“I am deeply appreciative of my team for their hard work, and I am honored that they thought enough of me to nominate me. Campus Dining is a part of the Appalachian Community, and it is my honor to be able to serve them in this capacity.”

John Wolcott, associate director of campus dining

BOONE, N.C. — John Wolcott, associate director of campus dining at Appalachian State University, has been selected as the winner of the October drawing held by the university’s Staff Shout Out program. He is one of the more than 800 Appalachian staff members who have been recognized for their Shout Out-worthy service to the university since January.

In his October Shout Out, Wolcott was recognized for “always being there for and having confidence in” his anonymous Staff Shout Out nominator.

Of his win and Shout Out, Wolcott said, “I never expected this, but I am deeply appreciative of my team for their hard work, and I am honored that they thought enough of me to nominate me. Campus Dining is a part of the Appalachian Community, and it is my honor to be able to serve them in this capacity.”

“John is an integral part of Campus Dining leadership and embodies our customer service mission and values. He has a daily influence on the operations of all of our units,” said Pam Cline, director of campus dining.

Wolcott, who has more than 32 years of experience in campus dining services, has been a member of Appalachian’s Campus Dining team since 2013. He is responsible for ensuring Campus Dining’s front-of-house operations run smoothly and support both Campus Dining and campuswide goals.

Additionally, Wolcott works with all units on Appalachian’s campus to ensure Campus Dining staffing needs are met and that the staff is equipped to provide the best customer service experience possible. He also helps to grow and improve Campus Dining’s engagement with the Boone community.

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 part of his drawing prize, Wolcott will receive a gift from the University Bookstore valued at $25.

To view a complete list of October 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.

Learn more

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Lance Schoychid, IT business continuity analyst in Appalachian’s Information Technology Services and two-time Staff Shout Out recipient, said he is honored to work in the ITS department and to be recognized through the university’s Staff Shout Out program.

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Campus Dining

Campus Dining is committed to serving the Appalachian community using sustainable practices, creative and intentional menu planning, and constantly engaging in the ever-changing dialogue surrounding food.

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About Campus Dining

Campus Dining is owned and operated by Appalachian State University and offers dining services tailored to the campus community’s specific needs. With three dining facilities and daily catering events, Campus Dining provides opportunities for nourishment and also building and fostering relationships over shared meals and experiences. Campus Dining is committed to serving the Appalachian Community using sustainable practices such as local sourcing and contributing to campus composting and a constantly evolving partnership with the Office of Sustainability. Learn more at https://dining.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.