“The Staff Shout Outs are a nice way for people to know that their work is appreciated, so I’m happy to have received one.”

Tom McDonnell, director of IT support services

BOONE, N.C. — The Staff Shout Out program at Appalachian State University announces Tom McDonnell, director of IT support services in Appalachian’s Information Technology Services (ITS), as the winner of the program’s September drawing. McDonnell is among 98 Appalachian staff members recognized with a Shout Out last month.

As part of winning the drawing, McDonnell received a gift from the University Bookstore valued at $25.

“The Staff Shout Outs are a nice way for people to know that their work is appreciated, so I’m happy to have received one. Winning a travel mug, which I really needed, was a bonus,” McDonnell said.

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.

“We are thrilled that the Shout Out program has become so successful. It is great to see staff members of our campus supporting and complimenting each other,” said Chris Trew, chair of the Staff Senate Staff Recognition Committee and student services specialist in the Office of the Registrar.

David Earp, director of IT infrastructure and systems at Appalachian, gave McDonnell his Shout Out.

“ITS played a key role in getting the technology in place and ready for the Appalachian Academy at Middle Fork. Tom organized the training for the staff and administrators at the school on the use of the new technology,” Earp said.

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.

A total of 614 Staff Shout Outs have been given as of September.

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

Amy Huffman McNeill wins August drawing of Appalachian’s Staff Shout Out program

Sept. 14, 2018

McNeill, a business and technology applications technician in Appalachian’s Physical Plant, received her Shout Out from an anonymous nominator for having a “positive and helpful attitude.”

Read the story

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

Sept. 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.

Read the story

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.

Read the story

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.

Read the story

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.

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.