The mission of a Humanities Shared Services team was daunting and it has taken several years for the new structure to get its footing. It is no small feat to integrate the staffing needs of three departments who have previously had their own individual staff, whose offices are on three different floors, and whose faculty have been accustomed to being the top (and sole) priority of their staff colleagues. The level of stress was high and the challenges of the new staff structure were significant. Through the enormous hard work and patience of many – the departments had the good fortune to find a combination of colleagues who have quickly become an extraordinarily strong team.
Mitchell Harper (left) left his employment in the offices of a local company to work on campus for the first time, and it has been wonderful to see him grow into his position as the new accounting specialist. He has been a welcome addition to the team.
Jessica Black (center), who transitioned in the Grants and Contracts position on the team, is an extraordinarily kind, generous, cheerful, and hard-working colleague who has brought energy and joy to all the offices.
Megan Cottrell (right) joined the team as a Banner specialist and is extremely kind and precise in her work, and quick to accomplish any task she is given efficiently and well.
The humanities departments that rely on the shared services team have never had a team that functions so smoothly and works so well together. The dynamics within the team itself are healthy and supportive, and they work respectfully and creatively with all of the faculty and heads across all our departments.
–Source: Nominators comments
The Teamwork Award is awarded to a team of staff members who have exhibited extraordinary teamwork during the past academic year. Past winners have included small teams that have worked together through significant projects, changes, transitions, new initiatives, etc.