Smith Receives College of Education’s 2006 Staff Award for Excellence

June Smith, business manager for the College of Education’s business office, has received the college’s 2006 Staff Award for Excellence.

Smith was presented a plaque and a $1,200 cash award in ceremonies April 14 at Flinchum’s Phoenix. First runner-up, Demetrius Smith, academic advisor in educational psychology and instructional technology, was awarded $750, and second runner-up, Dianne Fields, administrative assistant for the department of language and literacy education, received $300.

Faculty and staff members describe June Smith as one of the most efficient, dependable, trustworthy and productive staff members with whom they’ve ever worked. She is lauded for her extensive knowledge about college and university procedures.

“June has a comprehensive, overall working accounting and financial knowledge matched by no other financial staff person in the college. She is a critical person, and COE would be at a loss without her for a substantial period of time,” said one faculty member.

“She is a leader and role model for our administrative staff,” said another faculty member. “June is always ready to help with a friendly smile and quick response.”

First runner-up Demetrius Smith was praised by faculty and staff members for her professionalism and efficient, accurate, and meticulous job performance.

“Her willingness to assist students and her good humor, in addition to the storehouse of knowledge she possesses, make her a very valuable employee,” said one faculty member.

Second runner-up Fields, who has worked in the College for 14 years, was commended by one faculty member for the “amazing initiative she shows in her work. She is not satisfied with fulfilling her job requirements; she routinely does all that’s asked and more and does so with predictable promptness.”

“What’s really wonderful about Dianne is her consistently reliable support every day,” said another faculty member.

The three finalists were selected from a list of 13 nominees that included Ron Braxley, Holly Coder, Marty Lanelle Davis, Valerie Kilpatrick, Pam La Salle, Kristi Leonard, Teresa Melton, Anita Miller, Karen Myers, and Kim Norton.

In addition to the Awards for Excellence, many COE staff members were recognized for years of service including: Cathy Dickson, Chelita Edwards, Jeremy Granade, Cheryl Lavender, David Millians, Barry Robinson, Cynthia Williams, Timothy Blankenship, Christa Deissler, Tracy Elder, Andy Garber, Kim Hawkins, Jonathan Lu, Brian McCall, Jeanine Meeler, Carol Ann Raymond, Etta Roberts, Marianne Roberts, Jacquee Rosumny, Julie Sartor, Mark Walters, and William Whitley, 5 years; Chaconne Ashley, Glory Griffin, Alice Sanderson, Clarice Thompson, Troy Bassett, Laura Clark, Teresa Melton, Freita Strickland, and David Wynne, 10 years; Wanda Beard, Demetrius Smith, Sandy Smith, Jana Thompson, Denise Collins, Rene’ Hammond, Freida Thornton, and Nancy Vandergrift, 15 years; Stephanie Bales, Linda Lauderdale, Kaye Leverette, Melinda Pass, and June Smith, 20 years; and Carolyn Howell, 25 years.

Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Writer: Julie Sartor, 706/542-4693, jsartor@uga.edu
Contact: Shea Ray, 706/542-1321, shea@uga.edu