Recipients of 2010 Board of Regents Staff Awards Announced

Adelphi, Md. (Sept. 17, 2010) -University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents Chairman Clifford Kendall and USM Chancellor William E. Kirwan honored winners of the 2010 USM Regents' Staff Awards during today's board meeting at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

The awards recognize staff members who have made exceptional contributions to their organizations, students and the university community.

Award winners are selected based on nominations and letters of support from colleagues, culminating in a formal recommendation from the Council of University System Staff, which provides non-faculty USM employees with a voice in system governance.

"I thank and congratulate all of our awardees for the outstanding efforts they are making for our institutions and our communities.  We also thank the thousands of USM staff in Maryland and around the world who are the bedrock of our success," Chairman Kendall said.

Each award carries a $1,000 prize, provided by the institutions and the University System of Maryland Foundation.

 

The following USM staff members were honored:

Regents' Staff Award for Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment

Exempt:

Mary Tola, Director of Health Services at Frostburg State University (FSU). As director of the Brady Health Center, Ms. Tola personifies the personal and caring attention that Frostburg prides itself on providing to its students.  A dedicated advocate for student health, she was a leader in developing FSU's campus-wide wellness initiative and was instrumental in planning and developing a campus response to the H1N1 outbreak.  Last year, she was recognized as Nurse Practitioner of the Year in Allegany County. 

Non-Exempt:

Deborah Pusey, Program Management Specialist in the Financial Aid Office at Salisbury University (SU). Ms. Pusey embodies a number of qualities that deserve recognition.  She deals with students-often emotional and stressed-in a positive, patient one-on-one manner and puts the needs of students and their families first.  And she makes a lasting impression on students, making them loyal alumni for life.  Additionally, Deborah volunteers in the campus community and the larger Salisbury community.

  


Regents' Staff Award for Exceptional Contribution to the Institution or Unit

Exempt: Colleen Stump, associate vice president for University Advancement and director of Publications at Frostburg State University. Ms. Stump, a member of the FSU family since 1983, has served on countless committees over the years at FSU, most recently the Marketing and Branding Task Force.  Her commitment to Frostburg and her professionalism are evident is the effort she puts into every publications or item of marketing material.  In addition, her knowledge, insight, and opinion are sought out by her colleagues at FSU on a wide range of issues.

Non-Exempt: Myrle Combs, Business Services Specialist in the Student Affairs Division at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Ms. Combs has served UMBC for more than 35 years.  She is known for teaching staff, administrators and students how to manage accounts.  Student leaders from more than 200 campus organizations have benefited from her instructs on handling their funds correctly and efficiently. 

 

 

Regents' Staff Award for Extraordinary Public Service to the University or to the Greater Community

Exempt: Kim Nechay, Director of Development at Salisbury University. With her ability to forge positive relationships, her keen understanding of business and real estate issues, and her outreach to the broader Salisbury community, Ms. Nechay spearheaded efforts for the physical expansion and development of the SU campus.  Her commitment, creativity, and insight were all the more important given the challenging economic climate and related state budget concerns.  Widely known for her personal warmth, Kim is constantly working to improve relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and the larger university community.

Non-Exempt: Julia Heng with the University of Maryland Police Department at the University of Maryland, College Park. Ms. Heng is described as an outstanding investigator with a tenacious commitment to public safety, in particular the trafficking of controlled substances.  A member of the University of Maryland Police Department since 2001, she has been recognized as a top producer each of the past four years.

 

 

 

Contact: Mike Lurie
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edu