Dorothy Nutter, Graduate Admissions Clerical Assistant II, has been with the Office of Graduate Studies and Research since 1990. Her primary responsibilities lie in the area of graduate admissions. Dorothy processes between 1,300 and 1,500 graduate applications a year. She enters all student information onto the Student Information System, communicates with both the student applicant and the appropriate department, and creates and maintains files for all students. Dorothy is very meticulous in fulfilling these highly detailed duties. She completes her tasks accurately and efficiently and takes pride in being able to say that applications are entered the same day they are received. These responsibilities require Dorothy to be knowledgeable about 50 different degree programs and to be able to deal with multiple tasks and numerous interruptions. Her experience and knowledge have been very instrumental in several office projects addressing needed improvements in the admission process. Currently, she is working on the revision of the graduate application form and on developing a process to facilitate electronic applications.
Dorothy's concept of "teamwork" is considerably broader than might be expected. Her "team" consists of not only the office staff and the Graduate Dean, but also the multitude of students and faculty with whom she interacts on a daily basis. She is very willing to help students, faculty, and staff, and is known for her patience in answering questions. Dorothy has the unenviable task of dealing with difficult situations and people who may be demanding, and she is often the first person an office visitor meets. She deals with all situations and people willingly, and she excels in dissipating stress and alleviating concerns. She brings her positive attitude and her cordial, respectful manner to all interactions with others. Thus, Dorothy is more than a player on the team; she is the team leader in many respects.
Ms. Nutter's organizational skills are put to the test every day. Since graduate students are often part-time and enroll infrequently, she has cabinets full of active files. She is able to maintain these files and communicate with students about specific issues related to admission status, registration and coursework, and degree completion. Dorothy's strong work ethic is underscored by her dependability and by consistently arriving on campus early and leaving late.
Dorothy's positive attitude, helpful demeanor, and professional manner contribute significantly to the excellent morale found in the Graduate Office. In addition to graduate admissions, she is knowledgeable about other areas within the office. She assists with Research Services Council matters and Student Research Day. Dorothy regularly assists faculty members in a wide variety of matters related to graduate education and research and to graduate faculty status and the workings of the Graduate Council.
Because of her talents and commitment to her work supporting graduate education and research, the University of Nebraska at Kearney is pleased to name Dorothy Nutter the Employee of the Month for August 2000.