UNIVERSITY PARK, PA — The University Staff Advisory Council (USAC) recognized three outstanding staff members for their accomplishments and contributions to the University on May 19 in a ceremony in Old Main’s Alumni Lounge.
This year’s honorees include Yu Tai Chung, who received the USAC Staff Leadership Award; Matt Jones, who received the Staff Excellence Award; and Alexandria Kinder, who received the Staff Morale Award.
“The USAC Awards Committee extends our sincerest congratulations to this year’s USAC Staff Award winners,” said Susan Warner, USAC awards committee chair. “We received a large number of nominations this year making selections all the more challenging, but that’s a good problem to have. It was inspiring for the committee to read about so many of our colleagues and the contributions they are making day in and day out to their units and the University community. We would also like to thank all those who took the time to submit nominations to recognize their outstanding coworkers.”
Staff Leadership Award
Yu Tai Chung, director of information technology (IT) in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, received the Staff Leadership Award, which goes to a staff member who leads by example and focuses on team successes while inspiring those around them. The recipient recognizes natural gifts in team members and works with them to continue their development, while seeking ways to improve the operations of their unit and the University.
Chung leads the IT team in the college supporting all faculty and staff and keeping the computer labs and other technology-driven research and teaching space operating around the clock. According to his nominator, his unit is “highly efficient yet also has an outstanding reputation for customer service.”
His nominator continued, saying, “He fosters a strong sense of camaraderie … he understands his responsibility to work with staff members to facilitate their growth. He provides forthright feedback and addresses performance issues quickly and effectively. He also models discovery with his own eagerness to learn, explore, and innovate to solve problems. He encourages his team to do the same.”
In addition, Chung is committed to fostering a sense of community, which extends beyond the confines of the college. He has been known to train and support teams outside of the college and routinely collaborates with other units regarding software that benefits all.
In a letter of support for Chung’s nomination, he was described as a servant leader who “believes that the success of a team is only possible when all members feel empowered to be the best version of themselves. He leads with a balance of empathy and ethics.”
Staff Excellence Award
Matt Jones, research assistant in the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, is the recipient of the Staff Excellence Award. This award recognizes an employee who behaves in an honest and ethical manner while embracing an understanding of social norms and other people’s perspectives. They foster creativity in problem solving, take initiative to make processes and procedures better and make outstanding contributions to the University, their community and their work unit.
Jones is known for his can-do attitude, extensive knowledge, dedication to process improvement, attention to detail, problem solving and his warm and welcoming demeanor. His numerous nominators described his respect and appreciation for the diverse backgrounds of all those he works with and his dedication to finding the best ways to teach people new skills to fulfill their individual roles in the lab to the best of their abilities.
According to his nominators, Jones was at the center of the University’s wastewater surveillance program during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was in the lab daily during the early weeks of the pandemic analyzing samples that helped University leadership and others understand the constant changing environment around the pandemic. In addition, Jones’ lab management skills were crucial as he anticipated supply chain shortages surrounding the new and rapidly growing field of wastewater-based epidemiology, and he was able to build relationships with suppliers to ensure the lab had what it needed, while also reducing potential costs.
In a letter of support, a colleague said, “Matt Jones is a powerful force for good at Penn State. He lifts our game as a global research university … He recruited, managed and continues to grow what is now a world-class wastewater monitoring team. His focus is excellence, always delivered cheerfully. He is a joy to have in the group and has far exceeded our wildest expectations. Penn State is fortunate to have Matt Jones as an employee.”
Staff Morale Award
Alexandria Kinder, staff psychologist in Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), is the recipient of the Staff Morale Award. This award recognizes an employee who leads with enthusiasm, fosters a respectful and cooperative work climate, values the opinions of others, practices active listening and is considered trustworthy by peers. Acting in an honest, optimistic and ethical manner, they work to create a culture that is safe and inclusive and encourage everyone to coalesce around institutional goals.
In Kinder’s nomination, she was described as “a ray of pure sunshine” and a “wellness warrior.” One nominator wrote that Kinder is the “ultimate collaborator” who is consistently positive and creative. Another colleague wrote that “Kinder is the model of morale for a unit that works tirelessly with students who may not be experiencing their best day.”
In other letters of support for Kinder, her effect on colleagues was described as inspirational as she finds unique ways to celebrate coworkers, bring joy to those around her with cards, games, food and a listening ear, and bring their dispersed team together.
Another supporter shared that while Kinder may still be early in her career she excels in supporting the mental health needs of students and stands out as one of the most talented clinicians at CAPS. She is known to advocate for the CAPS community, and she shows a passion for learning and challenging herself so she can better understand those with diverse identities and cultural backgrounds.
About the University Staff Advisory Council
USAC serves the president and her administration in an advisory capacity through the vice president of human resources about issues that have an impact on staff across the University. USAC provides a forum for the exchange of ideas among members of the University staff and serves as an advocate for staff welfare and development.
For more information, visit USAC’s webpage on the Penn State Human Resources website.