The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences recognized four staff members with its 2024 Outstanding Staff Award.
Outstanding Staff Award recipients are nominated by their peers at Eberly College and are selected based on their demonstration of WVU’s core values: service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation.
This year’s recipients are Samm Jusino, Doug Mathess, Trenton Gum and Lorena Ballester.
Samm Jusino is Eberly’s Director of Undergraduate Advising. Serving as an intermediary between students, families, advisors and administrators, Jusino demonstrates exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills. She approaches her role as an advisor with dedication and creativity, seeking unique solutions to help students overcome academic challenges and navigate life's complexities.
Jusino’s nominators highlighted her ongoing commitment to student success. She listens attentively, identifies common issues and advocates for systemic improvements.
Doug Mathess is a senior instrument specialist for the Machine and Welding Shop in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. With over three decades of service, his expertise in machining refractory metals and crafting intricate scientific instruments has contributed significantly to the University's research endeavors. He prioritizes collaboration and attention to detail in his work, going above and beyond expectations, collaborating on complex projects and addressing intricate challenges.
Nominators touted Mathess’s commitment to quality and innovation and his meticulous approach to each project, ensuring that the products he produces meet the highest standards of excellence. His genuine interest in understanding the end use of his work underscore his passion for service and collaboration.
Trenton Gum is a professional technologist in the Department of Psychology. His proactive approach to technical support and problem-solving has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the Biology and Psychology departments. With expertise in resolving hardware and software issues, Gum's dedication to providing comprehensive support and preventing problems before they occur has been invaluable to faculty and staff.
His nominators expressed gratitude for Gum’s creative thinking and willingness to assist others, exemplifying the spirit of collaboration and dedication to his colleagues’ success.
Lorena Ballester is a program specialist in the Department of World Languages, Literatures & Linguistics. Her professionalism and willingness to learn new skills have enabled her to navigate complex office functions and fiscal responsibilities with ease. Ballester's exemplary leadership and support have helped hold her department together during times of adversity, reflecting her exceptional dedication and deservingness of recognition.
Ballester’s nominators pointed to her unwavering positivity and care for others as a source of inspiration during challenging times.
