Dialog, UA Faculty and Staff News

McKinley Award, August 2003 Winner -- Linda Tuten

Linda Tuten

Linda Tuten, office associate for eight years in the Office of Music Education in the Moody Music Building, was named the McKinley Employee Award winner for August 2003. Her nominator, Dr. Harry Price, head of the department, notes especially Tuten's pleasant competency.

According to Price, Tuten manages a one-person departmental office with aplomb. When a colleague said, "You have the record for the most pleasant and competent secretary of anybody I know," Price was inspired to nominate Tuten for the McKinley Award. "Tuten manages to contribute to service, teaching and even research," Price wrote.

"She has exemplified service by the public face she provides for the University, one of being helpful, friendly and professional," wrote Price.

He went on to note her abilities in taking care of the students. "She is encouraging and nurturing."

Tuten's second nominator, Dr. Carol Prickett, professor of music therapy, underscored Tuten's high level of functioning in the office. "Ms. Tuten has been the glue which holds together the everyday functions of the music education and music therapy programs since 1995," she wrote.

Being able to serve as a role model for others is a characteristic of McKinley winners, and Tuten fulfills this trait.

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.