Administrative Support
The Outstanding Staff awards are chosen by nominations received by the Awards Committee from all faculty, staff, and students at VIMS. They are awarded in the categories of Facilities/Safety/Trades, Technical Support, and Administrative Support.
The winner of the 2017 Outstanding Employee for Administrative Support is Ms. Cathy Cake.
Cathy joined the staff of Academic Studies as Graduate Program Business Manager in 2013 with considerable experience in higher education and the non-profit sector. Employing this experience, Cathy has led the annual graduate program admissions process, which requires countless hours of coordination with faculty, staff, and prospective students.
In addition, Cathy plays a key role in financial administration, juggling more than 1 million dollars annually in student funds. In order to successfully balance a multitude of accounts, Cathy has developed a keen insight into the financial networks of both VIMS and William & Mary and assists with long-term financial planning, ensuring that VIMS funding is being allocated most effectively.Cathy is a critical resource for other administrative staff within her office, as well as the first person graduate students turn to when they need help answering any administrative question. She always greets and helps everyone who knocks on her door with a kind and caring demeanor.
Cathy has exceeded the expectations of those who work with her, many of whom comment that Academic Studies has improved tremendously since Cathy joined the team.