- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Finance and Administration Honors Outstanding Employees

John Hill — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 13:37:06 +0000

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Division of Finance and Administration honored its outstanding employees by awarding its first ever Finance and Administration Excellence Awards. Nine employees and one entire department were honored during a June 15 reception. This included two special awards that were awarded by Jerry Ganz, vice chancellor for finance and administration. “The employees in Finance and Administration do terrific work on a daily basis supporting the needs of our campus and it’s important to recognize that effort,” Ganz said. “I’m very proud of our staff and all of their accomplishments. Their commitment and dedication to doing excellent work is apparent every day, and all of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock benefits greatly as a result.” Allen Stanley, associate vice chancellor for finance, won the Employee of the Year Award, which honors an employee who consistently demonstrates exceptional job performance, leadership, innovation, and inclusive excellence. Additional award winners included:

Keifran Melvin of Procurement Services, Excellence in Customer Service Award, which honors a person who excels in customer service and who establishes and maintains positive and effective working relationships
Sean Harris of IT Services, Excellence in Customer Service Award
Terry Bobo of IT Services, Excellence in Operational Efficiency Award, which honors an employee who makes contributions that make a measurable impact on the work environment
Cody Henslee of IT Services, Excellence in Collaboration Award, which honors an effective collaborator who works effectively with others to produce positive results
Andrew Burton of the Bursar’s Office, Excellence in Continuous Improvement Award, which honors an employee who shows dedication to process improvement and continuous innovation
Desiree Taggard of Procurement Services, Excellence in Leadership Award, which honors a strong leader who demonstrates a unique ability to guide and inspire others
Lewis Howell of Human Resources, Newcomer of the Year Award, which honors an exemplary employee who has joined the VCFA team in the past year.

Colleen Godley, finance programmer analyst with IT Services, received the Spotlight on Excellence Award. This honors a person who is deserving of special recognition for consistently meeting and exceeding expectations in the areas of collaboration, customer service, and more. “I was really honored to be nominated by so many of my peers on campus,” Godley said. “However, my achievements would not be possible without having been blessed to work with such a wonderful team of ITS professionals. No one person ever does great things, but together doing small things with dedication and ambition we accomplish excellent things.”

The Department of Public Safety is honored with the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence. Photo by Ben Krain.

The Department of Public Safety received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence. This award represents special recognition of the excellence exhibited by an individual or department in the Finance and Administration Division. “What an honor for the entire campus police department to be recognized for the Vice Chancellor Award for Excellence,” said Chief Regina Carter. “It’s truly a privilege to serve as the AVC/Chief of Police for a great group of officers and support staff here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.”

Graduating ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employee lands master’s degree and dream job

John Hill — Mon, 18 May 2020 13:02:21 +0000

In 2011, Colleen Godley, of Cabot, faced the devastating loss of her job when the Conestoga Wood Specialities warehouse in Little Rock closed down. “I thought I needed to do something different because manufacturing is not a safe place to be anymore, but manufacturing was the only job I’ve ever known,” Godley said. “I worked there since I was 18.” This month, Godley will graduate with a Master of Science degree in business information systems from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. It’s something that still amazes her since she never thought she would go to college in the first place. “I was actually the first one in my family to go to college,” she said. “Growing up in Detroit, I was brought up to think I wasn’t going to college. I was brought up knowing that I was going to work in a factory. We couldn’t afford college.” After she lost her job, while searching for some inspiration online, Godley took a career aptitude test, and the results showed that she would be suited for a job in the legal field. She was recommended to apply to a job opening as an administrative assistant at the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, and it seemed like fate. While working at Conestoga Wood Specialities, Godley earned an associate of business administration degree in information systems from American Continental University. With a desire to complete her education, Godley began working toward a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in business information systems. Godley gained a promotion to career service program coordinator in 2016 and completed her undergraduate degree in 2018. “I loved all the courses and the professors in the College of Business,” Godley said. “They were all encouraging and helpful in every way possible. The material is so interesting and fascinating to me. Everyone at the law school was supportive as well. The law professors and staff were very encouraging to me and helped keep me going as well.” Never one to slow down, Godley immediately enrolled in a graduate program after completing her undergraduate degree. Unlike most graduates, Godley doesn’t have to worry about finding a job. In February, her hard work and determination led her to a new position as an ERP business analyst and developer in Information Technology Services. “As a nontraditional student, I was concerned about getting a job after graduation because I didn’t have work experience in the IT field,” she said. “With everything the professors taught me, it was enough to land that job. I’ve been there for a few months now, and I absolutely love it. It’s pretty much my dream job.” Godley and her husband, Jeremy, have four daughters and one grandson. Outside of work, Godley is also an active volunteer at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Cabot, where she serves as a Sunday School teacher. She’s thankful to her husband for helping her make the time for her education. “I was married to such an awesome husband who helped me with the kids so I could go to class as night,” she said. “He even rearranged his work schedule so he could pick up the kids on the nights I have class. I don’t know how I would have done it without his help.” Now that she is graduating, Godley is encouraging others to go to college. While it took sacrifices to complete her education, they were worth it. “I’d love to tell all students that they can go to college. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too poor or not smart enough. I think everyone has what it takes if they have the willingness to try. You have to want it,” Godley said. “I used my lunch periods to go to class. I had to sacrifice time with my kids. There are a lot of things you have to sacrifice to get it done. I knew the reward would be there at the end. My kids seeing me accomplish this is a greater advantage for them. It encourages them to follow in my footsteps and go to college.”

Galloway, Dailey, Godley selected as 2020 Staff Achievement Award Winners

John Hill — Tue, 12 May 2020 21:08:40 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Staff Senate honored three of its staff members for excellence in the areas of service to the university, community service, and personal growth.�� Geneva Galloway, administrative specialist III for the Donaghey Scholars Program, received the Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award. Additionally, Eileen Devereux Dailey, business consultant at the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, was named the winner of the Staff Achievement Award for Community Service, while Colleen Godley, ERP business analyst and developer in Information Technology Services, is the winner of the Staff Achievement Award for Personal Growth. Each winner will receive $2,000. More info about the Staff Achievement Award winners:

Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award

Geneva Galloway’s co-workers believe that she has a skill for anticipating and engaging the needs of those around her. Some examples of her insights for the Donaghey Scholars Program include streamlining the admissions process, improving how minutes are kept for the Policy Council meetings, and providing wonderful support for the students.

Geneva Galloway

“She is an advocate for students in every way, whether that is providing a sympathetic ear, helping with classes, financial aid issues, or planning a study abroad trip,” One Donaghey Scholar student said about Galloway. “If you are needing someone to vent to or just a hug, she is there.” Galloway works very hard to make a positive difference in the lives of students. She organizes a social event or workshop for Donaghey Scholars every week and oversaw a committee of students to hold a talent show that was also a fundraiser for the Trojan Food Pantry. After bringing in representatives from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International to talk about their work with local children, she organized a drive to gather children’s books to donate. “Geneva’s influence extends beyond the Donaghey Scholars Program,” said Dr. Simon Hawkins, director of the Donaghey Scholars Program. “She played a crucial role in supporting the International Studies Club with its food drive for World Hunger Day. She has been an active participant in the campus food garden. More significantly, she was the assistant director for the theatre department production of ‘As You Like It.’ Geneva is dedicated to the university and will do whatever she can to support it.”

Staff Achievement Award for Community Service

Eileen Devereux Dailey has a passion for helping others, both through her work as a business consultant for the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center and through her extensive volunteer work with nonprofit organizations in central Arkansas.

Eileen Daily

“Eileen moved to Arkansas from Mexico in 2013 and immediately began to plug in and serve the community,” said Heather Robinette, ASBTDC entrepreneurial services manager. “Since making Little Rock her home, Eileen has dedicated her time to a number of local organizations and causes. She is a kind and compassionate person who looks for ways to serve others and give back to the community. Dailey volunteers for Our House, which provides support and care for homeless individuals and families. She serves on the logistics committee for Our House’s annual fundraiser, Dinner on the Grounds. With a passion for the wellbeing of animals, Dailey also volunteers for Saturday Pet Showings and fundraisers for the Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals (CARE). Her work care led her work with the Humane Society as a registered animal rescue volunteer, where she has participated in four large-scale animal rescue operations. Dailey also serves as a board member for Party with a Heart, which helps local small nonprofits raise funds and awareness by organizing events. She has helped with fundraising for local organizations like Arkansas PAWs in Prison Education, Hope Rises, Literacy Action of Central Arkansas, and Partners Against Trafficking Humans. “Eileen is also dedicated to meeting the needs of the Hispanic community in central Arkansas and beyond,” Robinette said. “During her time in Little Rock, she has developed a close working relationship with the Mexican Consulate. Through this relationship, she participates in various events, including speaking at the Consulate’s financial education sessions. Eileen volunteers for a local non-profit organization called El Zocalo, which assists immigrants with various issues by providing resources and information.” In line with her work at ASBTDC, Dailey serves as a mentor for women business owners. She regularly holds discussions with a group of local women in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, where they discuss mentoring opportunities, funding, and resources for women business owners.��

Staff Achievement Award for Personal Growth

Colleen Godley’s former co-workers at the William H. Bowen School of Law recognize her as a staff member who used every opportunity available to create a better future for herself and her family.

Colleen Godley

After joining ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2011 as an administrative assistant for the Higher Education Institute at Bowen Law School, Godley began working toward a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in business information systems and a certificate in data analytics. Godley gained a promotion to career service program coordinator in 2016 and completed her undergraduate degree in 2018. “And as if steadily assuming more responsibility at the law school while raising a family provided insufficient challenge, she also spent the last decade completing her education,” said Nancy Bellhouse May, research professor at Bowen. “Using a steady course-by-course approach, she propelled herself through ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s undergraduate program, gained admission to the graduate school, and prepared herself for a new career.” Godley’s hard work and determination led her to another promotion as an ERP business analyst and developer in Information Technology Services that she began in February. She is also set to graduate with a Master of Science degree in business information systems in May. “I know that aiming non-traditional students toward success is part of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s core mission,” May said. “And I would not be surprised to learn that every department has a success story of its own, but I have heard of no other staff member who so quickly recognized the opportunity that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock offered, mapped a step-by-step path to success, and eventually created a resume that made her a top candidate and eventual hire for an important professional job on main campus.” Outside of work, Godley is also an active volunteer at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Cabot, where she serves as a Sunday School teacher and as the advertising and social media manager.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock announces finalists for 2020 Staff Achievement Awards

John Hill — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 13:54:58 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Staff Senate has announced the finalists for the 2020 Staff Achievement Awards. A $2,000 award will be given to the top staff member in each of three categories: Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, community service, and personal growth. “The staff members are a vital part of the success of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Staff Senate President-elect Cody Henslee. “The finalists for the Staff Achievement Awards highlight our staff members’ incredible commitment to the university and community through hard work, service, and dedication.” The three categories for nominations are:

Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock – Recognition will go to an individual who is distinctive in service through committees, special events, implementation of creative ideas or support and encouragement of others.
Community Service – Recognition will go to an individual who has been particularly successful in organizing community events or had major achievements in civic, service, or specialty organizations/events.
Personal Growth – Recognition will go to an individual whose scholarship, research, or creative talent has been particularly outstanding.

The winners of the Staff Achievement Awards as well as the Staff Senate Scholarship and Jerry Crittenden Employee Book Scholarship will be announced in May. For more information, contact Cody Henslee at cahenslee@ualr.edu. The finalists include: Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Geneva Galloway, administrative specialist III, Donaghey Scholars Program
Ronda Petray, assistant to the dean, College of Education and Health Professions
Russ Riegel, client support manager, Information Technology Services

Community Service

Eileen Devereaux Dailey, business consultant, Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center
Sabrenna Rodgers-Lee, director of finance, College of Social Sciences and Communication

Personal Growth

Kaycee Greenwood, interim director of military student success, Military Student Success Center
Colleen Godley, ERP business analyst and developer, Information Technology Services
Tara Kittrell, psychiatric nurse practitioner, Counseling Services

Five staff members receive Staff Senate, Crittenden Book scholarships

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 01 May 2019 13:09:17 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Staff Senate has recognized five staff members who are bettering themselves by pursuing degrees while working full time.�� Two ��Vlog��ý Little Rock staff members received a $250 Staff Senate Scholarship: Doniece Allen, an administrative and data specialist at MidSOUTH, and Zedralyn Butler, regional team leader and CHRIS trainer at MidSOUTH. With a current 3.5 GPA, Allen is pursuing a Master of Education degree in adult and professional learning as well as a graduate certificate in learning systems technology education. She wants to use her education to train and develop staff within a business by creating unique curriculum and work aids that are tailored to adult learning styles. Butler is a single mother of three children, including 1-year-old twins, who plans to graduate in spring 2020 with a master’s degree in sports management. The winners of the Jerry Crittenden Employee Book Scholarship winners include Colleen Godley, career services program coordinator at William H. Bowen School of Law; Larry Rhodes, learning technology coordinator in the College of Social Sciences and Communication; and Christina Smith, director of development and external relations in the College of Social Sciences and Communication. The first recipient, Godley, plans to graduate in the spring 2020 semester with a Master of Science in business information systems. Additionally, she is working on graduate certificates in financial data analytics and management. Rhodes went back to school at age 42 to pursue not one, but two degrees. After chaperoning a trip to Morocco in 2016, he realized that photography and storytelling are his greatest passions. He is working toward bachelor’s degrees in applied communication and international studies as well as minors in information technology and Middle Eastern Studies. After completing his degrees, Rhodes dreams of working as a cultural documentarian and using his skills to help people around the world tell their stories. After what Christina Smith recalled as some “gentle prodding” from Dr. Julien Mirivel, interim dean of the College of Social Sciences and Communication, she is pursuing her Doctor of Education in higher education administration. In the future, Smith hopes to lead fundraising efforts at a university. In the upper right photo,��Richard Harper, immediate past president of Staff Senate (right), presents the Crittenden Employee Book Scholarship to Larry Rhodes (left), Christina Smith (middle), and Colleen Godley (right). Photo by Ben Krain.��

- University News Archive - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock