Director of Academic Services, Shellie Shirk was recently awarded the 2023 Marion Staff Advisory Committee's Outstanding Staff Award for her service to students, faculty, fellow staff at Ohio State Marion.
The Outstanding Staff Award recognizes staff that enhance the quality of work life at Ohio State Marion in ways that make a significant difference for the campus, while providing outstanding and ongoing excellence in service to staff, students, faculty, and others. Recipients of this award distinguish themselves by exhibiting work habits that consistently set a positive example for others throughout their career at Ohio State. Nominees consistently demonstrate one or more of these additional university values: openness and trust, diversity in people and ideas, change and innovation, simplicity or efficiency in our work, and leadership.
According to many of the nominations, the longtime Ohio State Marion employee has consistently demonstrated a strong sense of teamwork and selflessness.
One nomination stated that Shirk, "has demonstrated exemplary leadership in the department and showed empathy and compassion, uniting, and updating the team."
Another shared that Shirk's, "leadership and guidance has cultivated a strong sense of trust within our team as a place to be open and honest at work and looks to find the best outcome for all, exemplifying the core values of Ohio State Marion, modeling true leadership through a thoughtful approach but with equal willingness to learn.
Another nomination shared that Shirk, "displayed openness, trust, empathy, and compassion in interactions with students, staff, and faculty."
Shirk said that she is honored to have been awarded the 2023 Outstanding Staff Award by the Marion Staff Advisory Council.
"To be recognized by your peers is a humbling accomplishment. I am grateful for the support the career services and advising team, along with Leslie Beyer-Hermsen, give me on a regular basis," said Shirk.
"Their dedication to student success inspires me and provides a collaborative and creative work environment.," Shirk added.
According to Shirk, working with students each day is one of the best parts of her job.
"Seeing them discover new things about themselves and the world around them is exciting," she said. "It can also be challenging for students as they face significant first-time adult decisions while pursuing their education. Being able to listen to and reflect on their concerns as they navigate plans for their education and future is a privilege."
Shirk began her Ohio State career in 2005 as an academic advisor on the Marion campus before being promoted to coordinator of academic advising in 2010 and director of academic services in 2015.
The Ohio State Marion Outstanding Staff Award is presented at the end of summer semester each academic year during the Staff Appreciation Luncheon.