COE’s Janina Jones receives University Merit Award

April 9, 2018

Janina Jones is pictured (right) with Georgia Southern University President Jaimie Hebert, Ph.D.

College of Education’s (COE) Janina Jones was recognized as an Award of Merit recipient during the Georgia Southern University Staff Years of Service and Merit Awards of Excellence Ceremony held on March 22 at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) on the Statesboro Campus.

Jones, an administrative assistant in the COE Office of the Dean, was one of eight to be named a Merit Award of Excellence winner for the 2017 calendar year. Thirty-three University staff members were nominated for the award.

A long-standing staff member of the University, Jones was a student worker and part-time employee at both Chick-fil-A and University Housing. She began her full-time career at Georgia Southern in 2005 as a secretary for the Department of Mathematical Sciences. She has also served in medical records for the University’s Health Services division.

Jones joined the COE in 2014 and often serves as the primary public contact for the College.

“Janina has a kind word for everyone walking through the office and assists willingly and joyfully.  She serves as an informal mentor to student workers, encouraging them to keep up with their school work and providing a shoulder when one is needed. Whatever the need, Janina is there to respond,” a nominator wrote.

Another wrote, “It’s critical to have the first individual one encounters in any office to be upbeat and welcoming. Janina fits that role perfectly. Her positive attitude toward everyone who walks in the door has contributed significantly to the camaraderie in the College and, from what I have heard from visitors, has made them feel like they are her number one focus during their brief time in the office. This has been particularly obvious and helpful this semester as guests from Armstrong State University have visited for consolidation work and have been made to feel that they already are a part of the College family. What a tremendous asset!”

Jones completed a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies from Georgia Southern while working full time in her position with the COE. She plans to pursue a master’s in professional communication and leadership starting summer 2018.

“I am so grateful to have my efforts recognized,” Jones said. “My work environment, while busy, is always welcoming and that is something that truly makes a difference in my job. I am happy to be a part of the College of Education.”

The Merit Award of Excellence is awarded annually by the University. Recipients receive an engraved medallion, $1,000 cash prize and are recognized by the University’s Staff Council.