Dialog, UA Faculty and Staff News

McKinley Award, July 2002 Winner -- Telisa Johnson

Telisa Johnson

Telisa Johnson, administrative secretary to Bill Farley, director of athletics development, has been at the University since 1989, where she worked in various University departments before moving into athletics development in 1999.

Her nominator, Bill Farley, director of athletic development, noted in his nomination letter that when Johnson was hired, the development office was also new. "A firm foundation was paramount to produce results that will be recognized for decades in the future," he wrote in his letter. "Telisa's in-depth background, multiple skills, and knowledge of the University made her the perfect choice," wrote Farley.

Farley speaks of Johnson's gift of being the "total team player," which creates a bond with and appreciation from her peers and colleagues. Her duties require the ability to do multi-tasks using multi-skills, according to Farley. She is the primary coordinator in systemizing the athletic development office. "Her day to day role of accepting, receiving, and acknowledging gifts is only a fraction of the importance she has meant to athletics and ultimately the University," wrote Farley.

"Her ability to work efficiently and effectively with so many departments -- from the athletic director to Tide Pride employees to the ticket office staff to the vice president for advancement is truly a gift I have come to appreciate immensely," Farley commented.

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. The monthly award carries a cash prize. 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.