In recognition of her demonstrated commitment to student success, Hailey Wright, administrative secretary at Trent University Oshawa, receives the Provost’s Award for Support Staff 2013-2014. The Provost’s Award was created to recognize a member of the support staff who plays an important role in student retention and is indispensable to the academic enterprise. It was first awarded last year.

Nominated by her colleagues and Trent University Oshawa students, and selected by the Provost’s Awards Committee, Ms. Wright will receive $500 and will be honoured at a special barbecue hosted by provost and vice president academic Dr. Gary Boire on Tuesday, June 17, 2014.

Speaking of this year’s recipient, Dr. Boire said: "Ms. Wright has truly shown exceptional commitment to student recruitment and retention through outstanding customer service, and has had a positive influence on student life at the Oshawa campus.”

Ms. Wright, a Trent University Oshawa alumna, is the first point of contact for many students and their parents on campus. She is situated in the front administrative office, where she also supervises student staff members. Her nomination and letters of support highlight her high standards of interpersonal excellence, professionalism and warmth, along with her willingness to go above and beyond to support students. 

"My initial reaction to receiving the award was shock," said Ms. Wright, who has been a University employee since November 2010. "I had seen the call for nominations and thought what a great honour it would be to receive an award where you are nominated by your peers. I am thankful to my co-workers for taking the time to recognize my work in Oshawa, but also feel that without the supportive environment that I work in, I would not thrive to the extent to receive the Provost's Award. The Oshawa community is extremely close and tight-knit and is filled with faculty, staff and students that inspire and mentor me every day. Working at a small campus allows you to become invested in those that you work with, as well as the students you work for."

One particularly poignant letter of support came from a mature student, who noted: "Hailey went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. She was not only welcoming, but also very knowledgeable about all (of) the available resources at this campus ... She is one of the main reasons that my transition into university was not only easier, but also a pleasant experience."

Another nominator added: "Hailey strikes a fine balance between professionalism and warmth in her interaction with student and parents, and this is key to actualizing an exceptional student experience."