University of Iowa Outstanding Staff 2009

The University of Iowa presents awards to recognize current University staff for outstanding accomplishments and contributions that significantly benefit or bring honor or recognition to the University.

Kayt Conrad

Director of Operations, Division of Performing Arts

Conrad leads a large and complex organization as Director of Operations for the Division of Performing Arts. She is the glue that holds together three departments (Music, Theatre, and Dance), the Performing Arts Production Unit, and the Arts Share outreach program. In the summer of 2008, Kayt’s job took a dramatic turn. As the flood waters rose she coordinated a massive evacuation of the Theatre and Music buildings saving millions of dollars worth of instruments, costumes, and props. Her poise and creativity during the flood and in the aftermath of the continued recovery have helped to settle frayed nerves and reassure others that we could and would survive the incredible challenges before us. Kayt continues to play a critical role in the long range plans to rebuild the arts campus.

University of Iowa Outstanding Staff 2008

Phil Ecklund

Graduate advisor, Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Ecklund serves as the administrator for the graduate program in the Department of Biology, a role in which he works with the Graduate Admissions and Recruiting Committee, the Graduate Affairs Committee, and the Graduate Curriculum Committee. He keeps and analyzes records for all graduate students in the program, and serves as a liaison between the biology department and the Graduate College. Ecklund monitors the academic progress of all of the department’s graduate students and assists in the preparation of all documents required by graduate programs. As competition for top students increases, Ecklund plans recruiting weekends for the department, handling arrangements and scheduling for the prospective students.

Nancy Fick

Director of human resources, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Fick advises the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) deans, department executive officers, and departmental administrative staff on all staff-related issues, including recruitment, training, classification review, performance evaluation and management, and general personnel policies. Fick initiates, develops, recommends, and implements programs, policies, and protocol that have a significant organizational impact; in one instance, she developed a strategic plan for CLAS departments that ensures that each department has adequate administrative staffing. Fick also leads the CLAS Administrative Support Group, which includes the chief administrative staff member from each department. Through this group, the administrative staff have developed a greater level of cohesion and camaraderie.