Carol Best's helpful attitude and willingness to "jump in and help" wherever and whenever there is a need have been a positive influence on the entire Grounds and Facilities Department, according to her immediate supervisor, Les Ernst. Mr. Ernst indicated Carol, who is a Groundskeeper, is responsible for the very important task of marking and decorating Foster Field for UNK and KHS football games. There is a great deal of pressure placed on her to be precise because a team can be disqualified if the markings are not accurate and visible. Carol takes great pride in the painting that makes a difference between a field and a FIELD!--the UNK logo, the LOPER in the end zones, and contrasting colors. Carol must mark the field in all kinds of weather. She is also responsible for painting the practice area for the football team and the band, as well as taking care of the intramural fields and cross country courses.
Carol is the first to volunteer for a variety of work assignments and does so cheerfully. These assignments have included installation and maintenance of "terror-eyes" during crow season, furniture and equipment moves and set-ups, piano moves, trash and debris pickup, landscape projects, graffiti removal, tree watering, snow removal and sidewalk edging.
Carol is responsible for planting and maintaining the lovely flower beds on campus. The number of beds has increased from four to over a dozen in the last two years, thanks to Carol's efforts. Carol has planted spring bulbs on large areas of the campus. These include 1500 crocus, 500 tulips and seven bushels of daffodils. She is also responsible for tree and shrub trimming and the removal of dead and hazardous trees. Carol has attended numerous seminars and meetings around the state to improve her knowledge of various horticultural topics. Because of the information she has gained from these seminars, the appearance of the UNK campus is much improved.
Carol Best takes pride in her work, and her efforts have contributed much to the University's positive image. The University of Nebraska at Kearney is pleased to recognize Carol Best as the Employee of the Month for March 1997.