Judy Spivey has worked for the University since August 1990, first with the Department of Special Education, and since May 1997, with the Department of Communication. Prior to the merger of Speech and Journalism/Mass Communications in July 1998, there were two secretaries. Since the merger, Judy has capably managed the office areas in three buildings for 13 full-time and 6 part-time faculty and student workers. Her performance, diligence, and efficiency far exceed any expectations any person might have for her.
Judy has taken upon herself the task of learning the accounting package used by The Antelope newspaper and has volunteered to supervise the student Business Manager for the paper. She produces the billing statements during the summer for 50-75 accounts belonging to the newspaper, she schedules student workers for a computer laboratory and the Mitchell Center office, and tracks approximately 50 student employee payrolls. In addition to her work for the faculty in her department, Judy produces mass mailings for the department alumni newsletter and recruitment materials for Nebrska high school teachers and state speech finalists. She prepares follow-up letters for prospective students who call, write or visit the department, places recruitment ads in high school newspapers, coordinates visitation schedules for prospective students and facutly, and performs routine software installation and troubleshooting on faculty and staff computers.
Because Judy is aware of the enrollment issues facing the department, the college, and the University, she has made signigicant recruiting efforts for the department. Recently, she sent letters of congratulations to each of the top six Class C and D finalists in the various categories in the 1999 Nebraska State Speech and Debate competition. This involved accessing the Nebraska School Activities Association website for the names of the finalists, then accessing the high school address database for the addresses. She completed the task in record time, mailing 300 letters.
Judy is an efficient and valuable member of the Communications Department team. She tracks numerous accounts to keep the department within budget. Judgments pertaining to the department's business affairs are left to her, as she can be trusted to make good decisions. Regardless of which of several tasks she may be engaged in, people find Judy to be helpful, courteous, resourceful, and pleasant. She is supportive of faculty and staff, and makes every effort to see that needed materials are available.
Because of her efficiency and value to her department and University, the University of Nebraska at Kearney is pleased to name Judy Spivey as Employee of the Month for August 1999.