TROY, Ala. – Jeri N. Chance, admissions specialist in the Office of Enrollment Management at Troy University’s Montgomery Campus, is the winner of the University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award for January.

Chance, who has been a member of the Troy University staff since April 2003, received the award during a ceremony on Wednesday in the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on the Troy Campus. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., chancellor, presented the award to Chance, who was nominated by Judy Woodham, assistant director of Enrollment Management.

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 20th 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, Woodham praised Chance for her work ethic and positive attitude.

“Jeri Chance is a prime example of what an ideal employee should be,” Woodham said. “She takes courtesy to another level and has a tremendous work ethic. Her genuine concern for the welfare of the student is always at the forefront. This along with her demeanor and attitude make her a prime candidate for the Vergil Parks McKinley Award.”

Chance, a Montgomery resident, said she was honored to receive the McKinley Award.

“Receiving this award is really overwhelming,” Chance said. “I don’t really consider what I do work because it is something that I really enjoy doing. When I started working at Troy University, I had just moved to the Montgomery area. The people in my department are like my family.”