Kansas State University

Three K-State Libraries employees recognized for excellence

Submitted by Sarah McGreer Hoyt

At a recognition ceremony on March 26, K-State Libraries honored three employees — Cliff Hight, Mary Bailey and Debbie Wasinger — for outstanding contributions.

Hight, university archivist, received the Brice G. Hobrock Distinguished Faculty Award, which recognizes outstanding librarianship and superior accomplishments among the K-State Libraries faculty.

Hight received two graduate degrees from University at Albany, SUNY: a master’s degree in history and a Master of Information Science in archives and records administration. As archivist, he is responsible for maintenance and preservation of a vast array of university records. Everything from university memorabilia to historic photos, from documents generated by the president’s office to electronic records fall under his purview.

One of his nominators said, "Cliff is a highly respected member of K-State Libraries and is dedicated and committed to education. His integrity, thoughtfulness, excellent customer service and his ability to work with all people is a true testament to his outstanding commitment to Kansas State University."

Bailey received the Dean's Award, which recognizes a nontenure track professional's contributions in the previous two academic years.

According to her nominator, "Mary has worked many years in a field where changes occur so much that change has become the norm.… Mary has met all challenges — personnel changes, vendor transitions, massive resource cancellations and electronic resource troubleshooting — with determination, effectiveness and her sense of humor intact."

Wasinger, accounting specialist, was recognized as the Support Staff of the Year. This award recognizes a support staff employee's special contributions, dedication to daily tasks and ability to work successfully across the organization.

According to her nominator, "Debbie has gone above and beyond this year. Not only is she punctual, reliable and pleasant to work with, she has taken on additional job responsibilities to support the organization. She… deserves recognition for her hard work."

Each winner receives a monetary prize and their names are added to award plaques in Hale Library. The Brice G. Hobrock Distinguished Faculty Award was established by the Friends of K-State Libraries to honor Dean Emeritus Hobrock upon his retirement in 2004. Both the Hobrock Award and the Support Staff of the Year Award are funded through the Friends of the K-State Libraries.