The Department of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management would like to congratulate Ebony Brown and Jen Dress on receiving this honor.
Terisa White, Executive Administrative Assistant II in Office of the Provost, has been selected as the Nonexempt Employee of the Quarter for July-September of 2024. Terisa started her career at UMBC in 2013 as an Administrative Assistant I for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. She transferred to the Office of the Registrar in 2016 as an Administrative Assistant II and was later promoted to Executive Administrative Assistant I. Terisa transferred to her current position in 2022.
Terisa was nominated by Christopher Correnti, Associate Provost for Financial Management in Office of the Provost and Kelly Coleman, Director of Talent and Total Rewards in Human Resources & Strategic Talent Management (HRSTM). Christopher says, “In the short amount of time that I have worked with Terisa, I have come to appreciate her passion for her work at UMBC and even rely upon her in many circumstances. I have learned that in the many leadership transitions the Provost’s office experienced, Terisa was silently working behind the scenes to ensure that financial and HR transactions occurred, people were taken care of, and search processes to fill vacancies remained moving forward. In many cases, Terisa would repeatedly absorb responsibility that would push her to learn new skills support the Office of the Provost in a new way.”
“What’s amazing through all of this though is that despite the drastic increase in workload with minimal support or formal training, Terisa has remained hopeful and upbeat, dedicated to keeping a certain professionalism and level of support constant from her team. In short, she took this increase in responsibility with positivity that can at times be infectious. My first week in this role was easily the warmest reception I have seen and this, I understand, is in large part to Terisa’s commitment to bringing excellence to her role. She has helped keep our ship rightsized through tough waters, and so it is my belief she should be recognized for her efforts.”
Kelly Coleman, Director of Talent and Total Rewards in Human Resources & Strategic Talent Management (HRSTM), says, “Terisa has not only kept the Office of the Provost operating, she is doing it with amazing grace and care for the campus. She is also assisting other areas, such as HRSTM. She served as a committee member for our Talent Acquisition specialist search. Her understanding of the administrative components needed as well as the campus culture allowed her to partner with the team and make an excellent selection.”
Terisa was presented her award on July 10, 2024 at a surprise celebration with several members of the Provost’s Office staff. She was honored to learn she was selected as EOQ.
Jennifer Volpe, Assistant Registrar in the Registrar’s Office, has been selected as the Exempt Employee of the Quarter for July-September of 2024. Jennifer started her career at UMBC as a student employee temporary employee before being hired as an Evaluator for the Registrar’s Office in 2009. She was promoted to a specialist role and then to her current position in 2016.
Jennifer was nominated by Pam Hawley, University Registrar who described her as “A knowledgeable, innovative, patient and forward-thinking member of the Registrar’s Office Management Team. In addition to constantly seeking ways to enhance services and improve processes in her areas of direct responsibility (graduation and degree audit), Jenn brings her writing and technical skills to all areas of the office and is always willing to lead, facilitate or support initiatives. Jenn is often the Registrar’s Office ‘go to’ when we need web site updates or training materials developed. In addition, we often bring her to the table on initiatives in other areas including records maintenance, student record rebuilds and catalog/curriculum management. Her analytical skills and Peoplesoft knowledge are always in demand.”
Dr. Ken Baron, Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Advising and Student Success, notes that “during my tenure as Director of Academic Advising and now Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Advising and Student Success, I have consistently relied upon Jenn to provide me with the most accurate information and guidance regarding some of the most complex and sensitive graduation cases I am entrusted to resolve. Jenn has always been open and inviting as a collaborative partner on these cases, and I appreciate the ‘absolute confidence’ that I can move forward with after our consultations. Given the nature of my position, I cannot afford any ambiguity in my advising recommendations and proposed solutions – thus it is supremely comforting that I can rely on a professional colleague like Jenn for this level of service.”
Dr. Yvette Mozie-Ross, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Planning adds that “Jenn’s analytical and problem-solving savvy coupled with her student-centered approach and her deep desire to improve the student experience adds up to big wins for our students.”
Jenn has served on UMBC’s Professional Staff Senate and a previous presenter at Oracle HEUG Alliance Conferences.
Jenn was presented her award on July 29, 2024 at a staff meeting. She was surprised and thrilled to learn that she was selected as EOQ.
Recipients receive $500, a special parking space, one day of administrative leave, a certificate, his/her/their name on the Employee of the Quarter plaque and an invitation to the annual Service Award Ceremony.
Human Resources offers special thanks to everyone that nominated an employee for the award. Previous nominations received will be eligible for consideration for one year from the date received. The next Employee of the Quarter recipients will be selected in October.