Daniel Turk

Testing Coordinator – Academic Computing

MAY 2024 – Dan Turk with Academic Computing was selected as May Employee of the Month. Dan frequently demonstrates our +1 service model towards incoming students who have to take placement testing. He demonstrates a calming demeanor to help ease their nerves in hopes that they do well on their placement exam. After students are finished with their placement exam, he makes sure to assist them in letting them know what their next steps are in the enrollment process. Dan frequently works after hours and weekends to accommodate testers that cannot come in during regular business hours. Dan also helps individuals in the community by proctoring specialized exams such as EMT, GED, and required NM teacher certifications. A big accomplishment that Dan implemented was bringing in Praxis testing for teacher certification. Prior to this being offered at WNMU, educators had to travel to either El Paso or Tucson to take the exam. Dan is an asset to WNMU.

Congratulations Dan! Well Deserved!

Kimberly Woodard

Student Life – Center for Student Success

APRIL 2024 – Kim Woodard with Student Life was selected as April Employee of the Month. In a job that is way bigger than anyone is aware, Kim goes above and beyond every single day. She has turned the One Stop Food Pantry into a well‐stocked inviting resource that is non‐judgmental and has consistent hours. Kim’s built relationships with The Commons to provide fresh produce weekly and with Roadrunner Food Bank & the Gospel Mission to provide a huge mobile pantry once a month for the entire WNMU community. The mobile pantry is a huge undertaking in itself and Kim makes this an amazing, fun experience for everyone…volunteers and food recipients alike. And if that’s not enough, Kim also recruits and supervises the tutors who are available through the Center for Student Success.

Congratulations Kim! Well Deserved!

Clint Hardesty

Telecommunications Manager, Information Technology

MARCH 2024 – Clint Hardesty with Information Technology was selected as March Employee of the Month. Clint consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication, professionalism and exemplary performance. Clint’s hard work, positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond expectations make a significant impact on his team. Clint’s recent contributions to the new Deming Gateway Building Project show his willingness to take the lead on big projects. His attention to detail and ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues have set a standard of excellence for others to follow.

Congratulations Clint! Well Deserved!

Jay Baruch

Program Manager, College of Education

FEBRUARY 2024– Jay Baruch from the College of Education was selected as the February Employee of the Month. Jay was nominated in recognition of his outstanding contributions as Program Manager in the College of Education. Jay consistently goes above and beyond for the staff and students he serves demonstrating exceptional leadership skills, and fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Jay is known for his willingness to mentor and support colleagues, sharing his expertise to help others grow professionally. His positive attitude and approachability create a positive atmosphere that promotes collegiality and productivity. His commitment to excellence and his proactive approach to problem-solving make him an invaluable asset to our team. “He’s our quiet, competent coach!”

Congratulations Jay! Well Deserved!

Sean Souders

User Analyst – Information Technology

JANUARY 2024 – Sean Souders with Information Technology was selected as the January Employee of the Month. Sean makes himself available and helps with trouble shoot, advise, and repair for faculty, staff, students, and even community members. Sean puts everyone’s mind to ease with their problems are solvable, and explains what he is doing patiently and simply for everyone to understand. He is well-respected as a true expert by his fellow co-workers. Sean is also is a friend to everyone and take to heart what people tell him and he is always checking in on others based on what people have told him. He is super helpful, polite, kind and drops whatever he is doing to come and assist anyone in need of help. He never gets frustrated no matter the situation. He is greatly appreciated and a Mustang that serves other Mustangs!

Congratulations Sean! Well Deserved!

Lee Allensworth

Information Technology – Academic Computing

NOVEMBER 2023 – Lee Allensworth with the Department of Information Technology – Academic Computing was selected as the November Employee of the Month. Lee is always ready to assist not only students, staff and faculty, but the community that is an intertwined part of WNMU. He is an asset to WNMU and a great example of the “+1” service we at Western strive for. We are convinced that this seamless transition is due to Lee’s experience and knowledge, and more so, his selflessness and student‐first mindset. He always demonstrates his commitment to the University, our department, and WNMU students. Lee is a pleasure to work with and a genuine individual and it is our hope that he is awarded this recognition. With his support we are certain that Western will continue to provide an unprecedented level of service for employees and students alike.

Congratulations Lee! Well Deserved!

Socorro Rico

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

OCTOBER 2023 – Socorro Rico, with the School of Nursing & Kinesiology, was selected as the October Employee of the Month.  Socorro works diligently to support students in the nursing program while we were filling the position of nursing advisor. She has assisted the RN‐to‐BSN program with multiple vendor and access issues, and she manages our grants and RPSP funds/budget, which is very complicated. She was invaluable to the MSN program launch. She is the liaison between our department and all other departments in the university as you know. Socorro has a great working relationships within WNMU that facilitate an efficient workflow. I’m sure that there are many, many other things that we do not see that go on behind the scenes that she takes care of. Even though she’s swamped, she is always cheerful and able to assist in a timely manner. We all appreciate her knowledge, expertise, and willingness to help. She is an excellent example of putting our service excellence strategies into practice. We are grateful to have Socorro on our team.

Congratulations Socorro!  Well deserved!

Juan Quesada

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

SEPTEMBER 2023 – Juan Quesada with the School of Nursing was selected as the September Employee of the Month. Juan’s positivity and vibrancy demonstrate to students, staff, and faculty the significance and value of welcoming everyone. This is the case regardless of demographic categories that tend to cause divisions among people and separate us from having a sense of belonging, respect for ourselves and others, and self-worth. With the start of classes approaching, Juan has assisted with preparation for clinical rotations at various settings that include hospitals, for instance. Juan’s positivity and vibrant demeanor are appreciated especially by our new and returning nursing students. Juan can be counted on to help students to develop a sense of belonging.

Congratulations Juan! Well Deserved!

Tuan Tran

Department of Video Communication

AUGUST 2023 – Tuan Tran with the Department of Video Communication Technician was selected as the August Employee of the Month. Tuan is a highly motivated individual that goes above and beyond in helping make technology more seamless in regards to its applications in education and workflow. Tuan has consistently demonstrated exemplary dedication, professionalism, and a remarkable commitment to going above and beyond his job duties, making him an indispensable asset to our institution. He dedicates hours of research to insure what is being used and/or deployed into the classroom environment is the best tech we can provide considering what is available. Tuan is always ready to help others making sure through research that the information he is providing is as accurate and to the point as possible. Tuan consistently goes the extra mile to ensure that colleagues, faculty, and students receive the assistance they require promptly and efficiently. His infectious enthusiasm and positive attitude create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, enhancing the work environment for all.

Congratulations Tuan! Well Deserved!

Onorina Franco

Office of Business Affairs

JULY 2023 – Onorina Franco with the Office of Business Affairs was selected as the July’s Employee of the Month. Onorina was selected for her strong work ethic, exemplary customer service, positive attitude, and inclusive nature. She greets everyone with a smile and is willing to help where she can.  She is always willing to help in understanding WNMU processes’ and is open to answering any questions along the way, all while balancing her own daily tasks. In addition, she regularly attends Staff Senate meetings, assemblies, the Convocation, and helps with Cultural Affairs activities when needed. WNMU is lucky to have her.

Congratulations Onorina! Well Deserved!

2022-2023 Award Recipients