Troy University News

Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

TSU staff member Howell named recipient of McKinley Award for February

   Troy State University staff member Jason Howell is the winner of the Vergil Parks McKinley Outstanding Employee Award for February.
   Howell, who serves as the Assistant Director of Student Services, was presented the award during a Feb. 21 ceremony at the Hawkins Adams Long Hall of Honor.
   The McKinley Award is given monthly to a TSU employee who has demonstrated exemplary attitude, innovation and work ethic. The award was established by former Texaco CEO John McKinley in honor of his father, Vergil Parks McKinley, who was a TSU professor during the early 20th century and was key to the development of the university’s athletic program. Award winners receive an engraved clock and a $300 stipend.
   Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, said that Howell exemplifies the traits the McKinley Award was created to recognize.
   “Recipients of the McKinley Award have several things in common,” Dr. Hawkins said. “They work very hard, they are dedicated to serving our students and the TSU community, and they know the importance of a good attitude. Jason is an outstanding example of each of these qualities and is a very deserving recipient of this award.”
   As assistant director of Student Services, Howell is responsible for preparing, maintaining and taking reservations for all of the university’s meeting facilities. He works closely with TSU students, faculty and staff as well as external organizations that use university facilities. He does “a lot of different things for the university,” according to Shea Phillips, director of Student Services.
   “Working with all of these groups on a daily basis can be very challenging and demanding, but Jason always seems to work things out while keeping everyone happy,” Phillips said. “He is dedicated to Troy State University.”
   A TSU graduate and a resident of Goshen, Howell has worked for the university since August 1996. He said he was excited and appreciative to receive the award.
   “It’s really gratifying when people recognize what you do for the university, but there are a lot of people who deserve this recognition,” Howell said. “Everybody on our staff works hard. It’s really a team effort.”