College of Education and Health Professions Presents 74 Rounds of Applause for Those Being “Taken Seriously”

Karan Burnette’s WE CARE Round of Applause takes pride of place on the top shelf of an antique desk in his office.

He shares space with three glass hummingbirds, a favorite of his late mother, and a photo of Burnette’s beloved Australian shepherd. That’s where she looks when she needs a little “come and get me.”

Tom Bennett keeps his round of applause on a small table in his office to remind him of the people he “has the privilege to serve” and the strong culture of caring that reigns at the College of Education and Health Professions .

The round keepsakes – which feature the college’s WE CARE logo – are displayed in many of its department and administrative unit offices on the University of Alberta campus and at its various outreach programs across the state.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, 74 rounds of applause were given to faculty, staff or teams who were “taken seriously.” The awards are one of multiple action items the college activated last fall as part of its WE CARE – Wellness and Education Commitment to Arkansas Excellence strategic plan. The plan has three main priorities, one of which is fostering a caring culture. One of the goals of this priority is to cultivate a culture of recognition, inclusion, engagement and well-being within the college.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate colleagues for this award at any time to recognize “those who go above and beyond the requirements of their position and demonstrate extraordinary care for their colleagues, students, or community.” . Recipients receive a letter from Dean Kate Mamiseishvili, remembrance of WE CARE, and a spotlight in the Dean’s monthly summary email.

The Round of Applause Award, given to faculty, staff or teams who demonstrate kindness.

“I was honored when I received a round of applause and a letter from Dean Kate,” said Burnette, executive director of one of the college’s outreach programs, Partners for Inclusive Communities. “Since we are off campus, mine arrived in the mail and I had no idea what it was when I opened it. I have tremendous respect for Dean Kate and his leadership at our university. For that she takes the time to send personal letters Sharing what others have said and recognizing caring efforts makes this experience even more special.”

Burnette added: “I think what we need in our world and in our work is a more caring culture, which is why I love everything about the WE CARE campaign, including the salvo ‘applause.”

Bennett, chief of staff and graduate coordinator in the college’s Department of Education Reform, sees the program as a simple but profound way to “show our appreciation for the people we work with every day.” He said being nominated by others had, in turn, inspired him to slow down and “catch other people caring.”

Bennett has received several nominations for the way he takes care of students and faculty and takes care of all the details.

One of the nominators noted: “He is always there to guide students not only through the administrative hurdles of their studies, but also, as a former director, he offers them encouragement and advice throughout. throughout their doctoral journey. He’s really the heart of (the department).”

Another nominator joked: “Its only flaw is that we can’t clone it.”

Three staff members from the college’s Department of Advising, Leadership and Research Methods also received a round of applause recently. The team, which includes Crystal Evans, Cindy Lowery and Sandra Ward, was praised for significantly easing the workload of a colleague who was in the midst of a profound personal loss.

In her congratulatory letter to the team, the dean wrote: “Care is at the heart of everything we do at our college, and I am deeply proud of the way you care for each other. Even in the darkest moments of life, you have all been a source of light. »