West Virginia University farm operator, called outstanding in his field, was chosen this morning (March 17) to receive the Universitys highest classified staff award.

William T. Jones, a farm operator with the WVU Division of Animal and Veterinary Sciences for the past 31 years, received the 14th annual Staff Council award from WVU President David C. Hardesty, Jr. during a 10:30 a.m. ceremony at Erickson Alumni Center. Jones received numerous nominations from faculty and staff.

“WVU’s University-wide Employee Recognition Committee selected Mr. Jones for this award because of the great many superb recommendations submitted on his behalf,”said Sandy McIe, Staff Council Employee Recognition Committee Chair.”His history of exemplary work at WVU more than qualifies him for this award.”

One nominator, Robert Daily, former interim dean of the Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences, described Jones as”a congenial, energetic, hard-working and dedicated employee.”

Another colleague, John Warren, division director of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, said Jones is”excellent”in his role as farm operator.

“He manages the Morgantown Livestock Farm and the Reedsville Experiment Station Farms of the Division of Animal and Veterinary Sciences,”Warren said,”which together comprise about 1,800 acres and involve teaching and research herds and flocks of dairy and beef cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. Bill is a highly effective manager and a well-respected supervisor for 21 farm employees.”

Rosemary Haggett, associate provost for academic programs, is another of Jones supporters.”Some may think that operating the University farms is a simple or easy task,”Dr. Haggett said.”On the contrary, it requires knowledge of cutting-edge methodology, an excellent sense of budget management and the ability to interact well with farm workers on one hand and faculty on the other.”

Jones, she said, has all these skills.”He is dedicated professional who strives for continuous improvement in the operation of the farms under his management. He is an excellent leader and supervisor of his staff, who respect him greatly.”

As this years recipient, Jones will receive an engraved plaque, $1,000 cash award, season tickets for two to either basketball or football, season tickets for two to the University Arts Series, two tickets to West Virginia Public Theatre and a Mountaineer statue, among other gifts.

Jones, who represents the administrative job category, was one of five finalists. Fifteen other outstanding employees also were recognized.

. Other finalists, their titles and job categories include: Paul Martinelli, Extension operations coordinator, professional; Joyce Tennant, Admissions and Records applications programmer, technical; Betty Jurick, Health Restoration administrative secretary, clerical; and Pat Johnson, Dining Services food service assistant, service.

Other outstanding employees recognized at todays ceremony include:

Administrative Nick Lapana, Dining Services food service supervisor; Sharon Sisler, Physical Education senior office administrator; Jean Tucker, Agriculture and Forestry

Professional Sandy Christopher, academic advisor in Undergraduate Academic Services; Hayward Helmick, Physical Plant program coordinator; Beth Michael, Arts and Sciences human resources representative; Christine Tarabrella, Arts and Sciences senior administrative assistant; Joseph Wiles, Undergraduate Academic Services administrative assistant

Technical Rita Dudley, Agriculture and Forestrys student records assistant; Thomas Mersing, student records assistant in social work; Becky Snider, Extended Learnings program assistant I; Joyce Tennant, Admissions and Records applications programmer

Clerical Brenda Higa, Clinical Pharmacy administrative assistant; Jodie Lewis, Creative Arts administrative secretary; Pam Otto, Consumer Sciences secretary; and Gretchen Riggs, Animal and Veterinary Sciences administrative secretary.