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Classified Senate has named Melissa Ervin, administrative associate for the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and the School of Film, the Employee of the Month for February 2020. 

This recognition is Classified Senateā€™s way of awarding those employees who have shown outstanding individual achievement and performance of their jobs, while inspiring and supporting the achievement of others. 

Criteria for selection include:

• Positive attitude and serving as a role model;
• Productivity and commitment to quality;
• Initiative and taking on additional responsibilities

Ervin was nominated by OHIO employees Adam Grimm, Andrea Frohne, and Steven Ross. The following is a sample of the comments made about Ervin in the nomination:

ā€œI cannot think of a more deserving employee. Melissa goes above and beyond to make the office a welcoming place, both for faculty and for graduate students every morning in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and every afternoon in the School of Film.ā€ 

ā€œMelissa is very in tune with the needs or any hardships graduate students may encounter. This can be students coming from another country, to commuting from out of town, to preparing for comprehensive exams. I have discovered she emails advanced students who she may not see coming around to check on them. These actions are amazing for retention, recruitment, and keeping wayward students on track to some extent. Melissa does these things because she is generous and cares about her workspace. One thing I enjoy is that Melissa is so appreciative. She keeps a positive approach and a positive attitude in the workplace.ā€ 

ā€œMelissa Ervin brings great competence and a humanistic spirit to the workplace every day.ā€

ā€œWorking in a film school is not predictable. Certainly there are the regular tasksā€“budget, schedules, CONCUR, grad contracts, teaching evaluationsā€“that are part of the normal drill. But then there are the curve balls that are part and parcel with film production. Students frequently lean on Melissa to help ā€˜put out firesā€™ and solve last minute logistical challenges. She always tries to help.ā€

Ervin recently answered some get-to-know you questions:

How long have you worked at your job? 

Four years.

What are the most enjoyable things about your job? 

The students.

If you werenā€™t in your present job, you would be working as a ______? 

Student aide. 

What hobbies or interests do you enjoy pursuing when youā€™re not at work?  

Reading, cooking, gardening, and crafts.

What is something that most people donā€™t know about you? 

I want to write a book of ghost stories based on tales told to me while growing up in West Virginia. 

What is your favorite saying or quote? 

ā€œNo matter what comes our way we still choose how to move forward.ā€ 
 

More information is available on the Classified Senate website about the Employee of the Month program, including a nomination form.