Dialog, UA Faculty and Staff News

McKinley Award, September 2002 Winner -- Charlotte H. Nix
McKinley Award, October 2002 Winner -- Danny M. Whitcomb

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.

McKinley Award, September 2002 Winner -- Charlotte H. Nix

Charlotte H. Nix

Charlotte H. Nix, assistant coordinator for Project ROSE in the department of chemical engineering, also coordinates "Run for the Roses," which uses proceeds for the 5K run to purchase motor oil collection tanks. A part-time UA employee, Nix gets more accomplished in 20 hours than most do in 40 hours, according to her nominator, Sheri D. Powell, Project ROSE coordinator.

Powell noted in her nomination letter that under Nix, the "Run for the Roses" has become one of the most successful races in Tuscaloosa County, and it is anticipated that ROSE will place some 20 tanks in rural areas where collection resources are limited. "She is an extremely hard worker who excels working with the general public and in classroom settings," Powell wrote. "She has spearheaded a used motor oil educational program for the Tuscaloosa County 4-H Clubs."

Powell points out that Nix makes presentations to the Alabama Science Teachers Association, Alabama Staff Development Council, Alabama Independent Schools Association and regional Inservice Teacher Training Centers, working with more than 2,000 teachers annually.

"Along with her duties as a mom and part-time assistant at the University, Ms. Nix is a Girl Scout leader. The Girl Scouts recently added an activity that studies oil through reclamation to recycling," she added. According to Powell, Nix never sees an impossible task but sees endless opportunities, demonstrating the qualities of a McKinley winner.

McKinley Award, October 2002 Winner -- Danny M. Whitcomb

Danny M. Whitcomb

Danny M. Whitcomb, chief electronics technician in the department of physics and astronomy within the College of Arts and Sciences, has worked in the department for 17 years. According to his nominator, Stan Jones, chair of the department, Whitcomb has become an invaluable member of the department's teaching and research team.

Jones noted in his nomination letter that Whitcomb has numerous responsibilities. "These include designing, constructing and repairing electronic equipment of all types," Jones wrote. "Especially important in this category is computer equipment, and he is proficient not just in hardware, but also in software and networking," Jones continued.

Jones points out that Whitcomb is willing to work nights and weekends to keep equipment working. "He anticipates needs ... and has 'dropped everything' in order to rush over to a research lab to fix a vital piece of electronics that has suddenly failed," he wrote.

He has also been a key player in keeping the sensitive technical equipment in the MINT Center running, according to Jones. Dr. J. W. Harrell, research faculty in the MINT center, endorsed Whitcomb's nomination for receiving the McKinley Award. Harrell calls Whitcomb "without qualification the best technical support person that I have encountered in the University." His nomination was also supported by other research personnel in the MINT Center. His dedication and commitment to excellence are qualities of a McKinley winner.