Beth Buskirk is UW Staff Employee of the Quarter

Faculty, staff and students all attest to Beth Buskirk’s outstanding contributions to the smooth running of the University of Wyoming Department of Mathematics. For her efforts, the office associate, senior, was selected as UW Outstanding Staff Employee of the First Quarter.

The award recognizes UW staff members for their efforts toward excellence in the workplace.

“Her expertise and attitude help keep things on an even keel, especially during the inevitable times when stress runs high,” a nominator wrote. “She makes sure deadlines are met, personnel decisions get made, committee meetings occur, and communication channels stay open with other offices, especially the dean’s office.”

Another wrote, “She is dedicated to a fault and extremely thorough in all her undertakings. She actively seeks to improve workflow and solicits input from her co-workers to foster a positive team work environment. Her open door policy ensures everyone gets the opportunity to contribute. Her positive attitude and knowledge of the workings of the university allow her to interact efficiently and effectively.”

Buskirk began working for the math department in January 2008, after receiving a master of fine arts degree in creative writing at UW. She says the department’s faculty and staff were patient in teaching her the ropes. She really enjoys the many international faculty and staff members in the department.

“I get a kick out of all the accents I hear in the halls,” Buskirk says. “Of course, most of the time the people are speaking ‘mathematics,’ a language I don’t understand at all.”

She credits then-department head Bryan Shader for giving her the opportunity to work for UW, and the support she has received from current department head Farhad Jafari. She also appreciates the efforts of co-workers Vickie Staddie and Leslie Roan.

“Because of their diligence and cooperative spirit, my job is much easier and more fun than it otherwise would be,” Buskirk says.

Employee of the Quarter nominees can be any UW staff employee and must receive three nomination forms from three separate individuals. Nominations must be submitted to the Staff Senate office. The forms are on the web at www.uwyo.edu/staffsenate/employee-of-the-quarter.