URBANA, Ill. – Office support staff in local Extension offices connect residents with resources to solve their problems. These staff are often the first people the public meets at the local office and the voice they hear on the phone.
University of Illinois Extension recently honored two exemplary employees who display a caring, pleasant, and supportive attitude to clientele and staff, exhibit creativity and initiative resulting in improved operations efficiency, and embrace the image of Illinois Extension.
Rhonda Mueller serves Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington counties.
“Rhonda always arrives with a smile on her face and happily greets co-workers and clients,” says Jordee Kohler, Extension county director. “Her willingness and commitment to assist and educate others is unequaled. She is dedicated, focused, and hardworking and always willing to go above and beyond to get the job done.”
As office support specialist, she assists in the administration of facilities management, fiscal management, office management, staff development, and public relations. She coordinates budget activities, maintains monthly fiscal reports, maintains bank statements, directs and trains staff in office procedures, and oversees timesheet submission.
“Mueller has the ability to organize, coordinate, and perform complex secretarial and administrative duties,” Koehler says, “and brings a high degree of Extension policy and procedure knowledge to this position.”
Lisa White serves as office support specialist for Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery counties.
“Lisa leads with kindness and patience and personifies excellence in her work with Extension,” says Amanda Cole, Extension county director. “Lisa sets the tone of the office; her positive attitude and problem-solving skills made the challenges of 2020 and beyond easy to navigate.”
White finds innovative and creative ways to improve office efficiency, Cole says. She manages the unit budgets, coordinates ordering and purchasing, and reorganized the office supplies and warehouse for increased efficiency and greater ease for staff. She embraces technology and works to share her knowledge with others.
“Lisa is consistently patient and caring with every staff member and client who walks through the door or calls the office,” says Cole. “She ensures staff in all program areas are successful and clients receive the answers they are looking for.”
The awards were presented during the Illinois Extension Annual Conference held in November in Urbana.
PHOTO TOP: Rhonda Mueller, right, received the Illinois Extension Office Support Award during a ceremony during the group's annual conference held in November in Urbana. The award was presented by Extension Director Shelly Nickols-Richardson.
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