Smith Named 2024 Employee of the Year

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Congratulations to Julie Smith, laboratory manager, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, on being named the 2024 Kutztown University Employee of the Year.

Smith was named the Employee of the Year during KU's Faculty and Staff Convocation and Celebration Friday, Aug. 23. Smith, Employee of the Month for December 2023, was 1-of-12 finalists for the annual award.

Numerous faculty nominated Smith for Employee of the Month. Their nomination can be found below.

Smith has been with the university since 2015.

As Employee of the Year, Smith received a $300 monetary award sponsored by President Kenneth S. Hawkinson, an engraved glass award and reserved parking for one year in their preferred parking spot.

Smith is the eighth KU Employee of the Year honoree, following Sharon Young from Information Technology in 2017, Tim Flannery from Intercollegiate Athletics in 2018, Marsha Cressman from Facilities in 2019, William Lendzinski from Clinical Services in 2020, Louis Richuitti from Facilities in 2021, Veronique Vlaun from the Honors Program in 2022, and Nancy Schuck from Facilities in 2023.

Smith Nomination:

“Julie is one of the most dedicated and hard-working employees at KU. She provides support for all the science disciplines by arranging for specialized scientific equipment to be purchased and maintained, to ensure students and faculty have access to the best available resources as they pursue their education and research in Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Astronomy and Biology. Julie is organized, timely, professional and incredibly reliable. She is clearly dedicated to helping faculty and students succeed in the laboratory experiences.”