BLACKSBURG, Va., Oct. 16, 2012 – Ms. Norma Guynn and Mr. Marshal (Mac) McCord are the 2012 recipients of the ESM Department Head's Award.  Each of these individuals has more than 20 years of service to the ESM Department.

The award committee used the term “flying under the radar” to characterize the work of Ms. Guynn – meaning that she is so quietly effective and thorough that other individuals might have to look twice to see just how much she accomplishes.  She is responsible for a massive amount of critical photocopying in conjunction with the large undergraduate service courses, and she is very careful in handchecking these copies to ensure that there is not a problem during the testing events, which are frequently at night with little opportunity to make additional photocopies.  Ms. Guynn has frequently volunteered her assistance in typing handwritten lecture notes and sees that educational materials are properly posted on Scholar.  She has been a leader when new requirements such as online faculty annual activity reports have arisen. She recently assumed new duties related to “cash handling” procedures required by the Bursar’s Office.  No one really wanted this duty but Ms. Guynn was willing to try and has done a fine job.  Such willingness to pitch in and help on matters outside her usual duties has been a hallmark of her career.

 

Mr. McCord received nominations which singled out his efforts in regard to the undergraduate laboratories in such classes as ESM 3064 (Mechanical Behavior of Materials Laboratory) and the fluids labs in ESM 3024 and 3034.  The Norris 127 lab was recently renovated, and Mr. McCord managed the transition, which included relocation of certain equipment and also some new equipment, very effectively.  He prepared new Powerpoint presentations for the ESM 3064 instructors to use – an activity that goes well beyond his job description. As part of his duties, he helps individuals from outside the department use the equipment in Norris 127.  He also assists other departments with activities (including summer programs) that involve such fluids equipment as the towing tank.  He served on the ESM Lab Curriculum Group.  He works very well with other individuals in making sure that all matters go smoothly.  More than one of the nominators indicated that the efforts of Mr. McCord made their jobs easier and their work more effective.