TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama employees receiving top campus awards were recognized by UA President Robert E. Witt during the annual spring faculty-staff meeting held recently on campus.

Donna J. Maples, administrative assistant to the president, received the Dr. Minnie C. Miles Endowed Excellence Award, given to a non-faculty employee who has performed in an exemplary manner going beyond their normal duties to further the mission of the University. Maples has been at UA since 1976, serving as administrative assistant to former UA President Joab Thomas (who was on hand to present the Miles award to Maples jointly with President Witt) and in other key support positions within UA central administration.

“Administrative Assistant to the President is one of the most demanding staff assignments at the University,” one of Maples’ award nominators said, adding, “The work load is very heavy and frequently the hours are long. Difficult situations and issues are commonplace. Mrs. Maples manages the full spectrum of these challenges with effectiveness, efficiency, tact and poise.”

Jan Pruitt Duvall, associate director of University Relations and director of the Office of Marketing Communications, received the E. Roger Sayers Distinguished Service Award, given to a faculty or staff member who has gone above and beyond their normal duties and performed in an exceptional manner in order to further the mission of UA. Duvall has been director of marketing communications at UA since 1983 and has also served as associate director of University Relations since 1990.

One of Duvall’s award nominators described her as “a wonderful ambassador for the University of Alabama,” also noting that “She [Duvall] has represented the University throughout the country displaying the highest levels of professionalism in her work with numerous organizations. Nationally, she is known by colleagues as a hard-working, accomplished professional and a person of great intellect and integrity.”

Winners of UA’s Vergil Parks McKinley Sr. Employee Awards were also recognized for outstanding service to the University.

McKinley Award winners included:

• Jeannie Engelbert of the Alabama International Trade Center
• Sheila Smith of the department of economics, finance and legal studies
• Jane Boyd of the department of physics and astronomy
• Tonya Nail of Residential Life
• Teresa Faulkner of Human Resource Development
• April Nelson of Accounts Payable
• Linda Tuten of the department of music education
• Ruby Howard of the department of anthropology
• Mary Jane Taylor of the Culverhouse College of Commerce student services
• Chris Bryant of University Relations
• Brenda Parsons of the department of criminal justice.