The WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences has named four recipients of its 2017 Outstanding Staff Award: Crystin “Crys” Povenski, Vicki Snively, Hope Stewart and Robin Swaney.
“Our Outstanding Staff awards are the prime opportunity to showcase the talented, committed people we work with every day in the Eberly College,” said Gregory Dunaway, dean. “Our College is defined by our people and I’m proud to take the time to recognize and celebrate their successes.”
Crystin “Crys” Povenski, operations manager in the C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, is responsible for the daily operations of the department’s student laboratories. More than 4,100 students a year utilize the department’s labs.
“Students' grades are directly affected by the quality of work that is conducted in the general chemistry prep room,” said Barbara Foster, director of laboratory safety for the Department. “Under Crystin’s supervision, the students receive accurate and professional service.”
Vicki Snively, grant administrator in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, is considered by many to be an invaluable source of financial and administrative advice and support to faculty. Without her expertise, a number of faculty members said their grant proposals would be unsuccessful.
“She is a key reason why faculty in the Department of Physics and Astronomy are so research productive,” said Earl Scime, department chair. “She provides critical support for research to all faculty.”
Hope Stewart, administrative secretary in the Department of Geology and Geography, is highly regarded by faculty for her high level of professionalism and more than 20-year bank of institutional knowledge.
“I have nothing but admiration of Stewart’s tireless devotion to her work and to the support of many aspects of the life and functioning of the Department of Geology and Geography,” said Gregory Elmes, emeritus professor of geography.
“Above and beyond the call of duty is her contribution to the well-being and positive atmosphere of a large multi-disciplinary department.”
Robin Swaney, administrative assistant in the School of Social Work, is known by faculty and students to be a strong problem-solver and level-headed in high-pressure situations.
“Swaney has exemplified professionalism in all her roles within the School of Social Work,” said Carrie Rishel, professor in the School of Social Work. “She maintains a calm demeanor in a crisis and is able to move forward effectively when faced with complaints of conflict. Most importantly, however, she is warm, considerate and engaging. She goes above and beyond what is required to address faculty requests.”
