Michelle Hamaker, an outstanding member of the UNK Public Safety Department for the past two years, serves as a corporal and accepts willingly the responsibilities associated with that position. Currently, she supervises the four full-time and three part-time officers on the evening and night shifts. Michelle searches constantly for new ideas in the professional literature; she also reviews laws and directives to ensure that Public Safety is in compliance with them. After returning from a conference on security standards, Michelle set up a program to test emergency phones and door conditions across campus, and she participated in two sexual assault rape prevention programs with the Kearney Police Department. Since then, she has conducted several similar programs on campus. Additionally, Michelle routinely presents programs for various student groups and has addressed several outside organizations concerning security issues.
Michelle Hamaker is a team player. Upon assuming the position of corporal she set about revising the training program for new full and part-time officers. This training program has resulted in improved services from the officers and has enhanced their reputation for maintaining a safe campus climate. Michelle also does not overlook areas where problems may arise. She initiated the policy of having officers walk through the residence halls as a matter of routine. Thus, officers and student residents are now better acquainted and share a mutual understanding of the importance of providing a safe environment for all members of the university community.
As a supervisor, Michelle has raised performance standards in many areas. She routinely reviews reports for correctness and accuracy and assists the officers in improving their report writing abilities. Officer Hamaker stresses the importance of high standards and professional behavior in the officers she supervises. Michelle is also a graduate student working toward a master's degree in counseling. She manages to perform her job and students duties while being the mother of two young children and participating in a host of Girl Scout activities!
Michelle projects a pleasant, positive image of the Department of Public Safety among the faculty and staff. At the same time, she maintains a highly professional demeanor. Several unpleasant situations necessitated her interviewing faculty and staff members. Each time, the department received compliments on both her expert performance and the pleasant, skilled manner in which Michelle conducted the interviews. This is a positive indicator to her superiors that Michelle can be counted on to bring a positive attitude and exceptional insights to all aspects of her job performance.
Because of her superb talents and her unflagging commitment to her work, the University of Nebraska at Kearney is pleased to name Michelle Hamaker the Employee of the Month for June 2000.