Hart Named Engineering Staff Member of Quarter

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Melynda Hart, Operations Manager, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Melynda Hart has been named staff member of the fourth quarter in the College of Engineering.

Hart is the operations manager in the Department of Mechanical Engineering; she was nominated by Uche Wejinya, associate professor of mechanical engineering, for going above and beyond her own job responsibilities in service of the department. Many of Hart's co-workers, who all mentioned that the department might fall apart without Hart in her role, supported this nomination.

Hart joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 2011. She has played a critical role in the way the department operates on a daily basis and in times of need.

Wejinya put Hart's efforts in to prospective when describing all that Melynda has done for the department, especially over the last year, during a pandemic.

"Melynda has gone above and beyond the scope of her job description in service of her department in many remarkable ways," Wejinya said. "Through the transition to Workday she took it upon herself to learn and train faculty and staff members in her department on how to navigate the new program and made herself available to assist with issues. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, she stepped into the role of academic counselor at the departure of a co-worker. The role includes, but is not limited to degree audits, advising, advising holds, grades, transfer credits, course equivalencies, etc. Hart then chaired a committee to hire a new staff member and continued her other responsibilities including alumni engagement through direct communication, email and social media. She is also a vital member of the awards committee. Hart is continuously gaining new knowledge, she is a very committed, responsible, and self-motivated person who consistently works hard towards the objectives all while keeping a great attitude and wonderful sense of humor."

Several of Hart's co-workers submitted blurbs about her and they all mentioned her joyous personality, dedication to the department, and how the 'ship' would sink without her.

Assistant professor James Davis praised Hart for her knowledge, technical support and flexible availability.

"Melynda is on call 24 hours a day," he said. "Everyone has her cell phone number, and she is always willing to help after hours and weekends. This woman is so good that she knows the difference between an electric hybrid vehicle and a hybrid electric vehicle."

Phyllis Dranger, mechanical engineering project coordinator, named many qualities that make Hart a great leader and co-worker, but most of all she noted Hart's love for others.

"At the autumn of my working years, I am now happy in a job I love, working for a supervisor who is the most talented person I have ever worked for in my career history. Melynda Hart does it all. She loves people and it shows," said Dranger. "She praises other people in public. She always recognizes the contributions of others, especially in group settings where the power of her words often encourages others to be the best they can be too."