BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s Staff Shout Out program has named Erika Hudspeth ’92, a web designer and content strategy specialist in Appalachian’s University Communications (UComm), the winner of its March drawing.

Hudspeth, a graduate of Appalachian’s B.S. in communication, public relations degree program, is one of more than 2,000 Appalachian staff members who have been recognized to date for their Shout Out-worthy service to the university.

In her March Shout Out to Hudspeth, Haley Childers, director of marketing, communications and engagement for Appalachian’s Walker College of Business, thanked Hudspeth for being “readily available to help others” despite her “major responsibility of guiding and supporting the university’s web presence.”

“Erika’s calm demeanor, coupled with her responsiveness and know-how, are a winning combination for Appalachian,” Childers said. “Erika is quick to show support for fellow staff, faculty members and students alike.”

In response to Childers’ comments and speaking to the new normal amid COVID-19, Hudspeth said, “It makes me feel really good to know that my campus colleagues consider me calm and responsive, especially during this time when so many people are feeling overwhelmed and anxious. I’m grateful to be able to provide assistance and resources for so many websites on campus as we transition experiences and services to online delivery and manage a new normal at home.”

Hudspeth, who received a second Shout Out in April, has worked at Appalachian in a variety of positions relating to web design and communications since 1997.

From 1997–99, she served as a full-time temporary web designer in the university’s Office of Public Affairs (now UComm); from 1999–2001 she was the university webmaster in Information Technology Services (ITS); and from 2009–19 she served part time as a migration specialist/technology support specialist in the Office of Web Communications (now part of UComm), Learning Technology Services (now part of the Center for Academic Excellence) and ITS.

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. Although this card is typically handwritten and delivered by a Staff Senate member, the program has suspended deliveries of cards amid the COVID-19 situation but continues to email the Shout Out details to both recipients and their supervisors. Each recipient is also entered into a monthly drawing for a gift from the University Bookstore.

Hudspeth will receive a gift from the University Bookstore as part of her drawing prize, along with her handwritten Shout Out once COVID-19 stay-at-home orders are lifted and staff return to Appalachian’s campus.

View a complete list of March Staff Shout Out recipients. 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 Staff Shout Out program recognizes Dr. Gary McCullough as January drawing winner

March 11, 2020

McCullough, who serves as associate dean of research and graduate education in Appalachian’s Beaver College of Health Sciences, is one of 2,029 staff members who have been recognized to date for their Shout Out-worthy service to the university.

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About Appalachian’s University Communications

University Communications (UComm) promotes the strategic initiatives and special character of Appalachian State University. Additionally, UComm manages media relations and critical and crisis communications, serves as an in-house advertising and PR agency for university clients, and promotes and supports major university events and programs. Learn more at https://uc.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.