The Department of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management would like to congratulate Ebony Brown and Jen Dress on receiving this honor.
Ebony Brown, Executive Administrative Assistant II in the Division of Student Affairs, has been selected as the Non-Exempt Employee of the Quarter for April-June of 2024. Ebony started her career at UMBC in 2019 as Executive Administrative Assistant I. She was promoted to her current position in 2023.
Ebony was nominated by Fritzie Charne-Merriwether, Acting Vice President for Student Engagement & Diversity in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Charne-Merriwether says, “Ebony is a consummate professional in all of her administrative duties and goes above and beyond our expectations to support our team, our students and our mission. One of Ebony’s key accomplishments recently has been supporting our office through multiple transitions. At the end of the spring semester we saw several key departures in our office. With the departures of our VP, 2 Associate VPs, Executive Admin II and an Executive Admin I positions, Ebony stepped up without being asked to manage all the administrative tasks previously distributed across three admin roles. She also stepped in to supervise our Office Assistants and ensured we maintained appropriate office coverage throughout the summer. She is not only highly capable and productive, she is a mentor to emerging administrative colleagues, fiercely committed to the mission of the division and the success of others, and, as a result, is a cherished and beloved colleague across our office. Ebony is more than an Admin to our team; she’s the glue that holds us together. She works daily to make sure our office runs smoothly while looking for creative opportunities to energize, motivate and celebrate our colleagues. She truly takes her job to the next level – and our team benefits immensely.”
“Most recently Ebony helped manage the logistics of on boarding our new VP that began this fall. She worked closely with HR to help facilitate the VP’s orientation. She jumped in to manage the VP’s calendar and all other transition related tasks. While seamlessly supporting our new VP, team and supervising our Office Assistants. Ebony also led the process to hire a new Executive Admin I position in our office. A process she had never facilitated before, Ebony diligently reviewed the hiring process tools and executed the search process efficiently and flawlessly. We are so grateful to Ebony for her dedication and commitment to our division. We highly recommend her for this honor.”
Ebony was thrilled to learn she was selected as EOQ. The Division of Student Affairs plans to celebrate Ebony at their end of the semester event.
Jennifer (Jen) Dress, Director of Student Engagement in Campus Life has been selected as the Exempt Employee of the Quarter for April-June 2024. Jennifer started her career at UMBC in 1999 as a Coordinator in Student Life. Jen has been promoted into various roles over the twenty years including Assistant Director and Associate Director. She was promoted to her current position of Director in 2022.
Jen was nominated by Fritzie Charne-Merriwether, Acting Vice President for Student Engagement & Diversity in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Charne-Merriwether says, “I have had the pleasure of working with Jen Dress for over 10 years. In addition to being a great staff member in our division, she is also an outstanding member of the UMBC campus community and deserves to be recognized for her various contributions to student life. Jen continuously works hard to engage students and enhance their college experience. As a strong advocate for student involvement and staff wellbeing, Jen can be seen on campus promoting ways for students to get involved and providing support for her team. She is hardworking with a kind heart, and conscious mind and applies her positive energy and optimistic outlook to everything. She has proven to be an invaluable member of the Division of Student Affairs.”
“Jen’s great work ethic, kindness, and passion have had a positive impact on the students, faculty, and staff that she has interacted with during her time at UMBC. Particularly this year, Jen has spent countless hours engaging with and supporting students as they grapple with the complexity of world events. She is often the first staff member to reach out to students and staff to provide care and offer guidance and encouragement.”
“Jen’s resiliency and passion are incredibly inspiring. Her drive and ability to manage the often multiple emergencies at a time encourage so many of us to work harder and strive for more.”
“Great leadership and optimism would be missing if it were not for Jen’s unwavering support for students, staff, faculty, and UMBC. She undoubtedly deserves this recognition this quarter for going above and beyond in her commitment to UMBC.”
Jen was honored to learn she was selected as EOQ. The Division of Student Affairs plans to celebrate Jen at their end of the semester event.
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 July.