University News

Tracy Scott (center), director of the Western Illinois University Student Development Office, was named the WIU 2016 Employee of the Year by the Council of Administrative Personnel (COAP). He is pictured here with his two nominators, Vian Neally, assistant director of marketing at Campus Recreation, and Associate Vice President for Student Services John "JB" Biernbaum.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Scott Named 2016 COAP Employee of the Year

May 13, 2016

Printer friendly version

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Tracy Scott, director of the Western Illinois University Student Development Office, was named the WIU 2016 Employee of the Year by the Council of Administrative Personnel (COAP).

The annual award, presented by COAP, in conjunction with the University president, recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of a COAP member who has far exceeded his or her duties.

WIU Associate Vice President for Student Services John "JB" Biernbaum was one of the individuals who nominated Scott for the award. In his nomination letter, he described Scott as: "dyed-in-the-wool WIU. He cares about this institution like it's a family member; he has taught classes and advised organizations. There is almost nothing that he hasn't experienced in his tenure here. When I think of outstanding accomplishments on this campus, Tracy Scott is right at the top of the list."

Vian Neally, assistant director of marketing at Campus Recreation, also nominated Scott. Her nomination covered Scott's dedication to Western students and the activities he takes on outside of his everyday job duties, as well as his commitment to the University.

"In his spare time, Tracy serves as the faculty adviser for the Sigma Chi Fraternity and has been selected as Adviser of the Year in the past for his outstanding guidance…," Neally noted. "Recently, Tracy proposed an idea to illustrate what makes Western Illinois University a great place for people to study and work, as well as [highlight] people in the community who stand behind the University. Consequently, the 'WIU: Who We Are, What We Do—Behind the Bricks and Mortar #WeRWIU' campaign was born. Tracy's idea for the campaign has been an inspiration [and it focuses] on the positivity of WIU during one of the most difficult and trying times at WIU. Our University is fortunate to employ someone who has exemplified this enriching attitude during his years of service to Western Illinois University."

The "WIU: Who We Are, What We Do" campaign has been produced and implemented by University Relations weekly since Scott came up with the idea. Find the latest post at www.wiu.edu/news/newsrelease.php?release_id=13655.

Scott joined Western Illinois University in 1990 as an admissions counselor. In 1995, he was promoted to the assistant director of admissions, a position in which he was responsible for the undergraduate admissions reception area. In 1999, Scott was selected as the assistant director of the WIU Office of Student Development and Orientation. In that position, he worked with the orientation team and assisted with crisis intervention. In 2002, he was named the director of Student Development and Orientation.

Currently, Scott chairs WIU's Emergency Consultation Team and co-chairs the University's Threat Assessment Team.

Scott earned his bachelor's degree in communication/advertising in 1987 from the University of Idaho (Moscow) and his master's degree in communication from WIU in 1990.

For the COAP Employee of the Year Award, Scott was presented with a plaque and received a 2016-17 faculty/staff parking permit, BCA tickets, a Campus Recreation punch pass for the Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center, a WIU Bookstore gift certificate and apparel from WIU Athletics.

Learn more about the Council of Administrative Personnel at wiu.edu/coap.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing