Katherine Stanek was named this year’s Student Employee of the Year by The University of Alabama’s Department of Human Resources and Student Employment Services.
Stanek is a senior majoring in public relations. She is also a first-year graduate student in the Accelerated Master’s Program, studying advertising and public relations with a concentration in creative advertising.
Stanek works with Tisch Student Services and Engagement in the College of Communications and Information Sciences.
“When I applied to be a student assistant at Tisch, I just hoped they’d like me enough to hire me,” she said. “This award feels like a full-circle moment and I’m so grateful for every person who’s been part of the ride.”
Stanek never anticipated being recognized for just doing what she loves. “Tisch Student Services is so much more than a workplace — it became my home, my people, and the heart of my college experience. So, to be honored for that is not just rewarding, but it’s also incredibly meaningful.”
Randi Hamm, Stanek’s supervisor, said Stanek’s impact has been widely felt in C&IS.
“Every positive characteristic that can be used to describe someone applies to her. The impact she has made on C&IS is invaluable. She has played significant roles both behind the scenes and on the front lines of almost every event, initiative and experience we offer through Tisch Student Services and Engagement,” said Hamm.
“While I deeply appreciate her dependability and the extremely high quality of her work, what I love most about Kat is that she leads with positivity and encouragement. She serves as a role model to all around her.”
About the Student Employee of the Year Awards
UA employs approximately 5,000 students each year. The 2024-2025 honorees demonstrate exemplary leadership skills, value and involve others in the workplace, apply critical thinking to generate innovative ideas, and contribute to their department, community and The University of Alabama.
Eligible students are undergraduate student assistant employees and work-study student employees working in hourly, on-campus positions. Students must have worked a minimum of six months part time or three months full time.
Supervisors are invited to nominate students in early spring each year to highlight students who perform invaluable services with enthusiasm and dedication, all while balancing their respective academic commitments.
2025 SEOTY Nominees
The outstanding student employees nominated include:
- Annsley Gibson (Finalist)
- Price Ledbetter (Finalist)
- Megan Wilson (Finalist)
- Miriam Anderson
- Isaiah Charles
- Callie Childress
- Alana Collier
- Ashton Dickey
- Anna Duvall
- Benjamin Geiger
- Taylor Harris
- Ava Henry
- Erin Hidalgo
- Ciaran Looney
- Ryan Marusich
- Kacie McGuinness
- Kasia Nicholson
- Victoria Niton
- Lilly Noble
- Will Allen Patton
- Connor Perciavalle
- Mitch Petrie
- Torrance Ross
- Mitchell Roussey
- Samantha Schumann
- Caroline Shepherd
- Gabrielle Smith
- Nadia Smith
- Peyton Snakenberg
- Carly Titus
- Madison Tucker
- Andy Valdez
- Vishak Vikranth
- Grace Worley
- Briley Zimmerman
Contact
Jennifer Brady, UA Strategic Communications, jennifer.brady@ua.edu