OXFORD, Miss. – Several University of Mississippi staff members were
recognized Friday (May 15) during annual Staff Appreciation Day’s
Outstanding Staff Awards Ceremony.
Speaking to the more than 200 staff members who attended the program in
Fulton Chapel, Chancellor Robert Khayat, said, “Words are inadequate to
describe the work you do and the value you bring to campus and our
lives.
“You are a living example of the service and respect that sets our
campus apart from others,” said Khayat, who received a standing ovation
for his 39 years of service to the university.
Betty Patton, a 24-year employee, was the Overall Award winner and
seven other employees walked away with awards in their EEO categories.
Patton, senior procurement assistant in the Office of Procurement Services, received a $1,000 gift and two season football tickets,
compliments of Ole Miss Athletics.
Khayat described Patton as a “natural leader” and added, “She is always
looking for ways to make her job and others’ jobs easier and more
efficient.”
Patton, a native of Oxford, said she was “shocked to win the award.”
“I really enjoy my job. It is really nice to be recognized by your
peers. I had no idea,” said Patton, a leader at her church, Smith
Chapel C.M.E., and a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of Oxford.
Other Outstanding Staff Award winners include:
-Rachel R. Bost – EEO Category 3: Professional Non-Faculty
-Belinda K. Redmond – EEO Category 4: Secretarial/Clerical
-Jody Allen – EEO Category 5: Technical/Paraprofessional Service
-Edgar Moore – EEO Category 6: Skilled Crafts
-Desser Smith – EEO Category 7: Service Maintenance