Dee Scruggs and Trudy Schumpert are the University Employee of the Months for January

February 06, 2019

Jerry Dye, employee relations manager for Human Resources, presents Scruggs with the Employee of the Month award.

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

Dee Scruggs, an accounts payable processor in the Office of Finance and Trudy Schumpert, an administrative specialist for the University's Upward Bound Program, are the Employee of the Months for January.

Scruggs has been employed by the University since 2010.

During a recent three-month period, the accounts payable department hired two new payment processors and a supervisor, after having lost two employees serving in similar capacities. Scruggs tackled the difficult task of training the new processors and assisting the supervisor in learning the policies and procedures of the department and the University. While assuming this responsibility, she continued to maintain her daily responsibilities and workflow.

Scott Harrison, associate vice president for administration in Student Engagement & Enrollment Services (SEES), stated that "Dee has been incredibly helpful to Student Engagement & Enrollment Services. Even though she is incredibly busy, Dee always takes the time to thoroughly and accurately answer our questions. She is much appreciated by myself and my staff."

According to Scrugg's supervisor Monique Johnson-Dowe, Scruggs lights up the room with her kindness.

"She is a valuable asset to the accounts payable department who shows kindness each day," Dowe said. "She always has a happy greeting for her co-workers in and out of the department."

Dowe also added that she could not have had a smooth transition into her new role as the accounts payable process supervisor without the assistance of Scruggs.

Schumpert has been employed by the University since 2004.

She has been instrumental in submitting federal reports to the Department of Education within a short deadline in order for the University to be compliant with various regulations and guidelines.

In an effort to complete a quick turnaround task, Schumpert worked alongside the program director to help get funding for the University's Upward Bound Program. Her assistance in the compilation and completion of the mandates for the federal grant competition, aided in the program being awarded for another five-year grant.

Lila Love, program director for the University's Upward Bound Program, said Schumpert's dedication is not only recognized at the University but also in surrounding communities.

"Many parents have telephoned me, thanking me for having such a user friendly administrative specialist," Love said. "Ms. Schumpert on numerous occasions has taken the lead, reviewed the assignments for accuracy, and is ready to move on to the next project."

According to Schumpert's colleagues, "She cares about the wellbeing of staff members in this program and the population for which this program serves, which is first generation and low income students. She is diligent in seeking resources for the students' parents and making referrals to help them further their education."

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 and;
• Creative innovations to service, process or work tools.

For more information contact Jerry Dye at jedye@odu.edu or 683-3046, or visit ODU's Employee of the Month website.