Each year the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recognizes a handful of staff members and academic professionals for their outstanding contributions to the college and service to others. These individuals, who were nominated by members of the campus community, demonstrate excellence and enhance the image of the college.
- LAS Academic Professional Award
Scott Bartlett, History
Wendy Harris, Mathematics
Carol Wakefield, LAS Administration -
LAS Nancy J. McCowen Distinguished Staff Service Award
Joellyn Pedro, LAS Administration LAS Staff Award
Katie Beall, Psychology
Amy Rumsey, English
Peggy Wells, Philosophy
Academic Professional Award
Scott Bartlett, History
Scott Bartlett’s colleagues describe him as “an employee who goes the proverbial extra mile.” Scott is truly a dedicated academic advisor who has a passion for excellence and a deep desire to help all students achieve success. Over 500 undergraduate majors, double majors, and minors look to Scott for support and advice that he readily and expertly provides. He has established himself as the face of the department for a generation of grateful students, has won the respect of faculty and staff, and has earned an LAS-wide reputation as both a leader and a crucial team player. Each successive year, he willingly assumes new responsibilities that he performs brilliantly. Scott’s initiative, creativity, and leadership abilities have positively impacted the Department of History.
Wendy Harris, Mathematics
When Wendy Harris’ name is mentioned, one immediately thinks of honesty, integrity, professionalism, and excellence. Serving as the Director of Budget and Resource Planning for the Department of Mathematics, Wendy has demonstrated these qualities and more. Wendy expertly manages mathematics’ business affairs, budget, feasibility study, facility renovations, and, on her own initiative, takes time to research grant opportunities for faculty. Wendy is truly an amazing employee who accomplishes an immense volume of work yet explores new opportunities and ideas that will enhance the department and its mission. Wendy exhibits boundless energy and a strong work ethic all with a calm and supportive demeanor. Wendy’s efficiency, collaborative spirit, and multiple talents have truly benefited not only the department, but the University of Illinois.
Carol Wakefield, LAS Administration
It would be difficult to envision an individual who contributes more to the financial operations and well-being of our college than Carol Wakefield. During Carol’s tenure with her guidance and expert knowledge, the College of LAS transitioned from an-ever growing deficit budget to a balanced one. Achieving a balanced budget was a result of Carol’s financial insight, ethical practices, countless hours, and collaboration with college leaders. Carol maintained a vision for the college’s most critical agenda while keeping a keen eye on resources that LAS needs to perform critical scholarship, teaching, and research. Carol assisted and advised LAS’s 55 departmental business managers by initiating meetings, guidelines and best practices to employ. We applaud Carol’s commitment to ethical practices while maintaining a focus on enhancing our academic mission.
Nancy J. McCowen Distinguished Service Award
Joellyn Pedro, LAS Administration
A former dean once noted “quietly, always with a smile, Joellyn single-handedly makes the trains run on time and keeps the spirits of the office in high gear.” Joellyn Pedro is an exceptional employee who is an important key to the smooth operations of the college’s office of administration. Joellyn possesses superb organizational skills and performs impeccable work empowering the administration to achieve and enhance the mission of the college. Besides displaying a strong work ethic and flawless professionalism, Joellyn has a friendly and gracious spirit. She is a collaborative individual who makes complicated team projects enjoyable. Colleagues look to Joellyn for support and consider her a steady foundation in the office. A colleague said it best “her quite efficiency strengthens our unit and indeed the whole college.”
LAS Staff Award
Katie Beall, Psychology
The associate head for the Department of Psychology’s Undergraduate Affairs describes Katie Beall as the “engine that runs the psychology department.” Because of Katie’s exceptional abilities the undergraduate affairs office runs smoothly and efficiently. Katie manages numerous undergraduate programs and projects including the Psychology 290 Research Fair, the schedule for 400 Psychology courses, the textbook order, an awards ceremony, plus the day-to-day office operations. Katie possesses an inordinate array of talents and skills. She is extraordinarily efficient, creative, helpful, thoughtful, enthusiastic and immensely capable. If a problem needs solving, Katie takes initiative and tackles the problem with efficiency and skill. She approaches work with a positive and supportive attitude thus promoting morale among her co-workers. The words “above and beyond” come to mind when you think of Katie Beall.
Amy Rumsey, English
Amy Rumsey’s exceptional commitment to go above and beyond the call of duty truly separates her from the pack. Time and time again, Amy’s colleagues applaud her loyalty and service to the English department. As the office manager, Amy’s responsibilities are extensive and ever expanding. She readily meets these challenges and willingly takes on all new projects. The successful outcomes are due to her keen task-mindedness and self-directed work ethic. But what makes Amy remarkable is not solely her abilities; but rather, her positive attitude and welcoming spirit. She is helpful and thorough with each request. Amy expertly manages faculty promotion and tenure applications and does so with discretion and professionalism. She is considered a trustworthy and noteworthy colleague by all.
Peggy Wells, Philosophy
“And beneath that delightful demeanor is a dynamo.” This quote about Peggy Wells by a philosophy professor is applauded by all. Peggy is a loyal, ethical, energetic, considerate, and hard-working employee. Peggy supports the Philosophy’s departmental office and is responsible for interfacing with both students and faculty. She is friendly, approachable, and goes well beyond her responsibilities to help others. She is doggedly persistent and will not walk away from an assignment until she has it right. Peggy successes are due to her creativity, diligence, cooperative spirit, and dedication to the department. She has a wealth of knowledge about the workings of the university and department. Peggy Wells not only performs outstanding work; but also, she enhances the image of the department.
