Holt Named KU Employee of the Month for July 2022

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Congratulations to Caecilia Holt, department secretary, Physical Sciences, on being named Kutztown University Employee of the Month for July 2022.

Holt’s nomination from Dr. Edward Simpson, department chair, Physical Sciences, reads:

“Caecilia is well deserving of this honor as she has gone above and beyond the duties of her position as secretary for the Department of Physical Sciences.

Since her arrival on KU’s campus, Caecilia has been eager to learn the workings of our department. This onerous task is compounded by the number of degree programs housed in the department. It is a steep learning curve, but she mastered its quirks quickly and with great aplomb. When questions come up concerning curriculum, scheduling, purchase requisitions, forms of any kind, procedures of any kind or any other type of question, both students and faculty turn to her first. If she does not know the answer, she will use all available resources to find one. I have yet to stump her with any question. As the interface of the department, she is professional and even-tempered. She strives to help students solve their problems before leaving the office or has established a clear and easy protocol for them to weave their way through the administration to get the aid or relief they need. Through COVID, she was the “glue” that held the department together, as a locus for faculty and students to see, hear and dialogue with a friendly face.

I cannot think of a faculty member or staff that contributes as much service to the Kutztown community and professional development as Caecilia. She is serving currently as an elected member to the Kutztown School Board, where she is serving as vice president of the Board. Additional School Board duties include the Negotiations Committee, Personnel Committee, Policy and Curriculum Committee, Student Achievement Committee and various search committees. At the state level, she serves as representative to the Pennsylvania School Board Association. She serves in additional capacity as mentor to elementary students competing in history competitions.

Caecilia is deeply committed to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI). She is constantly reading and watching podcasts to inform her of best practices to provide an inclusive environment. She is serving on the KU JEDI committee and has participated in numerous workshops centered in this important topic. Lastly, she also serves on the senate Governance Committee.”

Nominations are collected from students, faculty and staff, and the Employee of the Month is selected by the Human Resources Advisory Council. A winner will be selected each month, and out of the 12 monthly winners one will be selected as Employee of the Year. The Employee of the Month will receive a plaque, reserved parking and a $100 monetary gift sponsored by President Hawkinson.

For more information on the award or to nominate someone, please visit the KU human resources website.