Friday, October 02, 2020

Susie Goodrum, computer systems administrator in Business Services, received the 2020 UNCW Staff Award for Excellence and 19 other employees were honored during a virtual recognition ceremony Oct. 1.

The staff members, representing numerous divisions across campus, were nominated by colleagues for their exemplary work ethic in the categories of customer service, efficiency and innovation, human relations, outstanding state government, service and safety and heroism.

“We are here today, in the middle of the most challenging year UNCW has ever faced, to step away from the issues of the day to honor some very special colleagues,” said Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli. “Decades from now, when local historians reflect on the year 2020, they will acknowledge your resilient spirit and they will understand that our university continued to thrive, in large part, because of you. I congratulate every Seahawk nominated for this award. Each one of you deserves recognition for your service to our students, faculty, this community and the State of North Carolina.”

After a thorough review of the nominees, the selection committee submitted six individuals, including Goodrum, to be considered for the Governor’s Award of Excellence, the highest honor bestowed on a state employee. The other employees submitted for consideration were: 

• Richard Blaylock, classroom tech support, Information Technology Services (Efficiency and Innovation) 
• Joy Childs, business officer, Watson College of Education (Human Relations) 
• Vernon Haley and Dan Noonan, network analysts, Information Technology Services (Customer Service) 
• Tim Lewis, associate director, Campus Life (Safety and Heroism) 
• Keryn Vickers, interim coordinator, University College (Human Relations) 

 
Other Staff Award for Excellence nominees were: 

• Patrick Carroll, research specialist, Center for Marine Science (Outstanding State Government Service)  
• Matthew Craven, warehouse technician, Warehouse Services (Customer Service) 
• Katie Davidson, administrative associate, Student Leadership and Engagement (Efficiency and Innovation) 
• Angie Edwards, business services coordinator, International Programs (Efficiency and Innovation) 
• Jake Inabnit, landscape manger, Physical Plant (Human Relations) 
• Feletia Lee, recycling coordinator, Warehouse and Surplus (Human Relations) 
• Betsy McIntosh, business and tech applications analyst, Information Technology Services (Efficiency and Innovation) 
• Daniella Murray, executive assistant/office administrator, College of Arts and Sciences  (Human Relations) 
• Melanie Nelson, military student services specialist, Military Affairs  (Customer Service) 
• Jim Nicholson, assistant physical plant director, Facilities (Efficiency and Innovation) 
• Ashlea Pinkham, administrative assistant for faculty and staff, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences (Customer Service) 
• Brent Shelton, computing consultant, Information Technology Services (Customer Service) 
• Sue Tatum, executive assistant, College of Arts and Science (Customer Service) 

In her nomination letter, Sharon Boyd, associate vice chancellor for Business Services, lauded Goodrum for her 40 years of dedication at UNCW. Goodrum was nominated in the category of Outstanding State Government Service.

“She has exhibited unselfish devotion to duty far and above the normal requirements and contributed significantly to the advancement of state service to the citizens of North Carolina,” she wrote. “Her selfless dedication and her tireless commitment are shown on a continuous basis, and there are numerous examples that illustrate just how true she is to her job and her mission to help keep the UNCW community safe and secure.”

Goodrum has helped provide a safe campus environment through locked doors and video security systems. She also has assisted with electronic standards for ADA readers and standards for interior locks that are effective in an active shooter response.

She was instrumental during the university’s recovery following Hurricane Florence and found creative solutions in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Boyd wrote. Goodrum works with the university police by supporting the dispatch personnel and police officers with security camera systems support and managing systems that respond to events such as fire alarms and burglar alarms. She also collaborates with other divisions of the university.

As the recipient of the Staff Award for Excellence, Goodrum will receive $1,500, a reserved parking space for a year, a framed certificate and a commemorative clock, and her name will be placed on the Award for Excellence plaque in Alderman Hall. Each nominee receives a framed certificate and three days of additional vacation time.

-- Venita Jenkins
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