“Matt Huntanar’s presence puts a smile on everyone’s face and he operates out of genuine care and passion for the students and Appalachian.”

Kevin Delgado-Valentin, senior associate registrar for customer service and scheduling at Appalachian

BOONE, N.C. — The Staff Shout Out program at Appalachian State University has announced Matt Huntanar, coordinator of Jump Start Appalachian — the university's transfer student transition and support program, as the winner of its December 2019 drawing.

Huntanar, who is also an adviser to Appalachian’s Transfer Student Mentors, is one of 1,002 staff members who were recognized during 2019 for their Shout Out-worthy service to the university. He works in the Office of Transfer Services, a unit within Appalachian’s Division of Enrollment Management.

Kevin Delgado-Valentin, senior associate registrar for customer service and scheduling in Appalachian’s Office of the Registrar, recognized Huntanar with a Shout Out for helping with Appalachian’s December 2019 Commencement.

“Matt is an incredible asset to Appalachian and a joy to be around,” Delgado-Valentin said. “His presence puts a smile on everyone’s face and he operates out of genuine care and passion for the students and Appalachian.”

Of his Shout Out recognition, Huntanar said, “I feel fortunate to be part of two amazing teams: the Office of Transfer Services and Enrollment Management. I take pride knowing that every single student at Appalachian has been assisted and supported at some point by the good work performed by my colleagues in Enrollment Management.”

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, Huntanar received a black and gold flask from the University Bookstore.

To view a complete list of December 2019 Staff Shout Out recipients, as well as lists of Appalachian staff members who have received a Shout Out to date, visit https://staffsenate.appstate.edu/committees/staff-recognition.

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

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

Clint Nelson named winner of App State Staff Shout Out program’s November drawing

Dec. 12, 2019

Clint Nelson, technology support specialist in Appalachian’s Information Technology Services (ITS), is among more than 900 Appalachian staff members who have been recognized for their Shout Out-worthy service to the university since January.

Read the story

About Transfer Admissions and Engagement

Transfer Admissions and Engagement at Appalachian State University supports students through all stages of their transfer journey, including admission counseling and pretransfer advising, credit evaluation, transitional assistance as they begin at App State and through involvement and retention efforts during their App State education. The office serves undergraduate transfer students studying on the main campus in Boone as well as App State Online students who complete their classes fully online or at an off-site location. The services and resources provided by Transfer Admissions and Engagement ensure the university’s transfer student population finds academic and social success at App State. Learn more at https://transfer.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, 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.