“When I received the email that I was given a Staff Shout Out, I was so surprised … It made me feel so appreciated knowing that my work was such a big help to someone else.”

Whitney Ward ’14, administrative support associate in Appalachian’s Division of Educational Outreach and Summer Programs

BOONE, N.C. — Whitney Ward ’14, an administrative support associate in Appalachian State University’s Division of Educational Outreach and Summer Programs, is the winner of the Staff Shout Out program’s June drawing. Ward is among nearly 600 Appalachian staff members who have been recognized for their Shout Out-worthy service to the university since January.

In her role, Ward provides reception assistance for the three programs overseen by the division: App State Online, the university’s North Carolina Center for Engineering Technologies and the Office of Summer Sessions and Professional Development.

Ward received her Staff Shout Out from Lacy Schmidt, an administrative support specialist in Appalachian’s Office of Conference and Camp Services.

“Whitney went above and beyond for months to help me with a special project,” Schmidt said. “She was so helpful, positive and thorough, and I so appreciate her help and endlessly positive attitude.”

“When I received the email that I was given a Staff Shout Out, I was so surprised and it brought a huge smile to my face!” Ward said. “It made me feel so appreciated knowing that my work was such a big help to someone else.”

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.

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

To view a complete list of June Staff Shout Out recipients, click here. For lists of Appalachian staff members who have received a Shout Out to date, visit https://staffsenate.appstate.edu/committees/staff-recognition.

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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.

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App State’s Staff Shout Out program announces Linda Scherry as winner of its May drawing

June 19, 2019

As part of winning the Staff Shout Out program’s May drawing, Linda Scherry, loan manager in Appalachian’s Office of Student Financial Aid, will receive a gift from the University Bookstore valued at $25.

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, 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.