SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM FEATURES
Melanie Paul, Administrative Associate
The Spotlight Program is delighted to include its first feature profiling an MSU Bozeman staff member working remotely (in Melanie's case: Great Falls).
The College of Nursing, Great Falls Nursing faculty is pleased to support the nomination of Melanie Paul for this month’s Spotlight Program feature. In her role as Administrative Associate, Melanie provides support for faculty and students on campus. She assists with test grading, word processing, and computer technical support. She is noted for her technical assistance with the campus’s Polycom distance delivery equipment, and for going the extra mile to support faculty in their teaching role. “She is there every time I need troubleshooting in preparation for class” notes Professor Elisabeth Lincoln, describing how Melanie goes that extra mile. “Recently she spent a great deal of time tirelessly troubleshooting how to get a video clip into my slide show for a Polycom lecture to the three other campuses. The video clip was the key to getting the point of my lecture across to the students.” Professor Sheri Byrnes agrees and commented, “Each and every time Melanie smoothes things out when difficulties arise.” Students also find Melanie approachable and understanding, and seek her for advice on many levels.
Melanie has worked for the campus since the fall of 2001. She has an Associate Degree in Office Technology/ Executive Administrative Assistant and is currently working on her baccalaureate degree. She is married, has two children, Allison and Makayla, and is an active and supportive parent.
Valerie Poe, Receptionist
The Bozeman Nursing faculty unanimously agreed that Val should be recognized for her contributions to the College of Nursing. She has been employed for two years. She is the first person you see as you enter the College of Nursing and she contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere. Her position consists of a variety of administrative, receptionist, and clerical tasks in support of the Bozeman campus as well as the entire College of Nursing, which has four off campus sites. Some of these responsibilities include receptionist duties, providing support for the Bozeman faculty; coordinating tasks with off-site campus personnel; and responding to assistance needed from college-wide faculty, researchers, staff, administrators, other campus units as well as the public.
This position can be particularly challenging in that the activities are numerous and are never consistent from day to day. The expectations change with the needs of the students and the faculty. It requires a great deal of flexibility which Val possesses. She takes the time to talk with students and faculty about their needs and steers everyone in the right direction when questions arise. Whenever she has a break in her many responsibilities, she makes the effort to find out if anyone needs anything done by sending out an email asking for work.
Students describe Val as the person to go to whenever you have a question or concern.
Val consistently goes beyond her identified job responsibilities and does those little things that provide for a more positive and enjoyable work environment, such as providing clever decorations for all the holidays as well as special events such as homecoming. Val also takes the lead in coordinating social activities unassociated with work (potlucks, birthday celebrations etc). Faculty identify Val's initiatives as mood elevators and stress reducers.
Sharon Townsend, Custodian
Every year, 113 men and 26 women enjoy the clean and inviting living environment of Mullan Hall. Caring for 5 bathrooms, 5 garbage rooms, 3 stairwells, numerous hallways, a weight room, a TV lounge, a study, and the Colter-Mullan walkway, Sharon scours basins, showers, toilets, urinals, mirrors, floors and drinking fountains. She hauls garbage, and orders supplies. A weekly Detail Day finds Sharon also devoting special attention to windows and walls, ledges, nooks and crannies. The work is physically demanding and Sharon has refined good judgment practices to help her stay fit - she's seldom seen without her knee pad! Sharon is a team-player and values her co-workers. They, in turn, admire her leadership style, especially during deep cleaning season each summer. She never shirks a duty, no matter how objectionable it may be.
Sharon is heavily committed to the students, and her contribution to the reputation of the Hall. She involves herself in Moving Day and resident orientation, knows everyone's name within the first week of school, and works closely with students and RAs to maintain strong, effective communication.
Sharon strives to promote a home-like atmosphere at Mullan, and residents speak of her caring, helpful attitude - their "mom away from home". Students return to the halls over consecutive years and graduates, now several years into successful careers in the community, meeting Sharon on the street, reminisce about their days in Mullan.
Sharon has lived most of her life in Bozeman. Her husband of 39 years passed away in 2004. She has a son, daughter, granddaughter and three grandsons. Her son-in-law is a civil engineering graduate from MSU, working in Billings. Sharon will retire in December, after 26 years on campus.
Sharon is recommended to the Spotlight Program by co-workers celebrating her contribution to customer service. Sharon says: "I love working with the students, they make the job worthwhile".
Click here for information on how to submit a feature on other deserving staff members.
