The Staff Senate wishes to announce U of A Employees of the Year for 2022-23:

Category I - Professional/Non-Faculty - Academic

• AnReckez Daniels, assistant director, Multicultural Programming and Diversity Initiatives
  Daniels oversees and executes numerous events and programs at the Multicultural Center, especially during peak seasons like Black History Month, often working extended hours. In his five-plus years at the MC, he has not only proven to be a vital support for students, particularly the Black and African American community, but also initiated impactful projects like the "Better In Black" photo gallery, emphasizing the value and celebration of Black individuals on campus.

Category I - Professional/Non-Faculty - Administrative

• Amber Hutchinson, director of pre-award sponsored programs, Office of Sponsored Programs
  Hutchinson has been instrumental in helping faculty navigate the intricate web of grant applications, evident in the securing of significant funds, including an impressive ~$1 million from the USDA's Climate-Smart Commodity program. Beyond merely managing applications, she exhibits a knack for organizing multifaceted proposals, ensuring that researchers remain compliant with ever-evolving administrative stipulations.

Category II - Secretarial/Clerical

• Hasnaini Wood, administrative specialist III, Walton College
  Wood has been instrumental in maintaining the ISYS Department during staff shortages. Her active engagement spans from being a member of the department's DEIB committee to advising student organizations and volunteering in community activities. In addition to her daily tasks, she's successfully coordinated faculty reviews, assisted in department chair and faculty visitations, played a pivotal role in event planning such as the Blockchain Hackathon and BGS Induction, and expertly managed scheduling systems and administrative processes.

Category III - Technical/Paraprofessional

• Ashley Mitchell, serial cataloging supervisor, Mullins Library
  During a significant multi-year data migration process at the U of A, Mitchell demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment. Not only did she excel in her regular duties, but she worked through the complexities of the task and emerged with solutions that ensured the project's success.

Category IV - Skilled/Service/Maintenance

• Jonathan Silva, parking control officer, Transit & Parking 
  Silva's adeptness as a backup dispatcher for Parking accentuates his versatility while taking additional assignments within Parking and Athletics departments. His interactions with varied campus members — from visitors and students to faculty and staff — showcase his profound knowledge about parking protocols and regulations. Furthermore, his proactive stance ensures that individuals are equipped with accurate information, fortifying the bridge of understanding between the campus community and the Parking Department.

Congratulations to these outstanding employees for their hard work and service! They will be invited to celebrate with campus administrators and co-workers at the Staff Celebration this fall and will be honored at the U of A Employee Banquet in October. Each winner will receive a certificate and a monetary award for their selection. They will also be featured on the Employee of the Year display in the Arkansas Union beginning later this year. 

Employees of the Year serve as the Employee of the Quarter/Employee of the Year selection committee for the following academic year.

For more information about the Employee of the Quarter program or to make a nomination, please visit the Staff Senate website.