by Chris Hilburn-Trenkle
Every year, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work celebrates employees who display dedication and excellence to the School of Social Work and its wider community, recognizing the nominated staffers with a small gift and an award.
This year’s award winners were recognized during the School’s annual holiday party on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
Award winners were selected for their admirable work ethic, upbeat attitude, leadership ability and more. These winners reflect the School’s service to the state, ranging from the Office of Marketing and Communications to Behavioral Health Springboard, and from UNC Centers for Aging and Adult Research and Service (UNC CARES) to the departments of Human Resources and Digital Learning and Instruction.
“There is nothing more wonderful than to review all of the nominations for the winter staff impact awards,” Chair of the School of Social Work Awards Committee Sarah Verbiest said. “We truly are blessed to work with so many excellent colleagues, including those that took the time to submit a nomination and lift someone else up. The Awards Committee offers a special congratulations to our 2024 winners and a ‘hats off’ to the dozens of others who were nominated. Thank you for your amazing work — we are lucky to be on your team.”
Above & Beyond
This award recognizes a staff member who goes beyond the call of duty to get the job done.
Digital Pedagogy Coach Stefanie Panke
Panke joined the School of Social Work in March 2023, following a 12-year stint with UNC School of Government. She has been an instrumental figure in the School’s online MSW program, which welcomed its first students in January 2024. She not only helps faculty members plan effective strategies for online learning but also collaborates in finding the potential in innovative technological trends for academic use. Panke was heralded by colleagues for her dedication to the School community, her leadership in utilizing AI to create a dynamic learning experience, and her flexibility in answering questions related to the online program, no matter the day or the time.
“I was so touched by the nominations,” Panke said. “This truly is an incredibly meaningful and caring place to work. I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected for this award. This recognition reflects the incredible teamwork and leadership in the online MSW program and the DLI team. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the work of the School. My thanks go to my colleagues, the faculty I’ve worked with, and the curious and excellent students we support.”
Backbone
This award recognizes a staff member who is integral to School operations.
Human Resources Specialist Jennifer Jean-Baptiste
Since joining the School in 2022, Jean-Baptiste has worked tirelessly to ensure that Human Resources is following all compliance requirements by the University and the Office of Human Resources. She also works extra hours to find the best hires for the School’s community and makes sure that new employees hit the ground running, all while providing support to members of her team. Jean-Baptiste helped establish the recent collaboration between Human Resources and Behavioral Health Springboard, a partnership promoting stronger mental health connections and support for School employees.
“It is truly a blessing to be recognized for the 2024 Staff Impact Backbone Award,” Jean-Baptiste said. “I am thankful to God for the path He has led me on, and the impact He has let me have.”
Behind the Scenes
This award recognizes a staff member who quietly gets the job done, exhibiting reliability and grace.
Business Officer Nefi Lopez-Chen
Lopez-Chen works in a variety of roles with UNC Cares, managing budgets, coordinating team travel and keeping meetings organized. Even when he’s busy, he finds time to help other members of his team with projects, including recently reformatting the UNC Cares Intranet page. Despite working in a remote role since joining Cares in July 2023, Lopez-Chen is always available to colleagues, whether with words of encouragement or by providing digital support.
“It is an honor to receive the Behind the Scenes Award for the School of Social Work’s 2024 Staff Awards,” Lopez-Chen said. “I deeply appreciate all the nominations. I am grateful to work with the Cares team; we balance and utilize each other’s strengths to do our best, which makes my job a pleasure. As a business officer, I enjoy contributing to and collaborating with my team and colleagues in the School of Social Work. The School fosters a very inviting and collegial atmosphere, making it a wonderful place to work. I am proud to be part of such a dedicated and supportive team and School.”
Esprit de Corps
This award recognizes a staff member who fosters morale and helps build a sense of community.
Behavioral Health Springboard Director Sarah Reives-Houston
As the behavioral health crisis has grown across the state, Reives-Houston and her team have responded to address this urgent need. Through its Mental Health First Aid program, BHS has trained volunteers on campus and in numerous communities to respond to those needing help with resources and awareness. As the organization has grown in size and scale, it’s doubled its funding in just the last two years. But even with that growth, Reives-Houston has maintained a sense of community, cohesion and appreciation for her team. Whether it’s encouraging staff members to prioritize wellness or planning retreats that celebrate collaboration, Reives-Houston has cultivated an inclusive community for the BHS program.
“It was an honor and a pleasant surprise to be recognized this way,” Reives-Houston said. “So much of our work focuses creating a sense of community and belonging for others. I’ve always found it important to do the same amongst my team and co-workers.”
Positivity
This award recognizes a staff member who is upbeat and exhibits a can-do attitude.
Social Media Content Producer Chloe Yopp
Since joining the School community in 2023, Yopp has strengthened the School’s social media presence and online visibility. Among the Top 5 schools of social work in the United States, the School now also ranks in the Top 5 in followers, number of posts and total engagements. Yopp has also been instrumental in marketing the School’s online MSW program while providing valuable input for marketing efforts at national events. She does all of this with a positive and upbeat attitude, making her an indispensable member of not just the marketing and communications team, but the broader schoolwide community.
“I am so appreciative and humbled to receive this award,” Yopp said. “I am so grateful to be a part of a team where I feel valued and my positivity is recognized. Although it can be difficult, I think focusing on the good in the world and in your life is important because life can be so overwhelming.”
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