Global Campus presented three annual staff awards recently to recognize employees whose work might otherwise go unnoticed.

"These are the ones who don't seek or often receive recognition," said Cheryl Murphy, vice provost for distance education at Global Campus, at the quarterly staff meeting in July, "but they're the ones who always put their noses to the grindstone and get the work done. They're the silent heroes that keep Global Campus functioning."

The three awards — Cross-functional Collaborator, Rookie of the Year, and Unsung Hero — allow Global Campus to extend its appreciation as part of its ongoing support of staff. Recipients receive a framed certificate designed by the Global Campus media services team as well as a monetary award.

Cross-functional Collaborator Award

This award recognizes the spirit of cross-functional teamwork that helps Global Campus achieve its goals. To be eligible for this award, staff must produce results that increase productivity and efficiency, boost morale, improve customer service, support retention, or other accomplishments in alignment with Global Campus' strategic goals.

The employee must provide outstanding and ongoing excellence in service to faculty, staff, students, community and co-workers.

The Collaborator Award recipient for 2023-24 is Rabia Shattuck, customer relationship management coordinator in Innovation and Online Student Experience. Shattuck coordinates Slate, the customer relationship management system used by Global Campus to support potential and current students as well as faculty and staff for online programs. She willingly shares her expertise and experience with other teams at Global Campus, as well as other Slate users across campus. Shattuck was named Best Campus Contributor at Slate Summit 2024, surpassing more than 1,900 other potential contributors across the nation.

"I'm honored by this recognition," Shattuck said. "Thank you to my amazing team for nominating me for both awards."

Patty Milner, assistant vice provost for Innovation and Online Student Experience, is Shattuck's supervisor. She said, "Rabia is a true collaborator. Creative problem solving is one of the many ways she shines. She is always willing to help not just solve an immediate issue but understand how to adjust the system to create long-term sustainable solutions."

The other nominees for the Cross-functional Collaborator Award were:

•  Kathy Green, administrative support supervisor, Instructional Design and Support Services
• Noel Sharif, data analyst, Innovation and the Online Student Experience

Rookie of the Year

This award spotlights staff who have worked at Global Campus for less than a full year but whose efforts in some way support, boost or enhance the services provided to Global Campus staff, as well as students, departments and the community at large.

The Rookie of the Year award for 2023-24 goes to Nina Reich, human resources coordinator in Financial Affairs and Human Resources. Reich spent 12 years in the food science department within the U of A's Division of Agriculture before joining Global Campus in February 2024. Reich has gone above and beyond in assisting with all manner of duties related to human resources, which includes improving record-keeping; minimizing problems during the hiring, onboarding and offboarding processes; improving Global Campus interactions with Office of Equal Opportunity, Compliance and Title IX; and expanding successful communication with central HR. Reich has a solid reputation for dependability, punctuality, and possessing a positive disposition.

"I am honored that you would choose me for this award," Reich said. "I enjoy coming to work each day and being part of such an amazing team."

Jamie Loftin, assistant vice provost for distance education administration and Reich's supervisor, said, "Nina has only been with Global Campus for five months, but she has made a huge impact and quickly learned the HR side of Workday. She has given support to many teams across Global Campus as well as helping work on our relationships with our partners across campus. Nina is passionate about HR and wants to continue to grow in this role."

The other nominees for the Rookie of the Year award were:

•  Madison Fielding, academic records management analyst, Partnerships, Scheduling, and Records
• Benjamin Matthews, academic records management analyst, Partnerships, Scheduling, and Records

Unsung Hero Award

This award was established to bring recognition to staff whose duties are integral to the smooth running of Global Campus but whose routine but vital tasks do not normally stand out.

The Unsung Hero Award goes to Christina R. Smith, administrative analyst for recruitment and student services in Innovation and Online Student Experience. Smith began her career at the U of A as a Razortemp at Global Campus in February 2019 and became a full-time employee in June of that same year. In 2022, her position and duties were elevated to administrative analyst. Smith was nominated for her quiet work behind the scenes, keeping Global Campus' recruitment and retention efforts flowing smoothly, assisting with everything from travel to event planning, sitting on search committees and interviews for staffing, as well as ordering supplies and managing supplier contracts.

"It is an honor to be recognized for the work I do every day," Smith said. "I am happy to support the incredible Recruitment and Student Services Team and Global Campus to continue our mission to serve online students."

Milner, her supervisor, said of Smith, "Christina is really the heart of our team. She keeps all our plates spinning, allowing our team members to focus on their core work knowing that Christina always has their back. We really would be lost without her."

The other nominees for the Unsung Hero Award were:

• Glen Dunn, manager of technology services, Technology and Building Services
• Luke Gramlich, senior videographer/editor, Media Production
• Brandon Harner, technology support specialist, Technology and Building Services
• Justin Mazzanti, building specialist, Technology and Building Services
• Ben Sharon, learning technology specialist, Learning Technology Support
• Chrystal Thomas, recruiter for online programs, Innovation and Online Student Experience

The Global Campus supports the U of A academic colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online degree programs and courses, and workforce development programs. This unit provides instructional design services, learning technology support, media production services, and assistance with financial administration, recruitment and marketing. 

The Global Campus also supports the W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship, which is open to undergraduate and graduate students studying in online degree programs.