Several UMSI staff were recognized for their outstanding work and collaborative spirit during the August 6 staff meeting, with Nickie Rowsey and Jacques Chestnut receiving top awards for excellence in the workplace.  

Nickie Rowsey, Accountant Senior with UMSI for nearly 20 years, received the Peer-to-Peer Staff Award, which honors someone who has made significant contributions in service to other staff. The staff who nominated Nickie for the award lauded the patience, respect and understanding she brings while helping them navigate U-M’s financial processes. “Nickie consistently provides above-and-beyond service, follow-through and guidance in all she does,” reads her nomination packet. “I can always count on Nickie.” 

Nominees for the Peer-to-Peer Staff Award also included Kelly Iott, Judy Lawson, and Jeff Smith. 

Jacques Chestnut, the Administrative Assistant serving the faculty and the Office of the Dean at UMSI, received the Outstanding Staff Recognition Award. This award honors someone who embodies and advances the UMSI mission and nominations come from the wider UMSI community. Jacques received an unprecedented 11 nominations for the award, with nominators citing his strong leadership, enthusiasm and extraordinary effort across the board. As a permanent staff member for a little more than a year, Jacques has served on the DEI committee and the MHealthy committee. He has gotten involved with staff events and taken a leadership role when possible. “Jacques has tackled every challenge that came his way,” one nominator said. “He is reliable, dependable and a real asset to the School of Information.”

Nominees for the Outstanding Staff Recognition Award also included Veronica Falandino, Carolyn Gregurich, Lyhn Huyhn, Kelly Iott, Katy Peters, Heidi Skrzypek, Todd Stuart and Rachel Wiener. 

Staff awards deserve wider recognition, says Dean Thomas A. Finholt, because “the work of the staff benefits the school at every level. Congratulations to this year’s nominees and winners and thank you for fostering an environment of positivity, collaboration and inspired work at UMSI.”