Applause for Deb McWilliams

“It is impossible to state how much Deb does for our Co-op and specifically our department, Communication Studies. She often works ahead of us, ensuring that we have what we need for upcoming deadlines by asking us ahead what we might need and anticipating what those needs might be. I honestly can't think of how we functioned before her. She is such a joyful, talented force in our office. I love stopping in to talk to her and she always knows the answer to my questions or finds out ASAP for me.

She also quickly responds via email. If I have a question, I know she'll find the answer. I don't know how she does it (and so well too) because I know she has a lot on her plate. I'm so grateful she works in our Co-op and she always makes my day better when I see her. It is so clear she is very dedicated to her job and the people and departments she assists. We're very lucky to have her. Thank you Deb for all that you do to make LPH a better place to work!”

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“Deb is always on top of deadlines, potential problems, and issues that the department might need to think about. She is proactive in trying to help department chairs and faculty address challenges. She is a great communicator. She is always willing to meet and often initiates contact about anything she foresees might be an issue down the road. She consistently smooths the way and makes life easier for the faculty she works with. She is reliable, insightful, and clear-sighted. I don't know what we'd do without her! Please give her an Applause!”

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“Deb is an amazing person who handles so many things expertly for our department. She is someone who I can count on to proactively ensure all the many things I ask of her are done well, on time, and in a way that supports my goals. She is someone is always welcoming, supportive, and ready to help make something happen and/or to solve problems.

She has supported my work across so many facets - to include, but not limited to - administration (e.g., course scheduling, curriculum planning), event planning (e.g., Advisory Board events for undergraduate students, department event planning) and she has helped me navigate countless problems. She has shown up to events for our undergraduate students to ensure things go well (e.g., Comm Studies alumni panel), demonstrating her commitment to our department's ability to accomplish its goals. She is dependable, proactive, and so easy to work with - always so supportive and welcoming. Deb is incredibly deserving of this award.”

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“We hired Deb into the LPH co-op in my last year as Department Chair of Communication Studies. I was on the hiring committee and was so impressed with her from the start. She was eager to learn, and I enjoyed working with her and giving her background into how things work in the academy and for faculty. I could tell that she wanted a deep understanding of the culture of the place.

Throughout my time as Chair, and since, I have been incredibly impressed with Deb’s work ethic and her willingness and ability to take initiative in all aspects of the job. She often brought ideas to the table and, given that she had responsibility for multiple units, she paid attention to what is unique about each unit and also helped to bring best practices to different groups. In addition to her outstanding work, Deb is also lovely and caring individual. She has gone the extra mile to help me as my mobility issues increased and especially since I have been working at home. She has never missed an opportunity to help and serve. Deb McWilliams is incredibly deserving of an Applause Award!”

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“Deb is a hero for our department. She is tireless in thinking about our needs as faculty and the needs of our students. As someone who has had to work from home this past year at least part-time and occasionally full time, Deb has been my eyes and ears in Pound. She monitors our mail, paperwork needs, class schedules and so much more. She deserved a round of Applause!”

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“Deb is an outstanding Administrative Technician who works to support multiple CAS departments in Pound Hall. I had the pleasure of working with Deb as the Interim Chair for Classics and Religious Studies. Deb was always efficient and cheerful and helped me onboard into the interim role effectively. She oversaw important upgrades to the department processes and facilities, while most of us were working fully remote. In my 42 years as a faculty member, including 12 as an administrator, I would rank Deb among the top administrative assistants I have encountered!”

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“In addition to being incredibly helpful and conscientious, Deb is a warm and kind presence in our LPH office. When our main office was short-staffed, Deb stepped in to offer support for all of our units, always doing an exemplary job. We are so lucky to have her in the co-op.”

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“As the administrative technician who supports Ethnic Studies (along with 2 other academic units), Deb is exceptional. Her writing skills and professional etiquette are immaculately correct (which matters tremendously when we're corresponding with scholars at other institutions), and she's been incredibly helpful in anticipating my administrative needs as the interim director of Ethnic Studies. She helps me coordinate our curriculum planning and co-curricular planning, orders needed books and materials for our faculty and TAs, and communicates with our faculty, graduate specializers, and TAs. When she occasionally reads my drafts of administrative documents for me, she always provides genuinely useful, thoughtful feedback. When I ask Deb to perform a task, I never have to worry that she won't get it done or won't do it correctly; she usually completes it before I even expect it, and its quality always meets or even exceeds my expectations. In this way, Deb's reliability improves and smooths my own work experience. She makes coming to work a pleasure. Deb McWilliams is consistently efficient, positive, cheerful, helpful, and professional--a joy to work with and to know. I can think of no one more deserving of an Applause Award.”

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“Debra is tireless in her willingness to help professors and students, and unflaggingly cheerful, despite the extraordinary strains that have arisen thanks to the pandemic. She learned her job quickly, and adroitly assumed responsibilities that had been left untended following the retirement of several long-time office managers. She made the transition from our old building to LPH much easier by thinking through logistical problems with chairs and program directors, and has come to embody the success that is the Pound Business Coop.”