In a testament to their dedication to the mission of the U of A, the U of A Staff Senate is delighted to announce and celebrate five outstanding employees as the Employees of the 4th Quarter for the 2024-25 academic year. These staff members embody our core values and significantly contribute to their unit and our campus.

Winners of the 4th Quarter

Category I - Professional/Non-Faculty - Academic
Katie Winkler, assistant director of advising. Winkler began her meticulous planning for the 2024 New Student Orientation last fall, perfecting every detail for the January soft launch, even though the main event is in the summer. Throughout the process, she has been key in training and mentoring new advisers and in creating comprehensive step-by-step instructions. Her inclusive nature and humor foster team camaraderie, while her problem-solving skills and support for new initiatives have made her a respected leader among her peers.

Category I - Professional/Non-Faculty - Administrative
Todd Walters, director of eProcurement. While leading the Amazon P-Card program implementation in the Department of Civil Engineering, Walters has resolved several credit card issues, streamlined financial operations and developed eProcurement training lauded for its clarity and thoroughness, earning high praise from Internal Audit for his meticulous approach. Walters' dependable communication and proactive support have significantly enhanced daily operations.

Category II - Secretarial/Clerical
Allie Primm Blackford, administrative assistant III. Formerly an administrative assistant for the Fulbright Honors Program, Blackford transitioned to independently manage the expansion of the new Office of Undergraduate Excellence and Global Engagement (UEGE), which includes the Honors Program serving 1,300 students. While adapting to new practices, Blackford also took responsibility for study abroad, general education and experiential learning for Fulbright College. Additionally, Blackford enhanced the branding of Fulbright College by designing new logos and marketing materials.

Category III - Technical/Paraprofessional
Nigel York, Arkansas Union assistant director of event operations. In his three years at the Arkansas Union, York has earned two promotions due to his outstanding dedication, inventiveness and leadership. During the Annual Capstone Symposium, he efficiently managed a complex reconfiguration of 500 rooms on short notice, maintaining a positive attitude. Beyond logistics, York mentors student employees in event production and has hired five as part of his team. His initiatives have expanded the Event Operations team and enhanced live performance capabilities in the Union.

Category IV - Skilled Crafts, Service, Maintenance
Peter Perry, custodian. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Perry keeps the Uptown Campus in pristine condition. His willingness to tackle tasks outside his normal responsibilities, such as assisting with grounds maintenance during staffing shortages, has earned him admiration from colleagues and occupants alike. Even when the custodial and grounds teams are understaffed, Perry acts quickly and maintains a positive attitude.

Staff Senate commends these individuals for their exceptional performance and positive influence on the U of A community. Each awardee will receive a monetary award and will be recognized at the next Staff Celebration.

All Employee of the Quarter honorees will be considered for the Employee of the Year award. For more information about the Employee of the Quarter program, please visit Employee of the Quarter and Year.

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About Staff Senate:  Created in 1976 by Board of Trustees Policy 810.1, Staff Senate and its elected senators have the responsibility of making recommendations to university leadership on any matter of staff concern, including quality of work life, the efficiency of operations, and staff service to the campus community. Staff Senate advocates in the areas of compensation, working conditions, health and wellness, fringe benefits, safety, parking, and other workplace issues. In addition, Senate works to celebrate, recognize, and give back to staff through programs such as Employees of the Quarter & Year, awards for Staff Team and Part-Time Employee of the Year, Staff Appreciation Week, the annual Staff Appreciation Picnic, Staff Senate Scholarships, and RazorGifts.

Monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month from 1:30-3 p.m. and are open to the public both in-person and virtually.  Meeting details, lists of sitting Senators, and additional information can be found at the Staff Senate website.