Congratulations Employees of the Year

The Staff Senate wishes to announce U of A Employees of the Year for 2023-24:

Category I - Professional/Non-Faculty - Academic

Danielle Dunn, director of Operations and Academic Outreach
Dunn's initiatives in streamlining processes have significantly improved student retention. Dunn founded the Academic Support and Outreach Programs and created the Major Exploration Coaching Program, which received a $500,000 grant, to assist students in navigating their academic and career paths. Collectively, these initiatives have transformed the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence, or the CORD, into a more accessible support hub.

Category I - Professional/Non-Faculty - Administrative

Debbie Ritter​, employee relations coordinator in the Office of Career Connections
Ritter's nomination package states that recruiters are often thanking her for going the extra mile and making recruiting U of A students a fun and inviting experience. Ritter's supervisor, KayLee Simmons, reiterates that she frequently goes above and beyond the call of duty, has a positive attitude and provides stellar customer service. Simmons adds, "So much of what Debbie does could go unnoticed because she is so efficient at what she does and rarely, if ever, needs help. Debbie personally vets hundreds of posted jobs and employers weekly and is the sole approver for 95 percent of jobs posted and employer approvals at the University of Arkansas on Handshake."

Category II - Secretarial/Clerical

Lauren Denny, administrative specialist III, International Students & Scholars
Along with her engaging presence and delivering customer service that enhances the experiences of international students, scholars and supporters, Denny's initiatives, such as efficient visa document processing and improved communication systems, reflect her commitment to excellence and efficiency. With a degree in graphic design, her expertise has notably elevated the office's promotional materials, as demonstrated by her acclaimed designs for International Education Week, and her voluntary roles in scholarship application processing and office organization further highlight her multifaceted contributions.

Category III - Technical/Paraprofessional

Juana Gilstrap, systems specialist and Workday Student data and integrations specialist
With more than 38 years of experience serving the U of A with distinction as a computer lab operator, application programmer and systems analyst before being hired in her current role, systems specialist and Workday Student data and integrations specialist at the Registrar's Office, in 2014. Gilstrap's meticulous attention and extensive knowledge have been invaluable to the complex processes of conversion in the Workday Student project. Despite the challenging nature and long hours required for the work, Gilstrap has remained committed to ensuring the data transformation is as accurate and efficient as possible.

Category IV - Skilled/Service/Maintenance

Justin Mazzanti, building specialist, Global Campus Technology Support
Showing exceptional versatility and dedication in his role, Mazzanti's recent accomplishments include adeptly managing an extensive legislative asset inventory update, ensuring readiness for annual asset scanning, coordinating ADA door upgrades and handling emergency situations like graffiti with prompt and professional action. His willingness to embrace additional responsibilities, coupled with his readiness to step in during critical situations, has helped the assurance of smooth operation of the Global Campus facilities.

Congratulations to these outstanding employees for their hard work and service! They will be invited to celebrate with campus administrators and co-workers at the Staff Celebration this fall and will be honored at the U of A Employee Banquet in October. Each winner will receive a certificate and a monetary award for their selection. They will also be featured on the Employee of the Year display in the Arkansas Union beginning later this year.

Employees of the Year serve as the Employee of the Quarter/Employee of the Year selection committee for the following academic year.

For more information about the Employee of the Quarter program or to make a nomination, please visit the Employees of the Quarter and Year.

About Staff Senate: Created in 1976 by Board of Trustees Policy 810.1, Staff Senate and its elected senators have the responsibility of making recommendations to university leadership on any matter of staff concern, including quality of work life, the efficiency of operations and staff service to the campus community. Staff Senate advocates in the areas of compensation, working conditions, health and wellness, fringe benefits, safety, parking and other workplace issues. In addition, Staff Senate works to celebrate, recognize and give back to staff through programs such as Employees of the Quarter & Year, awards for Staff Team and Part-Time Employee of the Year, Staff Appreciation Week, the annual Staff Appreciation Picnic, Staff Senate Scholarships and RazorGifts.

Monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month from 1:30-3 p.m. and are open to the public both in-person and virtually. Meeting details, lists of sitting senators and additional information can be found at the Staff Senate website.

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