Amy Huffman McNeill, business and technology applications technician in the Physical Plant at Appalachian State University. Photo courtesy of Amy Huffman McNeill
Amy Huffman McNeill
Business and technology applications technician
Physical Plant
Staff Shout Out monthly drawing winner
Appalachian State University Staff Shout Out program
“I am honored to have received a Staff Shout Out … (and) happy to know that I have had a positive impact on a new employee.”
Amy Huffman McNeill, business and technology applications technician
BOONE, N.C. — Amy Huffman McNeill — one of 87 Appalachian State University staff members who received a Shout Out in August — has been named the winner of the Staff Shout Out program’s August drawing. A total of 516 Staff Shout Outs have been given to date.
As part of winning the drawing, McNeil, who is a business and technology applications technician in Appalachian’s Physical Plant, received a gift from the University Bookstore valued at $25.
The Staff Shout Out program, an informal recognition initiative created by Staff Senate’s Staff Recognition Committee, aims to highlight Appalachian staff members for their positive contributions to the university. The committee works to improve employee engagement and encourage an environment of support and appreciation.
McNeil’s anonymous Staff Shout Out nominator recognized her for “going out of her way to make new staff — like me — feel comfortable. (She has a) positive and helpful attitude.”
When commenting on her award, McNeil said, “I am honored to have received a Staff Shout Out. I am happy to know that I have had a positive impact on a new employee.”
Chris Trew, chair of the Staff Senate Staff Recognition Committee, addressed the progress of the Staff Shout Out program by saying, “I am proud to be part of the Staff Shout Out program, to see its exponential growth and to see the staff of our campus embrace the spirit of the program fully.”
Trew said the Shout Out program is an integral part of fulfilling a component of the Staff Senate mission, which is to improve and enhance the quality of life of all Appalachian staff employees by representing the “voice” of staff among Appalachian administration, faculty and the campus community.
Examples of actions for which Appalachian staff members have received Shout Outs:
- Going above and beyond to help a fellow co-worker or student.
- Picking up trash on campus grounds just because.
- Encouraging recycling among officemates.
- Having an infectious positive attitude.
- Taking initiative.
- Helping a co-worker complete a task voluntarily.
- Random acts of kindness.
Recipients of a Shout Out are notified the month following their nomination and receive a card detailing why they were nominated, which is handwritten and personally delivered by a member of Staff Senate. Each recipient is also entered into a monthly drawing for a gift from the University Bookstore.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier, public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls more than 19,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
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