The Department of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management would like to congratulate Chrisie Cowden and Colleen Rebeiro on receiving this honor.
Chrisie Cowden, Daytime Library Services Supervisor for the Albin O. Kuhn Library, has been selected as the Nonexempt Employee of the Quarter for October-December 2024. Chrisie started her career at UMBC as a Library Technician I in 1990 and has since been promoted through the ranks before finally being promoted to her current position in 2014.
Chrisie was nominated by Nett Smith, Library Services Supervisor for the Library. Nett states, “Chrisie has been a stalwart worker in the Circulation department for decades and for the past 18 months, she took on department management duties in addition to her responsibilities as the daytime/billing supervisor. She attended high-level meetings with library leadership and contributed to decisions on building hours, policies, and outreach events. She kept the department afloat through personnel challenges and guaranteed that customer service never diminished and the building stayed open. Chrisie learned a brand-new library software system (Alma/Primo) and incorporated it into her billing practices. She navigated the needs of her employees while responding to timely requests from library leadership and supported her colleague supervisors in their duties.”
“She was the de facto manager of the Circulation department for the past 18 months after the previous leader departed. She re-implemented regular department meetings to keep daytime and evening staff in communication and aware of upcoming events and policy changes. She has taken a leading role in training the new manager in department and library procedures.”
“Chrisie has worked at the library for 34 years and amassed an encyclopedic knowledge of institutional processes. Although I am the one submitting this form, dozens of library folks can speak to her excellence and commitment to UMBC.”
Chrisie was presented her award and was honored to learn she was selected as EOQ.
Colleen Rebeiro, Academic Affairs Specialist in the Office of the Provost has been selected at the Exempt Employee of the Quarter for October-December 2024. Colleen started her career as a temporary Program Management Specialist for the Office of the Provost in 2018 before being hired into her current role in 2021.
Colleen was nominated by Peggy Re, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs. In describing her work, Peggy stated, “Ms. Rebeiro is an asset to the Office of the Provost. Her responsibilities, which she completes with impeccable attention to detail and grace. With all responsibilities, which are time sensitive, Colleen skillfully and gently keeps those people who work outside of the Provost’s Office on track and on time.”
“Working with the Director of Academic Affairs, Ms. Rebeiro provides technical and logistical support related to the development of new and refreshed academic programs submitted to MHEC and the USM. She helps facilitate Academic Program Review (APR) and Year Three Review (YTR) processes for all academic degrees and certificates at UMBC, including USM-required supporting reports. This includes accreditation reviews. Ms. Rebeiro manages special projects such as the Student Honors and Awards Booklet (SHAB) and contributes to improving the efficiency of Academic Affairs’ operations. For all three responsibilities, which are time sensitive, Colleen skillfully and gently keeps those people who work outside of the Provost’s Office on track and on time.”
“The Office of the Provost (really Colleen) has managed the Board of Regents and Staff Award processes, two major award processes re-assigned to Human Resources beginning in 2024-25. Ms. Rebeiro trained HR staff on how to manage and run these selection processes independently next year, developing an extensive timeline and task list supported with examples. The Valedictorian Selection Committee was also managed by Ms. Rebeiro on behalf of the Office of the Provost. This project was re-assigned to the Honors College/Undergraduate Academic Affairs. Again, Ms. Rebeiro provided the Honors College with an impeccably organized set of files that set out tasks and timelines and provided supporting examples of all required material to ensure a seamless transition.”
Colleen was presented her award at a surprise celebration with several members of the Office of the Provost. She was thrilled to learn 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.