UNCG depends on the vision and dedication of faculty and staff. The hard work to promote health and wellness, mentorship, research safety, and academic opportunities is being recognized with this year’s awards.
Staff Senate will honor the recipients of the Gladys Strawn Bullard’s staff award, the Staff Excellence Awards, and the Ezekiel Robinson Emeritus Awards at an awards ceremony on April 23 at 11 a.m. to be held at the Alumni House.
Gladys Strawn Bullard Awards
The annual Gladys Strawn Bullard Awards recognize service that goes above and beyond by a faculty member, a staff member, and a student.
Read more about this year’s recipients.
Staff Excellence Awards
Ryan Milligan, Integrative Community Studies, teaches multiple courses for students with intellectual disabilities. He has served on the Financial Sustainability Taskforce, the Provost Search Committee, and the design team member for the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) that helped UNCG pass its reaccreditation. Milligan earned his master of education in student affairs administration in higher education and is now on his way to completing his PhD in higher education and higher education administration. Commencement Manager Jennifer Boggs praised his ability to lead productive conversations, his welcoming and friendly attitude, and his work to “bring change in a meaningful way in the workplace.”
Dr. Reynaldo Diaz, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, has made an impact on classrooms and in research as instrumentation specialist. He is part of the department’s Safety Committee and dedicates every day to ensuring that students working with potentially dangerous materials are protected by leading faculty presentations and making regular visits to labs to remind everyone of best practices. Department Chair Jason Reddick says, “He has a very calm and congenial demeanor, and our students respond very well to his reminders.” He is also a UNCG alum with a master of science in chemistry and a PhD from the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering.
Dr. Jill Beville, Recreation and Wellness, is an “invaluable” member of Student Affairs. According to Dr. Brett Carter, Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students, Beville is a team player and a champion for her employees. “She is quick to give credit, share great news, and promote the good work done by her employees, doing so selflessly,” Carter says. Beville is a critical leader in promoting campus wellness as director of the Kaplan Center, providing various programs, services, and activities that engage students. She has extended that mission of care far beyond Spartans by leading services for students of other UNC System schools that were displaced by hurricanes. She was also co-chair of designing the QEP.
Ezekiel Robinson Emeritus Awards
Sarah Cottrell, Housekeeping, consistently demonstrated a commitment to creating a warm and welcoming environment during her time working at the Alumni House. She often received heartfelt notes of appreciation from Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, faculty, staff, alumni, and University guests. Her dedication extended beyond her role as she served multiple terms on the Staff Council, offering valuable insight for committees and initiatives such as the Alumni house Bond Matching Fund and the UNCG Spartan Club. Cottrell was named a Staff Star, honored as Housekeeper of the Month, and awarded the 2003 Staff Excellence Award. She retired after 19 years of full-time service, leaving behind a legacy of care.
Ann Grimaldi, Weatherspoon Art Museum, while serving as a curator of education, merged theory and practice based around her belief in what art education centers can offer. In 2010, she developed the Weatherspoon’s “Art of Seeing” program, influencing teaching across the University. She was selected for the first cohort of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum’s Interactive Lab workshop for museum partitioners. Her work in transformative projects led to her participation in the Weatherspoon’s Henry Luce Foundation-funded initiative. She helped shape “Making Room: Familiar Art, New Stories” – a two-year community-engaged learning lab, exhibition, and publication developed through Luce grant activities. Through her leadership, she advanced the Weatherspoon’s mission and broadened opportunities for learning and connection.
The late Jood Schactschneider, Housing and Residence Life, fostered student growth and community through decades of committed service and deep institutional knowledge. With over 30 years of experience at UNCG, Schactschneider was a highly respected figure in her office. Known for her caring nature and exceptional memory, she took the time to learn about each student she encountered. Dr. Brad Johnson, clinical associate professor says, “She could tell you if a student who was requesting a room change had ever asked for one before. She often knew why a student was moving, why they had moved in the past, and what type of help they made need from a staff member.” Schactschneider was not only an expert in the housing assignment process and university operations, but also a vital mentor to new staff and a positive influence on hundreds of students through her warmth and encouragement.