Workplace excellence

Donna Bilokreli and Kyla Denton are the winners of the 2017 College of Arts & Science Dean’s Distinguished Staff Award.

Presented to two recipients each year, the award recognizes outstanding staff members whose demonstration of integrity, diversity, creativity, innovation, knowledge and personal growth sets them apart in the workplace.

Donna Bilokreli (coordinator of off-campus programs, Undergraduate Student Office)

Donna Bilokreli has worked in the College of Arts & Science since 1981. During that time, she has gathered an unrivaled level of institutional and historical knowledge that makes her highly sought after for input and advice. Although Bilokreli’s official job title is coordinator of off-campus programs—a role that involves supporting off-campus students and partners and helping them feel like part of the university community—she wears many hats within the Undergraduate Student Office (UGSO). Never too busy to lend a hand, she is relied upon to help answer the most complex questions faced by the UGSO and to consult on developing and updating college programming.

Described as collaborative, creative, open and respectful, Bilokreli is a revered mentor to her colleagues and an invaluable source of insight.

Kyla Denton (clerical assistant, Department of Mathematics and Statistics)

Kyla Denton has been with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics since 2012, taking on increasing responsibilities during a period of intense change within the department. In her current role, she coordinates the office and acts as the primary staff support for the department’s undergraduate programs, graduate programs, financial operations and more. She has developed and implemented more efficient practices within the office and shares her knowledge by training new and temporary staff.

Described as thoughtful, knowledgeable, responsive and highly positive, Denton has quickly become the “go-to” person within the department for questions from faculty, students and visitors.

Employees are nominated for the Dean's Distinguished Staff Award by staff, faculty or students in the College of Arts & Science. Nine staff members including the winners were nominated this year:

• Marj Granrude (clerical assistant, Department of Physics and Engineering Physics)
• Debbie Croteau (financial and departmental administrative assistant and graduate secretary, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology)
• Renee Lepitzki (financial coordinator, Administrative Support Group)
• Gwen Lancaster (graduate program assistant, Department of Computer Science)
• Leah Hildebrandt (graduate secretary, Department of Chemistry)
• Joni Morman (graduate program administrator, Department of Psychology)
• Janice Weber (office coordinator, Department of Art and Art History)

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