Margaret Oliver, Library Business Manager, is the Employee of the Month for July

August 01, 2016

Margaret Oliver receives the Employee of the Month award from Old Dominion President John R. Broderick.

Margaret Oliver, the library business manager with University Libraries, is Old Dominion's Employee of the Month for July.

Oliver has been employed by the University since 2000.

Oliver was recognized for her hard work and dedication to her role. In March, Oliver saved the University over $5,000 by carefully auditing the 3M Annual agreement and finding errors in favor of the University. Beyond her diligence and attention to detail, Oliver demonstrates ODU Service Standards in interactions with others.

According to Duawwonna Bell, "She understands the institution's culture and environment, exhibits professionalism at all times, is thorough, flexible, has great interpersonal skills, is a team player, and well regarded and trusted by others. She always makes time to be accessible and available for everyone, which includes the students, librarians, colleagues and external customers."

Oliver's supervisor, Morel Fry, added that recently Oliver stepped up to assist the department when a position became vacant. Along with her regular duties, Oliver assumed the responsibilities of student employment for the University Libraries.

"She also assisted with other duties; she helped with coverage of the office and all of this while not missing a beat in the Library Business Office," Fry said. "Since the new administrative assistant was hired, Margaret has met with her every day to assist in training her and in helping her get acclimated to the libraries."

Mona Farrow also commended Oliver for her recent support and dedication to the Library. The responsibility of overseeing student employment in the University Libraries is no small task and Oliver handled the role well without dropping any of her regular responsibilities.

"Margaret left no questions unanswered and no stones unturned in her efforts to find solutions or resolve the problems we placed before her daily," Farrow said. "I sincerely appreciate her assistance and deeply believe that she is due recognition for a job well done."

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 visit ODU's Employee of the Month website.