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K-State Today

October 28, 2024

Dunem and Philips selected as recipients of the September Staff Spotlight Award

Submitted by Renee Gates

Robert Dunem, custodial specialist for Waters Hall, and Tari Philips, accounting specialist in the Division of Biology, have been selected as the September recipients of the Staff Spotlight Award. The Staff Spotlight Award highlights staff members — university support staff and university professional staff — each month for their service to the K-State community.

Dunem's nominee noted, "Robert understands the importance of both representing the campus in his demeanor and making the campus representable to our guests, students, faculty and staff. He takes the time to get to know the faculty, staff and students in the building without taking away from his responsibilities. This makes him approachable and dependable."

Philips' nominee said, "Tari's position serves as an accounting specialist, and she is outstanding in this position. However, she has also assumed substantial responsibilities beyond that position. Recently, she took on responsibilities for training new personnel in the accounting office. It is of note that this training is in addition to her standard responsibilities and requires additional time and bandwidth to manage. Yet, Tari has been generous with her time and expertise to keep the Division of Biology business office running smoothly when new personnel arrive and require oversight, help and training."

Anyone can nominate eligible employees — student employees and faculty are not eligible for the award. Nominees will be reviewed by a University Staff Leadership committee of university support staff and university professional staff representatives. Winners will be featured in K-State Today and will receive $100 from the president's office. Please submit your nominations by the first of each month.