exempt:
Alan Santos, Director of Undergraduate Student Services in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP).
Mr. Santos has demonstrated a genuine commitment to students at the Clark School of Engineering, often rearranging his schedule to meet with students one-on-one to both advise them on their academic endeavors and to assist with any personal issues they have, especially while adjusting to college life. He stresses physical activity -- often running or biking with students -- and the importance of building social networks of support.
Non-Exempt:
Cecilia Jordan, Academic Programs Specialist in the Department of Biology, also at UMCP
Ms. Jordan not only manages the day-to-day logistical operations of the Biology Department Undergraduate office -- essentially managing the office single-handedly during the summer -- but also serves as an invaluable resource for students, providing both information and advice. She is on the frontline for meetings with prospective students and their parents visiting the university and has more than once talked an anxious parent "off the ledge" about a challenging issue concerning their student. Additionally, Ms. Jordan has gone above and beyond her job description by voluntarily serving as an instructor for a section of UNIV 100, helping students transition to life at the University of Maryland.
Regents' Staff Award for Exceptional Contribution to the Institution or Unit
Exempt:
Jim Lord, the Design Director in the Office of Creative Services at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
Mr. Lord has worked closely for many years with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to design print materials for recruitment, admissions, and orientation. These projects have included designing the "Live More/Learn More" view book; overseeing the "UMBC Super Heroes" marketing campaign; and designing material for UMBC's new social networking project. Jim also led the charge to redesign UMBC's mascot logo. Supported by the athletics department, he crafted a new "Retrievers" image that captures the essence of the UMBC spirit: loyalty, strength, and pride. The resulting logo has been enthusiastically embraced.
Non-Exempt:
Sandra Ramses, Program Management Specialist in the Department of Biological Sciences at Salisbury University (SU).
Ms. Ramses' leadership, attention to detail, and organizational skills not only keep her unit running smoothly despite any challenges but also inspire and amaze her peers. She has become the authority on the Department's day-to-day operations and budget. From her work to transform a non-descript room into a genuinely inviting student lounge, to her efforts to create a Department T-shirt, Sandra is contributing to the esprit de corps among Biology majors and faculty at Salisbury.
Regents' Staff Award for Extraordinary Public Service to the University or to the Greater Community
Exempt:
Karen Treber, general counsel for Frostburg State University (FSU).
Ms. Treber has proven herself to be a respected, intelligent attorney, able to identify creative and effective solutions. In addition, she has demonstrated dedication to her community, with activities ranging from Habitat for Humanity to the Allegany Community Symphony Orchestra. She is especially active in promoting collaborations between the K-12 system and the University. One of her recent projects that strengthened the ties between FSU and the Allegany County Board of Education included creating a means by which students can take and receive credit for FSU courses while still in high school. Such accelerated programs have become a priority for the USM.
Non-Exempt:
Donna Messick, Administrative Assistant with the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History at Salisbury University.
Ms. Messick has served the Nabb Center for more than 10 years, filling numerous roles as demands have increased and resources have shrunk. Often arriving early, staying late, and working evenings and weekends to finish tasks, she routinely goes "above and beyond" to insure the success of the Nabb Center's mission. In addition, as a volunteer, she has transcribed records and made them available for students and researchers. Most recently, Ms. Messick transcribed the 19th century manumission records of Somerset County, for the first time making them readily available at the Nabb Center to patrons and students.
Regents' Staff Award for Effectiveness and Efficiency/Administrative Transformation
Exempt:
Jeff McKinney, Director of Computing Facilities in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UMCP.
Mr. McKinney has worked in multiple departments, exemplifying the Administrative Transformation category. His knowledge and administration of the computing needs of his department resulted in staff reduction, created a "more green" work environment, and fostered a more reliable computer network that benefits every person in the department. Using virtualization software he consolidated 40 servers into two physical machines running 30 virtual machines. He ferreted out cost savings by reducing dependence on IT consulting agreements. And he eliminated redundancies in the payments of licenses. These actions saved real money and could be replicated throughout the USM.
Contact: Mike Lurie
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edu