Jody Evans Is UW Staff Employee of First Quarter

When Jody Evans’ colleagues discuss what makes her a great supervisor, the consensus is that she makes the University of Wyoming a better place to work -- and always acts in the best interest of those she manages in her College of Education unit.

Even though she has been the UW College of Education’s Student Success Center academic advising manager for just seven months, she has earned the trust and respect of the five staff members.

Accolades from Evans’ co-workers, whom she works alongside each day, have earned her UW’s Staff Employee of the First Quarter award. She will be honored from 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, in Room 117 of the College of Education Building. Refreshments will be provided.

The award recognizes a UW staff member for efforts toward excellence in the workplace. Established in March 1985 to recognize outstanding staff as the Employee of the Month Award, the award was revised into the current program in January 1990. The award is given to one current UW staff member every calendar quarter. The staff employee of the year will be named at Staff Senate’s Recognition Day celebration in the 2025 spring semester.

In describing Evans, one of her colleagues says she is “one of the best bosses I have ever had in my time at UW.”

“She makes herself available to all staff, is helpful, kind and understanding, and always is willing to help with anything I need,” the nominator says. “She goes above and beyond for staff and puts in extra hours so everything gets done in a timely manner.”

Another discusses how Evans went to bat for her in a way that only solidifies her feelings that Evans cares about those she manages.

“Once, when credit for work I did was going to someone else, she corrected that with the upper administration and made sure I got credit for doing it,” the nominator says. “I didn’t have to ask her or tell her. She knew based on emails and knew I was doing the work. That is what makes her such an amazing employee and supervisor. She is always willing to stick up for the small people and treat us like equals instead of as if we are less than someone else.”

Evans, who has held various positions in the UW College of Education for the past 14 years, advises the college’s graduate certificate and undergraduate students; coordinates recruiting events; helps to coordinate the welcoming Saddle Up program for incoming College of Education students; screens and clears enrollment in courses to ensure that students are making progress in their programs; and manages databases for student success.

“The best part of my job is my colleagues -- Britany Kathan, Levi Moore, Sarah Rundall, Matt Shelby and Kelsie Tarver,” Evans says. “I get to work with some amazing people.”

“She always is grateful and appreciative of the work I and other staff members do,” a colleague says. “When she comes to work, she always has a smile on her face and tells me ‘Good morning.’ Jody makes the work environment inclusive, cares about and respects the opinion of everyone in the office, no matter their titles. She treats us all as equals -- no one is above anyone, and Jody works to foster that throughout the college.”

Another adds that Evans is a role model because of her integrity and sensitivity.

“She consistently checks in with the team, together and individually, to make sure we are OK and supports us in what we are doing,” the nominator adds.

Evans is a UW graduate, receiving a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in higher education administration.

An Employee of the Quarter nominee can be any UW staff employee, and each must receive three letters of recommendation. The forms can be found here. The deadline for Staff Employee of the Second Quarter nominations is 5 p.m. Friday, June 14.

For more information, call the UW Staff Senate office at 766-5300 or email staffsen@uwyo.edu.