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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)
| Troy resident Irene Bryant wins top employee award at Troy State University |
| Troy
State University staff member Irene Bryant is the recipient of
the Vergil Parks McKinley Outstanding Employee Award for January. Bryant, who works as secretary for the department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, was presented the award during a Jan. 30 ceremony in the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on the TSU campus. John W. Schmidt, vice president for Student Affairs, presented the award. The McKinley Award, the highest honor the university gives to a non-faculty staff member, is presented monthly to a TSU employee who has demonstrated outstanding 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 in 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. During the ceremony, Schmidt paid tribute to Helen McKinley, the wife of John McKinley and co-founder of the award. Mrs. McKinley, 78, died at home on Jan. 11. Bryant, a member of the university staff since November 1999, had an immediate affect on the operation of the department, said Dr. Glenn Cohen, chair. “Irene has transformed Biological and Environmental Sciences into a professional department,” Dr. Cohen said. “She created a friendly environment for faculty, staff and students, and her organizational and budgeting skills have elevated the level of service this office provides. She has made a big difference in improving departmental morale, attitudes and operations.” A resident of Troy and native of Brundidge, Bryant accepted the award in honor of Gloria Griffin, a former friend and longtime TSU staff member who died last September. "Gloria had always encouraged me to come to work at Troy State and said it was the ‘perfect place’ to work,” she said. “She was right. This is a great place to work.” Bryant said she was surprised to receive the McKinley Award. “This is a wonderful award,” she said. “It really lets you know that your work is appreciated.” |