Changes to the University’s Employee of the Year program were implemented this year resulting in five staff members being recognized at the annual Staff Recognition Luncheon, held Monday in the Student Union.
Ronnie Bell, John Renwick, Brenda Shue, Janis Singletary and James Williams were named Employees of the Year; they were selected by a special committee from among 21 nominees. All permanent SPA and EPA staff members with two or more years of continuous service (at the time of nomination) were eligible for the honor.
This year, for the first time, one Employee of the Year could be picked in each of these categories: devotion to duty (outstanding state government service), innovation, human relations and community/public service. In the safety/heroism category, multiple individuals could be recognized.
Brenda Shue, from the Chancellor’s Office, was honored in the category devotion to duty. According to nomination materials, Shue has exhibited an unparalleled level of devotion to her role. “She is certainly one of those dedicated employees that we see at UNC Charlotte who must be reminded NOT to work and to take some personal time,” wrote one colleague. She was lauded for her ability to seek out more efficient processes and to take on tasks without being prompted and that were beyond the normal scope of her duties. Another colleague stated, “In my nearly 40-year career in higher education, I have never met anyone who can handle more tasks, juggle as many conflicting demands for her time or solve complicated problems the way that Brenda does.”
The Student Union, Activities and Recreation Department’s Janis Singletary was recognized in the category of human relations. A nominator noted that “several years ago, Janis took it upon herself to organize regular meetings with all SUAR administrative staff in an effort to build unity, create a stronger sense of team and to address issues that might otherwise develop into problems. It was very successful and provided a wonderful avenue to build connections. And this is what Janis is all about, helping others through service, by building connections, and often, by organizing activities and social events.”
James Williams, supervisor of facilities operations renovations, was acknowledged in the innovations category. He built a business case to restore the Renovations Shop, which was disbanded several years ago. In the past two years, Williams’ idea of a reconstituted Renovations Shop has saved the University tens of thousands of dollars, according to nomination materials. An example cited by a nominator pointed to repairs in the ADA Office. The renovations team completed the project for 50 percent less than the outside bid; this included painting the space, which the outside bid did not. Williams has been with the University for 16 years.
Locksmith Ronnie Bell was honored for taking action to help a student in distress on Sept. 9, 2011. As one nominator wrote, “This outstanding action epitomizes the intent of the Employee of the Year Award – Safety and Heroism…. Ronnie’s care for his fellow man is reflected in his community and church involvement on a day-to-day basis. His actions to save a student reflect his values and the way he lives his life. He strives to serve others at work and within the community.”
John Renwick, a facilities management Zone 4 staff member, also was honored in the safety/heroism category. On June 3, 2013, Renwick spotted a man in a stopped car that was blocking traffic. He discovered the man was in diabetic shock and rendered assistance. After asking a bystander to contact campus police, Renwick found someone with a granola bar for the driver to eat. “John’s knowledge of the signs of diabetic shock, first aid training, quick thinking and actions helped the man recover quickly,” stated one nominator. Renwick joined the University in 2005; he was a finalist for the 2010 Employee of the Year Award.
Other 2014 Employee of the Year nominees in the devotion to duty category were Lauren Beastall and Luke Woroniecki, Lee College of Engineering; Shannon Caveny-Cox, facilities management, recycling; Gary Edwards, Mike Klemmer and Warren Monk, facilities management grounds; Ken Smith, financial services; Eleanor Stafford, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; and Kimi Tippett, organizational science/public policy.
In the innovations category, Michael Algozzine, Center for Teaching and Learning; Will Espin, Registrar’s Office; and Lyndsay Richter, Student Union, Activities and Recreation Department; also were nominated.
Melody Harris, Student Union, Activities and Recreation Department; Amy Palmer, College of Education; and Angie Williams, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; were nominated in the human relations category, too.
During the luncheon, employees who achieved a five-year increment of state service also were acknowledged.
Photo: Employees of the Year John Renwick, Brenda Shue, Janis Singletary and James Williams with Chancellor Dubois.