Shorter College Honors Employees

Faculty and staff members of Shorter College were honored during the annual appreciation dinner held May 3.

Joan Kirkpatrick, executive assistant to the provost, received the 2007 Staff Member of the Year award for her outstanding service during the 2006-07 academic year. One of her nomination letters explained, “She does everything she can to the best of her ability – and her abilities are amazing.” Ms. Kirkpatrick has worked at Shorter for four years.

Facilities management was also recognized at the dinner as the 2007 Department of the Year. “Under the direction of Dick Taylor, this small army of employees is responsible for the entire campus,” explained Stephanie Owens, CFO/Vice President for Finance. “Between them, they have invested 109 years of service for the students, faculty and staff at Shorter.” This department includes Dick Taylor, Jeff Agan, Diane Sutton, Rick Nicholson, Dennis Pruitt, Curtis Brinkley, Jim Long, Ken McClure and Dennis Waddell.

Additionally, Al Thomas was recognized as the 2007 Volunteer of the Year for his service to the Shorter Lady Hawks softball team. “With his leadership and coaching… he has been loyal to Shorter beyond comprehension in all he has done,” a nomination letter explained.

Service awards were also given to 16 faculty and staff members. Bettie Sumner, interlibrary loan librarian, was recognized for 35 years with the college, and Dr. Greg Richardson, Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Economics, was recognized for his 25 years of service. Dr. Sam Baltzer, professor of music, and Rick Nicholson, locksmith and general maintenance staff, were both recognized for 20 years of service to the college.

A 15-year service award was given to Sandy Yeargan, director of Shorter’s preparatory department. Employees recognized for 10 years of service were Jean Graham, business office student account specialist; Dr. Jean Johnson, associate professor of physical sciences; Dr. Craig Shull, provost; and Mary Shotwell-Smith, director of student health services.

Five-year service awards were presented to Dr. Carmen Acevedo Butcher, associate professor of English and scholar in residence; Vickie Glover, switchboard coordinator; Dr. Linda Lister, assistant professor of music; Gina McDaniel, assistant professor of business; Anthony Nichols, assistant professor of computer information systems; Eileen Steinhauer, director of student activities and Melanie Sumner, associate professor of English.