May 27, 2008

Constance Flowers wins Troy University’s McKinley Award for May

TROY-Troy resident Constance Flowers, a clerk typist in the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership at Troy University, has received the University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award for May.

Flowers, who has been a member of the TROY staff since 1999, received the award Tuesday during a ceremony in the Hawkins-Adam-Long Hall of Honor on the Troy Campus. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., TROY chancellor, presented the award to Flowers, who was nominated by Barbara Patterson, director of student involvement and leadership.

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, Patterson called Flowers “the type of employee everyone would like to have.”

“Constance is accurate in her work, dependable and has a terrific attitude,” Patterson said. “Her constant desire to improve herself only adds to the value of what she give to Troy University. She is continually looking for better ways to serve the students. Her service to Troy University has been devoted, and I firmly believe she embodies the qualities of the Vergil Parks McKinley Award.”

Flowers, who is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in business administration at TROY, said she was honored to receive the award.

“I’m speechless,” Flowers said upon receiving the award. “I am truly grateful. I never imagined that I would be working at a four-year University and that I would be pursuing a degree. Troy University has given me that opportunity.”

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Constance Flowers, clerk typist in the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, receives Troy University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award for May from Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr., (right) and Barbara Patterson, director of student involvement and leadership. She received $350 and an engraved clock. (TROY photo)