HILLSBORO, Kan. – Susan Lehrman, associate registrar at Tabor College, was announced as the inaugural winner of the Staff Excellence Award at a faculty and staff appreciation dinner in May. Lehrman received the award for her kind and gracious spirit when working with faculty, staff and students.
“The selection committee was overwhelmed by the response of nominations for the first year of the award,” said Frank Johnson, vice president for academic affairs. Johnson oversaw the selection process as a member of the Institutional Assessment Committee, which developed the award for staff.
“The comments were deeply moving and a clear reminder that Tabor is a special place,” he said.
Peer nominations commented on Lehrman’s character and attitude in her role.
“Susan is always a cheerful voice on the other end of the phone,” one nomination noted. “She is always willing to help solve and problem that has arisen. Her knowledge of her area is exceptional and I know I can rely on her honestly giving me the truth. It is a pleasure to work with her.”
Lehrman was surprised by the honor.
“I didn’t expect it and am humbled by the comments from my colleagues,” she said. “It is so special to work for a place that recognizes the effort and value of staff contributions. The people at Tabor have made it a joy to go to work.”
The award was presented just as Lehrman announced her retirement after 30 years of service to the college. She will continue through the summer and conclude her duties sometime during the fall of 2017.
Lehrman began working at Tabor in 1988 as the academic secretary and was promoted throughout her years to her current position. Among the key tasks in her role, she assists students with course registration, maintains the database of student grades and supports the academic office in transcript request fulfillment.
“Susan has been a constant in the academic office,” said Johnson. “Not only does she do her job extremely well, but she has a tremendous amount of historical knowledge that our team draws on regularly. She will be greatly missed.”
This Staff Excellence Award is given annually to the staff member who best exemplifies the qualities of excellent contribution at Tabor College. These qualities include a strong Christian commitment as evidenced by the integration of faith into work; a clear record of excellence in achievement and performance, community focus, workplace creativity, and customer service and successful completion of three years of service at the end of the current academic year.