Nixon honored for 55 years of service to OSU

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

The annual Staff Awards and Recognition program Thursday was highlighted by the recognition of a staff member whose employment began when the university was still called Oklahoma A&M College. Dorothy Nixon, an administrative assistant in the School of Journalism and Broadcasting, was honored for an unprecedented five-and-a-half decades of service to OSU.

“What makes Ms. Nixon even more special is not only has she completed 55 years of service, but she has done it all within the same department,” said Carey Warner, chairwoman of the OSU Staff Advisory Council.

Nixon began working as a secretary in publications, now the School of Journalism and Broadcasting, on June 1, 1951.
Nixon, who is the only person ever to exceed 50 years of employment with OSU, received a Pistol Pete clock, service pin and a certificate during the recognition program.

“I like my job. I like the people, the staff, the faculty and the students,” Nixon said. “OSU has become home to me.”
Nixon grew up in Stillwater and worked at OSU in the cafeteria when she was in high school. She attended OSU for two years as a student studying home economics then a friend told her about a position opening in publications. She has been working as an administrative assistant in the department ever since.

Nixon said she was stunned to learn that she would be recognized for her years of service since she had been recognized in the past.

“I’m happy and blessed that I could be here this long,” Nixon said.

A presentation of the OSU Staff Advisory Council, the staff awards program is held each year to honor staff for completing five-year increments of service to the university as well as those completing ambassadorial and leadership development training programs. Staff Advisory Council scholarships and the Distinguished Service Awards are also presented during the ceremony.

Warner said the Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who are hard working, dedicated and loyal and who are making a difference not only in their areas but also the university as a whole. The recipients receive a plaque and a one-time, $750 stipend.

The recipients and the categories they represent included:

Administrative/Professional
Suzanne Burks, director of University Counseling Services
Rick Williamson, manager of Farm, Feed and Services

Classified – Clerical
Glenda Bentley, senior financial assistant, Fire Protection Publications
Peggy Gregory, unit assistant, Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Classified – Service/Maintenance
Jean LeForce, animal caretaker foreman, Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
Patrick Wheeler, lead material mover, Physical Plant truck services

Classified – Trades/Tech. Paraprofessional
Janelle Ballard, animal technician II, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences