Recognizing University of Tennessee at Chattanooga employees who have gone the extra mile to help fellow staff, faculty and students is easy when so many individuals are worthy of consideration.
The Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Award is a monthly award recognizing employees who go above and beyond in supporting the UTC campus by displaying excellent job performance, dependability and innovation while promoting a pleasant working environment.
A committee appointed by Chancellor Steve Angle selects the winner from nominations submitted by faculty, staff, students and community members.
Blue Ribbon Award recipients receive a plaque, a monetary prize and a personal congratulations from the chancellor. Winners are typically honored at a semi-annual awards luncheon, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, an in-person celebration cannot take place at this time.
Here are the six honorees for January through June 2021:
Brett Fuchs
January: Brett Fuchs, associate dean of students, director of student conduct, director of student outreach and support and deputy Title IX coordinator
In nominating Brett Fuchs, Dawn Ford wrote, “Brett has an unwavering dedication to the university and worked many weeks in excess of 100 hours to make sure the job got done. He has made many sacrifices by working holidays, weekends, early mornings and late nights.”
Danielle Kriener
February: Danielle Kriener, writing and communication center specialist in the UTC Library
Beth Leahy and Ethan Carver nominated Danielle Kriener for the award, saying, “Danielle was instrumental in helping the Writing Center move our service online … she has demonstrated flexibility and enthusiasm and is always willing to do more to ensure we are helping as many students as possible.”
Nathan Barger
March: Nathan Barger, director of sports medicine, athletics
Nathan Barger was nominated by seven individuals who all recognized the impact of his efforts, especially during COVID-19. As one said, “Nathan has worked tirelessly to maintain the health and wellness of the athletes on campus. He has been instrumental in helping to keep the infection rate of these students to a minimum.”
Chris Stokes
April: Chris Stokes, assistant director of multicultural affairs and NPHC advisor
Chris Stokes was nominated by Lauren Ouwerkerk and Emily Rosenquist. In their letter, they wrote, “Chris walks into the Multicultural Center each and every day to work towards changing the lives of the students he serves. He shows up each day and does not leave until the work that needs to be completed is done. He showcases an exemplary ‘Students First’ mentality for all students on campus.”
Sherese Williams
May: Sherese Williams, director of operations and admissions for the Honors College
In nominating Sherese Williams, Honor College Dean Linda Frost wrote, “Although Sherese is not a faculty member, she acts like one, undertaking research and publication, actively growing her knowledge and sitting on far more university-wide committees than most. She has helped to transform our college and university for good.”
Maurice Dorsey
June: Maurice Dorsey, assistant director and coordinator of student organization events and operations of the University Center
Maurice Dorsey was nominated by Aaron Grisham, who wrote, “Maurice shows a level of care to the student employees in the UC that lets them know that while he is their supervisor, he is also there to help in any way that he can. Over the years, Maurice has assisted many of the UC student staff with a wide variety of non-work-related issues and questions. He is a valuable member of the UC staff and the students enjoy having him as a supervisor.”
