Starlyn Danley, assistant director of computer training programs, has been named employee of the first quarter by the University of Arkansas Global Campus.

Based at the Global Campus Rogers facility, Danley coordinates and teaches computer and technology-related training programs, including Microsoft and Adobe software classes. In addition to her regular duties, Danley proposed and recently received a regional workforce planning grant, allowing the Global Campus to receive funding through the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to establish an IT Readiness Initiative.

Through this initiative, the Rogers team will partner with area businesses and industry to build information technology educational programming that will impact the workforce in Northwest Arkansas. It will empower people to gain the knowledge and certifications needed to qualify for jobs in information technology.

"It was a real honor," Danley said the award. "I've got a good group of folks working for me and around me. It should be a team award, not an individual award."

Danley and the Rogers team will use the $48,954 grant funds to hire a program manager and cover the costs of equipment and supplies for the planning phase. Later, the Global Campus will seek further grant funds to develop short- and long-term educational programming, including certificate programs, to empower community members to gain the skills needed to qualify for higher-wage jobs. It will also help supply local industry with the skilled workforce it needs to thrive.

Javier Reyes, vice provost for distance education and head of the Global Campus, presented the award to Danley at a recent ceremony and commended her for establishing the groundwork for future growth of computer and technology training programs.

"Starlyn and her team have put together a plan to fill a skills gap in Northwest Arkansas that aligns with the initiatives of Gov. Asa Hutchinson and meets needs reported by the Northwest Arkansas Council," Reyes said. "The Global Campus awarded the employee of the quarter to Starlyn as a symbol of our gratitude for going beyond her job description to help Arkansans gain the skills needed for better employment options."

Through its employee-of-the-quarter recognition program, the Global Campus identifies the outstanding achievements and accomplishments of individuals who help the unit meet its goals, as they relate to the mission of the University of Arkansas. Other fist quarter nominees were Aaron Jones and Lindsay Turner.

The honoree is nominated by the Global Campus staff and selected by the directors and the administrative leadership team. The award winner receives a commemorative certificate and a monetary award.