On April 22, 2021, President Hendrix presented the Staff Awards to the winners. Please click here to view the presentations.
Above and Beyond Award Winner – Holly Morgan Frye, Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Community Relations
Holly Morgan Frye has gone above and beyond the call of duty in her various critical leadership roles at Shepherd, especially as Chair of the Campus Health Task Force – to address the many challenges associated with managing COVID-19. She assembled a distinguished team of colleagues who have consistently met several times weekly since the pandemic became a reality in the US. For over one year, she and the Task Force have networked with the Jefferson County Health Department, Homeland Security and others – to ensure best practices were in place to keep our campus safe. She orchestrated COVID-19 testing, facilitated contact tracing, and now she is focused on distributing the COVID-19 vaccine in a fair and equitable manner. She represents Shepherd on the HEPC Presidents’ weekly calls, and has established vital partnerships that have been quintessential in our battle for survival and sustainability. There is no one on our campus who does not know Holly Morgan Frye and the thoughtful, compassionate approach she has implemented to care for our collective well-being. She has taken part in every conceivable aspect of COVID-19 in our campus and throughout the community, including the delivery of meals to our quarantined students and the reassurances she has given them for their future. I believe Holly represents the essence of Shepherd – service before self – and she is most deserving of this award.
Equity and Inclusivity Award Winner – Mary Beth Myers, Administrative Assistant, Student Veterans Center
Mary Beth Myers supports student veterans by providing guidance and space so that students can be successful and navigate the path toward graduation. She is a great support to the SU Student Veterans Organization (SUSVO) who have a mission of helping vet students to transition to the college environment. She has been an asset to the Veteran’s Center on campus where she assists vets with print, computer support, and upkeep and support for the lounge and eating areas. Student veterans may struggle with other issues, including mental health or prior trauma, and Mary Beth provides a helpful hand and friendly personality for them to connect with on campus. She plays a very necessary role working for students that may not persist without her stable and important support. Mary Beth has been an advocate for Shepherd students since her tenure began at our university, providing assistance and assurance that increases the sense of belonging and welcomed feelings for all members of our community. In addition, she has provided support to the WISE Mentoring program. She manages all of the financial reports for grants and stipends to ensure that our students experience workshop presentations by professional advocates in the community. Mary Beth has been especially supportive to the veteran population on campus, and she has shown that she values all students by enthusiastically and capably serving them in every role she has played at Shepherd.
Excellent Service to Students Award Winner – Siriki Diabate, International Outreach and Admissions Officer
Siriki is the face of our international programs. He introduces Shepherd to international students and our partners. He works diligently with students to prepare their admissions application, their documentation to become an international student, and their student visa process. He is their “coach.” Once they arrive in the United States, it is almost always Siriki who meets them at the airport and delivers them to campus where he helps them find housing items from our international student lending closet. Additionally, he helps them set up banking, and internet, telephones, and housing. If they have questions about advising or registering, Siriki is usually the first person they contact. Recently, several of our Ivorian students had the delivery of their scholarships delayed. Siriki worked with their parents and the business office to keep the students enrolled and ease their anxiety over the financial situation. In reality, he is their first friend. Siriki is on campus morning, noon, and night to uphold the International Affairs motto of “recruit, register, and retain.” Our international student enrollment numbers have bucked the declining trend across the country. Shepherd’s international population continues to grow, and it is in large part due to Siriki’s hard work and dedication to Shepherd University. His friendly smile, and contagious laughter lets all of our international students know that they are welcome at Shepherd University!
Problem Solver Award Winner – Jennifer Flora, Director of the Wellness Center
In the past six months, Shepherd has been faced with several complex challenges that required meticulous thought, critical thinking, and a willingness to go back to the “drawing board” multiple times. Jenny Flora has attacked two such problems: COVID testing/vaccinations and Commencement. First when asked by the CHTC if the Wellness Center could be used for COVID testing and vaccination, Jenny not only agreed, but designed detailed plans to make the space efficient and safe. She organized her staff to provide much needed help to a very hectic process. This assistance was enormous to the CHTF relieving us of many details. The site was completely prepared, sanitized and ready for use every single time! And then the complexities of Commencement were given to her to solve. Jenny went above and beyond doing research, measuring spaces, and thinking through every detail and possible schedule to provide our students with a memorable yet safe event. Jenny created several options, was given more challenges, and was asked to think of more options. She spoke to students for feedback, met with the president, and began planning again. Not one to give up, she created another option that addressed everyone’s concerns and satisfied all concerns of safety. We can now look forward to a beautiful day for our students and their families. Jenny Flora is a valued and dedicated employee and Shepherd is incredibly lucky to have her. She should be recognized for her dedication, her determination, and her high level of problem solving and critical thinking skills.