Church support director wins MOC staff excellence award
By Staff Reports
Published in News on January 7, 2009 1:46 PM
Jean Fillingame Ackiss, director of church support at Mount Olive College, recently received the J. William Byrd Award for Staff Excellence.
The award, sponsored by Dr. Thomas R. Morris, a long-time MOC supporter, is given annually to a staff member that exemplifies excellence in all areas of his or her profession.
Mrs. Ackiss has had 43 years of service to the college since graduating in 1960. She began her career there in 1965 as assistant to the president and became director of church support in 1979. In addition to an engraved plaque she received $2,000 as part of the honor.
Among the accolades mentioned in her nominating letters, Mrs. Ackiss was described as being honest, trustworthy and fair in her dealings with others, as well as having a sustained belief in the college's mission.
"It was a very humbling experience to receive this honor," Mrs. Ackiss said. "The only thing I have tried to do during my years at Mount Olive College is to serve the best I can in all I do. I am so thankful for the contribution this college has made to my life. The people I have worked with through the college and the Free Will Baptist Church have been such a joy to know and love. It is a calling for me and a work of love."
Married to Bob Ackiss, she is a member of Spring Hill FWB Church in Goldsboro. In 2005, she received the Mount Olive College Founders Leadership Award.