Work-Life

Work-Life Supervisor of the Year Winner & Nominees
Honored at Recent Event

Outstanding Supervisors' Supportive Work-Life Practices
Recognized at Award Ceremony

jody ensman photo

(From left to right): UK Work-Life Director Robynn Pease, Supervisor of the Award winner Jody Ensman, and HR Operations Director Mary Ferlan.

October 27, 2009 - Today's UK Work-Life Supervisor of the Year Award event recognized more than 40 UK supervisors - from every corner of the University - for helping contribute to a supportive work environment at the University. Jody Ensman, manager of the UK Health & Wellness, received the 2009 Supervisor of the Year Award. Employees and peers nominated supervisors for this award. Finalists were selected by a UK employee committee that included last year's award winner (finalist and nominee list).

Jody was recognized for her exceptional efforts to create a flexible and productive work environment for employees she supervises. Specifically, Jody's focus on flexibility, feedback and performance were cited by both her employees during the nominating process.

Insights from the Nominating Process

During the Supervisor of the Year award, UK Work-Life Director Robynn Pease shared highlights from nominating process. Award nominees had many characteristics in common. The following descriptions - pulled directly from nomination forms - offer a few great examples of supportive supervisor practices in action:

"My supervisor..."

• "...Knows about having a life and responsibilities outside of work and makes sure to accommodate them whenever feasible if UK work duties are not impacted."

• "...Communicates goals and allows employees to work as a team."

• "...Allows a great degree of flexibility in how a goal is met, our supervisor empowers staff."

• "...Is open to new opinions, which shows humility."

• "...Motivates by example."

• "...Creates an environment of trust and loyalty."

• "...Shows openness that invites others to share ideas for improvements, which allows us to improve internal policies and procedures.

• "...Expresses genuine care and concern for personal and professional balance."

Please share us in extending a sincere note of appreciation to all nominees, and a special thank you to everyone who attended the 2009 Supervisor of the Year Award event.

Finalists

Tim Armstrong, Medical Center Physical Plant

Tim's nomination highlighted his dedication to listening to his employees and helping make the work environment more productive.

Tracy Steele, Rehabilitation Services

Tracy was recognized for offering flexible work arrangements and helping her department "work smart."

Stephanie Haynes Ratliff, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research

Stephanie was recognized for offering clear communication and feedback needed to help her employees succeed.

Jeff Stringer, Ph. D., Forestry

As a faculty member, Jeff was recognized for inspiring his staff by setting a great example through hard work and sharing knowledge and expertise.

Nominees

Robert Adams, Electrical and Computer Engineering
James Alcorn, Emergency Trauma Services
Christy Anderson, Physiology
Karen Arthur, UK HealthCare Marketing
Kerri Ashurst, Family and Consumer Science Extension
Carolyn Bratcher, Laboratory Animal Resources
Kevin Bucknam, College of Law
Marianne Clark, Survey Research Center
Elizabeth Corman, Patient and Family Services
John Cropp, Athletics
Jan Davis, Clinical Decision Units/Transitional Units
Ray Dowd, College of Social Work
Naomi Emmons, Purchasing
Kathy Farah, Office of Development
Greg Franseth, Research Information Services
Rhonda Gilliam, Markey Cancer Center
Kim Griswald Dotson, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research
Jacquie Hager, University Registrar
Tom Hanna, Graduate School Funding Office
Kelly Hardin, Chandler Nursing
Regina Heiser, UK HealthCare
Kathy Hight, WUKY
Arleen Johnson, College of Public Health
Debbie Kelley, Patient Accounts
Lela Kettenring, Patient Accounts
Francois Pomerleau, Anatomy and Neurobiology
Rhonda Ransford, Health Information Management
Dee Ann Robinson, Nursing Administration
Sarah Rodrigues, Student Loans
Joseph Ross, ITS Diagnostics
Rhonda Sewell, Emergency Medicine
Sharon Stewart, College of Health Sciences
Rhonda Strouse, Student Involvement
Robert Tannenbaum, Undergraduate Education
Frances Wagner, Behavioral Science
Jennifer Walton, English
Diane Ward, Patient Accounts
Robin Schildknecht, UK HealthCare Customer Service
Louise White, Quality and Safety
Jim Wims, Residence Life
Mary Wright, Orthodontic Faculty Practice