Kaleb Futch Named Global Campus Employee of the Quarter

Photo by Caroline Chandler

Kaleb Futch (center) accepts the Employee of the Quarter award from Donald Judges, vice provost for distance education, and Jamie Loftin, assistant vice provost for distance education administration.

Kaleb Futch has been named employee of the second quarter by the University of Arkansas Global Campus.

Futch, a computer support technician, won the award based on his outstanding work ethic and enthusiasm for tackling duties outside his job description. His work elevates professional development services and classes offered by the Global Campus facility in Rogers.

"Kaleb has brought enthusiasm and energy, and a rich set of skills, to his efforts in the Rogers office," said Donald Judges, vice provost for distance education.  "His presence is already making a positive difference."

Futch joined the Global Campus in 2015 and began working on the Technology Services team that provides computer and technology support to the Global Campus facilities in Fayetteville and Rogers, as well as assistance to academic partners on campus. In November 2017, Futch was assigned to the Rogers facility to facilitate the growing lineup of industry-driven workforce and professional development classes and services.

"I am absolutely honored," Futch said. "I can't say enough about how welcoming, accommodating, and helpful the team in Rogers has been during my transition. I have been met with new and interesting challenges that have allowed me to grow as a person and as a professional. I have enjoyed every moment of my time in Rogers, and I look forward to using my skills to expand the reach and scope of continuing education in the region."

Workforce development classes in Rogers offer professionals affordable options to advance their careers or learn the skills needed to move into new ones. Industry experts and U of A faculty develop a growing class lineup to help close area skills gaps.

Futch's coworker in Rogers nominated him for his outstanding technology support, the positive energy he brings to the Rogers team, and his eagerness to do whatever is necessary to support professional development and training programs, even when it has nothing to do with his job.

"He has taken on small details, such as setting-up classrooms for computer training courses, making coffee, and coming in early and staying late as needed for opening and closing (the office) if other employees are out sick or in meetings," his co-worker said anonymously on the nomination form. "If he sees a need, he just takes care of it with a very positive attitude. …He actively looks for ways to pitch in when we are busy."

The Global Campus Rogers facility is a hub for training, hosting its own programs and those offered by partner educational institutions, like Rogers Public Schools and Springdale Public Schools.

Staff at the Global Campus Fayetteville facility support the Rogers team and U of A colleges in the development and delivery of online programs and courses. The Fayetteville team provides instructional design services, technology services and assistance with marketing, recruiting and strategic academic development.

The Global Campus awards the Employee of the Quarter honor to recognize outstanding achievement and accomplishments that relate to the unit's goals and the U of A mission.  The other nominee for Employee of the Quarter was Noel Sharif, data analyst.

The award winner receives a commemorative certificate and a monetary award.