The University of New Mexico Staff Council named the recipients of its inaugural Outstanding Supervisor Award at a celebration held in the Student Union Ballroom recently.
The award recognizes supervisors who create work environments that facilitate work-life balance, professional development and effective leadership in support of the values and mission of the University.
“It’s important that we recognize the supervisors because they provide such a key role in how we work throughout the University,” said Staff Council President Crystal Davis.
With more than 75 nominations from across campus, organizers said it was amazing to read about the great things people are doing all over UNM.
“Even though we can only acknowledge [two] winners this year, there’s so many amazing people across campus,” said Renee Delgado-Riley, former Staff Council president.
Davis awarded the 2016 Outstanding Supervisor Awards to Linda Schenkel, supervisor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Smith Frederick of the College of Education, Center for Student Success.
“I was just really honored that my staff would nominate me for something like this,” said Schenkel. “I’m just doing my job and to know that I’ve made a difference in people’s lives, it makes me feel really good.”
Frederick was unable to attend the event but his staff said they’re thrilled he was selected for the honor.
“It’s really exciting that Smith won,” said Brittany Padilla, who accepted the award on behalf of her supervisor. “He’s not the kind of person to really acknowledge or accept that he’s a great supervisor, but we think he is.”
The recipients received a plaque and a cash award of $1,000.
Staff Council, UNM President Robert Frank, Provost Chaouki Abdallah and HSC Chancellor Paul Roth signed a memorandum of understanding setting up the annual award. The Office of the President, Office of Academic Affairs and the Health Sciences Center Office of the Chancellor jointly fund the accolade.