By: Jessica Znidarsic
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV)–The University of Arkansas Staff Senate just announced the Spring 2024 through 2025 scholarship recipients, recognizing staff on campus in their undergraduate and graduate education.
There were 13 scholarships awarded, and those who were awarded the Staff Senate Endowed Scholarship had grown since its original date in 2000. There originally was one funded scholarship, and now, there is a minimum of three scholarships given by the Staff Senate based on financial aid. These scholarships were established to encourage and promote development through higher education.
In addition to this year’s recipients for the scholarship, there were also “Employees of the 2nd Quarter” awarded for the academic year of 2023-2024.
Ashley Reeves, the chair of the Staff Senate, said that it is important to have these recipients recognized for their contributions to their unit, department or college, but also recognizing their support of the overall mission and function of the U of A.
“The importance of celebrating and recognizing the efforts of our fellow staff members is crucial for fostering a positive and productive work environment.” Said Reeves.
“Being nominated for Staff Employee of the Quarter by your colleagues and/or supervisor is encouraging and sure to boost morale.”
There are multiple categories in which five staff members are awarded the Employee of the Quarter title. The categories are Professional/Non-faculty-Administrative, Professional/Non-faculty-Academic, Secretarial/Clerical, Technical/Paraprofessional, and Skilled Crafts/Service/Maintenance. There is a panel consisting of the previous years’ winners, and they read each nomination and vote accordingly.
Those wanting to submit a nomination for the third quarter can submit until April 15, 2024.
Being recognized for the work that employees do on campus is important to Reeves, and she has been a part of the U of A staff for 13 years.
“I know first-hand that we are fortunate to have some very dedicated and knowledgeable staff members across campus. Said Reeves.
“Being able to recognize and celebrate these fantastic colleagues is fulfilling. When winners are chosen, I get the pleasure of telling the person(s) who submitted the nomination first so that they are able to give the good news to the winner.”
Reeves said that she enjoys meeting others across campus and learning about the many roles that make up the staff across the U of A.
“I enjoy learning about the diverse roles on campus and meeting staff members I likely would not have met otherwise. Sharing good news is always exciting and I appreciate getting to do it five times a year!”
The Staff Senate was created in 1976 by the Board of Trustees. The purpose of the Senate is to make recommendations to university leadership on any matter of concern regarding staff, including quality of work life, efficiency of operations, and staff service to the community.