Each and every day, administrative professionals keep the University running.
But they do so much more than that.
They provide critical frontline support to the campus community and visitors alike, work behind the scenes to administer offices, and in many cases, serve as a support system for their office or department. Members of the Parent and Family Programs Office team say this of their administrative assistant, Erin Rae Williams.
“Erin Rae is the epitome of the mission of [our] office,” said Dr. Tre’ Finklea, assistant director of parent and family programs. “She keeps us organized and running smoothly, but she’s so much more than that. From her creativity around the office, decorating for holidays and daily trivia with students, Erin spreads joy, builds rapport, and encourages others to be the very best version of themselves.”
Williams has worked for the department for about a year but has a lifelong connection to the University and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2023. Being on this side is rewarding in different ways, she said.
“I enjoy working not only with the students but with parents. Parents are very eager to get their students started on campus that they just want help. I love knowing that I am able to help calm their nerves and get them excited for their student’s next chapter in life… I love being able to be the helping hand to parents that can ease their minds and maybe stress less at night.”
Director of Parent and Family Programs Dana Bekurs said Williams’ impact extends beyond students and families.
“Erin Rae is the backbone of our department,” she said. “She always keeps us motivated and has such a cheery disposition.”
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.
Elisa Cerrina, Dean’s Office, College of Education
“Elisa is an amazing resource for UA. She anticipates issues, she keeps me moving forward, she is supportive of fellow staff members and gives visitors her utmost attention. She is a problem solver at heart and a true partner as we move the College toward our collective vision.” -Joyce Alexander
Kimberly Niven, Culverhouse School of Accountancy
“Kimberly has such a warm and welcoming personality that creates a positive office environment. She is very kind to the students and develops rapport quickly and easily. During our speed advising appointment times when we have 10-20 students at a time, she engages the students in different word games while they wait. She has also attended student events outside of office hours in order to encourage them.” -Jay Claybrook
Will Kirby, Student Involvement
“Will is a champion for students and student organizations, providing quick, kind and thorough support to 100 or more students and student groups weekly with everything from using our ReSource Room (which he’s been integral in reimagining) to planning safe social events. Will is continuously working to refine and improve processes and is the backbone of our team!” -John Gilmer
Shelia Branham, UA Online Student Success
“Mrs. Shelia, as our frontline for answering student phone calls, is always suggesting new solutions and innovative ways for us to provide our students with a better academic experience. She is a warm and friendly voice to those who call, offering amazing customer service, regardless of their question or concern. Mrs. Shelia serves as a sort of ‘mama bear’ for our team and is always checking on everyone to be sure they are doing well and to offer assistance to them if she can do so.” -Katie Neidhardt
Brandi Kizziah, Arts and Sciences Student Services Center
“Brandi is an absolutely essential and indispensable asset…She consistently ensures that our daily operations run smoothly and efficiently, often juggling several tasks and responsibilities for dozens of individuals and academic departments across campus. Brandi is always ready to lend a helping hand and assist with any task, no matter how big or small, and she consistently goes above and beyond in her role… Her contributions are deeply appreciated, and we are grateful to have Brandi as part of our team in Arts and Sciences Student Services.” -Brandon Wingler
“Brandi not only manages the day-to-day functions of the A&S Student Services Center, she is always available to help her colleagues in AS SSC as well as with A&S departments working with admins and faculty on various issues. She assists with travel in our office and concur reconciliations, events for the college related to AS SSC work, scheduling and coordinating meetings with AS SSC and with campus partners, Honors Day publication for A&S, Bama Bound orientation enrollment management in the summer, and any other issues that arise for the AS SSC teams. Brandi has been a constant in our office and has provided support in multiple areas for AS SSC, the College of Arts and Sciences as a whole, and her colleagues on campus in other areas.” -Anonymous
Jeffrey Ulmer, College of Arts and Sciences Student Services Center
“Jeffrey works beyond his job description every day. In the work with student workers, students coming to the office for an appointment, advisors, and other team members of the AS SSC, Jeffrey is always willing to step up and go a step further. He has made himself available to A&S departments to help with training, assists with troubleshooting issues with processes and technology, works events when needed, and any other needs that arise for the office and College. Jeffrey is welcoming and kind and is an incredible member of the team, not to mention a pleasure to work with at every level of service provided through AS SSC.” -Anonymous
SaraBeth Miller, Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education
“SaraBeth Miller is an invaluable part of OTIDE, making a meaningful impact each day through her dedication, positivity and unwavering commitment to excellence. She is a joy to work with, bringing an infectious energy that lifts those around her. No matter the challenge, SaraBeth sees the best in people, fostering a culture of encouragement and collaboration. A true go-getter, SaraBeth approaches every task with determination and a solutions-oriented mindset. She is not only a team player but a driving force in ensuring that our employees and students thrive. Her focus is always on how we can improve the lives of those we serve, making OTIDE a better and stronger organization because of her contributions.” -Erica Gambrell
Angel Oswalt, Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education
“Angel Oswalt is an exceptional member of OTIDE, continuously going above and beyond in her role to support our team and mission. She is the most level-headed decision-maker in our office, always approaching challenges with clarity, logic, and a steady hand. Her dedication and loyalty shine through in everything she does, making her an indispensable part of our organization.” -Erica Gambrell
Lauren Rushing, Institute for Social Science Research
“In honor of Administrative Professionals’ Day on April 24, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible contributions of Lauren Rushing, our outstanding administrative assistant at the Institute for Social Science Research. Lauren is truly the backbone of our team and the engine that keeps our office running smoothly!”
“Every day, Lauren goes above and beyond, ensuring that all aspects of our operations are organized and efficient. From managing schedules to coordinating events, she handles it all with grace and professionalism. Her proactive approach means that potential issues are often addressed before they even arise, allowing our team to focus on our core objectives. What sets Lauren apart is not just her exceptional organizational skills but also her unwavering support and positivity. She fosters a welcoming environment that encourages collaboration and creativity. Her ability to connect with colleagues and students alike makes a significant impact on our department and the entire University community.” -Despina Stavrinos
Emily Davis, Translational Science and Medicine
“Emily is an exceptionally dedicated and hardworking professional whose work ethic, organizational skills and attention to detail have had a profound impact across our department, college and the broader university. She consistently brings a thoughtful, efficient approach to every task, paired with a positive attitude and a personal touch that makes working with her a pleasure. -Dr. M.N.V. Ravi Kumar
Javelin Lewis, Child Development Resources/College of Human Environmental Science
“Javelin is not only a capable and efficient professional, she’s just a really nice person too! Her positivity is infectious and helps contribute to the positive working environment at CDR.” -Stephanie Waters
Monique Horton, University Programs, Division of Student Life
“Monique consistently demonstrates a collaborative spirit and is always willing to step in and support her colleagues when needed. One of her key strengths is her ability to create a welcoming environment for our students. Her positive demeanor sets the tone for the entire team. The students know she is someone they can turn to for support, encouragement and feedback. They know without a doubt they can count on her. Her dedication and support truly help make our team stronger every day.” -Paige Acker-Price
Lesley Price, Health Promotion and Wellness
“Lesley has truly been a blessing to our office as she joined us during a time of great transition and provided a level of support and organization that we desperately needed. Lesley is what makes our office great and we are incredibly lucky not only to have her in our department but also within the Division of Student Life.” -Sheena Gregg
Naomi Wilson, Department of Human Nutrition, Hospitality and Sport Management
“Naomi is awesome. She is kind, friendly and patient. She has a servant’s heart. She is always going out of her way to help others. She is creative and looks for ways to get the job done no matter what. She brings so much to this department and we are better for having her. We could not do what we do without her. She is truly valuable and makes people’s day brighter just by being in it. We love you Naomi!” -Paula Price
Bethany Fenimore, Construction Administration
“Bethany goes above and beyond to help the project managers and other staff within the department. She takes initiative, and you know you can always count on her help!” -Leila Ahmady
Amanda Brown, Culverhouse College of Business/Institute of Data & Analytics
“Amanda always gets the job done. No matter the task. It is nice to know that we can always count on her to come through.” -Shawn Mobbs
Holli Daniel, Geography
“Without all of Holli’s effort, none of the department’s events would run nearly as smoothly as they do. She makes a huge difference” -Anonymous
All the Construction Administration Admins, Construction Administration
“Each admin within Construction Administration goes above and beyond to support the project engineers, assistant project managers, project managers, and senior project managers. By submitting purchase orders, work orders and project job orders, each admin within the department keeps the project management team in line and organized. They also route invoices and change orders, place bids for projects, and process all project-specific items. This department would not be organized and productive without the construction support assistants.” -Misty Yarbrough
Lindsey Summers, University Recreation
“I don’t think everyone knows how much Lindsey does for our department, from planning our holiday party, to setting up for potlucks, to keeping the plants in the entire Student Recreation Center alive. She also creates our agendas for every staff meeting. She may be tucked away in the furthest main office, but she packs a punch into UREC. And on the side, she teaches DAZE!” -Paige Barranco
Lisa Lynn, Student Health Center and Pharmacy
“Lisa is one of the hardest workers I know. She is a vital member of the UA Student Health Center and Pharmacy team, ensuring that the Center and its health care providers and staff have everything they need. She has a steadfast commitment to the SHCP, its mission, its employees, and to the thousands of UA students the Center cares for. She has a great work ethic, always putting in the extra effort to get the job done — and she can make anything happen. And she does it all with enthusiasm and a smile.” -Leslie Zganjar
Melinda Montgomery, College of Community Health Sciences/Betty Shirley Clinic/Department of Psychiatry
“Always goes the extra mile to complete tasks and is dedicated beyond normal hours to be of assistance to all faculty.” -Anonymous
Taffy Allen, Office of Information Technology
Taffy provides so much help to us in OIT. She greeted me on my first day, helps me when I lock myself out of my office, sends us reminders for those things we need to complete, guides me with expense reports and Concur-related advice, and now she’s setting up so much related to the new hoteling model we are piloting in our department. She does it all with a smile and a real spirit of professionalism. I appreciate Taffy! -Prathima Gilliam
Jenise Jenkins, Office of Information Technology
“Jenise is our organizer. She sets up so many meetings and lunches for our leadership team. This isn’t always easy with everyone’s varying schedules, but she does it so well. She serves as our United Way coordinator, manages our supply closet, keeps our breakroom organized and maintained, and so much more. She is warm, an excellent hugger and always wants to know how you are doing — that’s the mark of someone who cares. I appreciate Jenise!” -Prathima Gilliam
Jennifer Henry, Office of Undergraduate and International Programs, Culverhouse College of Business
“Jennifer keeps the office running smoothly while brightening everyone’s day. I look forward to coming to work because of her friendship, humor and compassion. She’s gone above and beyond during registration, ensuring our students have the best courses for their business career journey.” -Kathryn Drago
Mitchell Lynn, Dean’s Office, College of Arts and Sciences/ICUE Connector
“Mitchell has a willingness to offer support amongst a wide range of responsibilities while supporting four different team members. He is approachable, attentive and highly attuned to the priorities of each task. His willingness to help, combined with his thoughtfulness and caring attitude, makes it a pleasure to work with him. He embraces his role as a true support to the team, no matter what is asked of him. His adaptability and positive attitude make him an invaluable part of our office.” -Shayla Smith
“I am very happy to work with Mitchell! He’s always ready to help — no matter how unusual the request or random my question is (and believe me, not being from the United States makes me ask very unusual questions). From quick email replies to clever suggestions (including where to find food at 10 p.m.), Mitchell brings a can-do attitude and a friendly, supportive presence to everything he does. He’s easy to work with and genuinely makes my days run more smoothly.” -Dr. Anna Mariya Basauri Zuizina