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 July 2019 recipient is April Butterworth, an employment coordinator in the Vice President for Finance and Administration’s Business Service Center. She was nominated by Joni Staggs, an administrative specialist at the Nanoscale Quantum Phenomena Institute.

The following are a sampling of the comments Staggs wrote about Butterworth on the nomination form:

April trains the OHIO Ready Staff before they are sent to the many different offices around campus. She then makes herself available for questions regarding Concur and Bobcat Buy as well as a multitude of other areas to these administrative associates and anyone else who may have questions.

I have observed and experienced April’s constant professionalism, kindness, wealth of knowledge and optimism. While working in the Women’s Center I was tasked with procurement processes for the new MAMAVA, located in the Convocation Center. Not only was I a new employee, but this was something that Ohio University had never had before. April was a key element to this process getting completed properly. She exemplifies what I, as an alumna, consider to be a true bobcat.

Sometimes it’s not just the accomplishments that count, but the attitude of the person when they are doing their day-to-day job. I have encountered many wonderful people here at Ohio University, both as a student and an employee, but I have never encountered someone as dedicated to making a positive impact on whomever she interacts with more than April Butterworth.

These are April Butterworth’s answers to some get-to-know-you questions:

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

I was very surprised. I thought the meeting was a team meeting for our department. Once I seen the Classified Senate members, I thought they were there to award someone else.

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

I have been an employment coordinator with the VPFA Business Service Center since September 2014.

What are the most enjoyable things about your job?

The thing that I like the most about my job is that I get to be the good news. I get to schedule interviews, complete hiring forms and train the OHIO Ready Staff employees and tell them about all the amazing things we get the opportunity to participate in here at Ohio University.

What is your hometown and where do you live now?

My hometown is right here in Athens. I now live in Albany with my husband Bill, daughter Adrianna, and son, Jesse.

What was the last good book you read?

“Jesus Calling”

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

I would be a daycare provider/stay at home mom. I love the excitement and enthusiasm for life that young children have. I love how every day and everything is a new adventure for them.

What things in life are the most important to you?

God and my family are the most important things in my life.

Where is your favorite vacation destination?

My favorite vacation destination is the Smoky Mountains.

What are your hobbies?

I like to read and listen to music.

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

I worked as a forklift operator at a factory in Mason, Ohio, and I also worked as a sanitation operator at General Mills in Wellston, Ohio.

What are your favorite TV shows?

“Grey’s Anatomy” and “Blue Bloods.”

Who are your favorite musicians?

I like all kinds of music, but my favorite is contemporary Christian music. David Crowder is my current favorite.

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

My daughter is a senior at Alexander High School, so the next big events are senior nights, prom, graduation, senior pictures and all the fun things that go along with having a high school senior. I also can’t wait to watch my son play fourth-grade football.

What is your dream car/truck/SUV?

My dream car would have to be a 1965 Mustang GT Fastback.

What is your favorite saying or quote?

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”