Adrienne Gaines has been named the Staff Employee of the Quarter for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021.

Gaines, who serves as associate director of student services for the First-Year Engineering Program in the College of Engineering, was chosen by the Engineering Staff Council based on nominations from her colleagues.

Gaines has worked in the College of Engineering for eight years, and her role plays a critical part in the academic trajectory of engineering students. She leads a four-person team that handles a variety of activities aimed at increasing student success, including new student orientation, academic advising, peer mentoring and academic coaching.

Richard Cassady, University Professor of Industrial Engineering and director of the first-year engineering program, said Gaines' work was exceptional.

"Her knowledge of campus resources is unmatched, her willingness to learn new technical and non-technical skills is remarkable, her compassion for students is endless, and her positive attitude is infectious," he said.

Cassady also praised Gaines' leadership, noting she is the chair of University of Arkansas Academic Advising Council and played a critical role in addressing student success issues brought about by COVID-19.

Kim Needy, dean of the College of Engineering, said Gaines is an exemplary staff member in the College and across campus.

"Adrienne's work is critical to the success of the 700-plus students who participate in our First-Year Engineering program," Needy said. "Her leadership and dedication to providing each student with the resources they need ensures every student in the College has a strong foundation from which to pursue their dreams. Her expertise is respected throughout the College and across campus, and we are fortunate to work alongside her."

Ashley Reeves, president of the College of Engineering Staff Council, said Gaines' work is a model to all.

"I have known and worked with Adrienne throughout the entirety of my ten-year career at the University of Arkansas and I have grown to admire her for how much she genuinely cares about the students she serves and her colleagues," she said. "It is an absolute pleasure to see her win this award and I wholeheartedly believe she deserves every bit of recognition and more. Adrienne is a hard-working, servant leader who is both loyal and dedicated to her position, the college, the university. We are so lucky to have her in the College of Engineering."