On March 31, 2022, President Hendrix presented the Staff Awards to the winners. You may view the presentations by clicking here.
The Above and Beyond Award goes to a staff member who has often exceeded standard expectations to assist people and accomplish goals. By being positive and productive, she helps to make Shepherd a great place to work. The winner of the 2022 Above and Beyond Award is Pamela Swope, Student Records Assistant in the Registrar’s Office.
In 2021, mid-pandemic, the Registrar’s Office lost three senior staff members to retirement in the span of about five months. During the year that it took to refill those positions, of course, the work still needed to be covered. Pam Swope stepped up and took leadership on the primary tasks of two of those three retirees in addition to her own heavy workload. That the work of the Registrar’s Office continued without a hitch during this difficult year of transition is a testament to Pam’s tireless work ethic, her scrupulous attention to detail, and her deep care for the work of the institution. She truly has gone above and beyond!
The Excellent Service to Students Award distinguishes a staff member who has been especially supportive of Shepherd students. This individual has shown that she values students by enthusiastically and capably serving them. The 2022 Excellent Service to Students Award was presented to Rachael Meads, Assistant Director of Student Engagement.
Rachael Meads loves working with leadership development and helping our students find a sense of home in our community. Each year she oversees the annual student leadership conference, Program Board activities, and the Performing Arts Series at Shepherd, among many other events. The person nominating Rachael called her “just amazing and loved by so many students.” Rachael consistently provides excellent service to students!
The Making a Difference Award is given to a staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity, social justice, diversity and equity. This is someone who has been a change agent working to improve the well-being of the Shepherd University community. Annie Lewin, Director of Social Equity, Inclusion and Title IX, is the winner of the 2022 Making a Difference Award.
Annie Lewin is described as a caring individual who has worked hard to implement training and provide information for the campus community. She treats people with respect and lets them know that she will work hard to help Shepherd University become the institution that it strives to be in terms of fair and equitable treatment for all. Annie stays up-to-date on the laws that govern our actions toward other people. The important social justice work that Annie does makes a difference to Shepherd’s students and employees!
The Ram Spirit Award is for a staff member who exemplifies long term, passionate dedication to Shepherd University, and who has been a University employee for at least five years. Nick Mummert, Operations Manager for the Student Center, was awarded the 2022 Ram Spirit Award.
“Nick Mummert is one amazing, upbeat ram,” said the person who nominated him. Nick has served in multiple positions on campus, consistently demonstrating enthusiasm about his work, his colleagues, and our students, and he often mentors students and other employees. Nick never is seen in a bad mood. Even when he is dealing with conflict, he stays level-headed and kind. Nick lifts people up and makes everyone around him feel valued and supported, demonstrating Ram Spirit every day!