The University of New Mexico's Staff Council acknowledged 28 nominees at this year’s Gerald W. May Outstanding Staff Recognition Ceremony on the 28th year of the award.
“It is immensely important to recognize not only the hard work of our colleagues but also the environment they help create here on campus,” said Ryan Gregg, Staff Council President. “We know that each of us defines all of us and these nominees and awardees enhance the definition of what it means to be a Lobo.”
The Gerald W. May Outstanding Staff Award was instigated in 1990 to recognize the extraordinary contributions staff members bring to the University of New Mexico. President Gerald W. May provided funding to match the amount made available by the Regent’s Endowment Fund.
Current UNM President Garnett S. Stokes recognized this year’s nominees and awardees at a reception, alongside Provost James Holloway and Vice President for Finance and Administration Teresa Costantinidis.
Robben Baca Brown is a Manager of Academic Advisement in Graduate Studies. She was nominated by her direct supervisor, Julie Coonrod, Dean of Graduate Studies, Jesse Alemán, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, and Margaret Gonzales, Senior Operations Manager of Graduate Studies for her considerable impact in Graduate Studies since the year 2007, as well as her dedicated involvement in the Senate Graduate and Professional Committee. Noted in her nomination were Brown’s integrity and work ethic, along with her vast knowledge of UNM's policies and procedures which allow her to consistently solve problems for students, staff and faculty with amicability and assurance.
Crystle Collier is a Supervisor of Undergraduate Academic Advisement for Anderson School of Management. Collier was nominated by several Academic Advisors and ASM staff members who all agree that her approach to leadership and student success is nothing less than admirable. Determined to help students on academic probation, Collier was part of a small cohort of advisors that created the Success Workshop in collaboration with CAPS. She leads her team by example, inspiring and facilitating strong communications, connections and collaborations with advisors from across campus prioritizing student success at UNM.
Jolyne McCrary is an HR Tech for Internal Medicine. She was nominated by her supervisor in her work of Faculty Promotions and Tenure Committee facilitator, David Schade, with support from many staff in the Department of Internal Medicine. She has been employed with Internal Medicine for 11 years, was awarded the Department of Internal Medicine “Beyond the Call of Duty” award and has spearheaded the department Holiday Giving Project since 2013. McCrary is seen by her colleagues and coworkers as an asset to the department, HSC School of Medicine and to the University.
Rudy Montoya is a Student Activities Specialist with the Student Activities Center. Montoya was nominated first by his direct supervisor Andrea Marquez, and separately nominated by the Director of the Student Activities Center, Ryan Lindquist, who noted “He has been an amazing addition to our team and truly gives us the zest in our personality and the ‘wow’ factor in our events.” The nomination went on to say Montoya exudes kindness and creates long-lasting relationships with a positive attitude, excellent perspectives and complete professionalism. The SAC considers him a vital customer service representative for 2000 + students, who helps students and advisors navigate issues of student government, event management, risk management, member conflicts and more. He works to bring the campus together by serving on several committees and his direct supervisor conveys that they are “simply a better office because he is here.”
In the fall, nominations are solicited from University of New Mexico faculty, staff and students. The Staff Council Rewards & Recognition Committee conducts the screening process and makes recommendations, with approval of the Staff Council Executive Committee, to the President of the University. The President of the University makes the final award selections.