|
January 27, 2004
Contact:
Andy Ellis or Alison
Hardy : (334)670-3196; aellis@troy.edu
Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)
| Robert Sheppard wins McKinley Award at Troy State University |
| Robert
Sheppard, Coordinator of the Natural Science Center at Troy State University,
is the winner of the Vergil Parks McKinley Award for January. Sheppard, who has been employed by TSU for more than 20 years, received the award during a ceremony in Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on Thursday, Jan. 22. Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., Chancellor, presented the award to Sheppard, who was nominated by Eleanor Lee, Director of Instructional Support Services. The McKinley Award, the highest honor that TSU gives to a non-faculty staff member, 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 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 $350 stipend. In a letter of nomination, Lee described Sheppard as a man with a "big heart" whose helpfulness extends not only to studens but to everyone in the department. "He goes out of his way to remember birthdays, holidays and special occasions in the lives of the ISS staff, and well as the custodial staff and the students with whom he works. I think the book 'Randoms Acts of Kindness' was written about him," Lee said. Sheppard said he was honored to receive the award. "I'm the one that's blessed. I'm thrilled to receive this award," Sheppard said. "I'm very fortunate to be able to work in such a great environment with warm and caring people, and I really enjoy working with the students." Sheppard currently lives in Montgomery. |