“Our rock.”
“The glue.”
“The Nick Saban of our organization.”
These are just a few ways faculty and staff describe the administrative assistants who keep their departments and the University running every day.
Administrative assistants, like Shelly Davis in the Capstone Center for Student Success, manage a variety of critical tasks and responsibilities.
“Shelly manages budgets, paperwork and so much more across all eight of our offices,” said Dr. Kiara Summerville, director of student academic engagement and advocacy. “We are a better CCSS because of her leadership and care for us as professionals and people.”
Davis, a UA alumna who has worked for the University for over eight years, said she enjoys helping others accomplish their goals.
“It can be help with logistics, finances, hiring or figuring out who on campus can assist us to achieve the needed outcome,” she said.
In addition to working behind the scenes, Davis, like many others, plays a central role on her office’s frontlines.
“Shelly creates an environment of pride for our space within the building,” said Chelsea Ratcliff, director of First Year Experience. “Shelly is diligent to complete all tasks, personable to greet and welcome all visitors to the center, and professional to handle situations of a wide variety that we encounter each day.”
Being a part of the CCSS team is rewarding, Davis said.
“Being able to work in an environment where we help students every day is what I enjoy most about being on campus,” she said. “It is great to know that we are a small part of what these students are going to accomplish in the future.”
Shout-outs to Administrative Assistants
Faculty and staff were invited to share a shout-out to an administrative assistant who makes a difference on their team.
Anette Kellum
Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education
“Anette is often the backbone of the Academic Innovation (within OTIDE) office, handling various administrative tasks such as managing schedules, coordinating meetings, handling communication between parties and maintaining files. Her efficient handling of these tasks ensures that operations run smoothly and deadlines are met. By taking on routine yet time-consuming tasks, she readily frees up time for me to focus on more specialized tasks and projects. This enhances overall productivity and efficiency for the entire unit/area. She is also one of the most pleasant people I have met, and it is truly a pleasure to work with her on a daily basis. I’m happy to have her on the OTIDE team.” — Victoria Lewis
Angel Oswalt
OTIDE
“Some employees are ‘can do’ people. Angel Oswalt is a ‘let’s do’ person. While some folks live in a space of ‘we could do this …,’ she operates from the mentality of ‘let’s get this party started!’ Over the course of our working relationship together, I have been overwhelmed with how quickly Angel advances an idea to action. She listens attentively, asks the appropriate questions to confirm her understanding, and then takes steps to move forward. As a member of the OTIDE team, she is easy going, active and engaged. She never shies away from a challenge and stands ready to do what needs to be done to help others … She is the Nick Saban of our organization; and the best news is she isn’t planning on retiring any time soon!” — Robert Hayes
Angela Lewis
Strategic Communications
“Angela is our rock. She keeps things running efficiently, and goes beyond her many duties to help in any way she can. Most importantly, she is a kind, warm and empathetic co-worker.” — Cathy Butler
Anita Abernathy
Communication Studies
“Anita keeps the department running! From planning events to reimbursements to course permits to assisting students and much more, Anita does it all with a cheerful attitude and is always quick to solve problems. The department would not work without her.” — Josh Pederson
Becky Allen
OTIDE
“Becky Allen has such a creative mind and is AMAZING at her job! If there is an invitation that needs to be made or a fun, catchy phrase you need to use to get the attention of students, she is the person to ask! Her colleagues can go to her for any task and know that she will absolutely bring the project to life! Becky not only works full time, but she is also a full-time online student, having her creative work published through her internship, wife, and dog mom!”— Christie Crow
Brenda Parsons
Criminal Justice
“Brenda Parsons is the heart and soul of our department. We are all incredibly thankful for her knowledge, experience and support. Her warm personality and sense of humor make Criminology and Criminal Justice such a wonderful place to work!” — Brittany VandeBerg
Candyce Reed
Center for Service and Leadership
“Candyce is the glue of the CSL! Nothing would happen without her. She is a well of knowledge, quick thinking and is the CSL’s best problem-solver! She is the best!” — Dalis Lampkins
Christie Miller
Office for Graduate Studies, College of Communication and Information Sciences
“Christie shows great initiative to make our office and processes better. She always treats faculty and staff with respect and compassion and goes the extra mile to make sure everyone is taken care of. Everything she does is completed with quality, thoroughness and attention to detail.” — Karin Bryson
Cindy Goodman Franks and Selena Wiseman
Theatre and Dance
“Cindy and Selena put their best foot forward every day in making sure the students, faculty and staff all have what they need to bring their best! They are always willing to help in whatever way they can without hesitation. They’re also a warm and welcoming presence in our department office making everyone’s day brighter while also helping create a genuinely kind and inclusive atmosphere for people within and outside the department!” — Department of Theatre and Dance
Jessica Kimbrough
Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning
“Jessica is always willing to do anything you ask, whenever you ask. She will get cookies for a conference at the last minute, she will chase down receipts, monitor a session and keep us supplied with anything we need. She always has a kind disposition and willingness to lend a hand however she can. Jessica is a tremendous asset to our department.” — Jamie Dykes
Karen Linville
Geological Sciences
“Karen is diligently working on effectively understanding the financial and budgetary systems of the College and University. She is a pleasure to work with because she completes work with very few problems and is pleasant to be near. Karen makes a difference every day by helping our department members get what they need quickly and helping us understand how UA’s systems work.” — Delores Robinson
Lacey Watts
Communicative Disorders
“Lacey does so much for our department and students! She is a wealth of knowledge for all things UA Communicative Disorders. All members of the department and our students know that they can come to her for answers or help with anything! Her contributions to the department are invaluable, and she is very much appreciated!” — Communicative Disorders
Lesley Price
Department of Health Promotion and Wellness
“As a new administrative assistant for our team this academic year, we have been blown away by Lesley’s enthusiasm to provide as much support to our office as possible, especially as someone who is new to the UA community and its software and systems. She brings joy and enthusiasm to her work that requires dependability and accuracy. She has truly helped our department continue to be successful during transition periods to recruit new staff members. Lesley is amazing.” — Sheena Gregg
Mandy Mangham
Psychology Department
“Mandy is at the main desk and does everything from booking rooms to guiding lost students. She always is ready to help and does it with a smile. Mandy makes the office of Psychology a better place!.” — Cindy Apperson
Mary Price
Communicative Disorders
“Mary keeps our department running! She is so efficient and dependable. Regardless of the task or need, Mary will take care of it!” — Communicative Disorders
Melissa Jordan
Communicative Disorders
“Melissa does so much for the clinic (Speech and Hearing Center) within our department! She is the first face that our clients see when entering the building, and she always greets them with a welcoming smile. She is quick to help with whatever is needed!” — Communicative Disorders
Monique Horton
University Programs
“Monique consistently goes above and beyond to provide support and encouragement to our University Programs team. Our students always go to Monique for advice and guidance as they are making big decisions. While her job responsibilities entail financial management and logistics, her true contribution is the love and care she shows our students.” — Paige Acker
Tara Rose-Campbell
Student Governance and Citizenship
“Ms. Tara is one of the friendliest faces on campus. Every time I come into the SGA office, she always has a smile on her face and is willing to assist in any task. She truly creates a positive atmosphere in the SGA office, and is an excellent example of the positivity of UA staff.” — Jonas Scofield
PJ Williamson
Political Science
“PJ offers invaluable support to the Undergraduate program in the department of political science. She is incredibly responsive and thorough in everything that she does, which benefits both the department and its majors. Her timely turnarounds on requests relative to advising and course overrides ensure students are able to register for the courses that they want and need for graduation. PJ’s initiative on programs such as Honors Day or visiting scholars/guests allows the Department to put a wonderful face forward towards the scholarly community and towards families of our majors. PJ’s contributions directly, and positively, impact the quality of the major.” — Allen Liken
Sarah Epperson
Office of the Associate Dean of Education Programs and Student Services, School of Social Work
“Sarah embodies the qualities that distinguish a young professional. She supports a great deal of the faculty and staff within the School of Social Work, which allows them to provide optimal experiences for the students. Furthermore, she takes challenges in stride and turns obstacles into opportunities. She has provided endless support to me in learning my own role as an administrative assistant and is a friend to all who know her.” — Makenzie Pate
Shelia Branham
UA Online Student Success
“Shelia has been such a great addition to the UA Online student success team, and in the last year and a half, she has brought so much joy to our lives. She is the first point of contact for our office and provides a quality conversation that ensures UA Online students feel heard. Everyone who comes into contact with Shelia benefits from her positive outlook and dedication to supporting her team in every way possible.” — Danielle Sagirs
Tiffany Ballard
Capstone College of Nursing
“Tiffany is the staff support person for our Faculty Search Committee. However, she essentially runs our faculty search process. She is diligent about checking the HR site for applications, assessing if applicants meet the requirements for the position, and then forwarding them on to the search committee chair. She communicates professionally with candidates and does an amazing job in scheduling on-site interviews and ensuring candidates’ visits go smoothly. Beyond her assistance with that committee, she maintains faculty documentation required by our clinical partners and ensures policies and procedures are reviewed according to the established schedule. She is willing to help out wherever needed any time she is asked. For example, she often assists in setting up for college events and cleaning up after, and she assists with exam proctoring. Beyond the fact that she is a very competent employee who does her job exceptionally well, she is a very positive presence in the college, and everyone enjoys interacting with her.” — Michele Montgomery
Will Kirby
Student Involvement
“Will steps up to support students every day as they plan events, navigate campus resources, or want to learn how to get connected on campus. Even during our most challenging days, Will is a positive and welcoming presence to everyone who steps in our office, and the work he does to empower and connect students with resources is crucial to everything we do as a team. In only six months, Will has become an integral part of our team, and we’re grateful daily for all he contributes!”— John Gilmer