Dixie Larson has been with the University of Nebraska at Kearney since September 1995, in the Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity. During the period of time between the departure of the AA/EO/Ombudsperson and the appointment of the Interim AA/EO Director and the Ombudsperson in the fall of 1999, Dixie kept all business of the office current. She managed to maintain a high level of efficiency in the office by responding, forwarding, or referring inquiries on a variety of issues and by acting on search processes quickly with minimal support from a temporary and part time Director. She managed details of searches that were concluding and being initiated during this time. In addition, she took on the responsibility of initiating the data collection and reporting for the annual Affirmative Action Plan. It is clear that Dixie thoroughly understands the workings of her office and is able to perform in an exemplary manner for the benefit of the university.
Dixie provides support to the Director of the Dual Career Program, especially during the times when large projects require attention. In those instances, she has pitched in to help with bulk mailings and other clerical duties so the Director's hours do not exceed the contracted amount. Through her teamwork, Dixie supports the University by keeping payroll costs minimized.
When the Director of the Dual Career program was on vacation in the summer of 2000, Dixie provided backup support by answering calls from employers and referring job leads to accompanying partners. Because Dixie always goes above and beyond what is asked of her, she spent a few minutes getting to know each of the accompanying partners. When several employers called with job openings, she was able to reassure the employers that there were people with the skills to meet their needs. Because of Dixie's proactive work during the Director's vacation period, two accompanying partners obtained jobs. Her efficiency in tracking new hires and forwarding information to the Dual Career Director has made her a valuable aide and a real asset to the university's ability to "close the deal" on many hires. Her knowledge of the local workplace is also very beneficial in making suggestions on contacts for employment.
During slower times in the office Dixie has spent time improving computer skills. She has mastered HTML so that she can post job openings on the website within 24 hours after receiving approval. Dixie is always gracious, respectful, and discreet in receiving and referring inquiries or complaint issues that come to the office. She is pleasant and courteous to all candidates and is a great asset to our recruitment efforts.
Because of her complete knowledge of her job, and her willingness and ability to handle the office without direction from others, the University of Nebraska at Kearney is pleased to recognize Dixie Larson as Employee of the Month for June 2001.