Residence hall director honored with Students First Award
By Megan Lewis
Overwhelmed with appreciation, Ashleigh Wade tearfully accepted January’s Students First Award last week from President Lloyd Jacobs.
The award recognizes University employees who go beyond the call of duty to help UT students succeed.
Wade, a graduate assistant hall director, was nominated for the award by her supervisor, Erin House, hall director at the Crossings.
House said, “Ashleigh works tirelessly to develop our residents into better citizens. If a student needs assistance, Ashleigh will call the correct office, walk the student to where he or she needs to go, and advocate for the student until his or her needs are met.
“She is very intentional about developing and educating our residents and student staff to be stronger members of our campus community. She holds all students to a higher standard and always has their best interest at heart,” House said.
Wade said, “It’s so nice to know that I’m appreciated and my work really matters. It makes me feel really special.
“I take my job very seriously because residence hall directors are usually the first people students contact when they need something,” Wade said. “We can make or break their academic experience. Therefore, I try to be available to students at all times.”
Wade was pleased that Jacobs presented her with the award.
“I was wondering how the president knew my name,” she said. “I’m so happy he took time out of his busy day to give me the award. It made it that much more special.”
Wade received a $75 gift certificate to the UT Bookstore and a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks. She will be eligible to win a $1,500 cash prize when the student-centered employee of the year is selected this spring.