April 5, 2018
2018 K-State University Support Staff Award of Excellence winners
The K-State University Support Staff Award of Excellence recognizes exemplary performance and contributions of classified support staff members who consistently excel in their positions and demonstrate integrity and a strong commitment to the mission and values of K-State.
Kansas State University is recognizing three university support staff professionals for their job performance with the university's 2018 University Support Staff Award of Excellence.
Recipients are Laura Mancini, administrative assistant in the College of Arts and Sciences, in the Office and Clerical category; Matthew Smith, electronic technologist, energy and controls in the Division of Facilities, in the Service and Maintenance/Skilled Crafts category; and Debra Ritchie, laboratory technician II in the diagnostic medicine and pathobiology department, in the Technical and Professional category.
Mancini manages student services for the college which includes supporting advisors in the open option, interdisciplinary social sciences, humanities and pre-health fields as well as supervising six student employees. Mancini has significantly contributed to the ability to advise students effectively. As the direct point of contact for student services, Mancini's presence has greatly improved customer service within the office. She is an amazing mentor, supervisor, friend and person. She lets students know that they are not alone and goes above and beyond to identify and resolve any issues they may have. She was nominated by Tami Duch, advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences dean's office.
Smith is a dedicated employee who has a strong work ethic and passion for what he does. He was instrumental in the recently completed campus chilled water expansion project as well as the Seaton renovation and College of Business Building construction. He is goal-oriented, admired and respected by his peers for his leadership and his ability to assess and remedy complex problems and issues. His interpersonal abilities, experience, attention to detail and understanding of HVAC and control principles allows him to mentor and train team members on a broad array of topics. He was nominated by Gary Weishaar, energy engineer in the Division of Facilities.
Ritchie has had to take on greater responsibility in the parasitology diagnostic laboratory and has done exceptionally well. She is an integral member of the teaching program, assisting in the laboratory sections in parasitology course, DMP 718, and helps to coordinate the laboratory sessions in the three-week Wildcat Parasitology short courses taught by the College of Veterinary Medicine each spring. Ritchie is remarkably conscientious, collegial and a great team player. She exhibits a great attitude and does a great job of training new student help in the laboratory. She was nominated by Michael Dryden, distinguished professor in the diagnostic medicine and pathobiology department.
Please join the Division of Human Capital Services in congratulating the 2018 award recipients. All award winners receive $1,000 for their contributions to the K-State community.