TROY, Ala. –Patsy Colley, departmental secretary for Student Development, Counseling and Adaptive Needs at Troy University, has won the University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award for May.

Colley, a member of the TROY staff since 2001, received the award on Tuesday during a ceremony at the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on the Troy Campus. Dr. John Schmidt, senior vice chancellor for student services, presented the award to Colley, who was nominated by Teresa P. Rodgers, assistant director of student development.

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.

Rodgers praised Colley for her exceptional work ethic and character.

“Each day, Patsy greets us with a bright smile and a positive attitude. She is, to everyone, a breath of fresh air,” Rodgers said. “Her positive attitude is not reserved solely for the staff here. The students she works with will agree that she is outgoing, helpful, encouraging and always positive. She is reliable, prompt, courteous and extremely considerate of our students, faculty and staff. Her enthusiasm keeps our office atmosphere bright and cheery. She is the epitome of professionalism and loyalty to the University and is well deserving of this honor.”

Colley said she was honored to receive the award. “I love my job and I love Troy University,” Colley said. “It truly is a wonderful experience working for the University and I look forward to many more years to come.”

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CUTLINE: Patsy Colley, departmental secretary for Student Development, Counseling and Adaptive Needs at Troy University, receives the Vergil Parks McKinley Award for May from Dr. John Schmidt, senior vice chancellor for student services, and Teresa Rodgers, assistant director of student development, during a ceremony in the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on the Troy Campus on Tuesday. The McKinley Award is the highest honor the University bestows on a non-faculty staff member and consists of a $350 stipend and an engraved clock.