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2011 STAR Award winner Helen Rogers (C), poses with (L-R) Dean Andy Horne, head of the department of mathematics and science education Denise Spangler and nominating professor of mathematics education John Olive. COE Photo by Julie Sartor

Three staff members of the University of Georgia College of Education were recently recognized for their outstanding work with 2011 awards for excellence.

Helen Rogers, an academic advisor for the department of mathematics and science education, received the 2011 STAR (Service, Teamwork, Attitude, Reliability) Award.

Rogers, of Athens, has served as departmental graduate coordinator assistant for four years.

John Olive, the department’s graduate coordinator, said, “I am not exaggerating when I say that Helen is both my left and right hand in my role as graduate coordinator!”

“Helen is truly a treasure trove of knowledge on which faculty and graduate students depend on a daily basis,” said department head Denise Spangler. “She is deeply committed to the success of the department and its faculty, staff, and students.”

The award is given annually to the staff member who has worked at least three years in his or her current position, consistently excelling in that position, making outstanding contributions in service and dedication to the college, promoting teamwork and collaboration across units; and has worked quietly behind the scenes to improve his or her unit; and who has consistently done so with a positive attitude. The recipient receives a plaque and a $1,200 cash award.

2011 Hidden GEM Award winner Grace Thornton (C) poses with Dean Horne and nominator Associate Dean of Research and Distinguished Research Professor Noel Gregg. COE Photo by Julie Sartor

Grace Thornton, grants development specialist in the Office of Research, received the Hidden GEM (Going the Extra Mile) Award. This award recognizes a staff member who has gone “above and beyond the call of duty” and shows a daily commitment to reliability and precision in his or her work. The recipient receives a $600 cash award.

Thornton, of Athens, was lauded for the exemplary service and quality support she provides to the faculty and staff.

“Grace provides a calm but expert professionalism that encourages the best in our faculty,” said Noel Gregg, Associate Dean for Research and Distinguished Research Professor. “She is in the top one percent of professionals I have worked with who demonstrate such trust and positive characteristics.”

2011 Rising Star Award winner Diane Lofton (C) poses with Dean Horne and head of the department of educational psychology and instructional technical Rob Branch. COE Photo by Julie Sartor

Diane Lofton, an administrative associate II in the department of educational psychology and instructional technology, received the Rising Star Award. This award is given to an outstanding staff member who has worked at least six months but no more than two years in their current unit. The recipient receives a $300 cash award.

Lofton, of Hoschton, was praised for her team-building environment within the office and modeling effective customer service.

“Diane is the quintessential customer service staff member,” said department head Robert Branch.

The awards were presented in an April 6 reception at the Joe Frank Harris Northview Room on campus.

In addition to the staff awards for excellence, several staff members were recognized for years of service to the college. They included: Hiram Abdullah, Andy Robison, Heather Bailey, Julie Davis, Missy Kinney, Scott Pollack, Kevin Raczynski, Bobbie Ray, and Rita Tiller, 5 years; Cathy Knudson, Jonathan Lu, Carol Ann Raymond, Marianne Roberts, Jacquee Rosumny, Julie Sartor, Mark Walters, and Tracy Williford, 10 years; Teresa Melton and Freita Strickland, 15 years; and René Hammond Jones and Nancy Vandergrift, 20 years.