Whitney Ward ’14, an administrative support specialist in Appalachian State University’s Disco Student Learning Center. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Whitney Ward ’14
Administrative support associate
Disco Student Learning Center
Staff Shout Out monthly drawing winner
Appalachian State University Staff Shout Out program
BOONE, N.C. — The Staff Shout Out program at Appalachian State University has named Whitney Ward ’14 the winner of its August drawing, making her the first App State staff member to win the drawing twice — her first win was in June 2019.
Ward, an Ashe County native who serves as an administrative support specialist in App State’s Disco Student Learning Center (SLC), is among more than 1,300 individual Appalachian staff members who have been recognized as of August for their Shout Out-worthy service to the university. The program has received a total of 2,246 Shout Out submissions as of August, which include multiple Shout Outs for individual staff members.
She received two anonymous Shout Outs during August, in which she was described as “the ultimate team player” and recognized for “going above and beyond the scope of her duties to move furniture in D.D. Dougherty Hall.”
Ward said learning of the Shout Outs brought a huge smile to her face. “It made me feel so appreciated knowing that my dedication and work doesn’t go unnoticed,” she said.
She continued, “Being part of Appalachian State is something I love and I am so thrilled that the university has a Staff Shout Out program to let us recognize the hard work and dedication of our fellow colleagues.”
Ward’s supervisor, Ronaka Adams, who serves as a university program associate in SLC, said, “I am ecstatic that not only were Whitney’s efforts recognized this month via two Staff Shout Outs but also that she is the monthly winner. She is such a hard worker and is a tremendous asset to the SLC group.”
A 2014 graduate of App State, Ward holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in film studies and a minor in psychology. She joined the SLC staff in August 2019.
Her previous roles at App State include student services coordinator in Intercultural Student Affairs; administrative support associate in the Division of Educational Outreach and Summer Programs; and verification process assistant in the Office of Student Financial Aid. Before coming to App State, Ward was employed in the Catawba County Tax Revaluation Department.
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 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 August Staff Shout Out recipients.
Lists of Appalachian staff members who have received a Shout Out to date.
What do you think?
Share your feedback on this story.
About the Disco Student Learning Center
Established in 1972, the Disco Student Learning Center (SLC) at Appalachian State University — part of App State’s University College — provides holistic support services for undergraduate and graduate students that are designed to enrich their academic, personal and professional lives. These services, which help students foster self-advocacy and develop academic independence, include tutoring, mentoring, coaching, academic strategy instruction and executive skill development. Learn more at https://studentlearningcenter.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls more than 20,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
