TROY, Ala.—Mike Staples, director for auxiliary services on Troy University’s Montgomery Campus, has won the University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award for July.

Staples, who has been a member of the Troy University staff since 1996, received the award during a ceremony on Wednesday in the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on the Troy Campus. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., TROY chancellor, presented the award to Staples, who was nominated by Ray White, interim vice chancellor of the Montgomery Campus.

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, White said Staples “makes things happen.”

“Whether it’s a college or department on the Montgomery Campus, the School of Nursing, a special event for the Chancellor, or some community event on campus, Mike Staples has his team fully engaged to provide top quality services and support,” White said. “I get many letters, e-mails and phone calls regularly from very satisfied customers applauding Mike and his staff of hardworking professionals. In 2005, the Montgomery Campus had 419 events on campus. Mike Staples was involved to some degree in all 419 events.”

In addition to handling special events, Staples also supervises the physical plant operations on the Montgomery Campus.

“There is no doubt that Mike Staples is worth his weight in gold,” White said. “He is so deserving of the Vergil Parks McKinley Award, and I was very proud to nominate him.”

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Mike Staples, director for auxiliary services at Troy University's Montgomery Campus, was presented the Vergil Parks McKinley Award for July by Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr., right. He was nominated for the highest honor Troy University gives to a non-faculty staff member. Mr. Ray White, vice-chancellor of the Montgomery Campus, who nominated Staples for the honor.