Photo courtesy of: Classified SenateVicki Dornbush, second from left, poses with her Office of the University Registrar coworkers.

The purpose of the Non-bargaining Classified Employee of the Month award is to acknowledge and recognize those who are setting the standards for excellence and innovation at Ohio University.

This recognition is Classified Senate’s way of awarding those employees who have shown outstanding individual achievement and performance of their jobs, while inspiring and supporting the achievement of others. Criteria include:

• Positive attitude and serving as a role model
• Productivity and commitment to quality
• Initiative and taking on additional responsibilities

The March 2019 recipient is Vicki Dornbush, a records management senior specialist in the Scheduling/Catalog Division of the Office of the University Registrar. She was nominated by Melinda Smith.

The following are a sampling of the comments made about Dornbush:

• Vicki is always on the go and ready to help and lend support. She is knowledgeable, skilled and quick to respond.

• Melinda Smith shared that in her department they have wide-ranging course scheduling needs and Vicki is always able to provide assistance and direction when significant class changes are needed.

• Vicki was able to help with a situation where a professor was unhappy with the room he was assigned and requested changes multiple times. She never lost her cool and provided cheerful and willing assistance every time.

• Vicki has been supportive, engaging and incredibly helpful. She shows patience and knowledge whenever dealing with difficult faculty or situations.

• She provides assistance with a calm, cheerful manner that makes fixing problems easier and less stressful. She is an asset to scheduling and the Ohio University community.

How surprised were you to win the Employee of the Month award?

I was shocked, humbled and speechless and those who know me know I am never speechless. God’s timing is amazing and right on time because that week was perfect timing to receive such an awesome reward.

What is your job title and how long have you worked it?

I am a records management senior specialist in the Scheduling/Catalog Division of the Office of the University Registrar. I have been in this position since August 2010. I have been at the University since October 2016.

What are the most enjoyable things about your job?

I love being able to help and lend support to faculty/staff/students. I love being able to troubleshoot issues that come up in our position. Every day is different and one day may be more challenging than another due to many deadlines we face.

What is your hometown and where do you live now?

I was born in Athens, raised in Shade, and now live in New Marshfield. I haven’t strayed very far from home.

What are your long-term goals?

I have been working toward my goal of obtaining my bachelors’ degree since 2010 as I have continued to work full time and go to school. I have changed majors a couple of times, but I am less than 10 credit hours away from graduating with my BSS in criminal justice, with minors in communication studies and world religions. After graduation, I would like to pursue my master’s degree in criminal justice.

What was the last good book you read?

I am currently reading a book by Dr. David Jeremiah called, “The Book of Signs.” I love reading about and studying prophecy. It is both fascinating and a bit frightening for anyone who studies God’s word.

If you weren’t in your present job, you would be working as a ___?

A criminal profiler. Because these specialists untangle the behaviors, emotions, and personalities of suspected criminal offenders, basing their judgments on time-tested experience in investigative techniques with learned emotional detachment and patience. Why do criminals do what they do?

Where is your favorite vacation destination?

I love the mountains in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This has been a family vacation spot of ours for many years. In the mountains, in a cabin for peace and tranquility is one place that is close to my heart, especially since the passing of my father in March, 2017. He taught me to appreciate nature, God’s beauty and being outdoors.

What are your hobbies?

I love singing!

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

Speaking of singing, I made an album/cassette when I was 14 with the southern gospel group my parents and I traveled with.

What are your favorite TV shows?

I love true crime shows, such as “Cold Justice,” “Snapped,” “Dateline: Secrets Uncovered” and “Mark of a Killer.” I also love old westerns like “The Virginia,” “Roy Rogers,” “Gunsmoke,” “Bonanza,” and “The Rifleman.” I also love shows like “Andy Griffith,” “Mama’s Family,” “Golden Girls,” “Maude,” and “Three’s Company.”

Who are your favorite musicians?

My father, Wayne Rhodes, is my favorite all-time musician! I have loved Ricky Skaggs since I was 12 years old. I also love George Jones, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Ronnie Milsap, Vern Gosdin and Keith Whitley. My favorite southern gospel singer is Vestal Goodman. My favorite local musician is Jimmy Howson, who sings southern gospel music and has sang with my dad many times.

What is the next big event you can't wait for?

Well, I have already turned 50 and that was easy, so maybe retirement I guess. No need to elaborate on why!

Who are your favorite celebrities?

I have always liked Anthony Hopkins and Morgan Freeman (since his Electric Company days). They are both incredible actors and will leave a legacy like none other

What is your dream vehicle?

A Kentucky Wildcat Blue Ford F150 Lariat decked out.

What is your favorite saying?

God’s got my back!