Julia Kurtz Named October Employee of the month

October 28, 2014

Julia Kurtz and ODU President John R. Broderick

Julia Kurtz, an on-campus recruiting coordinator with the Old Dominion University Career Management Center, is the October Employee of the Month.

Kurtz, who was hired in August, 2013, coordinates front desk reception at the career management center's main office in the Webb University Center, which also serves as the main getaway for students seeking assistance in obtaining FWS and LEAP student employment positions.

According to letters supporting her employee of the month nomination, Kurtz excels in all aspects of her job description. That includes scheduling and monitoring as well as training front desk student workers in customer service skills and working with students on completing individual paperwork.

She consistently provides exemplary service to external and internal customers. Since Kurtz began her employment, the center has received many positive comments on the service she provides.

Kurtz is known for encouraging colleagues and student workers with excitement and energy. She always has a "can-do" attitude and is eager about new projects.

"Julia is a master juggler," said Nakia Madry, assistant director of distance sites at ODU.

"Her normal response to all requests, regardless of what else may be going on, is 'Sure, I can take care of that! No problem,'" said Beverly Forbes, associate director of the career management center.

Penny Pickel, the former assistant director and current career consultant for the ODU Career Management Center, stated: "In the year that I have worked with Julia, she has shown an incredible ability to manage any crisis with a smile."

DETAILS ABOUT THE EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH PROCESS

The University Employee of the Month Selection Committee encourages employees to nominate their outstanding, "go the extra mile" colleagues and employees. This program is designed to acknowledge and reward employees whose accomplishments and/or demeanor exemplify excellence, quality service and commitment to ODU. Classified and AP faculty employees receive a framed certificate from the president, $175 and one day of leave. Hourly winners get $250, since they are not eligible to receive recognition leave.

Note: The selection committee needs specific examples that relate to each applicable criterion in order to select a nominee for the award. Nominations remain active for six months from date of submission and nominators may submit additional documentation to support a nominee during the active six months.

The criteria used to nominate an employee include the following:

• An outstanding accomplishment that benefited the department/students.
• Extraordinary service to internal and/or external customers.
• Inspiring initiative/leadership.
• Enthusiasm/energy given to assigned work.
• Teamwork.
• Exemplary efforts to nurture a climate of care, concern and civility.
• Creative innovations to service, process or work tools.

For more information contact Tony Belk at jbelk@odu.edu or 683-3046, or visit ODU's Employee of the Month website.