Distinguished Award Recipients: 2006
Distinguished Employee of the Year:
Ernestine Harris, Darrell Perkins, and Darryl Tripp
Distinguished Administrator of the Year:
Jan Brownlee
Ernestine Harris
Custodian II for Physical Plant
Ms. Ernestine Harris, Custodian II for Physical Plant, always shows great enthusiasm and thoroughness in performing her responsibilities, expressing a genuine concern regarding the upkeep and appearance of the university’s facilities. When assigned a task, her nominators feel that she is reliable and has a good work ethic, completing her job well everyday. She is an industrious worker, bringing much joy to those around her. Ernestine is always willing and delighted to cover for fellow workers who are on vacation or sick leave, in addition to completing her job efficiently. Tanya Groves of Business and Finance commented that she is a “treasure” for the University of Memphis and feels very fortunate to have her. She was also titled by one of her nominators as one of the “unsung magicians” on campus, leaving the offices clean and inviting for the staff each day.
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Darrell Perkins
Facilities Services Supervisor for the Fogelman College of Business and Economics
Mr. Darrell Perkins, Facilities Services Supervisor for the Fogelman College of Business and Economics, received nominations from various colleagues within the college. Darrell is known for being highly-conscientious and always striving to provide the best possible service to faculty and staff. His selfless dedication is impressive because he produces such quality work in a good-humored, timely manner for the college. Once being an employee of the University Libraries, Darrell has taken his responsibility and sense of accommodation into this current position. Most impressive is his ability to deal effectively with difficult situations, unexpected problems, and many different personalities. He also manages good, constructive relationships with faculty and staff, while continuing to build on his reputation of dependability, cooperativeness, and resourcefulness. His colleagues believe him to be “truly a fine asset and consistent contributor to improve the U of M.”
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Darryl Tripp
General Maintenance Mechanic for Residence Life
Mr. Darryl Tripp, General Maintenance Mechanic for Residence Life, has done an outstanding job since his move from a prior University position. He has reached goals that have not been accomplished in his area in five years. This summer, he moved the Graduate and Student Family Housing community to 96% occupancy by completing 30 apartments in 6 weeks. He is always up to the challenge when it comes to dealing with difficult situations on the job. He has even worked on the weekends to meet the needs of the Katrina victims that have relocated on campus, helping to prepare a facility that hadn't been opened in four years. His nomination emphasized that several students have commented on Darryl's outstanding work, and he does it all with a smile.
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Distinguished Administrator of the Year
Jan Brownlee
Graduate Systems Coordinator for Graduate Programs
Ms. Jan Brownlee, Graduate Systems Coordinator for Graduate Programs, received ten nominations for Distinguished Administrator of the Year Award. Her colleagues consider her to be one-of-a-kind because she can accept responsibility to complete a project with little oversight or direction, while offering insight to others. Her dedication and loyalty to the U of M and her contributions to the success of all graduate programs on campus are commendable. A hard-working, self starter, Jan consistently provides outstanding assistance to the graduate coordinators and graduate students to fulfill and complete their needs and objectives. She is not only an effective leader but is a strong motivator to those around her. She personifies professionalism, respect, and a commitment to provide service to students, faculty and staff. According to Dr. Karen Weddle-West, Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Studies, Jan’s style of governance and ability to influence others are largely based on the fundamental principle of treating all students, faculty, and staff with dignity and respect. She is forward-thinking, customer/student-centered, and well-versed in policies and procedures of the Graduate School. Many of her colleagues have come to trust her judgment and often rely on her to make wise decisions on how to handle difficult student situations. They believe that she meets the highest quality of standards for the University and the Graduate School is very fortunate to have such a personable employee with a vast knowledge and expertise.
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