University News

Harkey Named April EOM

May 1, 2024

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University Kelly Harkey, administrative assistant to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication has been named the Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month for April.

Harkey started at WIU in 2003 as a payroll specialist and was promoted in 2005; in 2007, she was reallocated to the administrative clerk and then in 2010 to an administrative clerk for the dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, she then landed as administrative assistant for the dean in COFAC in 2013.

Harkey was honored with this recognition after a co-worker recognized her as a vital resource to COFAC faculty, staff, and students.

"She provides patience, guidance and resources to every employee in COFAC and ensures that everyone receives the support they need to thrive in the College. In the rare event that she does not have an answer, she approaches the opportunity to learn with enthusiasm and is happy to share what she learned in a concise and easily understandable way. She regularly goes above and beyond what is expected in her role, whether it's answering questions in your time or providing fare to be served at college gatherings," her nominator said.

The nomination focused on Harkey's advocacy for COFAC students by helping them find campus employment, acclimate to the higher education environment, or simply providing a thoughtful, listening ear.

"Her presence at college and university events is appreciated and one of the first things new employees in COFAC hear is, "We would never be able to do what we do without Kelly." She is an exemplary member of the WIU community," her nominator continued.

"I appreciate receiving this award. It's encouraging and means a lot that the Civil Service Council continues to honor employees each month. I am truly grateful for my nominator's positive recognition. I work with some great people and think we all try to help each other when we can," Harkey said.

In August 2010, the Goldfarbs established an endowment to permanently fund the University's Civil Service Employee of the Month award. The Goldfarb endowment is used to fund a $100 award for the recipient of the Civil Service Employee of the Month, as well as a plaque.

The WIU Foundation provides a $500 stipend for the Civil Service Employee of the Year. Western faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as community members wishing to nominate a civil service employee for the monthly recognition, should contact the Civil Service Employees Council (CSEC) at csec-nominations-g@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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