Staff Senate recognizes outstanding employees

“The inaugural Outstanding Staff Awards is the first series of awards specifically for staff members sponsored by the Staff Senate,” said Alex Dennis, chair of the Staff Senate’s rewards and recognition committee. “This is important because our staff work tirelessly to fulfill the mission of our institution and to meet the needs of our campus community. We wanted the opportunity to recognize the phenomenal work done by our staff and we thought it was a nice addition to Staff Appreciation Week. We are so proud of all those that were nominated and the eight staff members that were selected. Congrats to you all!”

The recipients of the 2021 Outstanding Staff Awards are:

Academic Affairs — Lisa Treadway, financial and administrative support associate for the Department of Chemistry

Treadway was nominated by Dr. Andrew Morehead, chair of the Department of Chemistry. “She has been a pillar of my front office,” he said. “I don’t know how we would function without her.”

Administration & Finance — Scott Tisdale, IT analyst and programmer

Kelly Varnell, business technology apps analyst, nominated Tisdale. She said he is a “huge contributor to making sure ECU applications and processes run smoothly.” A knowledgeable programmer, he has completed or is working on numerous critical projects and processes within ECU Information Technology and Computing Services and readily passes on his knowledge of programming best practices to other team members, she said.

Athletics — Mike Hanley, senior associate athletic director for ECU Student Services

Hanley was nominated by Caroline Bevillard, senior associate athletics director for administration. He came to ECU in 1990 as an athletics trainer and has risen through the ranks to serve on the athletic department’s executive staff. Bevillard said during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hanley has overseen the coordination of more than 10,500 COVID-19 tests for student-athletes, coaches and staff.

“Mike Hanley is a significant reason why East Carolina University was able to successfully play football this past fall, men’s and women’s basketball this winter, and each of our remaining 13 sport programs this spring,” Bevillard said. “He has made a very uncertain time in our history smoother by his calming presence and attention to every last detail.”

Chancellor’s Division — Rich Klindworth, public communications specialist for ECU News Services

Klindworth, a videographer, has helped raise the profile of the Miller School of Entrepreneurship, said Michael Harris, director of the Miller School. He has told the stories of the student participants in the Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge since its inception in 2017, and he is currently working with the school to pilot a new program that helps students build a video resume and entrepreneurial pitch.

“He is a genuine person who proactively seeks out ways to help others,” Harris said.

Research, Economic Development & Engagement — Neil Gilbird, HIPAA research analyst

Gilbird was nominated by Suzanne Sparrow, director of the University and Medical Center Institution Review Board, who said he not only helps researchers with their institutional review board applications, but is also a resource for ensuring researchers across the university are aware of how human subject protections are related to what they do.

“He has a passion for education about human research issues that engages learners,” she said. “This ability is not easily taught but is highly valued.”

Student Affairs — Mike Perry, associate director of residence life for academic initiatives

Dr. Elizabeth Coghill, director of the Pirate Academic Success Center (PASC), said Perry has helped implement several new services for residential students, including residence hall study groups, support services for living learning communities, Starfish early response and call center support for academically at-risk students.

“He is open to new ideas, new service collaboration, and maintains an open and trustworthy dialogue with campus partners,” Coghill said.

Health Sciences — Debbie Hill, business services coordinator for the Office of Extramural Clinical Practices in the School of Dental Medicine

Hill was nominated by Dr. Thomas Tempel, associate dean for extramural clinical practices in the School of Dental Medicine, who said she coordinates support for the school’s eight Community Service Learning Centers.

“Her role requires her to have a vast knowledge of university processes and personnel in order to solve urgent and routine issues faced by our clinics as they provide care for underserved populations,” he said. “After attending ECU and serving North Carolina as a teacher for many years, she continues to serve Pirate Nation proudly and exemplifies what it means to serve.”

University Advancement — Jennifer Watson, director of annual giving

“Jennifer is a great leader in terms of goal setting, expectations and flexibility,” said Greg Abeyounis, associate vice chancellor for university development. “Annual giving requires strong relationships … to reach our goals and objectives. She is always professional and creative when trying to come up with solutions or better methods of solicitation for colleges, departments and foundations.”

During the virtual ceremony, each award recipient was introduced and congratulated by the vice chancellor from their division. They will also receive a tabletop award.

For more information visit staffsenate.ecu.edu.