The MSU WorkLife Office is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017 Outstanding Supervisor Award. These six recipients from across the University community were recognized for their consistent support of the work/life (professional/personal) needs of their employees. This is the sixteenth year that the University-wide award has been given.
The recipient selections were based on the testimonies, such as those quoted below, from their employees’ nomination letters and chosen by the Outstanding Supervisor Award Selection Committee. Respective staff members held surprise celebrations for award recipients in the weeks surrounding National Boss’ Day, which is October 16 each year. The 2017 recipients include:
Diane Cox, manager, Office of Sponsored Programs
- “Diane creates a positive work environment for all of us, making sure we function well as a team, we support each other, share knowledge with each other, and help each other on difficult, job-related matters.”
Theodore Curry II, associate provost and associate vice president, Academic Human Resources
- “Terry’s leadership makes me want to come to work every day, and makes me want to go above and beyond in my day-to-day work.”
Kirk Domer, chair, Department of Theatre
- “[Kirk] celebrates success, rewards a job well done and creates an environment that honors each and every person.”
Richard Lenski, Hannah Distinguished Professor of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences
- “Dr. Lenski’s approach to the profession begins and ends with a truly unconditional and unbounded commitment to the well-being and best interest of everyone in his life.”
Elizabeth Simmons, former dean, Lyman Briggs College and coordinator, Academic Advancement Network
- “[Elizabeth] emphasizes a work-life balance for those under her supervision, and models this herself.”
Andrew Widner, assistant director of finance and operations, Kellogg Biological Station
- “[Andrew] is patient, yet holds people accountable for their success. He takes personal interest in each person’s success and how he can help them achieve their best.”
In today’s employment market, it is business savvy to provide work/life services, such as those provided by the WorkLife Office, as such services have been shown to improve recruitment and retention of quality employees. When sincere consideration is given to an individual’s personal responsibilities outside of the job, absenteeism may be reduced and morale and productivity are improved.
MSU was named by Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers of 2017 (employing more than 5,000 employees). With supervisors as supportive as these, it’s no wonder.
The MSU WorkLife Office is proud to support and celebrate leaders at Michigan State University who manage their work environments in a way that honors work and personal lives. Thank you to all who make Michigan State a great place to work.