Smith receives Outstanding Contribution Award at UVa-Wise

Accurate, consistent and hardworking are the three words used most often to describe Pearl Smith, winner of the 2009 Outstanding Contribution Award at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

Smith, a fiscal technician in the Office of Development, has been with UVa-Wise for a decade. She moved up from a part-time post to her current position in Development.

“Pearl is a hard worker and she takes her job seriously,” said Gina Chisenhall, director of gift accounting at UVa-Wise. “Pearl prepares her work with assiduousness that is unequaled.”

The Office of Development has been understaffed for the past year, and staff members have taken on extra duties and responsibilities. Chisenhall said Smith has embraced new and additional duties to insure necessary tasks are complete.

“Pearl’s work in gift accounting, accounts payable and receivable, and records management impacts our internal and external constituents on many levels,” said Tami Ely, vice chancellor for development and college relations. “The results are extremely visible to the public and her accuracy is crucial to our institution’s fundraising efforts and continued success.”

One of Smith’s duties is to work with the University’s internal and external auditors. She compiles documents for the auditors and provides follow-up information. An auditor recently told a UVa-Wise vice chancellor that he had never seen files a perfect as Smith’s.

Ely said Smith does not let her job description limit her. She assists with multiple projects and is unselfish with her time and expertise.

“Pearl is extremely effective in her working relationships on campus and with our co-workers at the University,” Ely said. “She’s well respected by those who call upon her continually for information and assistance. I’ve heard nothing but praise and admiration from all who deal with her.”

A shocked Smith shed a few tears when she learned she had received the Outstanding Contribution Award, and co-workers flooded her office offering congratulations.

“I really enjoy working with the people here at UVa-Wise,” Smith said. “It gives me an opportunity to prove what I can do. I have the opportunity to learn new things and move up. It’s like a family here.”

Each year one classified staff member at UVa-Wise is selected to receive the Outstanding Contribution Award along with colleagues from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Letters of nomination are accepted from faculty and staff, with an awards committee making the final decision on the winner.

Smith, who receives a $1,000 cash award, will be honored along with other award winners in a ceremony in Charlottesville hosted by U.Va. President John T. Casteen III.

                                                                                                     Posted May 6, 2009