Three Cameron employees have been honored with the university’s Staff Awards for Excellence. Tammy Loyd, Jehan McKnight and Kristi Vallery are the recipients. Nominations were made by CU students, faculty and staff. In order to be eligible, nominees must have been employed full-time at Cameron for at least one year.
Staff Award for Excellence in Student Success: Tammy Loyd
The Staff Award for Excellence in Student Success recognizes a staff member who promotes a student-centered environment. Loyd, an administrative assistant at CU-Duncan, was honored with the award. Loyd makes it a point each day to greet students as they enter the building. When students stop by the front desk with a question or need, she assists them also checks in on them personally to make sure they are doing okay. CU-Duncan students know her by name and feel comfortable talking with her about any questions or concerns they might have.
Staff Award for Excellence in Campus Stewardship: Jehan McKnight
The Staff Award for Excellence in Campus Stewardship recognizes significant contributions to the campus community. McKnight, a CU alumna, is an information services specialist in the Office of Alumni Relations. As a front facing employee, McKnight is most often the first person to welcome visitors – including alumni – and assist them with their needs. She also fields calls related to the Cameron University Alumni Association (CUAA) such as membership in the association, membership renewals and alumni memberships to the Aggie Rec Center. Her diligence in maintaining up-to-date records allows the CUAA to function seamlessly.
Staff Award for Excellence in Service: Kristi Vallery
The Staff Award for Excellence in Service recognizes exemplary contributions in the area of campus or community service. Kristi Vallery, administrative assistant in the Department of Agriculture, Biology and Health Sciences, is the recipient. As the first point of contact for hundreds of students, Vallery is welcoming, inviting and encouraging to the students she encounters. Many students have come to rely on her for emotional support, as she celebrates their ups with sincere excitement and lends a caring ear and comforting voice during their lows. For faculty, she is always willing to assist with any task asked of her. Vallery plays a crucial role in the planning and implementation of department initiatives such as the Community Garden, Beef Cattle Improvement Conference and the FFA Interscholastic Competition.
The Cameron University Staff Awards were created during the Fall 2014 semester at the recommendation of Cameron’s Staff Advisory Council.
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