MOC employee honored for excellence
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on January 9, 2008 1:52 PM
MOUNT OLIVE -- A Mount Olive College employee has been named recipient of the first J. William Byrd Award for Staff Excellence.
Named for the college president, it was established to annually recognize an outstanding staff member.
It was presented to Kay Fail, administrative assistant to the vice president for the office of student development. She has been at the college since 1990.
Mrs. Fail was nominated because of her efforts professionally as well as personally. According to her supervisor, Dr. Karen Bass, she demonstrates care and concern for everyone, remembering students by name and encouraging them to do their best.
"Kay is a great asset to Mount Olive College and our students," she said. "She makes people feel special. In return she gets .... hugs and many shouts and waves as students pass by. Kay exemplifies what an excellent employee is on a daily basis."
Mrs. Fail was awarded an engraved plaque as well as $2,000.
The award was funded by Dr. Thomas Morris, a native of Nahunta, who has supported a number of scholarships for students and Free Will Baptist pastors. This brings the total to 11 awards funded by Morris, totaling $20,000 annually. He has also made two $100,000 gifts to the college and contributes each year to an endowed scholarship fund in memory of his parents.