Truly Hardemon named 2017 PHHP employee of the year

Dean Michael Perri and
Dean Michael Perri presents the Employee of the Year award to Truly Hardemon.

For her efforts to support faculty members in providing the very best online and blended learning experiences for their students, Truly Hardemon was named the College of Public Health and Health Professions’ 2017 Employee of the Year. She was recognized at the college’s faculty and staff appreciation luncheon on December 7.

Hardemon, an instructional designer in the dean’s office, collaborates with faculty members on the development of online and blending learning course materials and the implementation of new educational technologies. She also assists in the creation of educational videos and graphics and provides ongoing technical support for faculty, teaching assistants and students.

“She has steadfastly given more than is required to elevate the performance of teaching faculty, meet student needs and maximize learning throughout the college,” a colleague wrote. “She has done this without any desire to have the spotlight shone on her work and has always celebrated the accomplishments of those she enabled.”

In any given year Hardemon’s contributions are exceptional, nominators said, but in the past year she has really excelled. She began collaborating with faculty members in the college’s professional degree programs, developed novel approaches for using UF’s learning management system, led the evaluation of an online proctoring service, taught herself new web design skills and developed new online course templates to help the college meet accessibility requirements.

A nominator cited Hardemon’s “superior interpersonal skills, complete technical competence, and knowledge and talent in instructional design.”

“I do not think there is an online instructional design issue she does not know how to solve or be willing to figure out if she does not have a handy idea,” the nominator added.

Colleagues noted that Hardemon responds immediately to requests, even after-hours, and patiently answers questions as faculty members develop their course materials and work through technical issues.

“I believe that Truly has single-handedly made my courses better,” a colleague wrote.

Co-workers also praised Hardemon’s kindness, willingness to help anyone and her genuine desire to see others succeed.

“Truly represents an ideal colleague and as a role model, she reminds me to pursue excellence with graciousness on the job,” a nominator said.