Staff Council Above and Beyond Awards
December 2011: Mary Levy
October 2011: Sandy Zaring
September 2011: Angie Stewart
Angie Stewart, Administrative Associate, plays a central role in the operation of CARES. She manages all of our fiscal operations, ensuring that a large number of projects are well managed, that payroll is submitted on time, and handling all travel, purchasing, and other monthly expenditures. In addition to those duties, Angie has recently taken on web page update and maintenance for our center. Angie also helps coordinate the Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU), a multiple university research network in the Midwest. She arranged the annual CESU meeting on this campus this past spring.
Angie is also very involved in CAFNR, serving for three years on the Staff Council. She was very active in the Council, supporting and participating in CAFNR events. Angie is always positive and friendly when working on any task. She has also gone the extra mile to make sure things work. For instance, when a payroll mistake (not hers!) required that a check had to be cut for an employee that was out of town for an extended time, Angie made sure the check was picked up and took it to the bank and deposited it for the employee. She also helped coordinate a CESU conference in Dubuque, Iowa, arriving a day early, with husband and child in tow, to make sure things were set up and successful.
August 2011: Doris Lyons
Doris went above and beyond for me while I was working at the Missouri State Fair. I left some time-sensitive information in my office that I required immediately for a contest at the Missouri State Fair. My administrative assistant had taken a personal day, so I called Doris and she was willing to search for the information in my office and provide me with the needed data. I actually ended up calling her two more additional times for more information. Without Doris, I would have been in a real predicament since I was 70 miles away from the information needed. I am so grateful that Doris assisted me and really saved the day.
In addition, Doris assists with all the undergraduate students needs for our department, their questions, advisor needs, forms, permission slips and much more. I cannot tell you how many times I have had an undergraduate student in my office, needing a form and Doris is always willing to drop what she’s doing and provide assistance. In one sentence, Doris makes my life easier when it comes to advising the Animal Science undergraduate students.
May 2011: Karen Decker
April 2011: Gordon Ellison
March 2011: Laura Hertel
February 2011: Lisa Roseman
Lisa is a very important pillar in our department. Among her many qualities, I believe that two make her very especial and deserving of the "Above and Beyond" award. First, she is always ready to help, even in tasks that exceed her responsibilities. For example, she has helped me several times in tracking some documents of graduate applicants. Second, she is very diligent and prompt with her assistance. I remember that when Lisa joined the department, I used to stop by her office to see whether she had the time to help me with a request; her answer was always the same... yes, and a copy is in your mailbox. Now I learned... whatever I ask from her, it is done and a copy is always in my mailbox, even within a couple of hours! In addition, Lisa is a very nice and gentle person; she is also so quiet that you need to stop by her office to see that she is there, working hard as usual! In sum, I believe that Lisa exceeds in making things happen in our department, going always above and beyond her duties.
January 2011: Lonnie Dowell
Dowell embodies support staff for our Division, our College and the University. He began working at the MU swine farms with the idea it would be only for a couple years, and he was working as one of three full time employees. Changes in animal health rules and loss of a position required us to split labor such that only one full time staff person works at either of our swine farms. Lonnie took over as manager of the Swine Research Complex (SRC), the main breeding herd. As manager he oversees all ordering, maintenance and production of the facility as well as performs much of the work.
Besides being the facility which supplies the majority of research and teaching pigs for our Division (and others and many to the medical school and...) we use the SRC to develop undergraduate students. Lonnie supervises 3-6 students each semester and is in charge of training, scheduling etc. for care of animals at the main farm and the Annex. He uses animal husbandry skills and knowledge as one might expect, but because the farm is also a shower-in facility for health reasons, he has developed many other skills needed to maintain and run the 35 year old barns.
One example of his dedication may summarize his commitment to the pigs and the mission. When in December of 2006 central Missouri received 20" of snow many roads were shut down, as was MU. Lonnie, who lives in Centralia, made his way through the snow to provide the daily care for the farm, and as his supervisor I knew I did not need to check whether he did. He manages production and research needs to meet standard or NIH guidelines. With his conscientious efforts the farm has operated in the black for several years. Lonnie manages the farm, the pigs, the students and the demands of faculty admirably and pleasantly. No matter what is requested he finds a way to accommodate needs of users. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient.
December 2010: Ray Wright
From Wright's nomination letter, Tim Reinbott said, "Ray is a Research Specialist for me working with our Wildlife and Biofuels project. However, he does much more than this project. For example, he has taken a side project of ours, growing freshwater prawns, and become the expert in the state. Many people call each week wanting to know more about prawns and how to raise them. Ray has been willing to go to any field day or event throughout the state that I ask to talk about any one of his numerous projects often to an expense to himself since he can not pick his children up at school on time and must have them go to extended care.
Ray also will go that extra mile to aid Bradford and CAFNR. For example, we had an ALOT banquet at Bradford in November and he spent several hours preparing fresh water prawns as an appetizer for the group. This was not only a treat for everyone but a wonderful example of a "new crop". At state and national meetings Ray is the front person presenting and talking about our Wildlife and Biofuels project and is respected across the nation as someone who has put these two concepts together in a workable form. Ray is also willing to step in and give a general tour of Bradford whenever I ask, allowing us to talk to more than one group at a time."
"Without Ray's wiliness and enthusiasm we would not be able to accomplish near as much to promote what CAFNR is doing."
November 2010: Justin Garnett
From Garnett's nonimation letter, Robert Sharp said, "Justin Garnett is a Research Lab Technician in my laboratory. In addition to being a hard-working and conscientious employee, he possesses an extraordinary skill-set and range of interests that make him an invaluable asset when there are needs for equipment design and development.
For example, in the past year, my lab needed to construct a custom-made "extensometer" system for measuring the extension characteristics of root segments. This involves the precise measurement of very small changes in tissue dimensions in response to an applied force, using position transducers linked to a computer. The equipment is not commercially available. I turned to Justin for assistance, and he immediately went to the library to read up on the appropriate technology. He then joined a postdoc and graduate student from my group on a visit to Penn State University to gain hands-on experience in the technique. On their return, Justin independently designed, constructed and tested a 10-channel system in my lab, as illustrated below. The system is now being used my one of my postdocs to generate some novel and exciting findings. Justin will, of course, be an author on the resulting publication. Justin's invaluable contribution to this project indeed goes "above and beyond" my expectations for someone in his position."
October 2010: Jill Fleischmann
From Fleischmann's nomination letter, Joe Parcell said, "For more than three years Ms. Jill Fleischmann has continuously performed above and beyond with her work and loyalty to the Department, CAFNR, and the University of Missouri. She has not only served loyally to Dr. Randy Westgren and myself in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, but she has served as Division of Applied Social Sciences Holiday Luncheon Chair and she has coordinated the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics alumni newsletter for the past three years. She has improved staff morale through her continuous warm smile and willingness to extend a helpful hand. Her annual evaluations have been superior and she successfully manages multiple grants and assists by co-authoring outreach publications. She involves herself in CAFNR activities and she has been successful in developing and coordinating award nominations for various faculty, students, and alumni. As a CAFNR alumnus, she embodies the contribution to society expected of all alumni."
September 2010: Randy Mertens
From Merten's nomination letter, Kristen Smarr said, "Recently, Randy wrote a story about research conducted by Dr. Fu Hung Hsieh in Food Science. As a result of the story and Randy's media relations, Dr. Hsieh received significant media attention and recognition including a story in Time Magazine. Randy has the ability to draw faculty out of their shells and give them the confidence it takes to interact successfully with media. The end result is a win for the faculty, the College and the University."
Heidi Griswold named August 2010 Above and Beyond Winner
Heidi Griswold's passion for all things CANFR started when she was a student studying agricultural business management. When she graduated in 2006, she accepted a position with the Mizzou Alumni Association working as the Coordinator for Alumni Activities. In 2007, she moved to CAFNR as a Development Officer in the Office of Advancement and Communications. Recently, she was promoted to the Director of Development.
Darcy Wells, the executive director of advancement, believes Griswold is an extraordinary asset and is respected by CAFNR donors, alumni, faculty, staff and students. Griswold's hard work and dedication shows through in all that she does.
"She comes in early and stays until she's completed all the tasks she wants to accomplish each day," Wells said. "She's set the bar very high for herself."
Griswold, who is from Galt, Mo., has five siblings, six nephews and one niece—all of whom keep her busy.
"I love spending time with my friends and family," Griswold said.
When work and family don't have her attention, Griswold loves cheering on the Tigers. Griswold also participates in the Columbia Parks and Recreation softball league. "I'm not afraid to slide," Griswold jokes.
Continuing her education also keeps her busy. Griswold is currently working toward her master's degree in Public Administration in Non-Profit Management and will graduate in December. She hopes to one day manage a non-profit organization. Ultimately, she'd like to get more college students to volunteer. "I think if you volunteer in college, you're more likely to continue doing it past college," she said.
As a volunteer for the Voluntary Action Center and the Food Bank, Griswold is no stranger to helping out. She also participates in the Griffiths Leadership Society on campus, an organization that promotes student leadership development.
"She is a great role model and mentor," Wells said.
Pam Swims, Delta Center, won the Staff Council Above and Beyond Award for March 2010.
Alisa Nettles-Strong named December 2009 Above and Beyond Winner
As an administrative assistant with the Food Systems and Bioengineering department, Alisa Nettles-Strong must be exceptionally organized. Between handling financial reports to collecting receipts from the department's faculty and staff, it's no wonder Nettles-Strong was nominated for and won the December Above and Beyond Award given by the CAFNR Staff Council.
The award is designed to recognize staff members who put in a little extra. Nominations can come from their peers or their supervisors.
"Alisa is willing to do whatever is necessary to get a job done," Linda Little, another administrative assistant for FSB, said. "She is positive and efficient, and she is a great team player."
Nettles-Strong's career path has led her to some interesting positions. Having worked for MU for nearly 20 years, she's worked in other offices and before that, laboratories. She even worked with radioactive and biohazard material when she was a senior research lab technician on campus.
After working in labs for many years, Nettles-Strong took a position in the Food Systems and Bioengineering department in 2002. She started in the Biochemistry department as an administrative assistant. In 2007 she took another position helping the Institute for Continental Climate Viticulture and Enology get started, from assisting in the development of new programs to ordering furniture for the office. Nettles-Strong calls her experience with ICCVE "interesting."
"I gained experience working with the grape and wine industry," Nettles-Strong said. "There are a lot of wineries to go to all over the state of Missouri that I wasn't aware of. From that job, I am able to pick out the wineries in Missouri, and I know how much is involved in grape and wine production."
Nettles-Strong has always been organized. When she was young, she started collecting stamps. The hobby has stuck with her since.
"What I like about stamp collecting is that stamps are unique," Nettles-Strong said. "They may have a picture of a president or other famous people, or there may be cartoons. My favorite part is the description that the stamp album for each stamp."
She collects international and national stamps, and almost has a stamp for every country. As far as U.S. stamps go, she's got stamps from 1857 all the way to 2008. Most of her stamps start in 1960, though.
When she's not working or stamp-collecting, Nettles-Strong likes to travel and cook. And when she is at work, she enjoys what she does, even when busy and challenging. Her upbeat attitude is noticed by many.
"Her sense of humor can really take the tenseness out of a situation," Little said. "Her laugh is contagious."
Story by Lauren Hughes
Shane Ferguson named October 2009 Above and Beyond Winnder
When it comes to a varied career, few can touch Shane Ferguson, administrative assistant in the Division of Applied Social Science. His resume includes snow making, technology, playing the saxophone and helping organize arts programs for people of all abilities. In October he was named the winner of the Above and Beyond Award given by the CAFNR Staff Council.
The award is designed to recognize staff members who put in a little extra. Nominations can come from their peers or their supervisors.
Ray Massey, extension professor for agricultural economics, said Ferguson deserves the award for his connectivity. "He is always wired or online. Even when he is not sitting at his desk at work he is available. We are frequently able to get things done while he is at home."
Recently, Massey and several colleagues were having difficulty at a hotel they were staying at while traveling. Their room contract included a free breakfast, but the front desk clerk had no record of it. Massey contacted Ferguson later that evening and asked him to take care of it in the morning. In 15 minutes, Ferguson called Massey back and told him it was taken care of.
Ferguson attended Southwest Missouri State University, after which he traveled around the U.S. working resort jobs. At a resort in Lake Tahoe his job was to make snow for the ski slopes.
When Ferguson came to Columbia, he worked as the volunteer coordinator for the Central Missouri Human Society. He worked there for three years before starting his own contracting and finishing business. After that he was an executive assistant for the School of Service-Access Arts, a program providing experiences in the arts for people of all ages and abilities.
Ferguson has always been intrigued by technology and the many things people are able to do with it.
"I make sure they have what they need to have when they need it," Ferguson said. "The people in my office treat me well, and it's my responsibility to treat them well and take care of them in return."
In his spare time, Ferguson referees roller derby matches and plays the saxophone with a local band.
Sharon Naylor named March 2009 Above and Beyond Winner
At the end of March, my father-in-law went into the hospital unexpectedly, and spent 7 days in ICU before he died on April 1. It was a very harrowing time because we didn’t know what was wrong and were not expecting such a tragic outcome. I was unable to be in the office and tried to manage projects through email and cell phone. However, I would have never been able to cope without the dedication and generosity of Sharon Naylor.
She fielded incoming calls, helped out with emails, and let people know what was going on. Most importantly she took over many tasks involved in readying a large multi-site training that took place on April 7, less than a week after my father-in-law’s death. Without Sharon, and our assistant Casi Lock, the training would have been cancelled. As it was, Sharon and Casi prepared all the materials, made last minute arrangements with speakers, and answered participant questions – making it easier for me to take the time needed with my family, while still preparing and presenting the training. They did the preparatory work themselves, only asking a few times for important decisions.
Beyond work, Sharon visited us in the hospital, and brought food for us so that my family could enjoy home-cooked food. The day my father-in-law died, Sharon had prepared a dinner for my entire family that was extremely welcome when we came home from the hospital drained. I would never have been able to get the work that was needed to be done in the month without such a competent, caring individual working with me.
Debbie Lingle named February 2009 Above and Beyond Winner
Debbie Lingle, a grants and contract specialist in the Division of Plant Sciences, was born in Ft. Belvior, Va. She attended high school in Richland, Mo., and earned degrees in English, journalism and education at what was then Central Missouri State University. She was a teacher in the Tuscumbia, Mo., school district before coming to Columbia to marry her fiancé, Carl, who was working on his PhD.
Lingle worked with the Integrated Pest Management Program before taking a position as a grants and contracts specialist in the Division of Plant Sciences in 2004.
Liz Bent, a grants and contracts specialist in Agricultural Business Services, said it takes a special person like Lingle to work as a research administrator.
"You have to have endless amounts of patience, understanding, knowledge, attention to details, etc.," Bent said. "The bottom line is you have to be the kind of person who can walk geniuses through a 'simple' task and understand that those people are still geniuses and have respect for them and their work."
Bent said Lingle filled in for her while she was on maternity leave. "Debbie went very much above and beyond in so many ways that I can't even quantify all of the trouble that she saved me, the office and each one of our faculty whose grants went out without an error," she said. "She did an amazing job with no compensation beyond oodles of thanks."
Jan Russell named January 2009 Above and Beyond Winner
Jan Russell, an executive staff assistant in the Division of Applied Social Sciences, was born in Springfield, Mo., and moved to Columbia in 1976. She has two daughters, Jennifer Wood and Rebecca Howard, and a son, Joshua Carter, as well as three grandchildren, Titus Howard, Brenden Howard and Abby Howard.
In 1985, when her youngest child was 3 years old, Russell began work at MU at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in the medical records department and provided backup for the receptionists in both the small and large animal clinics.
While at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Russell earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies . Shortly after graduation, she transferred to MU Extension's Continuing Medical Education and assisted with conferences for family practice physicians, followed by five years as an administrative assistant in Campus Construction under Campus Facilities.
In 2001 Russell joined CAFNR in the Division of Applied Social Sciences (DASS), to support the agricultural economists in the Commercial Agriculture Program. After two years, Russell assumed a DASS administrative assistant position in Gentry Hall, where two positions were combined, supporting both Agricultural Education and Rural Sociology. When another job opportunity came up two years later in CAFNR's Dean's Office, she took the position as executive staff assistant for Dave Baker in ANR Extension.
Now Russell serves as the executive staff assistant to Michael Nolan in DASS. She supports DASS faculty and staff as well as providing assistance to the International Agriculture Programs.
Away from campus, she and her husband, David Russell, operate the Russell Wholesale Nursery and tree farm near Millersburg. The firm specializes in shade and flowering trees, conifers, shrubs and plants grown in containers. They work with nurseries and landscapers locally and across the country.
"We are fortunate to have some exceptional professionals in CAFNR, and Jan is one of those," said Ken Schneeberger, professor of agricultural economics. "She knows the system, can work with anyone, treats everyone with the same respect that you would give a chancellor, and carries more than her share of the load. She is absolutely dependable and, most of all, caring."
"Jan is one of the most professional and pleasant people to work with," said Mary Leuci, community development program director. "She has supported our programs with great finesse while never losing her composure. She is a rock — but one with a smile."
Genevieve Howard named November 2008 Above and Beyond Winner
Genevieve Howard, CAFNR Web Specialist, was named the November winner of the CAFNR Staff Council's Above and Beyond Award.
The award is designed to recognize staff members who go that extra mile. One winner is selected each month and receives a $50 credit card good at any location. Nominations can come from their peers or their supervisors.
Bryan Garton, interim associate dean and director of academic programs, nominated Howard.
"Genevieve is a true professional," he said in his nomination letter. "Regardless of her work load, she is always willing to listen and help. CAFNR's Academic Programs Office staff love working with her!
Genevieve always has a cheerful genuine greeting, with a positive upbeat attitude, Garton continued. "She is incredibly quick in responding to requests regardless of timing and without fail always exceeds our expectations."
Howard handles the CAFNR Web sites through design, content generation and updates. "Genevieve is very innovative with our Web designs and always willing to help brainstorm about new and better ways of communicating with our faculty, students, alumni, and friends," Garton said.
"Genevieve has the ability to take complex scientific topics and make them interesting and relevant to diverse audiences," said Randy Mertens, CAFNR publications coordinator. "The CAFNR Web feature mast headings, which are challenging from a design perspective as they are so extremely horizontal in format, consistently look striking and draw in readers' attention."
Howard was born in Santa Monica, Calif., and attended the University of California-Santa Cruz for her undergraduate degree in language studies. In 1998, she moved with her husband and son from California to Missouri so they could keep horses on their own land while enjoying a four-season climate. A recent Mizzou alum, she received her master's degree in education, emphasis in educational technology, from the University of Missouri in May 2008.
Howard's co-workers state that she genuinely cares about their lives. It is easy these days to come to work and not get involved. They feel fortunate to be involved with such people (and an organization) who value each other.
"The beauty of Genevieve is that she will never think she deserves an award like this," added Kristen Smarr, CAFNR director of communications. "She thinks she's just doing her job but those of us who work with her know that she goes Above and Beyond on everything she does."
Ratliff, Hundle Win Above and Beyond Awards
Deborah Ratliff, food systems and bioengineering, and James Hundle, assistant to the dean, were the June and July 2008 winners, respectively, of CAFNR Staff Council's Above and Beyond Award.
Deborah Ratliff, "one of the most organized individuals"
Ratliff was nominated by Linda Little, administrative assistant in biological engineering.
"Deborah is one of the most organized individuals that I have ever met," Little said. "When food systems and bioengineering was interviewing several candidates for an open faculty positions, she kept detailed spreadsheets with color-coded information on them. At the same time, she was juggling grant proposals and various reports for campus entities. I was impressed with her expertise in computer software programs.
Little said that Ratliff is "super resourceful and possesses a unique ability to size up situations and act aggressively to resolve them." If she doesn't know the answer to a question, Little said, she is proactive in finding the answer.
James Hundle, "always has something big around the corner and never disappoints"
Hundle was nominated by Charlie Fay, support staff IV in the dean's office.
"Many people don't realize all that James has on his plate on a daily basis," Fay said. "From the Celebration of Excellence, Mizzou Central at the State Fair, to overseeing CAFNR's new endeavor at the Gathering Place Bed and Breakfast, James always has something big around the corner and never disappoints. An overload of business to attend to is an ordinary day for James."
Fay said he views Hundle as the CAFNR Caretaker. "He knows what problems are important to us and he takes it upon himself to make them important to him," Fay said. "If he can solve it, he will. If not, he'll find someone who can. In my opinion, that is the essence of this award, and James is surely the most deserving candidate."