College of Public Health and Health Professions employees Kimberly Foli, Vera Hemphill, Aaron McEnery and Cheryl Weston have been named UF Superior Accomplishment award winners in the Health Science Center division. They will be honored at a luncheon March 15.
The award program recognizes employees who contribute outstanding service, efficiency and/or economy to the university, or play a role in the quality of life provided to students and employees.
Kimberly Foli, a research coordinator in the department of clinical and health psychology, is the project coordinator for the Village Interactive Training and Learning study, or VITAL, a UF study being conducted at The Village retirement community in Gainesville.
“She has taken ownership of the success of the VITAL project and works tirelessly ‘after hours’ giving presentations and talks,” a colleague said. “She does this with a ‘joie de vivre’ that is refreshing and inspiring.”
Colleagues praised Foli’s dedication to the study’s success, leadership, creativity, and the care and concern she shows for research participants and the people she supervises.
“She is held in the highest regard by our participants, by her staff, by our physician consultants and by the Village,” a co-worker said.
Vera Hemphill, senior clerk at the University of Florida Psychology Clinic in the department of clinical and health psychology, is known as the “go-to” person among the clinic’s faculty, staff, students and interns.
“She never shirks extra tasks and never says ‘no’ when faculty or trainees ask for a ‘favor’ — even when it is probably the 50th ‘quick favor’ she’s been asked for throughout the day,” a colleague said.
Co-workers noted that the Psychology Clinic is a challenging, fast-paced environment, but Hemphill handles the demands with ease and grace and brightens the day of everyone she comes in contact with, especially patients.
“No matter the day or stress level, Ms. Hemphill always has a smile to offer, a playful exchange to lighten the mood, or a kind word to help someone in a difficult moment.”
Aaron McEnery, IT expert for the Doctor of Audiology distance learning program in the department of speech, language, and hearing sciences, received accolades from co-workers for his knowledge, commitment and willingness to assist faculty, staff and students.
“With his calm and nurturing nature, Aaron takes charge of projects, steps in during deadlines and is respectful of all other faculty and staff in our department,” a fellow employee said.
Colleagues said McEnery’s talent and skills play a major role in the success of the Doctor of Audiology program, which is ranked among the nation’s top 10.
“His support not only helps faculty with excellent delivery of information, but also helps students who are often unfamiliar and even uncomfortable with digital information and services,” a co-worker said. “He helps students gain the skills they need to navigate online courses. During receptions on campus, our distance students often say they could not have done it without Aaron’s help.”
Cheryl Weston, business manager of the department of epidemiology in the colleges of Public Health and Health Professions and Medicine, has taken on several challenges over the past year, nominators said. In that time she has helped a new department chair and new faculty members transition to the department, and has coordinated the establishment of HealthStreet Gainesville as well as the department’s planned move to the new Clinical and Translational Research Building.
“She is ready and willing to take on any function necessary to benefit the department and she does that in a completely selfless way,” a colleague said.
Co-workers praised Weston’s resourcefulness, creativity, efficiency and willingness to help others.
“She exceeds normal expectations everyday — in time offered, quality of service and attitude of that service,” a colleague said. “She is always willing to help. Her dedication to our department, colleges and university shows in her day-to-day work ethic, attitude and life.”