Employees awarded for diligence and commitment to students

Enrollment and retention are any university's top priority. To recognize those at USI who strive to provide students with the best tools and compassionate guidance, Enrollment Management rolled out its first annual Enrollment Management Awards. These awards were presented to individuals who "go beyond the call of duty to enrich the workplace and provide excellent customer service to students and the University." Plaques were presented to winners in various categories during the Enrollment Management Awards and Recognition Program on Monday, August 8. The categories and winners are:

Collaboration Award

Recognizes the team leader and the team members who have spearheaded a collaborative effort that has substantially impacted a department, several departments, the campus, staff and faculty and/or student and families. 

Recipients: Sean Riley, Senior Counselor, Financial Aid and Joanna Riney, Associate Director, Student Financial Assistance

Quote from nominator: "Sean and Joanna worked in collaboration with multiple campus offices to develop and implement a new Satisfactory Academic Policy (SAP). The new policy will support retention and allow academic advisors the opportunity to provide early intervention for students who are at risk of losing their aid due to not meeting requirements."

Friend of Enrollment Management Award

Recognizes individuals and/or groups/organizations outside the Division of Enrollment Management who have made outstanding and/or sustained contributions to the mission and vision of Enrollment Management.

Recipients: Ed Shelby, Senior Programmer/Analyst, Information Technology and Karen Huseman, assistant director of programming, Housing and Residence Life

Quote from nominator: "Ed is absolutely the best when it comes to implementation of new systems or processes such as automation of transcript generation, missing grade reminders and gainful employment reporting. His ability to automate tedious and time consuming processes save an immeasurable number of staff hours."

"Karen values the diversity of our student population, understands the underlying barriers students present to retention efforts and knows that graduating a student is the best way to positively influence the trajectory of the rest of their life."

Innovation Award

Recognizes an individual whose innovative work or suggestions significantly improve operational efficiencies, introduces a new or modified business practice or improves work process, workflow or customer service.

Recipient: Cory Like, Data Manager, Student Financial Assistance

Quote from nominator: "Cory enables the office to remain in a compliant status due to his high-level of technical expertise coupled with a profound understanding of federal and state regulatory requirements."

Knowledge for Life Award

Recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions beyond his/her position to their professional development, thereby enhancing the quality of professionalism in the Division of Enrollment Management. Provides/supports professional development activities for Enrollment Management staff members, demonstrates commitment to his/her own professional development.

Recipient: Joanna Riney, Associate Director, Student Financial Assistance

Quote from nominator: "Joanna promotes professional development for the staff by researching webinars for staff to participate in that provide critical information needed to manage federal aid programs. Additionally, she identifies staff members who show interest in professional development and aligns them with a program to help them obtain the training."

Outstanding New Professional Award

Recognizes a new Enrollment Management employee who has made outstanding contributions toward achieving departmental goals, divisional goals, and Enrollment Management core values.

Recipient: Aaron Pryor, Academic Counselor, Academic Skills

Quote from nominator: "Eager to get involved and immerse himself in the TRIO program, he began building strong relationships with each of the 140 students we serve who come from at-risk backgrounds. He has continued to foster and build new relationships with departments both on and off campus to support and advocate for students."

Outstanding Administrator Award

Recognizes an administrator who exhibits exceptional performance above and beyond their normal job duties. Exceptional performance could be a major accomplishment, excellent work ethic and/or outstanding customer service which significantly contributed to the goals of Enrollment Management.

Recipient: Mark Rusk, Associate Director, Undergraduate Admissions

Quote from student nominator: "Mr. Rusk has been a vital mentor in my four years at this university and as assisted me in finding many opportunities. USI is a better place because of his dedication for every student he comes into contact with and the impact he has made."

Outstanding Support Staff Award

Recognizes an Enrollment Management staff member who exhibits exceptional performance above and beyond their normal job duties. Exceptional performance could be a major accomplishment, excellent work ethic and/or outstanding customer service which significantly contributed to the goals of Enrollment Management.

Recipient: Suzanne Schroeder, Senior Administrative Assistant, Academic Skills

Quote from nominator: "Academic Skills is often one of the first contacts with USI that future students have. Her inviting manner is often the first impression students and parents experience. She is always striving to make each person's experience a positive, productive one, whether it's a student tutor, adjunct, staff member or the parent of an incoming freshman."