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Tammy Starner Wert Named KU Employee of the Month for October 2018

Kutztown, PA (01/07/2019) — Congratulations to Tammy Starner Wert, executive assistant to the vice president for the Division of University Relations and Athletics, on being named Kutztown University Employee of the Month for October 2018.

Wert's nomination from Matt Santos reads like this:

"Tammy Wert epitomizes the university's goal of promoting a caring campus community.

During the 2017-18 academic year, Tammy was thrust into a situation where her attitude, work ethic and commitment were crucial to the success of the university and Division of University Relations and Athletics. After going through the entire fall semester under interim leadership, Tammy was faced with even greater trials in the spring semester.

As the new vice president, I promoted Tammy (after a search early in the semester) from administrative assistant to executive assistant. Her new management duties coincided with the departure of the director of marketing, the director of communications, the editorial graduate assistant, and the loss of one of her direct reports, who passed away after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

Tammy stepped up considerably, helping our office conduct personnel searches for replacements for all vacancies, while helping to perform the duties in both the management and clerical areas. She became sole editor of the Daily Brief, while assisting to manage the central switchboard as needed, and maintaining daily duties --- including, but not limited to --- budget management, scheduling for the vice president, helping with RFPs and handling customer complaints.

Tammy served as the search committee chair for both the director of Communications and the clerk typist 2/PM operator positions. She was instrumental in helping candidates through the interview process and providing orientation for each new employee as they joined the staff.

I was most impressed with Tammy's handing of the illness and eventual passing of our beloved co-worker, Cheryl Peckham, who served as our afternoon operator and clerk typist 2 in University Relations for the past five years. Tammy worked closely with Cheryl and her co-workers on the first floor as they dealt with the cancer diagnosis, extended leave, and eventual passing in April. Tammy's mix of professionalism and personal caring were a true attribute to everyone in such a sensitive situation.

Tammy kept a positive attitude throughout the trials and tribulations of the year, working extra-long hours, often making the university and the success of the office and division a priority. It was typical to see her leave after 6 p.m. throughout the semester as she would try to catch up on her work, or just stay ahead.

While Tammy played a key role in the success of the university's Sesquicentennial Celebration two years ago, I believe she played an even bigger role this year, ensuring the success of our university.

I recommend Tammy Wert strongly, and without hesitation, for KU Employee of the Month!"

Nominations are collected from students, faculty and staff, and the Employee of the Month is selected by the Human Resources Advisory Council. A winner will be selected each month and out of the 12 monthly winners one will be selected as Employee of the Year. The Employee of the Month will receive a plaque, reserved parking and a $100 monetary gift sponsored by President Hawkinson.

For more information on the award or to nominate someone, visit http://www.kutztown.edu/hr.

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