CMC's Ebonie Robinson Honored as January Employee of the Month

President Broderick presents the Employee of the Month award to Robinson Friday afternoon at the Career Management Center.

Old Dominion's January Employee of the Month is, in a very real sense, back where she started. And she's clearly off to a good start once again.

Ebonie Robinson, a 2010 ODU graduate and former student worker with the Career Management Center, returned to the CMC in September 2012 when she was hired to coordinate LEAP II (Learn and Earn Advantage Program). Since that time, she has mentored more than 110 LEAP II students, conducted over 20 professional workshops and supervised more than 18,000 hours of work in various campus departments, according to her supervisor, Jay McCord, CMC assistant director.

"Having been a former ODU student as well as a student worker allows Mrs. Robinson to connect to current students on multiple levels," said McCord, who nominated her for the award. "Mrs. Robinson always has time for students no matter how much work she has on her plate or how late she has to stay to help them. Not one week has gone by that I have not seen a student seeking assistance, advice or guidance from Mrs. Robinson. In fact, I have seen many of these same students return to thank Mrs. Robinson for her contribution to their success and to share the good news of their new job, career choice or other life-changing event."

Describing CMC's student employment coordinator as "an indispensable asset to our team as well as overall student success," McCord further characterized Robinson as "an energetic, dependable, polite and enthusiastic member of Student Employment Programs."

LaTia Lewis, a recent student employee with the CMC, also wrote in support of Robinson's nomination for Employee of the Month. "During my days working at the Career Management Center, Ebonie has been a great help. When I started off at the CMC, I wasn't one of the best students. After working with Ebonie, that all changed. Being close to the LEAP supervisor is an amazing experience. You get to learn great work ethics, such as taking initiative, showing respect and time management skills."

Lewis added: "There's one thing that sets Ebonie apart from any other supervisor. And that is her ability to care. If a student needed help in the middle of her busy workday, she would always find time to listen. She really knows how to encourage her student workers."

Colleagues, as well, have taken note of Robinson's efforts. Said Dionicia Mahler-Rogers, associate director of student activities and leadership, "She is committed to what she does for students, she reaches out to potential partners and she is willing to give of herself for the success of her students. I wish we had more Ebonies around."

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 683-3046, or go to http://www.odu.edu/ao/humanresources/employeeofthemonth.shtml.