Outstanding Classified Staff Award
This award recognizes an individual who exemplifies a positive and creative approach to problem solving and innovation that significantly advances departmental goals and/or University Mission. With the support of the President, the two classified staff unions on campus (WFSE and PSE) together select one of their members to receive this award, which is presented each year at Opening convocation in the fall.
Criteria
To be considered, the individual must demonstrate contribution to the work unit, department, college or university that furthers the university's mission and strategic goals through any of the following ways:
- Excellence in job performance that results in efficiencies
- Personal initiative and leadership that supports and builds a positive work environment
- Innovative approach to problem-solving that enables sustained improvement and/or
- Completed scholarly or creative work that contributes to Western's learning community.
Recipients
2012 winner: Kevin Dixey
Information Technology Specialist, Academic Technology
As an IT Specialist and technology trainer in Academic Technology and User Services, Kevin Dixey believes in teaching skill, and tailors his training workshops to meet the specific needs of students, faculty and staff.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in Theater from the University of California, San Diego, Kevin started his technology career in Seattle where he managed his own media design firm, Spinwire. He and his wife moved to Bellingham in 2002 to pursue graduate degrees, with Kevin earning a master’s degree in Environmental Education from Huxley College. As a graduate student, Kevin helped to establish the Tech Tonic Technology Expo, a free hands-on learning and demo event for the campus community. In his current position he created the ATUS instructional video website and leads numerous workshops and training events.
2011 winner: June Fraser Thistle
Program Support Supervisor, Residence Life
2010 winner: Heidi Zeretzke
Gardens and Grounds Specialist, Facilities Maintenance
