Spencer Named Recipient of UA’s McKinley Award

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Roosevelt “Ro” Spencer, a member of The University of Alabama Custodial Services management team, has been named the September recipient of the Vergil Parks McKinley Employment Award.

Spencer has been a member of the logistical support department of University Facilities since 1989. He assists in the moving of furniture, set-up for special events such as Homecoming and the delivery of various housekeeping and maintenance items to job sites on campus.

According to Michael Reid, the director of facilities business administration and one of Spencer’s nominators, Spencer takes pride in his responsibilities at the University.

“He takes pride in the performance of every task for which he is responsible and always shows a pleasant, helpful attitude,” Reid said. “We constantly receive compliments and thanks from across campus for his assistance and courtesy.”

Spencer’s second nominator, Coress Brandon, associate director for facilities, said Spencer pays much attention to the customer service aspect of his job.

“Ro is very customer service oriented and always presents a pleasant disposition,” she said. “Ro and his team literally are the ‘movers and shakers’ on campus, and they make things happen.”

Helen H. and John K. McKinley of Darien, Conn., and Tuscaloosa established the McKinley Award in honor of McKinley’s father, Vergil Parks McKinley. The award, that includes a cash prize, recognizes enterprising employees who by action or idea contributed to the University’s mission of teaching, research and service.

Vergil Parks McKinley came to the University in 1918 and retired as the head of the College of Education’s trade and industrial development in 1945.