Dialog, UA Faculty and Staff News

McKinley Award, November 2002 Winner -- Anderson Wynn, Jr.
McKinley Award, December 2002 Winner -- Erma T. Morrow

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, November 2002 Winner -- Anderson Wynn, Jr.

Anderson Wynn, Jr.
(photo by Alice Wilson)

Anderson Wynn Jr., copy center supervisor in UA's School of Law, has been a law school employee for 25 years. Wynn is known in the law school as an especially enterprising employee. He oversees making hundreds of thousands of a huge variety of copies seem effortless. According to his nominator, J. Noah Funderburg, senior assistant dean for administration in the School of Law, Wynn is "a resourceful employee dedicated to finding quick, efficient, and economically wise solutions to problems."

Funderburg noted in his nomination letter that the law school's photocopying needs are substantial during the year. "Much of his success is due to Mr. Wynn's acquired knowledge of the photocopying machines," Funderburg wrote. "He knows just when and how a machine needs a little maintenance to avoid a major breakdown.

"Mr. Wynn is dedicated to the School of Law's mission and offers his assistance unselfishly when the School is hosting an event or conducting a special program," he added.

Ken Randall, dean of the School of Law, seconded the nomination. "I appreciate that he not only performs his duties well, but also consistently looks for ways to improve the quality and level of services provided," Randall wrote. Noting that Wynn demonstrates the qualities of a McKinley winner, Randall said he "brings further honor to the tradition of this award, as a most-valued employee."

McKinley Award, December 2002 Winner -- Erma T. Morrow

Erma T. Morrow
(photo by Alice Wilson)

Erma T. Morrow, office assistant in the Office of Media Relations in University Relations, has worked in the department for more than 30 years. According to Morrow's nominator, Cathy Andreen, director of media relations, to say that Morrow has become indispensable is an understatement.

Andreen noted in her nomination letter that Morrow has essential responsibilities. "Media Relations produces more than 100 news releases each month, and timely distribution is essential. Erma is responsible for distributing all University news releases and media advisories to reporters on the state, regional and national levels," Andreen wrote.

Andreen notes that technology, which has seen astonishing changes in 30 years, has revolutionized the way Media Relations does business and has had an enormous impact on Morrow's job. "Erma has adapted to each change in a calm, efficient manner, independently updating her lists and processes to provide excellent service to the media," wrote Andreen. Morrow established most of the distribution processes Media Relations uses today, finding the best solutions to making the latest technology work for the office.

Also endorsing Morrow's nomination, Lydia Riley, administrative specialist in the Office of University Relations, supported Morrow's description as a dedicated and talented employee. "She anticipates needs and seems to 'be there' without being asked when a need arises," she wrote.

Morrow plans to retire in February.