The University of Kentucky Staff Senate named Brenda Heeter, administrative services associate for the Department of Mechanical Engineering, an Outstanding Staff Award and Student Recognition Winner. She was honored at the 2017 Outstanding Staff Awards (OSA) recognition ceremony last week.
Brenda was nominated for the award by many of the graduate students and faculty members she works with every day. Faculty members even personally escorted her to ceremony.
“This award is quite flattering. I never expected the students to take the time to nominate me. The staff senate has provided me with the comments that the students put in, and that was one of the most rewarding parts,” said Brenda.
Brenda organizes seminars and speaking events, administers make-up exams and makes travel arrangements for department personnel. She enjoys planning trips for UK’s engineering faculty members around the world and has coordinated trips to Scotland, China and Japan, among other countries.
Through her work, Brenda has grown close to many graduate students over the years.
“It’s bittersweet,” she says, “since they are only here for four to five years and then move on. It’s a revolving door. However, many students stay in touch, even international students who have returned to their home countries. I always enjoy when they come back and visit.”
Brenda wants all engineering students to know about the resources and aid available to them.
“Engineering’s tough, and that’s why all of us are here—to help and offer support.”