Dialog, UA Faculty and Staff News

McKinley Award -- Jackie McPherson
Minnie Miles Award -- Bonnie LaBresh

Jackie McPherson

Jackie McPherson, administrative support secretary in the department of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, has played a vital role in a special need of the chemistry department -- the maintenance problems of Lloyd-Montgomery Hall, which currently houses the department, according to her nominators. Dr. Lowell Kispert, chairman of the department, nominated McPherson for her abilities as support personnel, but praises her ability as a mediator between maintenance personnel and faculty and students. Kispert calls the soon-to-be renovated Lloyd-Montgomery Hall "an old dying building with many maintenance problems." He wrote, "Conscientious and immediate attention to solving these problems is an absolute must if original scholarly work is to be carried out in a safe, efficient, and professional manner."

According to Dr. John Vincent, professor of chemistry and director of undergraduate studies, McPherson has had to become "a jack-of-all-trades, taking care of not only normal secretarial functions for the department but also becoming building manager.

"Given the complex structure of a science building, this is an accomplishment in its own right," wrote Vincent.

Both nominators agree that McPherson makes the office stronger by working there and exemplifies in every way the spirit of the Vergil Parks McKinley award.

The McKinley Award was established by Helen H. and John K. McKinley of Darien, Conn., and Tuscaloosa in honor of John McKinley's father, Vergil Parks McKinley. The award recognizes enterprising employees who by action or idea contributed to the University's mission of teaching, research and service. Vergil Parks McKinley came to UA in 1918 and retired as head of the College of Education's trade and industrial development department in 1945. If you would like to nominate an employee for future awards, contact Human Resources at 348-6690.

Minnie Miles Award -- Bonnie LaBresh

Left to right: Todd Livingston, Bonnie LaBresh, Dr. Culpepper Clark

Bonnie LaBresh (center) celebrates receiving UA's Dr. Minnie C. Miles Endowed Excellence Award with Todd Livingston (L), Miles' greatnephew, and Dr. Culpepper Clark, dean of the College of Communication and Information Sciences.

Bonnie LaBresh, director of development for UA's College of Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS), has been awarded the 2002 Dr. Minnie C. Miles Endowed Excellence Award.

Miles, who died in 2001, was professor emerita in UA's Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration. She established the award in 1995 to promote and recognize administrative excellence. The award is given annually to a non-faculty, administrative staff member who has performed in an exemplary manner to further the mission of the University.

"The committee chose an excellent winner," said Interim President Barry Mason, who is also a past recipient of the Miles Award. "Bonnie LaBresh's professionalism and commitment to excellence serve as a model for all of us."

"Bonnie's career at the Capstone is exemplary of the 'over and above' commitment that advances the mission of The University of Alabama," said Dr. Culpepper Clark, C&IS dean. "She creates value for our College and the campus in many ways. She always puts the University first, advancing what is best about our proud tradition. In everything she does, she keeps the University's bottom line -- its' integrity -- uppermost."

LaBresh, a UA Communication Honors graduate, has worked for UA for 15 years. She is responsible for the major gift fundraising activities for C&IS and manages the College's Board of Visitors, a 65-member external advisory board. LaBresh also oversees annual giving, special events and media relations for the College. She also organizes the Communication Hall of Fame, the state's signature event for recognizing communication leaders who have brought lasting fame to the state of Alabama. LaBresh is active in the Tuscaloosa community, serving for numerous organizations.