College of Education and Health Professions Honors Superior Staff Service Award Winners

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From left: Brandon Lucius, Sandra Ward, Jackie Micheletto, Cindy Folsom and Joe Hamilton.

The College of Education and Health Professions recently honored six staff members who received 2022 Superior Staff Service Awards.

Each was selected based on their outstanding service to faculty/staff, the college, the U of A and the community.

Cindy Folsom, an academic adviser for education majors in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, was praised for how well she cares for students and seeks to help them succeed, all while carrying an extensive workload. "I've seen her go above and beyond for her students. She tries to help them in their everyday situations that go even beyond school," one nominator stated. The way she cares for colleagues is also appreciated. "She also goes above and beyond to check in on her co-workers. She is extremely charismatic and strives to help everyone thrive," a nominator noted.

Joe Hamilton, an administrative specialist in the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, "performs all tasks promptly, efficiently and with kindness," according to one nominator. Another noted, "Joe has a lot to wrangle in HHPR, yet he always seems calm and collected. I'm grateful for Joe and his help over the years!"

Deb Henderson, academic adviser for pre-nursing and Eleanor Mann School of Nursing students, "provides truly holistic support to her students as they progress through their academic career at the U of A," a nominator stated. "Deb always puts the students first. She tries to help them in any way possible, even if they aren't her advisees." Henderson also plays a key role in training new advisers.

Brandon Lucius, executive director of the college's Arkansas Teacher Corps outreach program, is unfailingly supportive of fellows, ensuring they can support the students they serve, a nominator stated. "From finding funds for wrap-around services to Praxis assistance, Brandon is consistently working to lift the mental, emotional and financial stress some of our fellows carry," the nomination stated. "Brandon gives his all and some to the work we do daily, and he deserves to be recognized for doing so!"

Jackie Micheletto, assistant director of financial affairs for the college, supervises four staff members. Nominators lauded her perseverance amid COVID challenges, various work system transitions and staffing shortages. "Jackie is always positive, helpful, and never turns anyone away who needs her assistance," a nominator stated. "Jackie provides superior service at all times."

Sandra Ward, coordinator of graduate student services in the Department of Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders, was lauded for her unwavering and positive support of students, faculty and staff. "She is the glue that holds our department together," one nominator said.

Another added, "Sandra has consistently and conscientiously served the needs of RHRC students, faculty and staff for many years. She has demonstrated professional growth throughout her tenure in the department and has taken on increasing responsibility for tasks not part of her original job description."

Nominators said Ward does a fantastic job of helping prospective graduate students apply to the department's six graduate programs that offer 11 degrees. "Her communication with students is excellent. Every time a new student comes to campus and Sandra's name is mentioned, they light up and say, 'Oh, I know Sandra! She has helped me so much with my application process!'"

About the College of Education and Health Professions: The College of Education and Health Professions offers advanced academic degrees as well as professional development opportunities and learning communities in service to the education and health systems of Arkansas and beyond. The college provides the education and experiences for a variety of professional roles, ranging from community mental health counselors to school teachers and leaders. Programs in adult and higher education, along with educational technology and sport management, offer a broad range of options. In addition to education-related opportunities, the college prepares nurses, speech-language pathologists, health educators and administrators, recreation professionals, rehabilitation counselors and human performance researchers.