Athletic Department's Mallory Shurtz Is November Employee of the Month

President Broderick presents the monthly award to Mallory Shurtz.

Mallory Shurtz, executive administrative assistant in the athletic department, was honored on Thursday as Old Dominion's Employee of the Month for November.

A university employee since 2010, Shurtz was nominated for the award by her supervisor, Bruce Stewart, senior associate athletic director.

As befitting the department she serves, Shurtz is seen as a "team player" and one who is "more interested in the success of the organization than her own personal gains," Stewart said.

Her contributions to the department are many, and she regularly looks for opportunities beyond her prescribed job duties where she can provide assistance. As such, she has become the "go to person" in the office for a number of initiatives, Stewart said.

"Individuals respect and seek out her guidance, as they are aware of her unwavering commitment to excellence. She possesses a creative mind that is continually focused on how to make our organizational systems more efficient while creating high production and execution," Stewart said.

"An example of this can be witnessed in her expanded role in our football recruiting efforts as we have already benefited from the extra touches and the 'fruits of her labor' with her attention to detail. Furthermore, her coordination of eight personnel searches this past summer was exemplary considering the time constraints and pressure we were under to fill these critical vacancies."

Stewart added: "She exemplifies all the qualities one would desire in a colleague. She is meticulous and takes great pride in her work. Her radiant personality contributes to the overall esprit de corps of the office."

Details about the Employee of the Month Process

The University Employee of the Month Selection Committee encourages employees to nominate their outstanding, "go the extra mile" colleagues and employees. This program is designed to acknowledge and reward employees whose accomplishments and/or demeanor exemplify excellence, quality service and commitment to ODU. Classified and AP faculty employees receive a framed certificate from the president, $175 and one day of leave. Hourly winners get $250, since they are not eligible to receive recognition leave.

Note: The selection committee needs specific examples that relate to each applicable criterion in order to select a nominee for the award. Nominations remain active for six months from date of submission and nominators may submit additional documentation to support a nominee during the active six months.

The criteria used to nominate an employee include the following:

• An outstanding accomplishment that benefited the department/students.
• Extraordinary service to internal and/or external customers.
• Inspiring initiative/leadership.
• Enthusiasm/energy given to assigned work.
• Teamwork.
• Exemplary efforts to nurture a climate of care, concern and civility.
• Creative innovations to service, process or work tools.

For more information contact Tony Belk at jbelk@odu.edu or 3-3046, or go to http://www.odu.edu/ao/humanresources/employeeofthemonth.shtml.