The�West Virginia University Eberly College of Arts and Sciences named four recipients of the 2016 Outstanding Staff Award: Deborah “Debbie” Koon-Friel, Robert Phipps, R. George Parnell and Ronny Thompson.

Deborah “Debbie” Koon-Friel has worked as an administrative assistant in the Department of Public Administration for more than 35 years. Her devotion to the department’s students and their organizations has been noted by many.

“Her knowledge is extensive, her commitment is unwavering, and she is dedicated to ensuring faculty and students receive excellent service,” one faculty member wrote in a recommendation.

Robert Phipps, professional technologist in the Office of the Dean, is always willing to offer his computer expertise and lend a helping hand. Several recommendations commended him for being attentive, responsive, knowledgeable, service-oriented and compassionate.

“To say he goes above and beyond is an understatement,” said members of the Outstanding Staff Award Committee.

R. George Parnell, accounting clerk in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, came into the position after three months of vacancy and years of mishandled work. His dedication to the job, pride in his work and personality has helped bridge the gap between faculty and vendors and has earned him the respect of everyone in the department.

According his coworkers, Parnell frequently goes above and beyond in his position, substituting for others in the office when they are absent and making sure everything is taken care of.

“He has done an amazing job of bringing a high level of organization and efficiency to a job for which both are extremely challenging,” said Paul�Cassak,�associate professor,�Department�of�Physics and Astronomy. “He really has quickly become a fixture in the department and a very steadying influence on the faculty and staff.”

Ronny Thompson, program assistant in the Department of Political Science, has consistently provided excellent customer service for the last nine years and has become invaluable to the department by how she helps with undergraduate advising.

Her reputation has extended to the Undergraduate Advising Office where everyone enjoys working with her because she is punctual and pleasant. Her supervisor is impressed by her willingness to take on additional duties and responsibilities.

“Ronny is a joy to work with.�She is efficient, knowledgeable, and above all dependable,” said Philip A. Michelbach, associate professor in the Department of Political Science. “Ronny does her job with a cheerfulness that makes any interaction with her a pleasant experience. Our department would be lost without her help.”

-WVU-

kc/hs/04/05/16

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