November 14, 2005

May 2005 McKinley Award Winner

Diane Shaddix
May 2005 Winner

Diane Shaddix, administrative secretary for the office for graduate studies, College of Communication and Information Sciences (CCIS), was named the McKinley Employee Award winner for May 2005. Dr. Yorgo Pasadeos, associate dean for graduate studies in CCIS, and Dr. Matthew D. Bunker, Reese Phifer Professor of Journalism, nominated Shaddix for the honor.

Pasadeos said Shaddix distinguished herself over the past couple of years as the CCIS’s chief support person in the SACS reaffirmation effort. He noted that Shaddix was “the main reason our College had a good presence on the final SACS document.”

“Having been here since the inception of our graduate office in the late 1980s, Diane is the main reason the place functions well,” said Pasadeos. “She not only keeps the doctoral program running efficiently but also makes sure each department’s communications with the graduate school flow smoothly. Indeed, her lengthy tenure in our office makes Diane our ‘institutional memory’ for all graduate matters in the College.”

In short, he said Shaddix has maintained “a continuous and proven track record of faithful and valuable service to our College and to the University.”

Bunker agreed and noted that Shaddix also goes out of her way to help students, faculty and staff, whether or not that help is connected with her job description.

“She makes projects her own and does whatever it takes to make sure they get completed,” said Bunker. “Once I asked her to handle something, I could be very confident that she would get it done in a professional and timely manner. Diane is an extremely bright person, and she uses her intelligence to contribute to the mission of the College and the University. She is a genuine ‘team player’ whose very presence enhances The University of Alabama.”

June 2005 McKinley Award Winner

Brenda Leavelle
June 2005 Winner

Brenda Leavelle, office associate for the department of kinesiology in the College of Education, was named the McKinley Employee Award winner for June 2005. Dr. Phil Bishop, professor of kinesiology, and Dr. Matthew Curtner-Smith, professor and chair of the department of kinesiology, nominated her for the honor.

Curtner described Leavelle, who has served as secretary for the department since January 2001, as an exemplary professional who is knowledgeable, adaptable and hard working.

“During the first few weeks I have spent in this new position, she has been an incredible help,” said Curtner. “She has, in many ways, shown me the ropes of how our central office operates. Moreover, I am sure that her quiet, friendly and calm effect has done much to reduce the stress that comes with starting a new position. In short, I simply could not have done my job without her.”

Bishop also praised Leavelle for her abilities and attitude. “She is highly skilled, hard working and highly reliable. Every task is done efficiently and done correctly. She handles all assignments with a ‘can do’ attitude that is very encouraging,” he said.

“Our department has greatly increased productivity in research and service grants over the last two or three years, and her workload has risen substantially over the last few years,” said Bishop. “She has adapted to this in a remarkable fashion. She never complains, handles every challenge and does it with a positive attitude. Her positive attitude and willingness to resolve problems have made her an essential part of these research efforts. Brenda sets a great example in her service to our department and the College. She is a great worker and a positive influence on our University.”

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