2019-20 Staff Excellence Award Recipients
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Mark A. Blackmer
Maintenance & Repair Technician | School of Engineering & Technology
What do you like most about working in your department?
I enjoy the variety of equipment and research. The atmosphere of people expanding their horizons is uplifting.
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
The people I work with (including students) are indredible. I derive great satisfaction from helping solve problems.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
This is a wonderful uplift in what has been a difficult year.
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Nel Boose
Director | Enrollment & Financial Operations/CEHS
What do you like most about working in your department?
The College of Education and Human Services is an ever-changing, evolving place to be. It is that continuous change I truly enjoy because with change comes opportunity in many forms - growth, problem solving, innovation, leadership and collaboration working alongside colleagues with a wide-spectrum of perspectives and experiences. There is always something to learn and always a resource for that learning.
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
What motivates me more than anything is simply a personal conviction to offer the best I can to each day as it unfolds. For me, service does not come from a feeling of obligation or duty. Rather, if you support the mission and values of your organization, upholding the same becomes inherent in all that you do.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
As a staff member, I am
especially humbled to receive this award during these undeniably challenging and unprecedented times for CMU. To have the vote of confidence and support from my colleagues - many of whom I consider my own mentors and professional role models - is a testament to the long-standing commitment of educating and service to humankind we are accustomed to here in EHS.
Bernie Cesena
Executive Secretary | Communication
What do you like most about working in your department?
I like/love working in my department because I believe it to have the most incredible faculty on CMU's campus. There is a family-like atmosphere which encourages all of us to give our all and strive to achieve the best version of ourselves.
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
I am a person who loves people and finds myself motivated by the opportunity to work with students at such a pivotal time in their lives and an awesome faculty whom presents an incredible learning opportunity for these students.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
I am beyond grateful and humbled by this award. It makes me feel so appreciated and motivates me to keep trying to live up to the acknowledgement and recognition I have received.
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Nicole M. Ferguson, Au.D., CCC-A
Director | Clinical Instruction/Audiology Services
What do you like most about working in your department?
I enjoy working with our audiology students from the start of learning a new diagnostic procedure through the process of mastering it. The excitement they have when they first experience their clinical rotation to graduation day is energizing. To be able to witness their transformation into a knowledgeable and competent audiologist is an honor. They typically come to us feeling nervous and walking them through the process with my colleagues is rewarding.
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
My personal belief is that I was called to my career. I work hard at what I do because I live out my faith by serving others. I treat others as my faith inspires me to.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
I'm. honored. I work hard in this position because I know it matters to my students, my patients and their families. To be recognized by my peers as performing my job with excellence helps me carry on during more challenging times such as COVID. It reminds me that my contribution makes a difference.
Angela Fulk
Executive Secretary | Physics
What do you like most about working in your department?
Without a doubt, the students and faculty are the best parts of working in the Physics Department. I love being able to work with individuals that are talented and hard-working.
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
I pride myself on being the “go to” person for our students and faculty. I do my very best to understand their individual situations and problems so that I can find solutions that best fits their needs. I want anyone who walks through the main office to know that I am there to help.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
I am completely honored to have received this award. I am so grateful for my department for taking the time to nominate me and for recognizing my hard work and devotion to our department and CMU.
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Kayla Harber-Bates
Assistant Director | Admissions
What do you like most about working in your department?
I love that Admissions has an opportunity to serve as the first CMU contact for prospective students and families. My favorite thing about Admissions is the personality that one must have for this role in order to succeed. I am blessed to have a position, where I can be my happy, cheerful-self and promote an institution that I truly believe in.
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
It's not a what, but "who" motivates me to provide the high level of service that I exemplify. I credit my service acquisition to my mother, Kenyetta Tolbert, former supervisor Patricia Young, and Admissions Director, Kevin Williams. They have all displayed an exemplary level of customer service and dedication in their perspective roles. Thus, it is an easy transition for me to become motivated in my current role.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
I am truly honored and grateful to have earned this distinctive award at Central Michigan University and be recognized by my peers. This moment will forever be cherished in my professional career.
Gary Lane
Technology Manager II | Academic Computing - OIT
What do you like most about working in your department?
I enjoy getting to work with such a large variety of people on various tasks and challenges. I get to work with faculty, staff, and students with their needs within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences as well as work with other colleagues from OIT around campus on various teams and projects.
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
The people, the place, and the atmosphere are my motivating factors. I enjoy coming to work, interacting with people, assisting where I can, and have a sense of pride working at CMU.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
It's an honor to receive this award. I certainly never expected this, and I am happy to know others think I deserve this honor as well. The people here make it an enjoyable place and I look forward to many more years here!
Heidi Mahon
Director | Student Services/CS&E
What do you like most about working in your department?
I enjoy seeing students explore STEM fields and become passionate about their chosen career. The people (students, staff, and faculty) make working in the College of Science & Engineering interesting; there are always problems to solve.
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
I believe in Central Michigan University and want to see all students succeed.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
I'm very humbled by the letters of support from those I work with.
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Jared Peless
Software Architect | Development & Maintenance - OIT
What do you like most about working in your department?
I enjoy providing systems to our students, faculty, and staff that help them to be more effective in reaching their academic goals and efficient in their positions across the University. I appreciate the opportunities to create the solution when ready-made solutions aren't available.
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
I try to provide students with some of the experiences and transparency I enjoyed as a student and would like to have as a student. I remember as an undergraduate when what I was supposed to do and when I was supposed to do it was not very clear to me. I try to improve that information availability and clarity for CMU's students.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
I am grateful for the recognition. Though I hope that each year prior to this award and in the future, I work just as diligently to meet the needs of our students, staff, and faculty.
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Sarah Scoby
Coordinator | Events & Communications
Office of Curriculum and Instructional Support
What do you like most about working in your department?
I work with a wonderful group of talented individuals! They make work enjoyable in so many ways. I love collaborating with them on projects and combining our talents to serve the university community together. I am probably biased, but we have a pretty fantastic team in the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Support.
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
I strive to be a blessing to my co-workers and others around me in all that I do. I was taught from the time I was young that we always represent more than just ourselves. That concept motivates me, knowing that my service reflects on my faith, my family, my co-workers, and our institution. I try to make sure that in all I do, I am mindful of how my actions and words reflect my values and those of CMU. I also strive to serve others in a way that I want to be treated, no matter who I am working with or whether I am working on a large or small task.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
I was so surprised when I received the notification and completely humbled to have been nominated and chosen for this award. I was equally as excited to learn that two incredibly talented and deserving individuals from our office were also chosen for this award. I am honored to be receiving this award alongside them.
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Andrew Starner
Multimedia Web Developer | Learning Media Production
Office of Curriculum and Instructional Support
What do you like most about working in your department?
We have an
entire team of unique and dynamic individuals who are passionate about supporting Faculty and advancing the University's academic mission. It's encouraging to work with like-minded colleagues who are pulling in the same direction with a clear purpose. And we have fun doing it!
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
As a Christian I'm motivated by Matthew 5:16 which says, 'let your light shine amongst men - that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven'. This is my "life's verse" and guides how I live and work.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
It's truly an honor to be recognized amongst so many fantastic staff on CMU's campus.
Thank you to those that took the time to nominate me for consideration. I'm a proud CMU alum who's grateful to be able to give back to an institution that holds high the values of service, leadership, and excellence. Fire Up!
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Barb Steffke
Coordinator | Online Course Production
Office of Curriculum and Instructional Support
What do you like most about working in your department?
The Curriculum and Instructional Support department is very passionate about what they do. They strive to provide the best resources available for faculty so that they in turn can provide an outstanding learning opportunity for our students. They are a very dedicated, hard-working group that can still bring a little fun to the workplace, which makes for an ideal work environment.
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
I am motivated by helping others and finding creative ways to improve a process in this ever-increasing digital world. As we transitioned to remote instruction in the Spring, we worked with faculty and together we met those challenges with a wave of inspiring new ideas and unique responses in these unprecedented times.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
I am honored to receive this award, and grateful to those who nominated me. I feel fortunate to be a part of the CMU community, and accept this award representing the Curriculum and Instructional Support team.
Jennifer Stilwell
Technology Project Manager III | Project Management - OIT
What do you like most about working in your department?
I like working in the Project Management Office because of the people on my team and the amount of positive change we are able to influence throughout the University.
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
I am motivated by knowing that I'm helping others achieve greatness and see their visions/goals/ideas become reality. Learning new things is important to me and at CMU there seems to be no limit on initiatives, ideas and processes providing learning opportunities.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
I am very honored to have been nominated and selected for the Staff Excellence Award.
Michelle Veith
Director | Student Disability Services
What do you like most about working in your department?
The people! My co-workers and the students who are registered with Student Disability Services. I enjoy the interactions, problem solving, brainstorming ideas, and making each day enjoyable and fun.
What motivates you to the high level of service that you exemplify?
I have a lot of pride and love for CMU. When I was an undergrad, CMU became home because of the people. My mentors exemplified the values of care, knowledge, availability and follow-through before Service Excellence became an initiative. I want today's students to have that same experience that I had and to be proud to call CMU home.
Final thoughts on receiving this award:
I’m very humbled and appreciate the kind words that were shared in the nominations.