The Outstanding Supervisor Award was established by Family Resource Center in the spring of 2001 to draw attention to MSU supervisors who are highly regarded by their employees for their consistent support of the work/life (professional/personal) needs of their employees.
Various academic and support staff units submitted excellent nominations this year. The nominees and nominators represent a wide variety of departments and position levels.
The recipients were selected based on the testimonies such as those quoted below from their employees' nomination letters. This year's four winners include:
- Amy Blair, Distance Learning Services, Main Library
- Steve Bolin, section chief, DCPAH
- Kent Cassella, director, Media Communications, University Relations
- John Thelen, manager of Financial and Cost Analysis, Controller's Office
All the nominators claim to have the "Best Boss" on campus.
In today's employment market there is a "business-case" for offering work/life support. There is evidence that by offering work/life services such as those provided by the Family Resource Center, we are in a better position to recruit and retain quality employees. When sincere consideration is given to an individual's personal responsibilities outside the job, absenteeism may be reduced and morale and productivity are improved.
In 2003, October was designated as "National Work and Family Month." With this declaration of Senate Resolution 210, the U.S. Senate illustrated the importance of work/life initiatives, and that "supporting a balance between work and personal life is in the best interest of national worker productivity" and that "reducing the conflict between work and family life should be a national priority."
In celebration of "National Bosses Day and Work and Family Month" the recipients were honored at surprise parties with their staff. The surprise parties were held on various dates surrounding National Boss Day on Oct. 16. These departments went out of their way to recognize these positive managers with moving award ceremonies where their family members were also invited. All of the nominees received Certificates of Nomination and letters of congratulations.
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