USM Office Honors Employees

Adelphi, Md. (Feb. 2, 2016) - The University System of Maryland (USM) Office recently announced its 2016 Employee Service and Achievement Award winners, who were honored during a gathering of USM Office staff. Twenty individuals were recognized for achieving five or more years (in five-year intervals) of career service.  Six individuals were recognized for extraordinary achievement during the past year.

Achievement Award winners were nominated, considered, and approved by USM's senior leadership. An individual from five major departments (Internal Audit; Administration & Finance; Academic Affairs; Advancement; and the Office of the Chancellor) was selected. (Two honorees were selected from the Office of Administration and Finance due to that office's large size.)

At a reception held at the USM Elkins Building and organized by the Office of Human Resources, each service award winner received a certificate and a memento. Achievement award winners received a $500 check, funded by the USM Foundation.

Below are remarks made by USM Chancellor Robert L. Caret about each of the Achievement Award recipients.

Achievement Award Winners
Nancy Lancione, Office of Internal Audit
"Nancy is the Office of Internal Audit's Fraud Audit Manager and has served as lead investigator over the past 10 years.  In addition to conducting investigative audits with the utmost professionalism and diligence, Nancy also established ongoing fraud monitoring programs at every institution to proactively prevent and detect fraud.  Nancy combines a high level of analytical skills with the ability to effectively manage people and sensitive information."

Marcus Harrington, Office of Administration and Finance
"Marcus serves as a technical lead for the IT Services Group.  One of the major projects he took on last year was working with the Communications Office to design, build, and launch the new USM website.  It was launched just a few weeks ago and I think we can all agree he did a tremendous job.  The site is attractive, engaging, and instructive.  And doing it without engaging an outside contractor was a real savings for the USM."

Monica West, Office of Administration and Finance
"Monica's extraordinary efforts driving the operating budget are well known here at the System Office.  On top of that, her reputation for honesty and integrity with leadership in Annapolis, combined with her persistence and tenacity, have secured a huge victory for the entire System.  Both the Administration and DBM agreed to recognize the structural deficit in the health insurance benefits program, which means they will add base funds to the USM budget of approximately $45 million for health insurance and retirement, as well as a deficiency funding in the amount of $16.5 million. Thank you, Monica!"

Tracey Jamison, Office of Academic Affairs
"Tracey is the Director of Articulation and Enrollment Services, and in addition to her regular responsibilities she took on the significant task of assisting Coppin State University in the implementation of its "Enrollment Recovery Plan."  Using targeted communication efforts and highlighting scholarship availability, she reached out to students and potential community college transfer students.   Her physical presence on campus three days per week helped underscore USM's commitment to Coppin's success."

Amber Lighston, Office of Advancement
"As the Advancement Office's administrative assistant, Amber provides support to the special events office and the chief of staff, while also assisting with communications efforts and professional development programs.  She also consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to conduct research, work with vendors, communicate with campus partners, and help at Hidden Waters.  And she does all this while in a graduate program at Bowie State University!"

Andy Clark, Office of the Chancellor
"Andy has served as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations for eight years and brought a high level of professionalism to the position.  He organizes the activities of the State Relations Council; works closely with CUSS, CUSF, and the USM Student Council; produces a weekly legislative session newsletter; and provides a comprehensive end of session report (the first done by USM). Andy has also provided information, testimony and leadership at the national level, working with higher education associations and briefing congressional delegation members and staff on high education concern."

Contact: Jennifer Rose
Phone: 301.445.2756
Email: jrose@usmd.edu