Potter receives Outstanding Contribution Award from U.Va.

Pamela Potter, an administrative systems manager at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, is the recipient of the 2005 Outstanding Contribution Award presented by the University of Virginia.

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. Potter, a resident of Wise, will be honored along with other U.Va. employees during a June 15 dinner hosted in Charlottesville by U.Va. President John T. Casteen III.

Potter is the person whose phone rings for help posting grades, conducting degree audits, managing the student card system, generating detailed reports, and completing every other computer function that relates to students.

“Even under the most stressful situations, she models dedication and perseverance putting the College first and requiring no less from the rest of our team,” Oscar Raile, Potter’s supervisor, wrote in his letter of nomination. “Ms. Potter really understands the demands that her customers face and works with an uncommon dedication to enable them to serve the College community with excellence.”

Potter came to the College 27 years ago, first working as an administrative assistant in the Office of Continuing Education. She enrolled in classes as time permitted and earned her bachelor’s degree from the College in 1994, while pregnant with her second child. Potter has worked in the Office of Computer Services for 10 years.

Potter said she was surprised she was selected to receive the Outstanding Contribution Award. “I am honored that others value the job I do,” Potter said.

Potter’s award nomination was supported by several campus constituents, including the Campus Bookstore and the offices of Financial Aid, Institutional Studies, Cashier, and Registrar.

“This year Pam has truly produced outstanding results under difficult situations,” wrote Sheila B. Cox Combs, the College’s registrar and assistant dean. “Juggling the implementation of web services for the COCO (student information) system, the food service tracking process, and the bookstore operations with grace and finesse, Pam has amazed me with her dedication and professionalism.”