2009 Regents Awards for Staff Excellence

L-R: David Schmid, Kris Peterson, President Ben Allen, Karen Cunningham, Board of Regents, State of Iowa President Pro Tem Jack Evans
 

Karen Cunningham

Program coordinator and advisor for the Individual and General Studies majors and coordinator for the National Student Exchange Program

Her nominator, Jenni Colsch, notes that in her dual role, Karen must be knowledgeable about all departments’ disciplines, prerequisites and registration requirements in order to help students create a coherent program of study. She is described as having a profound dedication to students and is also a devoted UNI alumni, earning her BA, MA and this spring, her Ed.D. in Education Leadership. Karen is described as "dedicated to guiding others on their educational journey."

Kris Peterson    

Office Coordinator for Career Services (retired summer 2009)

Kris was nominated by Allan Stamberg and he noted that during her 30-plus years of service, Kris was instrumental in making UNI's Career Services an efficient and effective operation. Her nominator described her as someone who created a "very positive environment," even during challenging situations like the 2005 Gilchrist fire that displaced Career Services into six different buildings across campus.  Al noted, "Kris maintained her positive attitude and sense of humor which made the experience as smooth and acceptable as could be."

David Schmid

Rider Hall Residence Life Coordinator

David was nominated by Drake Martin and Lyn Redington, who note that David's "energy, drive, attention to detail, volume of work, and overall impact on large numbers of students and colleagues in the residence system have been immeasurable."  His nominators describe him as an "outstanding teacher, mentor, and role model" with a vast knowledge of university services and resources. David also serves as the summer conference coordinator and an adjunct faculty member at UNI.