Melanie Floyd receives Gary E. Bartlett New Professional award

December 16, 2008

For her hard work in keeping the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s James R. Connor University Center in the regional and national spotlight for college unions and university centers, interim facilities coordinator Melanie Floyd received the Gary E. Bartlett New Professional Award at the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Region 8 Conference at UW-River Falls in November.

The Gary E. Barlett award is given to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to the goals and values of ACUI through campus, regional or association involvement, display genuine support and regard for students, and make a positive contribution to the college through their institution.

“This is one of those awards where you appreciate the others who win it around you and never think that it could be you,” Floyd said.

University Center Executive Director Bob Barry added, “Mel has been a leader among her fellow employees, and she’s always raised her standards of work ethic and dedication to the University Center for others to follow.”

While the University Center was under construction, Floyd was instrumental in working with Kim Adams, the assistant to Bob Barry, in publicizing the progress and marketing the new UC. Floyd was a key person to students and the rest of the UW-Whitewater community.           

With a total of 15 regions, ACUI is an association that brings together students and professional staff to discuss and learn about other college unions. Floyd attends the annual ACUI conference because she feels it is important to keep up on the always-changing trends and operations of college unions.

Floyd’s main responsibilities at UW-Whitewater include overseeing the student-building manager and set-up crew, who keep the building in working order for daily reservations, advising students and overseeing the reservations office among other daily activities.

“It was an honor to nominate Mel,” Adams said. “She is one of the finest young professionals that I have ever worked with and is a fast learner, quick thinker and creative problem solver. She made an exceptional candidate.”

Some of Floyd’s accomplishments include: receiving the University Center Pride Award for fall 2007 and serving on many campus committees such as the selection committee for the Percent for Art “Lay of the Land” sculpture outside the UC, and a co-advisor to the UW-Whitewater Student Optimist Club.

“Without Kim’s kind words and nomination, I can’t say that I’d have this award today,” Floyd said.