Coble Receives Staff Excellence Award

3-23-98
University Park, Pa. -- Joan L. Coble, administrative assistant to the Senior Vice President for Finance and Business/Treasurer, is the 1998 recipient of Penn State's Staff Excellence Award.

The Staff Excellence Award, established in 1993, is made annually to a member of the staff of the University who has demonstrated and practiced the philosophy of continuous quality improvement, team spirit and managerial excellence. In addition, the person should have provided leadership in establishing a quality service orientation in the performance of assigned duties.

This fall, Coble was recognized for 25 years of service at Penn State, including 12 years at her current position as senior staff person for three senior vice presidents in finance and business. In addition, she is the assistant secretary for the Board of Trustees, The Corporation for Penn State and The Research Park Management Corporation; and secretary for The Nittany Title Corporation.

Her colleagues praised her organizational skills, teamwork and commitment to continuous quality improvement over the past two decades. Most recently, Coble organized a teamwork and cross-training program for the staff assistants who serve each of the assistant vice presidents in finance and business. Another accomplishment is her work on a team charged to improve communications within Finance and Business.

"She is a thoughtful person who seeks innovative ways to solve problems that seem insurmountable to others," a colleague said. "Joan offers encouragement and guidance to members of her unit when times are tough. And when a job is well-done, she is one of the first to give appreciation and praise."

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