by Julie Lineback
The University of West Georgia recently announced its second round of employees who can call themselves the Best of the West. The awards series was created in Fall 2014 to foster a culture of recognition and excellence across campus as part of the Engage West! initiative and to further the university’s vision to become the best comprehensive university in America, sought after as the best place to work, learn, and succeed.
“The program was established to promote employee engagement and recognize individuals who have demonstrated behaviors that advance the strategic plan and university values,” said Dr. Laurie Jowers Ware, professor and associate dean of the Tanner Health System School of Nursing and co-chair of the Best of the West Employee Award and Recognition Program committee.
The first set of winners was announced in October. Recognition opportunities include cross-divisional recognition, strategic imperative recognition, and values recognition. Those values, which support the mission and daily operation of UWG, include achievement, caring, collaboration, inclusiveness, innovation, integrity, sustainability, and wisdom.
Each of the UWG divisions announces a number of representatives each quarter. In addition to a certificate, each winner can choose from a list of awards that range from tickets to sporting events and gift cards to flu shots and nutritionist training.
“The program is off to a wonderful start with 291 nominations so far and 63 winners,” added Diane Homesley, executive director of development and committee co-chair. “The Best of the West year-end celebration planning team has formed and is hard at work on a fabulous celebration to recognize all our winners and announce the faculty of the year, staff member of the year, and employee of the year.”
To nominate a colleague for the Best of the West, visit www.westga.edu/engagewest/1724.php. To see an up-to-date list of winners, visit www.westga.edu/engagewest/1849.php.
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