Mail Center's 'Mack' McGowan Honored as Employee of the Month

President Broderick and 'Mack' McGowan

From his interactions with both co-workers and Mail Center clients, it is clear that Rufus "Mack" McGowan is committed to providing "the highest standard of service and getting the job done," according to Mail Center supervisor Timothy Miller.

McGowan, Old Dominion's Employee of the Month for March, was nominated for the honor by Miller and was surprised with the award presentation by President John R. Broderick on Wednesday morning. He has worked as a Mail Center clerk since 2007.

"Mack's openness and his ability to be friendly with his co-workers has created a work environment that has proven to be very beneficial to the work center," Miller wrote in his nomination. "His openness, courtesy and ability to explain mail procedures in layman's terms has created very good relations with the Mail Center patrons."

McGowan, who had a career in the military before coming to work at ODU, is "extremely knowledgeable" about the many tasks associated with his job as a "floater" in the Mail Center, Miller said. "He has to know the jobs of seven different mail clerks, five of whom sort and deliver mail to over 150 offices, including the Virginia Beach and Peninsula Higher Education centers."

He is also proficient in metering mail, which requires staying abreast of any changes in domestic and international mail regulations. Other duties including keeping track of presort savings and standard mail savings; updating the Mail Center website; and updating the center's operating instructions.

"In his role as a floater, Mack gives assistance to all clerks in the preparation and pickup of campus and outgoing mail. Mack steps in when someone calls in sick or takes leave; he takes their place and will work overtime when needed to close the Mail Center. He never becomes agitated or upset," Miller said.

Miller added: "He is truly an individual that I am proud to have represent ODU and the Mail Center, whether in the office or delivering mail."

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.