Noel Sharif has been named employee of the first quarter by the University of Arkansas Global Campus.

Sharif, ­a data analyst for the Global Campus, was nominated for her outstanding work with institutional data sources that informed U of A decision-makers and helped solve problems. The Global Campus and academic colleges use this information to support student success, report to stakeholders and make decisions about online courses, programs, and services.

"Decision-makers ask a question," Sharif said. "My job is to find the information that answers that question, even if it leads to more questions."

The coworkers who nominated Sharif praised her work in this quarter in creating new systems to support student success. In addition to her regular duties, she developed a calling database to identify students who we missing key milestones in the enrollment process and provided data insights to identify enrollment patterns that help Global Campus and colleges determine how many seats are needed in specific online courses. 

Coworkers also acknowledged her efforts to assist the Global Campus compliance officers to be certain the U of A meets or exceeds all state and federal regulations regarding any U of A educational program operating outside Arkansas or related to professional licensure in other states.

Cheryl Murphy, vice provost for distance education and head of the Global Campus, recognized Sharif as the employee of the quarter at the October staff meeting conducted online.

"Data analysis allows us to understanding trends and patterns in higher education and is a critical component of all decision-making processes," Murphy said. "We are very fortunate to have Noel, as she is a data analysis wizard. Her work is vital to everything we do."

The Global Campus awards the employee of the quarter to recognize outstanding achievements and accomplishments that relate to the unit's goals and the U of A mission. The award recipient receives a commemorative certificate and a monetary award.

Other first quarter nominees were Erin Dickey, a program coordinator for professional and workforce development; Aileen George, a financial affairs specialist; and Kim Snow, a recruiter for online degree programs.

The Global Campus supports the U of A academic colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online degree programs and courses, self-paced online courses, and workforce development programs. This unit provides instructional design services, learning technology support, media production services, and assistance with financial administration, recruitment and marketing.

The Global Campus also supports the W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship, which is open to undergraduate and graduate students studying in online degree programs.