David P. Short Receives U.Va.'s Outstanding Contribution Award
June 27, 2000

David P. Short, Buildings and Grounds Superintendent at The University of Virginia's College at Wise, is the recipient of this year's Outstanding Contribution Award presented by the University of Virginia.

"I'm really flattered people think I deserve it," said Short, who has been nominated for the Outstanding Contribution Award for three consecutive years.

Each year one staff member from UVa-Wise is selected to receive the Outstanding Contribution Award along with colleagues from U.Va. Letters of nomination are accepted from faculty and staff, with an awards committee making the final decision on the winner. Short, accompanied by his wife, Angela, accepted the award during a special banquet held recently in Charlottesville.

A 1980 graduate of UVa-Wise, Short began his service to the College as a student worker in Facilities Management. A year after graduation, Short was hired as a full-time utilities serviceman at the College.

Today, Short supervises a crew of 14 full-time employees plus a contingent of student workers. With Short as a mentor, the time students spend mowing lawns and painting walls becomes more than a means to a paycheck.

"He gives them the confidence and direction that cannot be taught in the classroom," wrote John Reeves, UVa-Wise Director of Facilities, who nominated Short for the award. "None of his student workers leave this College without a true sense of commitment and pride that follows them throughout life. "

And he sets a shining example for his pupils. "David can often be seen on weekends and after hours mowing the lawns here UVa-Wise," Reeves wrote. "He sees that a job has to be done and he does it. It's a matter of pride and principle."

Despite a never-ending list of "urgent" work requests, Short's calm exterior never belies the stresses inherent to his job. "It's a balancing act of trying to get people where they are needed and to make decisions about what should be done first," Short said. With his guidance, the result is a smooth and seamless flow of activities.

"I can think of no one who has been so patient, determined, and loyal to the College and his responsibilities here," Laura Pritchard wrote in support of Short's nomination.

Short and his family reside in Big Stone Gap.