Christie Miree Awards recognize outstanding USA employees

Six employees at the University of South Alabama and USA Health were named winners of the 2020 Christie Miree USA National Alumni Association Outstanding Employee Service Awards.

The awards recognize excellent service provided to students, alumni and others by USA and USA Health employees. The awards are named for Christie Miree, an alumna of USA and a former member of the USA Board of Trustees. Employees are nominated by employment category.

“Through the pandemic, I have been encouraged by and proud of the work of our university and USA Health employees,” said USA President Tony Waldrop. “Our nominees in particular were selected because of commitment and excellence in service, and I thank them on behalf of the university.”

The six winners, featured below, were announced by Zoom on Nov. 11, 2020, with the following comments made about them during the nomination process. The winners received a $200 stipend from the alumni association.

Administrative

Belinda Baggett, director of USA Health volunteer services and USA Health Auxiliary

“While working to consolidate the auxiliaries for both hospitals and bring in USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, Belinda stepped up to the plate and covered for the missing key auxiliary members while identifying, convincing and coaching new volunteer leaders. She was able to bring the new leaders up to speed and allow them to provide input so they could fully support the proposed new USA Health Auxiliary bylaws.”

Professional

Cathy McCurley, RN, BSN, unit supervisor in the neonatal intensive care unit at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital

“Cathy was instrumental in opening the small baby unit. She completed research, worked on design and flow of the unit with our administrators and facilities department. She wrote, taught and implemented policies and procedures related to the small baby unit with soul and heart. Without her hard work and dedication, it would have taken an extra year before the unit would be opened.”

Clerical

Bettina Kelson, medical transcriber in pathology at USA Health University Hospital

“A medical transcriber at USA Health, this ‘Mask Angel’ created more than 300 cloth masks for healthcare workers, going well above and beyond the call of duty.”

Crafts/Trades

Milton “Shane” Walker, maintenance mechanic II in facilities at University Hospital

“Not only is he ‘Johnny on the spot,’ he always has a smile on his face and is always kind and respectful. Milton ‘Shane’ is making a difference at USA Health University Hospital.”

Service

Shedrick McPherson, custodial worker II at USA

“He has spent the last 41 years dedicated to cleaning, waxing and putting a shine on the floors throughout the campus. The pride he has for his job shows in his work.”

Technical

Darlene Henderson, medical assistant II in high-risk OB-GYN at Children’s & Women’s Hospital

“She is very helpful and polite toward visitors, auxiliary staff and physicians. She is very professional and willing to do anything she can to help others. ‘Darling Darlene’ takes the time with her patients for that extra TLC that they need during some of the roughest times.”

All employees nominated for Christie Miree Awards were designated to the US-A Team, which signifies that they go above the call of duty, demonstrate exemplary professionalism and make outstanding contributions to USA. All nominees received a framed certificate, a $10 Starbucks gift card, a small floral arrangement and an Employee Recognition at South branded cup.

In addition to the winners, nominees include:

Administrative

Norma Jean Tanner, director of USA admissions and enrollment services

David Williams, assistant director of course development at the USA Innovation in Learning Center

Professional

Karin Bryson, academic records specialist, USA School of Computing

Marcelo Gerjoi, PA-C, physician assistant in neurosurgery at USA Health Physicians Group

Marcella Riley, RN, clinical level II in the post-anesthesia care unit at University Hospital

Karen Williams, RN, charge nurse and working supervisor in the mother-baby unit at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital

Clerical

Monica Chambliss, secretary V in USA medical affairs development

Pamela Howard, administrative assistant at the USA Honors College

Bernadette Standifer, secretary V in the USA biomedical sciences department

Service

Deborah Brown, custodial supervisor II, University Hospital

Napangee “Linda” Mani, custodial worker I at the Mitchell Cancer Institute

Liza Smith, custodial worker I at Children’s & Women’s Hospital

Jessica Whitlock, laundry worker II at Children’s & Women’s Hospital (now a patient care assistant at University Hospital)

Technical

Carolyn Banks, LPN II in the pediatric surgery clinic at Children’s & Women’s Hospital