University News
DeWees Named COAP Employee of the Year
August 19, 2010
MACOMB, IL – Julie DeWees, director of the budget office at Western Illinois University, has been named the 2010 Employee of the Year by the Council of Administrative Personnel (COAP) for her extraordinary leadership and tireless efforts analyzing and maintaining the University's budget processes.
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.
"With the cash flow situation as dire as it is and has been, Julie is asked on a regular basis to analyze the budget and give immediate information about the budget situation," said DeWees' nominator Darcie Shinberger. "During these difficult budget times, Julie has spent endless hours monitoring budgets, providing in-depth analysis and providing departments with budget-related information. She also was instrumental in applying for the federal stimulus funds that were part of the FY'10 budget. It was a tedious, time-consuming, bureaucratic process, but it was a challenge she took on because she knew it was for the good of the University."
In her position, DeWees is responsible for organizing and monitoring the University's $200 million budget. As budget director, DeWees plans and coordinates Western's annual operating and capital budgets; determines fiscal year appropriated and auxiliary funds allocations; submits budget-related requests to the WIU Board of Trustees, the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Governor's Office of Management and Budget and the Illinois State Legislature.
"Julie is always helpful and accurate. Her expertise is invaluable," Shinberger added.
DeWees began her career at Western in March 1986 as an accounting clerk in Human Resources. In January 1993 she joined the budget office as a budget analyst I and was named assistant budget officer in June 1997. She was named to her current position in April 2005.
DeWees, who earned her bachelor's (1983) and master's (1991) degrees from Western, is a third-generation WIU graduate. Her grandmother graduated in 1963, followed by DeWees' father in 1965.
"The COAP Executive Council is pleased to honor Julie DeWees for her commitment and dedication to Western Illinois University," said Jennifer Tibbitts, COAP president.
DeWees was presented with a plaque and received a 2010-2011 Faculty/Staff parking permit, a Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center membership, Western Illinois athletics season tickets, Bureau of Cultural Affairs season tickets and a $50 University Bookstore gift certificate.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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