UW Custodian Kathy Norris Named Employee of Third Quarter

Colleagues of Kathy Norris consider her every bit as important to the success of the University of Wyoming’s Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC) as the staff members and the entrepreneurship clients they serve.

Norris, a custodian II, just started her 17th year at the WTBC, and her impeccable skills have made her a valuable member of the center’s team to many who praise her as a trusted colleague.

“Kathy is more than a custodian here in the department,” says a WTBC staff member. “Her work is immaculate enough that, when the governor or the trustees walk into the building, I know that it is always going to be in its best shape. But, her engagement with our student interns and our entrepreneurs is what really defines her work here at the facility.”

Another says the WTBC (now IMPACT 307) has worked with many aspiring business owners over the years, and Norris is credited with keeping things in order for new clients. IMPACT 307 operates a business incubator for thriving entrepreneurs at the WTBC.

“I cannot express how truly grateful I am for her dedication to her work and, through that, support of our program,” a staff member says. “She contributes to the success of the program and economic development across Wyoming more than she may realize. Having a facility that we can proudly show to people from all walks of life -- from our students and staff to local stakeholders, trustees and the governor -- is vital.”

Those are just a sample of why Norris has been selected as the Staff Employee of the Third Quarter. The award, sponsored by Staff Senate, recognizes UW staff members for their efforts toward excellence in the workplace.

A humble Norris says she was “embarrassed” to learn that she won the award.

“There are people out there who I feel are more deserving than I am, but it was quite a shock,” she says. “I am not one to be up in front of people, so this was an ‘oh, my gosh’ moment.”

She makes an effort to ask each staff member if there is anything that needs to be done on her end and takes the initiative when any issues arise, a staff member says.

“I am proud to say our building is the cleanest and most well-kept space on campus, and this is due entirely to her first-class quality of work,” the nominator says. “Her initiative to personally address each of our staff’s and client’s needs in the building is truly remarkable. She has eagerly developed professional relationships with each of our entrepreneur residents when they enter our program.”

A staff member calls Norris a UW ambassador.

“She is an ambassador for UW to the most innovative leaders in the state and, while she thinks she just cleans a building, she is actually making the state better, helping to create jobs and leaving a significant impact upon all of us who get to work with her,” the nominator says.

Norris says she loves her job because she is able to work alone and at her own pace. She credits those who have helped her on the job: Tod Scott, materials and custodial services senior manager; Daryl Schultz, custodial trainer; and her supervisor, Vicki Olson, custodial services assistant manager, for having “been really good to me.”

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. The forms are on the web and can be found here.

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