Troy University News

August 23, 2004

Contact:
Andy Ellis or Tom Davis :
(334) 670-3196; aellis@troy.edu

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

Teresa Rodgers wins August McKinley Award at Troy University

   Teresa Rodgers, assistant director of student development at Troy University , is the winner of the Vergil Parks McKinley award for August.
   Rodgers, who has been a member of the Troy University staff since 1986, received the award during a ceremony held on Aug. 17 in the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor. Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., Chancellor of Troy University, presented the award to Rodgers, who was nominated by Susan Pierce, director of student development at TROY
   The McKinley Award is the highest honor that Troy University gives to a non-faculty staff member. It is presented monthly to an 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 Troy University professor during the early 20^th century and was key to the development of the university’s athletic program. Winners of this award receive an engraved clock and a $350 stipend.
   In a letter of nomination, Pierce said Rodgers’ dedicated service to students made her a deserving recipient of the McKinley Award.
   “As an academic advisor, Teresa takes each student’s situation to heart and does her best to help them find solutions to their problems,” Pierce said in the nomination letter. “She is patient and thorough with both students and their parents and continually updates her knowledge and skills in order to deliver exceptional customer service. This is evidenced by the many students who are reluctant to declare their majors and change advisors once Teresa’s responsibilities as their conditional admissions advisor end.”
   Rodgers service does not stop there, Pierce said.
   “Teresa willingly assists others in the department with projects and often goes the extra mile to see a project through, or to see that students’ needs are met. Additionally, she uses her resources wisely and can be depended upon to be cheerful, courteous and responsive,” Pierce said.
   Rodgers said she was honored to receive the award.
   “There are so many deserving people that it is really an honor to receive this award,” she said. “I work with so many good people in student services. Everyone goes above and beyond the call of duty in every way, even our student workers.”
   Rodgers was proud of the recognition, but said the response she receives from students is a huge reward in itself.
   “It is very nice to be recognized by the University, but it means so much to me to know that the students appreciate the work I do and the effort I put forth.
   Rodgers lives in Troy with her husband Terry, her son Barry and daughter Tara, who will attend Troy University beginning in with the fall semester.