The Staff Senate wishes to announce U of A Employees of the Year for 2024-25:

Category I: Professional/Non-Faculty - Academic

Caleb Hatz, engineering career connections coordinator, College of Engineering. Managing the First-Year Engineering Program's Mock Interview week, Hatz transitioned 50 employer volunteers and 650-plus student interviews to Zoom, redesigning workflows to manage 15-20 simultaneous breakout rooms cycling participants every 30 minutes. By collaborating with university IT for secure setups and creating training for staff, students and volunteers, he improved volunteer recruitment while reducing staff alternate needs and enhancing efficiency, making the event the best in its history.

Category I: Professional/Non-Faculty - Administrative

Yakeshia "YaYa" Jenkins, website developer, Global Campus. Jenkins developed a groundbreaking Slate-based system for non-credit courses, integrating online registration, course management and an e-commerce-style portal. Her exceptional coding skills, innovative wireframe designs and adept handling of complex data queries ensured the system's successful launch, revolutionizing the promotion and management of non-credit educational offerings. Beyond this project, Jenkins enhances Global Campus websites, designs dynamic email templates using Slate and Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and generates data-driven engagement reports to optimize marketing strategies.

Category II: Secretarial/Clerical

Jonathan Khanty, administrative specialist, Fulbright College. Khantly adeptly manages interactions with over 200 students daily during peak advising periods. As the primary point of contact for faculty, staff and students across campus, he efficiently processes overrides, registration forms and substitutions, leveraging his deep curriculum knowledge to guide students and connect them with resources such as the registrar or financial aid. During New Student Orientation in May and June, Khanty coordinated advising rotations, processing over 50 major changes daily while managing incoming calls. Having completed his undergraduate degree in May 2025 while working full-time, Khanty's precision, dedication and positive presence ensure the office's smooth operation.

Category III: Technical/Paraprofessional

Ali Williams, computer support specialist, University IT Services. Williams has been instrumental in the successful selection and implementation of a new campus-wide event registration system called RegistrationGuru. Drawing on 20 years of experience with events and software, Williams helped create a list of requirements, gathered feedback from colleagues across the university and ensured that the system would be easy for event planners and end-users while maintaining security and fiscal responsibility. Her technical skills, attention to detail and dedication to quality service were invaluable in learning the new software, keeping the implementation project on track, customizing the tool to fit the university's needs and providing continuous support to users.

Category IV: Skilled Crafts/Service/Maintenance

Jeremy Bowerman, journeyman electrician, Facilities Management. During the February 2025 snowstorm, Bowerman worked extended hours under challenging conditions to ensure the campus heating system remained operational, demonstrating his critical role in maintaining essential services. Known for his high moral character throughout his 19-year tenure at the Central Utility Plant - Heating Plant, Bowerman earns respect through honesty, integrity and accountability, fostering a supportive environment for colleagues who rely on his expertise and guidance. His deep knowledge of plant operations and unwavering dedication make him an invaluable asset.

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 Employees 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.