Administrative Support
The Outstanding Employee 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, Research and Advisory Service, Technical Support, and Administrative Support.
The winner of the 2010 Outstanding Classified Employee for Administrative Support is Ms. Linda Ward.
Since her arrival at
the Eastern Shore Lab nearly 7 years ago, Linda has transformed the way the
field station works. Her title of Business Manager is appropriate in the very
broadest sense, because she quite literally coordinates all of the Lab’s business.
In addition to the usual role of managing Lab finances, she is the purchasing
agent, the central receiving manager, the events coordinator, the human
resources contact, and the reservations manager for the hundreds of visiting
users the lab receives each year. She is also the Administrative Assistant, secretary,
and receptionist.
The amazing thing about Linda is not just that she accomplishes all of these tasks with remarkable competence and efficiency, but that she does so with a wonderful attitude that endears her to co-workers and visitors alike.
As a frequent visiting scientist commented, “Linda is the glue that holds together the [Lab’s] operational capabilities.” She keeps the lab running smoothly and efficiently while dealing with the seemingly constant distractions that come with serving as a switchboard operator, receptionist, and facilities coordinator all at once. As a co-worker commented, “Linda’s ability to do all of this with a smile, while still keeping us on track, is amazing.”
Linda’s dedication, competence, and wonderfully positive attitude make her an ideal colleague, a great asset to VIMS, and a deserving recipient of this award.
Congratulations, Linda!