“Receiving the Staff Shout Out was a pleasant surprise, but it does not surprise me that someone on my team nominated me for it; everyone is extremely supportive.”

Michelle Melton, web developer/programmer in Appalachian’s Center for Academic Excellence

BOONE, N.C. — The Staff Shout Out program at Appalachian State University has announced Michelle Melton, web developer/programmer in the university’s Center for Academic Excellence (CAE), as the winner of its March drawing. Melton, who is also pursuing a master’s in computer science at Appalachian, is one of 53 staff members who received a Shout Out in March.

“Michelle goes above and beyond to respond to questions from both her colleagues and faculty on campus,” said Melton’s anonymous Shout Out submitter. “She is thorough in responses and also great at project management, which helps keep our crew on track.”

Melton is one of two developers who build, support and maintain some of the university’s academic web applications, including the learning management system AsULearn. “I help to monitor the applications to make sure they are running smoothly, complete and test updates, and program and integrate new features to meet the needs of campus users,” she explained.

She also recently developed a custom branded AsULearn mobile app, which became available to users in early March.

Additionally, Melton works with Appalachian’s Instructional Technology Consultants (ITCs), who directly support the faculty, staff and students who use AsULearn. When an AsULearn user has an issue, she helps the ITCs diagnose and resolve the problem.

Melton said she is appreciative to have received a Staff Shout Out and considers herself “lucky to work with an amazing team because everyone in CAE is extremely passionate about the work they are doing. Each person is motivated to provide the best support they can to campus, both in terms of existing services as well as being innovative in finding new ways to support faculty and staff development,” she 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.

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.

For her drawing prize, Melton will receive a gift from the University Bookstore valued at $25.

“Receiving the Staff Shout Out was a pleasant surprise, but it does not surprise me that someone on my team nominated me for it; everyone is extremely supportive,” Melton said. “I truly look forward to coming to work every day, in part because I enjoy my work, but in large part because I love working with this team.”

To view a complete list of Appalachian staff members who received Shout Outs in March, click here.

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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

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Eric Gormly, program director of student veteran services, is the drawing winner. He received a received a Staff Shout Out for being a volunteer coordinator for Appalachian’s December 2018 commencement ceremonies.

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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, affordable education for all. 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.