“I am so pleased to see our campus embrace the Shout Out program and to see all of the support co-workers give each other.”

Chris Trew, chair of Appalachian’s Staff Senate Staff Recognition Committee

BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Julie Keys, a staff psychologist in Appalachian State University’s Counseling and Psychological Services Center, was recently announced as the October winner of the Staff Shout Out program’s monthly drawing.

As part of winning, Keys, who is also the training coordinator for Appalachian’s master’s in psychology program, 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.

“I am so pleased to see our campus embrace the Shout Out program and to see all of the support co-workers give each other. We hope to deliver 1,000 Shout Outs by the end of the year,” said Chris Trew, chair of the Staff Senate Staff Recognition Committee and student services specialist in the Office of the Registrar.

Concerning the Shout Out she received, Keys said, “All my gratitude to (Dr.) Leslie Martin, aka ‘Beeper,’ without whom this would not have been possible.”

Martin, who recognized Keys with a Shout Out, is associate director of training services in the Counseling and Psychological Services Center.

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.

More than 700 Appalachian staff members have received Staff Shout Outs since the program’s inception in January.

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

Sep. 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

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.

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’s Counseling and Psychological Services Center

The Counseling and Psychological Services Center at Appalachian State University supports the mission of the university and its Division of Student Affairs in the academic, vocational, emotional, social and cultural development of students. The goal of the center is to assist the Appalachian Community in maximizing the personal growth and development of its members. Services, which are primarily offered to students, focus on education, prevention, remediation and crisis management. These services help students resolve personal difficulties and acquire the attitudes, abilities and knowledge that will enable them to be successful and take full advantage of their college experience. Learn more at https://counseling.appstate.edu.

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.