BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s Laura Padgett ’02 has been named the winner of the May drawing organized by Appalachian’s Staff Shout Out program — an informal recognition initiative created by Staff Senate’s Staff Recognition Committee.

Padgett, an Appalachian alumna who serves as director of graduate enrolled student services and development in Appalachian’s Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies, is one of more than 1,200 Appalachian staff members who have been recognized as of June 30 for their Shout Out-worthy service to the university. The program has received a total of 2,222 Shout Out submissions as of June 30, which include multiple Shout Outs for individual staff members.

In her May Shout Out to Padgett, Amy Roberts, senior director of finance and systems for Appalachian’s Campus Services, recognized Padgett for crafting 50 washable cloth face masks by hand for Campus Services staff.

Of Padgett’s efforts, Roberts said, “I’m so happy to recognize Laura for her wonderful contribution of time and talent to this vital safety effort. Her care and commitment toward the Mountaineer family is exceptional! When we were having trouble sourcing enough face coverings to keep up with our employees’ needs, Laura filled the gap for us with the cloth masks she made.”

Regarding her Shout Out, Padgett said, “I am humbled to be selected for this recognition and grateful to those who work very hard to celebrate Appalachian staff members. It was my absolute pleasure to make the masks for App State employees, and I am more than willing to make more if more are needed as we move forward.”

The Staff Shout Out program 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 to 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.

View a complete list of May Staff Shout Out recipients.

Lists of Appalachian staff members who have received a Shout Out to date.

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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

Rebecca Murray wins App State Staff Shout Out program’s April drawing

May 29, 2020

Murray, who serves as an academic adviser in Appalachian’s James Center for Student Success and Advising, is one of more than 2,029 staff members who have been recognized to date for their Shout Out-worthy service to the university.

Read the story

About graduate education at App State

Appalachian State University’s Williams School of Graduate Studies helps individuals reach the next level in their career advancement and preparedness. The school offers 80 graduate degree and certificate programs — both in person and online — in a range of disciplines, including doctoral programs in education (Ed.D.) and psychology (Psy.D.). The graduate school enrolls nearly 2,000 students. Learn more at https://graduate.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.