Olson Named UW Staff Employee of First Quarter

Tricia Olson’s efforts to improve the general workings of the University of Wyoming Department of Chemistry have improved morale within the unit, according to her colleagues.

That work, her friendly demeanor and initiative to help others are just some of the examples that recently earned Olson the UW Staff Employee of the First Quarter award. A free public reception -- hosted by Staff Senate and the President’s Office -- for Olson will be from 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 11, on the fourth floor of the Physical Sciences Building outside of Room 403.

The award recognizes a UW staff member for efforts toward excellence in the workplace. Established in March 1985 to recognize outstanding staff members as the Employee of the Month Award, the award was revised into the current program in January 1990. The award is given to one current UW staff member every calendar quarter. The staff employee of the year will be named at Staff Senate’s Recognition Day next spring.

Olson has been in the Department of Chemistry for two years after relocating from Rock Springs with her family.

In her role as the chemistry department’s senior office associate, Olson supports faculty, undergraduates and graduate students by serving as a resource for both administrative and student-related inquiries. This role requires adaptability, strong multitasking skills and a people-first mindset.

“Tricia is always friendly and quick to greet people as they come into the office. She goes out of her way to find solutions to problems and is always willing to tackle new projects,” says one of her nominators. “She helped reorganize the chemistry department after our move to a new college. Tricia is always upbeat and positive, and her ‘superpower’ is working with students.”

Olson has been critical in implementing new procedures in the chemistry department and developing knowledge bases for existing committees and methods. She is known to be reliable in such tasks as scheduling lab rooms and working on logistics when the department brings in guest speakers.

“Tricia's enthusiasm and motivation help the whole college,” another colleague adds. “She helps chemistry students, but also all students who take chemistry classes. We need more staff like Tricia.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of her position is working closely with graduate students and helping to foster a welcoming, supportive environment, Olson says.

“The faculty and students in the Department of Chemistry are truly the best part of my job,” Olson adds. “Through them, I’ve had the chance to experience the world in new ways. They’ve taught me so much, and it brings me real joy to think about the incredible things the students will go on to accomplish.”

She says she was “genuinely shocked” to learn that she received the UW Staff Senate award.

“Knowing that my work is seen and appreciated means more than I can say. I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration I've found within the Department of Chemistry and across the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences,” she adds. “This sense of community has made my time at the University of Wyoming both meaningful and fulfilling.”

An Employee of the Quarter nominee can be any UW staff employee, and each must receive three nomination forms from three separate individuals. Nominations must be submitted to the Staff Senate office. Forms can be found here.

For more information, call the Staff Senate office at (307) 766-5300.