Sandra Roddey Receives Tri-County's Staff Excellence Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/21/2003
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- A Tri-County Technical College division secretary was honored Thursday (August 21) with the highest award given for staff excellence at the College.

Sandra Roddey, of Anderson, received the Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence at the annual faculty/staff breakfast. The medallion goes to a person who has demonstrated over and over a strong belief in the purpose and mission of the College.

Mrs. Roddey joined Tri-County in 1989 as the secretary for the Arts and Sciences Division.

Her colleagues agree that she represents what the medallion stands for through her work with both students and faculty, and she is often called indispensable.

Efficient, dependable, professional and always willing to go the extra mile were words used repeatedly by those who nominated her.

"She is always willing and able to help faculty members in every way possible, whether with materials for class, questions about happenings in the college or questions about policies and procedures. With students she exhibits patience and kindness and shows her expertise in answering questions about graduating and transferring to a four-year university," said English instructor Robin McFall and Department Head Dr. Marianne Taylor in their joint remarks.

"She continuously develops her craft and seeks ways to improve her skills to benefit the division, as well as the students. She often asks faculty returning from conferences what she can incorporate to help students in initiatives, such as orientation and registration procedures."

Mrs. McFall added that a plan she developed to increase the number of division grads has been successful. Mrs. Roddey tracks students who are nearing graduation, prepares individual checklists and personally calls each student to tell him or her just what he needs to graduate. "Her hard work and initiative have resulted in an increased number of graduating university transfer students, many of whom would never have thought about graduating without her encouragement and persistence."

In addition Mrs. Roddey maintains the advising system for the College's 1,000-plus university transfer students.

"She is an ideal example of what the College's philosophy and purpose are in action. She typifies the College's goal – bringing out the best in people as we prepare them for work," wrote Mrs. McFall and Dr. Taylor.

Instructor Sheryl Donovan has observed her assistance with students and wrote in her nomination: "When others might simply give directions, Sandra takes the initiative to say 'let me show you where that is,' and when others might be tempted to merely hand students a form, she asks if the student has any questions regarding how to complete the form. These are subtle differences, but they make a lasting impression in the minds of students and visitors alike."

A graduate of Tri-County herself, Mrs. Roddey holds an associate degree in Business and was a member of the National Honor Society and Alpha Zeta Beta, in addition to being on the Dean's List.
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