Finalists Named for Chancellor's Staff, Ferrari Awards
A highlight at the start of each fall semester is the presentation of the Chancellor’s Staff Award for Outstanding Service and the Michael R. Ferrari Award for Distinguished University Service and Leadership. These awards formally recognize faculty and staff for their commitment to and demonstration of the university’s goals and values. Winners for the Chancellor’s Staff Award and Michael R. Ferrari Award will be announced at the Opening Celebration Aug. 14.
Chancellor’s Staff Award for Outstanding Service
Created in 2003, the Chancellor’s Staff Award for Outstanding Service recognizes a staff member for exemplary service and contributions to the welfare of the campus community. One finalist is chosen from each division. Following are the 2020 division finalists and just a few of the extolling words submitted by their nominators:
Academic Affairs: Lindsay Cowdin, coordinator operations theater: “She continually supports faculty and staff by being the ‘go-to’ person with knowledge of, not only the department, but how everyone can improve their relationship with the university at large.”
Brite: Loren Baxter, director of technology Brite Resources: “Loren is the bond holding the Brite students, faculty and staff together. It’s much more than his technical expertise and professionalism, it’s his heart and unquenchable work ethic!”
Finance & Administration: Brooke Ruesch, manager of construction projects: “Brooke’s unending pursuit of excellence in her work, her quest for professional and leadership development and the kindness and grace that she consistently demonstrates to everyone whom she interacts with exemplifies and personifies the unique attributes of a TCU Horned Frog.”
Human Resources: Jenny Dick, associate director of HRIS: “Jenny is beyond a team player and amazing at what she does. She is brilliant at IT design and works tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everyone looks good at their jobs.”
Intercollegiate Athletics: Ike Ukaegbu, senior associate athletic director for compliance: “Ike never loses sight of the mission of educating the leaders for tomorrow. He supports the student-athlete in a way that can only be scribed by the adage ‘give a man a fish and he eats for a day, but teach a man to fish, he is full for life.’”
Marketing & Communication: Amy Peterson, manager of social media: “Amy works nights and weekends, holidays and every day to maintain the brand of TCU and uphold our priorities. She communicates with more than 100,000 people on behalf of TCU daily.”
Student Affairs: Pam Hughes, administrative program specialist: “She has the work ethic of 10 employees and is someone I try to model my work after. But it is her work with students that I think is probably the most unheralded.”
University Advancement: Corina Cervantes, assistant director of user services: “She takes the time to listen and understand our needs as a department and offers solutions to increase our efficiency and productivity, which enables us to be better fundraisers for TCU.”
The Michael R. Ferrari Award for Distinguished University Service and Leadership
The Ferrari Award was established by the TCU Board of Trustees to honor the former chancellor and recognize the extraordinary situational leadership accomplishments above job or position expectations of a faculty or staff member. Following are the 2020 Ferrari finalists and a few words of praise from their nominators:
Kayla Green, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry: “What makes Dr. Green’s work outstanding is the additional activities she voluntarily assumes to advance the field of chemistry in general, to help others who are suffering or less fortunate and to advance TCU’s image as a good corporate citizen of the Fort Worth community.”
Stacie McCormick, Ph.D., associate professor of English: “She merges scholarly engagement with community building that supports underrepresented students and faculty as well as potential allies. Her skills in juggling multiple initiatives, her commitment and her energy are clearly demonstrated with each new and creative initiative she envisions and makes possible.”
Peter Worthing, Ph.D., professor of history and associate dean for graduate studies and Research, AddRan College: “Dr. Worthing has enhanced the student experience, moved the needle with respect to DEI initiatives and led faculty outside of the College. I would also add the he has a robust and active research agenda and continues to publish in the area of Asian history.”
