UM Staff Appreciation Day

Members of the University of Mississippi staff were honored Friday for their faithful years of service to the students and campus in Oxford.

During the ceremony, staff members were recognized for their many years of service, while some were recipients of Outstanding Staff Awards, voted on by their peers.

Years of service to the University ranged from the New Hire Recognition, people serving less that one year, up to Hallie Cook's outstanding 44 years of service to Ole Miss.

Debbie Brinkley, Staff Council President, opened with gratitude toward each staff member for all of their hard work and dedication.

"They do the behind the scenes work," Brinkley said.

According to Brinkley, those who were voted Outstanding Staff Members had ideal and uniform qualities. They have trust, integrity, a vision for the future, desire for others to succeed, and a loyal dedication and commitment to the University of Mississippi.

"They make the university run," added Brinkley.

In between jokes and laughs, Whitman Smith, Director of Orientation Offices and Parent Services, recognized staff members for their years of service, calling the staff part of his family.

Chancellor Robert Khayat presented seven staff members with Outstanding Staff Awards. Also, he mentioned that the staff members are key components that helped the university move forward.

With records of service ranging from less than a year to 44 years, the working environment, the campus community, and the diversity and energy of the students have kept the staff around, Chancellor Khayat said in an interview later.

Chancellor Khayat also discussed the importance of developing relationships with the staff members.

When he started his job as Chancellor in July of 1995, Chancellor Khayat began to walk around campus every morning, and in doing so, met several staff members and developed several personal relationships.

Even though he jokes around with members of the staff, Chancellor Khayat emphasized the importance of having a personal relationship with the staff but not trying to be "one of the boys."

Staff Appreciation Day acknowledged the staff's hard work and commitment to Ole Miss, while honoring Chancellor Khayat's leadership and relationship with members of the UM staff.