Dialog, UA Faculty and Staff News

McKinley Award, April 2003 Winner -- Tonya Nail

Tonya Nail

Tonya Nail, assignments coordinator in the Office of Residential Life, has been employed at the University since 1984. According to her nominator, Jr. King, assistant director of business services in Residential Life, Nail has been an advocate for and friend to students who reside in on-campus residence halls and apartments for 18 years.

"In her position, Tonya interacts with a diverse group of students on a daily basis," King says. "She always displays a friendly smile and positive attitude while listening carefully to the concerns of residents and/or their parents.

"She makes every effort to ensure that our residents feel welcome, safe and comfortable no matter how far away from home they may be," King wrote.

King points to a specific and valuable characteristic -- her interaction with UA's international students. "She is very patient, understanding and resourceful while explaining our application process or lease contract to our customers who speak very little English. Her smile, determination and caring nature enable her to break down the barriers of communication in order to find out what our students need and how Residential Life can assist."

He also points to her quality of striving to promote unity and a family atmosphere. "Each year she coordinates a food and toy drive during Christmas to benefit an underprivileged family in Tuscaloosa," King wrote.

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.