Megan Alston, Senior Benefits Specialist, is the April Employee of the Month

April 26, 2017

Megan Alston receives the Employee of the Month award from Old Dominion President John R. Broderick.

Megan Alston, a senior benefits specialist with the Department of Human Resources, is Old Dominion University's April Employee of the Month.

Alston has been employed by the University since 2010.

Alston was recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty. In addition to her work ethic, Alston's knowledge base is extensive. She either knows or can find the answer to employee's questions. Whenever there's a new regulation, email about a new process or change in state benefits, Alston is always on top of it. She never turns down helping a team member and is always looking for the most efficient way to handle a situation.

Alston recently used her leadership abilities during work on an update to the University's tuition assistance policy. Through Alston's experience with the program, she was able to identify areas that could be changed, eliminated or improved.

"It truly is hard to pinpoint one extraordinary thing that Megan does because she does extraordinary things every day, said Brenda Johnson, Alston's supervisor. "Every time an employee calls, stops by or sends an email she gives her full attention to make sure their issue is resolved no matter what's required of her."

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.