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2021 Staff Awards

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2021 OU Staff Awards

Wendy Walker headshot and award title

Provost’s Outstanding Academic Advisor Award
The Provost's Outstanding Academic Advisor Award is designed to recognize outstanding contributions made by its academic advisors, both staff and faculty, who have been determined to consistently demonstrate the qualities associated with outstanding academic advising of students.

Wendy Walker

Wendy Walker, an academic advisor in the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education, was selected to receive the Provost’s Outstanding Academic Advisor Award because of the high level of caring and concerns she exhibits toward her advisees as well as colleagues, faculty and others.

Walker joined the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education Advising Office in August 2012 as a receptionist, and within a year moved into the role of academic advisor. Now in her seventh year as an advisor, she has garnered praise from students and colleagues alike for her willingness to meet with students whenever they need her, including evenings, weekends and holidays. If a student is in crisis for any reason, academic or other, she intervenes on their behalf and alerts necessary university personnel and then works to ensure the student is referred to the proper resources and offices, while maintaining close communications.

Walker’s actions and demeanor exemplify the National Academic Advising Association’s core values of caring, commitment, empowerment, inclusivity, integrity, professionalism and respect. She is truly committed to the inclusive culture within the college, making sure that all of the students feel comfortable participating in all events and activities.

Walker also serves as the college’s liaison with its Fine Arts Music Education students and with the Education Abroad Office. As coordinator of the college’s Global Education Program, she strives to increase summer immersion and semester programs for education students and current teachers. She also assists in the recruitment of international students and has worked with the college’s executive director of development on many projects, including fundraising efforts for St. Monica's School in Uganda. She also was cited for volunteering for a myriad of college and campus events involving alumni, donors, recruitment, prospective students, families, faculty and staff.

Photo of Ron McCarthy with award title

Distinguished Performance Award

Ron D. McCarty, Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education

Ron McCarty serves as an IT specialist II in the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education. “In this role, Ron supports the mission and work of the college in myriad ways and is an indispensable member of our team,” said Interim Dean Stacy Reeder, adding that she has witnessed the impact of his dedication and service to the college through support of the dean’s work, as well as his work that interfaces with students, faculty and staff, through the years.

“Ron’s potential for success is certain because he gives his mind and heart to every task at hand. His combination of intelligence, selflessness, generosity, creativity and perseverance, to name just a few traits, are reasons that I recommend Ron for the Staff Merit award,” said Aiyana Henry, associate dean of instructional leadership and academic curriculum.

Gregg Garn, senior associate provost of online education, noted that multiple faculty and staff have said that the Rainbolt College would not be as great a place to work and learn without Ron.

“His forward thinking has saved us time and resources and kept the college’s operations flowing smoothly especially during this pandemic,” commented Kim Goodman, administrator II in the college.

Photo of Kim Goodman honoring 35 years of service
Photo of Trudy Rhodes honoring 30 years of service
Photo of Sherry Cox honoring 20 years of service