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Joseph Anderson (left) and LaVina Watts. (Photos: Chris Putnam)

Winners of the 2019 Dean’s Distinguished Staff Award

Joseph Anderson and LaVina Watts have been recognized for their outstanding work performance

News

Joseph Anderson and LaVina Watts are the winners of the College of Arts and Science’s 2019 Dean’s Distinguished Staff Award.

Dean Peta Bonham-Smith presented Anderson and Watts with award certificates at the May 14 meeting of Faculty Council.

Anderson—the office coordinator in the Department of Art and Art History—and Watts—the college’s interdisciplinary and study abroad coordinator—were chosen from among 15 nominees.

The Dean’s Distinguished Staff Award recognizes employees of the College of Arts and Science who have set themselves apart through excellence in work performance and quality of service. Along with a certificate, they receive a $1,000 prize.

More information about the award, including previous recipients, can be found on the Dean’s Distinguished Staff Award webpage.

About the recipients

Joseph Anderson
Joseph Anderson

Joseph Anderson

Office Coordinator

Department of Art and Art History / Arts and Science Administrative Support Group

As office coordinator for the Department of Art and Art History, Joseph Anderson acts as the face of his department while handling broad administrative duties behind the scenes. Anderson’s responsibilities include coordinating admissions to the department’s BFA programs, assisting with hiring procedures, updating websites, posting to social media and facilitating events.

Anderson is widely regarded as one of the most positive, enthusiastic and unflappable employees in the College of Arts and Science. In a role that requires balancing regular administrative duties with constant inquiries from students, faculty, staff and the public, Anderson makes everyone who approaches the department feel welcome and cared for.

His nominators described Anderson as someone who proactively solves problems and goes beyond what is required without expectation of reward or recognition. Whatever the task, Anderson takes it on with calm assurance and a smile.

LaVina Watts
LaVina Watts

LaVina Watts

Interdisciplinary Programs and Study Abroad Coordinator

Office of the Vice-Dean Academic

In her role, LaVina Watts helps the College of Arts and Science achieve one of its key goals: increasing the number of students who study abroad. Since she began her job as interdisciplinary programs and study abroad coordinator in 2016, study abroad participation has tripled within the college.

Watts acts as a bridge between students, faculty and the university, assisting with all aspects of the study abroad process. She works with faculty members on developing new study abroad opportunities and helps students understand how to take advantage of those opportunities. Watts organizes the college’s annual study abroad fair, presents to students at events such as Orientation, and leads classroom visits and information sessions throughout the year.

Watts’ nominators praised her “endless energy,” her creativity in solving problems, her willingness to help with a wide variety of challenges, and her deep knowledge about the college and the university.


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