Watts Named Classified Employee of the Year
Janice Watts, Program Assistant II in the Fairmont State University School of Education, was named the 2009 Classified Employee of the Year for Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College.
Watts was honored with the award during the annual Classified Staff Luncheon in November 2009. She started her career at Fairmont State in 1987 and currently advises students in the Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree Program and the Board of Governors Associate of Applied Science Degree Program. For many years, she has served as secretary for Leadership Marion. Many departments on campus provided gifts for the award winner.
"I really enjoy working here. I think Fairmont State has had a positive influence on this town, and I'm really happy to be a part of it," Watts said.
Other nominees for the award were Lynn Ebert, Program Assistant I at the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center; Nancy Keller, Administrative Associate in the Pierpont School of Health Careers; Dalene Horner, Program Assistant II in Athletics; Barbara Phillips, Program Manager in Enrollment Services; Brian Richards, Administrative Associate in the Physical Plant; and Tom Willard, Landscape Worker for Roads and Grounds.
FSU President Thomas L. Krepel, Ph.D., and Pierpont President Blair Montgomery praised classified staff members for their hard work and dedication to serving students.
"At institutions such as Fairmont State and Pierpont, we don't operate unless we operate as a team. We recognize you for what you do, especially for your support and assistance of our students. We're modeling for them the way they will behave when they enter the workplace," Krepel said.
"You are the ones who turn it around and make things work for all of us. We couldn't do anything on this campus without the work of the classified staff," Montgomery said.
Janice Watts began her career at Fairmont State in July 1987 as a casual worker and became full time in August 1994. She has worked in areas including: the Registrar's Office, the Bookstore, the Library, Student Affairs, Health and Human Performance, School of Technology, School of Business, School of Education, Academic Affairs and the Advising Center.
In her current position, Watts advises about 70 students and assists them in deciding what path they should take in accomplishing their educational goals. She is the advisor for the Regents B.A. Degree Program and the Board of Governors A.A.S. Degree Program. The position requires patience and experience in dealing with the frustrations of adult students who are trying to get back in school while coping with families and full-time jobs.
Watts has been the secretary for Leadership Marion for 16 years, which is collaboration between the Marion County Chamber of Commerce and Fairmont State. She also assists the FSU School of Education faculty and students as necessary and has helped in coordinating the Academic Awards Banquet.
During the awards banquet, Beverly Jones, a member of the event planning committee, read the following statement as part of her introduction of Janice Watts: "Janice treats students as respected individuals and does whatever she can to help them meet their goals. She places her service to students as a high priority and with high integrity and high standards for herself. We are fortunate to have her at our institution."
Also during the luncheon, the Office of Human Resources honored classified and non-classified employees for their years of service to FSU and Pierpont.
Classified Employees:
Honored for 45 years of service was Ruth Smedley, Supervisor of Student Accounts. Honored for 35 years of service were Harriet Bower, Library Technical Assistant II; Janet Dudash, Administrative Assistant; and Ann Lester, Student Program Advisor. Honored for 30 years of service were James Richards, Administrative Associate, and David Young, Counselor II. Honored for 20 years of service were Joni Bokanovich, Printing Services Specialist; Maria Marshall, Human Resources Representative - Senior; Sandra Shriver, Office Administrator - Senior; and Sherrie Strawderman, Executive Secretary to the FSU President. Honored for 15 years of service were Kelli Baker, Administrative Secretary - Senior; Patricia Ellis, Library Technical Assistant II; David Glasscock, Campus Service Worker; Dalene Horner, Program Assistant II; Donna Thomaschek, Campus Service Worker; and Patricia Whiting, Program Assistant I. Honored for 10 years of service were Deborah Barker, Administrative Secretary; Karen Grubb, Academic Lab Manager I; Vickie Hedrick, Executive Secretary to the Pierpont President; Yvonne Lepock, Campus Service Worker; David Sellers, Project Coordinator; and Tami Winston, Executive Secretary. Honored for five years of service were Sherry Baldwin, Program Specialist; Victoria Holcomb, Program Assistant II; Michael Ross, Admissions Counselor; Kathryn Sugars, Program Assistant II; Donna Trickett, Program Assistant II; and Alissa Wilmoth, Academic Advisor.
Non-classified Employees:
Honored for 35 years of service were Pierpont President Blair Montgomery and Robert Heffner, Web Design Graphics Specialist. Honored for 20 years of service was Dale Bradley, Pierpont Vice President for Finance and Off-Campus Education. Honored for 15 years of service were Kerry Marbury, Safety Coordinator, and Kelly Pryor, Director of the Solutions Center. Honored for 10 years of service were Cinda Ewing, Manager/Payroll D; Laurie Johnston, Director of Student Activities; Christina Lavorata, FSU Associate Provost; Steve Leadman, Director of Admissions and Recruitment; and Janice Porto, Budget Program Assistant. Honored for five years of service was Lyla Grandstaff, Pierpont Director of Off-Campus Programs.
Classified Employee of the YearJanice Watts
