ATSU hosts Missouri Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony virtually
Posted: July 30, 2020
A.T. Still University (ATSU) employees from the Kirksville, Missouri, campus were recognized Tuesday, July 28, for their years of service and accomplishments. The annual award ceremony was held virtually this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. During the ceremony, 53 employees, who observed an anniversary in 2019, were recognized for their years of service to ATSU in five-year increments, ranging from five years to 50 years. In addition to the service awards, several other prestigious awards were given to faculty and staff and are highlighted below.
“ATSU is blessed with excellent faculty and staff dedicated to its mission, vision, values, and purpose,” said Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, ATSU president. “It is humbling and an honor to recognize their accomplishments and efforts. The employee recognition ceremony is one of my favorite annual ATSU events. Even virtually you could sense the positive emotions.”
Employee Excellence Awards—ATSU-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM)
A.T. Still Staff Awards for Excellence in Teaching
Presented by Margaret Wilson, DO, ’82, dean, ATSU-KCOM
“This is presented each year to two ATSU-KCOM faculty members who most successfully integrated osteopathic philosophy and principles in teaching during the past academic year,” Dr. Wilson said. “One award is given to a clinician recipient, and one award is given to a basic scientist.”
Julie Hessler, DO, ’96, assistant professor, family medicine, ATSU-KCOM, was named the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award.
Yohei Norimatsu, PhD, associate professor, physiology, ATSU-KCOM, was named the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award.
Employee Excellence Awards—ATSU-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (MOSDOH)
Elsie Gaber Compassion & Integrity Award
Presented by Dwight McLeod, DDS, MS, dean, ATSU-MOSDOH
“The Elsie Gaber Compassion & Integrity Award is funded through an endowment established by Dr. Elsie Gaber, in recognition of ATSU-MOSDOH students, staff, and faculty who demonstrate compassion, integrity, and humanism in their interactions with one another,” Dr. McLeod said. “And, for encouragement to the larger A.T. Still University community to model these characteristics.”
Richard Allinson, DDS, assistant professor, ATSU-MOSDOH, was named the recipient of the Elsie Gaber Compassion & Integrity Award.
Eric Kosel, DMD, director, lead CCU assistant professor, ATSU-MOSDOH, was named the recipient of the Elsie Gaber Compassion & Integrity Award.
Employee Excellence Awards
“They were nominated by their peers, and ballots were completed with a description detailing why this employee should be chosen. The Missouri Staff Council then reviewed the ballots and chose the recipients based on the established criteria,” said Donna Brown, MBA, assistant vice president, Human Resources.
First Quarter Employee Excellence
Anita Franklin, research and data specialist, Sponsored Programs
Second Quarter Employee Excellence
Alice Mayer, coordinator, Residential Admissions
Third Quarter Employee Excellence
Patricia Ivie, administrative assistant, Microbiology/Immunology
Fourth Quarter Employee Excellence
MaKay Hettinger, coordinator, Alumni Relations
Distinguished Service Award
The annual Distinguished Service Award was created to recognize an employee who displays exceptional service to ATSU. Nominees must have a minimum of 10 years cumulative service to the University and display extraordinary dedication, service above self, a strong work ethic, and positive outlook. ATSU peers nominate candidates, and a committee, comprised of former recipients, makes the final selection from all nominees.
2020 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Carla True, coordinator, patient services medical, OMM clinic, ATSU-KCOM
A few of the nominating comments from colleagues were shared:
“She comes to work every day with a smile on her face and always has something positive to say when you see her.”
“50 years of service to the same institution is well-deserving of any honor. I love calling up to OMM and getting Carla, always so friendly, helpful, and sincere. She is a wealth of knowledge, too, and that is a blessing in any job. Carla simply is the best.”
“Carla has been employed with ATSU for 50 years, a true testament to her dedication to the University. Although I do not know her outside of work, anytime I see Carla in the hallway, she has greeted me with a smile. She is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to help in any way she can.”
“Carla has been employed at ATSU for over 50 years. She is always concerned about our patient needs and concerns and puts them first. Carla is always excited to be at work, greet customers and takes care of us. She has always gone above and beyond her required duties with grace and professionalism. You know an employee has a large impact on your department, when they aren’t here. Although she is rarely gone, the clinic definitely notices it when she is. I can’t support enough how deserving Carla is of receiving the Distinguished Service Award.”
Carla True recently celebrated her 51st anniversary with ATSU.
To view the full award ceremony, click here.