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Four staff members of the UGA College of Education — Krista Vanderpool, Diane Lofton, Meagan Gravitt and Sandra Weir — were recently recognized for their outstanding work with 2012 awards for excellence.

Vanderpool

Krista Vanderpool, an administrative specialist I in the Office of Academic Programs, received the 2012 STAR (Service, Teamwork, Attitude, Reliability) Award.

Vanderpool, of Winder, has worked in the dean’s office for nearly eight years.

“Krista is a treasure! She has a quiet and unassuming manner that provides confidence while she manages records and data,” said Dean Andy Horne. “She is truly a major reason others can sleep well at night because we know that she is on top of the demands for accounting, recording, and reporting and will do it in such a thorough and professional way that the College and all involved will look great.”

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.

Lofton

Diane Lofton, an administrative associate II in the department of educational psychology and instructional technology, 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.

Lofton, of Hoschton, has “an unfailingly positive attitude and willingness to help…in whatever way,” said Nancy Knapp, professor in educational psychology and instructional technology.

Gravitt

Meagan Gravitt, an administrative associate I in the department of counseling and human development services, 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.

Gravitt, of Colbert, was praised for promoting a team atmosphere that creates collaboration and cooperation.

“Meagan has changed the nature and climate of our unit in remarkable ways,” said Corey Johnson, graduate coordinator in the department of counseling and human development services. “Waiting for each of us with a big smile and a warm welcome, Meagan spends her day ‘making it happen’ and making us feel confident, comfortable, and supported.”

Weir

Sandra Weir, of Athens, received the Outstanding Custodial Award. This award recognizes a university custodial staff member whose actions, deeds, commitment to job performance, and work ethic exemplify overall excellence in service at the College of Education over the past year.

“Sandra is a true delight,” said Stacey Neuharth-Pritchett, professor in educational psychology and instructional technology. “Every day she greets everyone with a bright smile and a wonderful disposition. She always goes above and beyond. She is a woman of high moral character always putting others before herself. She is truly deserving of this honor. I hope one day this award might be the Sandra Weir Outstanding Custodial Award!”

The awards were presented in a May 18 luncheon at the UGA Hotel and Conference Center at the Georgia Center.  

In addition to the staff awards for excellence, several staff members were recognized for years of service to the college. They included: Ron Braxley, Amanda Cole, Linda Dunbar, Beth Giddens, Suzanne Hall, Patricia Hill, Stacy Isbell, Gabrielle Mason, Melissa Montalvo, Keith Morgan, Peter Norris, Martha Pruet, Helen Rogers, and Kyle Williams, 5 years; Lisa Conley, Cathy Frosh, Andy Garber, Kim Norton, Nathaniel Parker, and Michael Wisenbaker, 10 years; Troy Bassett, 15 years; and Denise Collins, Diane Fields, and Becky Hendren, 20 years.