Carolyn Shoemaker, project/program specialist, and Vince Capps, computer support specialist, both employees with the Office of Graduation and Retention within the Office of Student Success, were named Employees of the Year for 2021-22 by the Staff Senate.

The Employee of the Year nominations are generated from Employee of the Quarter award winners, with both employees taking home the Employee of the Quarter award in the second quarter of the awards cycle.

Both employees will be honored at a fall staff celebration event and invited to attend the U of A Employee Banquet in October. Additionally, both will receive a certificate and monetary award for their selection and be featured in the Employee of the Year display in the Arkansas Union later this year.

Shoemaker is the Employee of the Year awardee in Category I: Professional/Non-Faculty-Administrative. As building coordinator and office administrator, Shoemaker is instrumental in building operations for the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence and administrative management of the offices within the Office of Student Success, including Graduation and Retention, University Perspectives and the Center for Learning and Student Success.

In her nomination letter, Shoemaker was described as "the backbone of the Student Success Center," someone who expertly wears multiple hats daily and a staff member beloved by past and current students who regularly visit the center to seek out her support and guidance.

Shoemaker has been employed on campus since December 2010. Prior to her employment with the Office of Student Success, she held positions within the Division of Advancement and the Division of Student Affairs. She is also an alumna of the university, holding a bachelor's degree in agriculture and the proud parent of a current U of A student.

"I came back to the university because I love being on campus," Shoemaker said. "Even when I didn't have a student here, I loved the academic lifestyle and interacting with students. It is encouraging to see the excitement of students and their fresh ideas and approaches to today's problems. And as a lifelong Razorback fan, being on campus also keeps me close to Razorback sports."

Vince Capps is the Employee of the Year for Category III: Technical/Paraprofessional. As a computer support specialist for the Office of Student Success, Capps oversees technology systems within the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence, evaluates solutions compatible with campus-wide technology objectives, administrates servers, provides staff training and more. He oversees a team of three student workers who support technology needs throughout the building.

In his nomination letter, Capps was applauded for the energy and enthusiasm he brings to everyday tasks. He was described as one of the most genuine staff members on the Student Success Center team and passionate about improving Student Success IT in a way that benefits staff and students.

Capps has been employed on campus since 2015, first serving as a computer support specialist for the Graduate School and International Education and then bringing his expertise and passion for technical support to the Office of Student Success in October 2021. He played a critical role in the successful opening of the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence in Spring 2022.

Cassandra Nelson, one of the student employees reporting to Capps, said, "Working in IT at the Student Success Center has been a great learning experience for me, not only in the transition into a professional environment from school, but also in my ability to solve problems and work on a team. Vince has created a work environment that encourages learning and collaboration in everything we do. His passion for what he does, along with his compassion for those around him, makes Vince one of - if not the - kindest and most effective people I have ever worked with."

Both Shoemaker and Capps have played integral roles in successfully opening the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence and ensuring the building and technology continue to operate at optimal performance so colleagues and the students using the space and its services can achieve their professional, academic and personal goals.

"I believe that working with good people matters because it makes the work environment more enjoyable for everyone," said Danielle Dunn, director for operations and early action and supervisor of both Shoemaker and Capps. "It also positively impacts our students to come into a place with a sense of respect and belief in their work. The Student Success Center is a remarkable place that does good work in large part due to the efforts of Carolyn and Vince. Happiness at work is being able to work with great people, and I'm lucky to have two of the best people working with us in the Student Success Center."