 |
| Last year's Outstanding AP Tricia Westergaard, right, presents Mila Padgett with this year's Outstanding AP Award. |
Mila Padgett, Campus Recreation assistant director of programs, was honored by her colleagues as the 2008 Outstanding Administrative Professional. Administrative Professionals from around campus gathered in the Pioneer Room to recognize Padgett’s efforts to support the mission of Oakland University. Her colleagues praised her work, acknowledged her leadership and even told some funny stories.
Padgett was joined at the reception by her husband, Larry, her son and her parents.
“There really is no greater satisfaction in one’s professional life than being recognized by you rcolleagues for the work you do every day,” said Mary Beth Snyder, vice president for Student Affairs. “Mila has insinuated her ways and thinking in to all we try to do to make our students and staff healthy.”
Director of Campus Recreation, Greg Jordan, shared funny stories about Padgett, but emphasized her professional accomplishments. He described her as an expert, a professional and a role model. Jordan said two of her programs, Shape Up OU and Lighten Up, have been highly successful while benefiting the Oakland University community.
“Given all of the duties Mila has been assigned — and taken on herself — all of her accomplishments are outstanding,” Jordan said.
Padgett graduated from Ferris State University in 1993, after changing her major five times, she said. Padgett said her parents were supportive but probably confused about what she would do with a degree in recreation. She earned her masters from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1995.
“After all that, I ended up doing what I love to do,” Padgett said. “Oakland University is definitely a home I’m very thankful to be in.”
The AP Assembly, a professional organization for administrative-professionals, also honored the outgoing president, Michelle Southward, assistant director of the Center for Multicultural Initiatives, for her service to the group.
“Michelle has a quiet strength. She really has the ability to bring people together for a common purpose,” said Kim Schultz, president-elect of the AP Assembly.
For more information on the AP Assembly, which sponsors the Outstanding AP Award, visit the AP Assembly Web site.
Mila Padgett, Campus Recreation assistant director of programs, was honored by her colleagues as the 2008 Outstanding Administrative Professional. Administrative Professionals from around campus gathered in the Pioneer Room to recognize Padgett’s efforts to support the mission of Oakland University. Her colleagues praised her work, acknowledged her leadership and even told some funny stories. Padgett was joined at the reception by her husband, Larry, her son and her parents. The AP Assembly, a professional organization for administrative-professionals, also honored the outgoing president, Michelle Southward, assistant director of the Center for Multicultural Initiatives, for her service to the group.