COOKEVILLE – Five staff members at Tennessee Tech University have been honored for their work at the university. Lisa Rice, Susan Swartzentrover, Kathy Hammons and Kevin Edwards were presented Outstanding Clerical and Support Staff Awards and Kelly Chambers was presented the Outstanding Professional Staff Award.
Rice works in the College of Agriculture and Human Ecology in support of faculty, students and administrators and is known on campus for her positive, professional attitude and helpful spirit.
“Lisa always carries out her responsibility, often going beyond what is required,” said Lizabeth Self Mullins, dean of the College of Agriculture and Human Ecology. “In fact, she helps me and others on a consistent, daily basis. She is expert at finding information. She does not get discouraged when she gets multiple answers to the same question; instead, she keeps exploring until she has the right information to proceed with a task or to get a job done. She has never said ‘I don’t know.’ Instead, she says, ‘I will find out,’ and she does.”
Swartzentrover works in University Advancement with responsibilities including prospect and record management.
“Suzan’s commitment extends far beyond just being committed to TTU and to doing her job in the basic sense that applies to most people,” said Lora Cowan, assistant director of advancement services. “All she does each day is with a mindset of how can this be improved, how does it impact others, and how can I help? Her commitment to every customer she has, whether a co-worker, a vice president, an alumnus or a student worker, is obvious in everything she says and does. She is the ultimate example of a committed employee at Tech.”
Hammons is administrative associate in the Eagle Card Office.
“Working in the Eagle Card Office, Mrs. Hammons is one of the first glimpses new students and faculty have of this university,” said graduate assistant Katelyn Binkley. “These individuals walk in as a stranger, but because of Mrs. Hammons they leave feeling as if they have found a home.”
Edwards works with campus facilities and is known for the pride he takes in his work at Tech.
“Kevin is a conscientious worker who is very talented in his trade,” said Sam Masters. “He is very responsive to needs of the campus staff at every level. He works well with people and is very creative in developing solutions for almost any given problem.”
Chambers is the assistant director of stewardship services at Tech and has taken initiative to be productive in her role on campus.
“Ms. Chambers adds excellence to every task she performs, every question she answers, and every work product she delivers,” said John Smith, executive director of university advancement. “Whether she is drafting a new stewardship piece, responding to a donor who may be upset with the University, providing information in a staff or donor meeting, or simply responding to a stewardship question, she has a way of adding excellence and value.”
These awards were presented at the Spring 2018 Luncheon Forum hosted by Tech President Phil Oldham.
