We are celebrating and recognizing the kindness that happens around us at UA! Check out all the Kindness Champions from January below.
Give a shoutout to a colleague or UA community member who radiates kindness, performed a particularly kind act, or helped you when you needed. Each Kindness Champion receives a card with the note from the nominator, and the submission will be posted on our Kindness Champions webpage.
Kim Stidham
Kim’s support through a recent invoice issue was outstanding. She walked me through each step of the process, ensuring that nothing was left out. She was proactive in offering to step in and help me gather additional information from a vendor, which was crucial for getting the invoice paid. Kim went above and beyond to help me, and I truly appreciate her dedication. In her position, it can be easy to get frustrated with employees who may not fully understand the invoice payment process, but she remained patient and made the entire experience less stressful. Her kindness and professionalism make her a true Kindness Champion in my book!
– Anonymous

Jordyn Pruitt
Jordyn brings light and laughter to work and life! She is always a fun and uplifting person to be around, and while she is incredibly busy, she still finds time to connect with others in truly meaningful ways.
– Anonymous

Jennifer Richardson
Jennifer is always diligent about keeping her team informed and up to date. Her approachable nature and willingness to answer any questions with a smile make her an invaluable part of the community.
– Anonymous

Amy Baker-Parton
Amy always thinks of those around her in everything she does. She is not only a team player, but also continually keeps our students and the future of the University center of everything she does. It is a joy to work with Amy!
– Anonymous

Jenny Goodard
Jenny not only serves the Dean’s office but also does what she can to serve the entire College of Human Environmental Sciences. Jenny never says something cannot be done and is a staple to everyday operations within CHES. Jenny is a joy to work with and always a punny or sarcastic comment ready at the right time.
– Anonymous

Sierra Morris
Sierra is a great influence, especially when it comes to keep wellness at the forefront of life. She encourages those around her to be better, even if it is making small changes in their lives that will make a positive impact long-term. She is very knowledgeable and passionate in what she does, and it shows in her day-to-day lifestyle. Sierra is an overall kind, uplifting, and wonderful person to be around.
– Anonymous

Stuart Usdan
There is no one else in our college that epitomizes kindness more than our Dean, Stuart Usdan. He goes out of his way to make sure that the people working directly under him laugh multiple times a day. His good nature and genuine care for his coworkers makes his team look forward to coming to work every day, even if they don’t show up until 8:30… or 10. If he could give out a trophy to his colleagues, he would do it every day. His employees appreciate all of his hard work, dedication, and authentic sense of humor. He is such a kind, fearless leader, his employees go out of their way to ensure he is appreciated everyday – ensuring he does not have to go one day without his coffee, creamer, or sugar and his office is appropriately heated.
– Anonymous

Neely Portera
Neely has humbly served this institution for over 20 years, giving her an incredibly rare and valuable gift as a colleague. Being able to reflect with her and remember the values and important traditions at UA is just one of the many strengths she shared as a colleague. She values honesty, she is reliable, and will always get the job done. She has been a great mentor to other development officers and colleagues across our campus. Most importantly, she demonstrates integrity and humility when working with people as evidence by the longstanding relationships she has with donors, Deans, faculty, staff, and alumni. Neely is truly one of our greatest assets at the University of Alabama. I can only hope others have the opportunity to work with her and learn from her as I have.
– Anonymous
