Two members of the staff at Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, were recently honored with the Mary Anna King Whitehead Staff Excellence Awards during the University’s annual staff awards breakfast. Those receiving awards were Becki Talley and Wilma Williams.
Talley, secretary to the dean of the College of Business, was recognized by her peers as the award recipient of the Support Staff Excellence Award. She began at SAU in 1992. This award is intended to recognize the support staff member who has achieved an outstanding level or professionalism in the performance of their assignment.
Williams serves as director of the Employment Resource Center. She was awarded the Professional Staff Excellence Award. This award is intended to recognize the non-teaching professional staff member who has achieved an outstanding level of professionalism in the performance of their assignment.
Each of the award winners received a $500 prize.
The Mary Anna King Whitehead Staff Excellence Awards have been fully endowed through the SAU Foundation. The endowment was funded by current and former Governors of the University Foundation in memory of Mrs. Whitehead, who was a six-year member and former chairperson of the Foundation Board. Investment income from the Whitehead Endowment funds the two University staff excellence awards in perpetuity.
Also recognized during the staff awards breakfast were those who had given many years of service to the University.
Acknowledged for 10 years of service were Jim McCollum, Information Technology Services; Peggy Rogers, Magale Library; Beverlyn Rowden, Office of Counseling and Testing; and Ruth E. Jeane, College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
Velma Kimble, of the Physical Plant, was recognized for 20 years of service. Arvia Askew, with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, was awarded for 40 years of service. Maxine Porterfield, of the Office of the Registrar, was acknowledged for 50 years.
Lewis Porterfield, dairy, retired.
