“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.

Give a staff member a Shout Out!

The Staff Recognition Committee, a committee of Staff Senate, works to create a positive work environment, improve employee engagement, and encourage an environment of support and appreciation.

One of the ways we encourage positive morale and staff engagement is through an informal recognition program called, "Shout Out." If you would like to have a staff member recognized for their positive contribution to the university, give them a "Shout Out."

Give a staff member a Shout Out!

See previous Shout Out recipients

Staff Senate

Staff Senate is a consulting body representing the voice of staff among Appalachian State University administration, faculty and the campus community, with a primary objective to improve and enhance the quality of life of all staff employees. Staff Senate also represents Appalachian staff at the UNC System Staff Assembly. Staff Senate ensures that staff work in a positive, respectful atmosphere with potential for their own professional and personal development.

Learn more

Two-time Appalachian Staff Shout Out recipient LuAnn Greene wins July drawing

Sep. 11, 2018

“Pleasantly surprised” — LuAnn Greene’s words upon learning she received not one, but two Shout Outs through Appalachian’s Staff Shout Out program.

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Becky Gosky wins Appalachian’s second Staff Shout Out quarterly drawing

July 18, 2018

As the winner of the Staff Shout Out program’s second quarterly drawing, Becky Gosky, coordinator in Appalachian’s Office of Relocation and Dual Career Assistance, won a University Bookstore gift and a YETI brand tumbler.

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Appalachian’s Shayla Marcum wins Staff Shout Out quarterly drawing

May 7, 2018

Shayla Marcum, customer service specialist in Appalachian’s Office of Admissions and March Shout Out recipient, has won a University Bookstore gift through the Staff Shout Out program’s quarterly drawing.

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About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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