Congratulations, Employees of the 4th Quarter

Staff Senate Awards
Staff Senate Awards (Photo: Submitted)

The U of A Staff Senate is pleased to announce the Employees of the 4th Quarter. These staff members were nominated by their colleagues for their outstanding service, dedication and contributions to the university community.

Each quarter, Staff Senate recognizes employees in five categories for their excellence in the workplace and commitment to the university: Student & Campus Experience; Business & Organizational Operations; Technology, Data & Research; External Relations & Strategic Initiatives; and Facilities & Campus Support. Congratulations to this quarter's honorees:

Student and Campus Experience

Madison Stueve, associate director of Career Access Initiatives, Offices of Career Connections

Stueve is recognized for her innovative approach to supporting students and building community. She revamped the Career Fair Pre-Party with new preparation stations and employer participation, helping attract more than twice the previous fall's attendance, and brought back Sooie Suit Up to connect students with discounted professional clothing. Colleagues also praised her autism support programming, collaborative spirit and commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for students and coworkers.

Business and Organizational Operations

Daniela Alles, chief of staff, Bumpers College Dean's Office

Alles is recognized for her professionalism, leadership and commitment to service. Since joining the university in 2017, she has earned multiple college and Division of Agriculture awards for her outstanding contributions. Now serving as chief of staff for Bumpers College, Alles is a trusted adviser and operational leader whose thoughtful problem-solving and collaborative approach strengthen communication across the college while supporting faculty, staff, students and the university's academic mission.

Technology, Data and Research

Jack Dennis, director of IT Service Management, UITS

Dennis is recognized for his leadership and technical expertise in improving technology services across campus. His work helped decommission the university's analog phone system, reducing costs by 60%, while ensuring critical elevator communications remained operational. Dennis has also helped strengthen UAPD's technology and disaster recovery capabilities, expand IT service coverage and develop a self-service laptop lending system for students. Colleagues praised his collaborative approach and ability to find solutions that improve services across the university.

External Relations and Strategic Initiatives

Amy Linimon, associate vice chancellor, Philanthropy and Engagement

Linimon is recognized for her leadership, dedication and commitment to supporting the university and her colleagues. She has played an instrumental role in signature events such as Towers of Old Main, Gameday activities and other high-profile campus events, helping create positive experiences for donors, alumni and guests. Colleagues also praised Linimon as a trusted mentor who readily shares her expertise, provides guidance and fosters a collaborative and positive environment within the Office of Engagement.

Facilities and Campus Support

Rodney Stark, journeyman electrician, Facilities Operations Management

Stark is recognized for his outstanding service, reliability and positive attitude. He is consistently responsive to electrical needs across campus, quickly addressing problems and proactively checking that systems are working properly before issues are reported. Colleagues appreciate Stark's friendliness, dependability and willingness to help, noting that his proactive approach and commitment to excellent service make a meaningful difference in their daily work environment.

Staff Senate encourages the campus community to continue recognizing outstanding staff members by submitting nominations for future Employee of the Quarter awards. The program celebrates employees who demonstrate exceptional performance, service and dedication to the U of A.

For more information about the Employee of the Quarter program or to make a nomination, please visit the Employees of the Quarter and Year.

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.

Contacts

Ashley Reeves, Employee of the Quarter/Year chair
Staff Senate
ayoungbl@uark.edu