Staff Appreciation | Eastern North Carolina Now

 Publisher's note: The author of this post, Rich Klindworth, is a contributor to ECU News Services.

New award presented to eight ECU employees

 Eight East Carolina University staff members are being recognized for their hard work and dedication with inaugural Captain's First Mate awards during ECU's annual Staff Appreciation Week April 18-22.

 One employee is being honored from each of the following divisions: academic affairs, administration and finance, athletics, chancellor, health sciences, research, economic development and engagement, student affairs and university advancement.

 Vice chancellors or "captains" asked for nominations in their divisions to recognize staff for going above and beyond the call of duty in their jobs, said Lisa Ormond, chair of the ECU Staff Senate, which sponsored the awards in collaboration with divisional faculty and staff.

 "It is very important to let employees know how much they are appreciated and are needed by the university to operate at a high standard," Ormond said.

 Each Captain's First Mate will receive a gift from Dowdy Student Stores, a certificate of appreciation and an opportunity to represent ECU as nominee for the UNC system's Erskine B. Bowles Staff Service Award.

 The ECU staff members recognized are:


 Ginger Grimes, an administrative support associate in the biology department, works with more than 1,000 students taking biology and biochemistry classes each semester. Grimes is known for her welcoming manner and positive attitude, striving to help solve problems. She also has improved efficiency in the office. To show their appreciation, the Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Pre-Health Society made Grimes an honorary member of their group.

 Julie Evans is leading the university's conversion to Kronos, ECU's system of record for time, attendance and leave for employees. In addition to making "house calls" to help faculty, staff and students with questions about Kronos, Evans has streamlined the program to make it as efficient as possible. She consistently gets praise for her customer service and professionalism, said Zach Loch, director of enterprise information systems in the Department of Information Technology and Computing Services.

 As director of compliance for athletics, Dave Lipay helps ensure that ECU operates in accordance with NCAA, the American Athletic Conference and university rules and regulations. He was nominated for demonstrating "exemplary proficiency" in his job and leadership skills, according to Jamie Johnson, associate athletics director for compliance. Johnson says customer service is the backbone of athletics compliance, and that Lipay always makes himself accessible to staff, student-athletes and coaches.

 Every day is different for Megan Ayers, university program specialist in the Chief of Staff's office. Her attention to detail is evident in working with the ECU Board of Trustees and most recently the Chancellor Search Committee. After work, Ayers is a devoted single mother who will graduate this spring with a master's of public administration from ECU. She also is choir director for her church.

 Susan E. Howard's enthusiasm is infectious and an asset in her job as administrative support associate. Howard was instrumental in the Department of Nutrition Science's move from east to west campus last year and is a go-to person for faculty, staff and students, including supervising student events and workers. Howard's duties include purchasing, travel reimbursements, reservations and registrations, course entries, declaring majors, and guidance on ECU policies and procedures, among many others.

 Angie Wade is the effort reporter manager in the Office of Grants and Contracts, where she routinely mentors staff outside of formal training sessions. "Selfless service is something that lies in her heart and is demonstrated in everything that she does," said Steve Ayers, interim director of the office. When she's not at ECU, Wade is active in church mission work, delivers Meals on Wheels and volunteers at her daughter's school.

 Karen Smith is one of the first people students and family meet when they arrive at ECU. As the associate director of student transitions, Smith and her team welcome more than 9,000 students and families to ECU each summer during orientation. She ensures that each of the 10 orientation sessions runs smoothly, giving new students and their families a glimpse of the year to come.

 Megan Howard is assistant director of alumni programs, where she is involved in a host of annual alumni events such as the recent Pirate Alumni Road Race and Fun Run. "She embodies ECU's commitment to service," said Heath Bowman, associate vice chancellor for alumni relations. He said people regularly tell him about Howard's "customer first" attitude and commitment to her job.