KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney recognized four staff members Wednesday for their superior service to students and the campus community.
UNK Staff Senate President Brad Green presented the Staff Awards for Excellence to Rashawn Harvey, Rachael Page and Kristi Milks during the annual Faculty/Staff Convocation. Staff Awards for Excellence are sponsored by UNK and the Jim and Lynn Rundstrom Family Foundation Fund.
Chief Diversity Officer Maha Younes presented the Staff Award for Inclusive Excellence to Abel Virgilio. This award recognizes a UNK staff member who demonstrates exemplary commitment to fostering a climate of inclusion and belonging for all students, faculty and staff across campus.
Each award winner received $1,000 and a plaque.
Rashawn Harvey
Harvey is assistant director of TRIO Student Support Services and a Foundations for Learning instructor. As a proud UNK alumnus and former TRIO student, he embodies the spirit of giving back to his community. His unwavering commitment to empowering first-generation and low-income students is truly inspiring.
As he often says, “We’re here to help you navigate the higher education system and earn your college degree.” Countless students have walked across the commencement stage because of the support and encouragement they received from him.
His ability to build strong relationships with students, coupled with his expertise in navigating the complexities of higher education, make him an invaluable asset on campus.
Beyond his exceptional work with students, Harvey has been instrumental in securing the future of the TRIO program through his leadership in the grant-writing process. When the Department of Education recently moved up the deadline for TRIO grant proposals, his leadership kept the team focused on completing the application. His dedication to the program and ability to inspire his colleagues are evident in the success of the TRIO team.
Rachael Page
A parent of a former UNK student-athlete once said, “Rachael’s commitment to the athletes and her desire to see them succeed, regardless of their current affiliation, is commendable. She made such a positive impact on the life of my son.”
Page is affectionately known as “the connector” within UNK Athletics as she effortlessly bridges the gap between students and the countless resources available on campus. Her ability to build strong relationships and provide unwavering support has created a culture of care and success within the Loper community.
A UNK alumna and former swimmer, she serves as the associate athletic director of compliance and senior woman administrator. Beyond her formal title, Page is a visionary leader who has elevated her department to new heights. Her strategic initiatives and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in achieving significant milestones, including UNK’s recent recognition as a finalist for the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence for Community Engagement.
Page goes above and beyond to support all Lopers. Her involvement in numerous campus committees demonstrates her commitment to the overall well-being of students.
Kristi Milks
An administrative specialist in the Dean’s Office, Milks is referred to as the “heart” of the College of Arts and Sciences. With 35 years of service to UNK, her dedication, knowledge and expertise keep the office running smoothly.
Her impact goes far beyond her job responsibilities. She’s a mentor who fosters the professional development of her colleagues and is always willing to support students. Her positive attitude and willingness to assist faculty and staff have greatly enhanced morale in the college.
When CAS faced a sudden staffing shortage this spring, Milks quickly devised a plan to redistribute workloads while limiting any disruption in services. “She finds the fires before they get too big and knows who to call to put them out,” her nominator stated.
This commitment extends to the wider community. Milks recently organized a successful scholarship ceremony that tripled attendance and she played a key role in a fundraiser that raised thousands of dollars for a family in need. She “makes her corner of the world a better place.”
Abel Virgilio
As coordinator of the Kearney Bound program, Virgilio creates an inclusive culture for at-promise students who are first-generation and low-income. This is achieved through one-on-one relationships with students to foster their engagement and success and promote a welcoming environment where they thrive.
Virgilio works with students to inspire their pursuit of higher education, recruits them into the Kearney Bound program and meets with them throughout high school to provide mentorship and guidance. This requires him to wear many hats – teacher, adviser, counselor, mentor and leader.
Regardless of the role, he is devoted to students and their well-being. Students recognize his commitment and colleagues view him as “a dedicated student affairs professional who goes above and beyond for his students and colleagues.” He has built a strong and engaged leadership team while empowering students to develop their own initiatives and programming.
Virgilio is genuinely invested in their personal, academic and professional development. He wants to show prospective students from diverse backgrounds that there is a place for them at UNK.
