The UVM College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) has recognized the Community Development and Applied Economics Department Support Staff, and Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department Program Specialist Matthew Bodette, as recipients of its annual Excellence in Teamwork and Staff Support awards. The awards recognize staff within the College for exceptional work in the eyes of their fellow employees, supervisors, and people they serve.

Excellence in Staff Teamwork Award: Community Development and Applied Economics Support Staff

Four members of the Community Development and Applied Economics Department (CDAE) staff received the 2023 CALS Excellence in Staff Teamwork Award. They are:

• Office/Program Support Generalist Carolyn Claxton.
• Academic Advisor & Internship Coordinator Kerry Daigle.
• Academic Advisor Jacqueline Drouin.
• Graduate Student Services Coordinator Julie Starr.

The support staff team was newly organized after three long-term employees departed in 2022. However, this new team gelled quickly to manage the day-to-day and semester-long demands of a department that is large and complex, and they have exceeded everyone's expectations.

CDAE Assistant Professor Dan Tobin admires the highly collaborative group and stated, "This team models the kind of support that all departments should have. They strike the right balance between fulfilling individual responsibilities and operating as a team. This may not seem creative but given the complexities—and frustrations—that are commonly experienced navigating institutional systems, this team undoubtedly makes the work of faculty far more efficient."

Members of the support staff cover everything from student advising and internships to course scheduling, graduate student funding and faculty searches. In a department that teaches about 50 courses each semester, the front facing staff responded to over 400 graduate inquiries over the past year.

Julie Starr is responsible for graduate program support; in the past year, she assisted 19 new PhD students from all over the world, 45 graduate students in the Master of Public Administration program, 15 masters of science students, and several accelerated and certificate students. It is only one aspect of Starr's job, and other members of the team are there for support. Kerry Daigle and Jacqueline Drouin advised 500 CDAE and Food Systems undergraduates. Carolyn Claxton works with the department's part-time faculty and manages the course schedule. If one of the support staff is not available, another has the knowledge and ability to step in.

CDAE Professor and Department Chair Jane Kolodinsky appreciates how the new team works so well together. She observed, "Julie Starr, responsible for graduate program support, stepped up to help with undergraduate interns. We hired Kerry Daigle to support internships and Julie shared her knowledge and time. Kerry also supports undergraduate advising. When Jacqueline was hired to help with both advising and professional support for RPT, course changes, etc., Kerry was there to help. When Carolyn was hired to replace Tina Haskins, everyone stepped in to explain the "ropes," help with course scheduling, knowledge of the department, etc."

The support team's collaborations have created a collegial atmosphere for designing better systems to improve the department's effectiveness and efficiency. During the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters, the team worked together on a "cluster hire" for four full-time faculty. CDAE Senior Lecturer Thomas DeSisto said that several of the job candidates let him know how helpful and supportive the staff was throughout the process. He stated, "Two candidates even mentioned this during their “job talks,” which I have never previously seen. This team has made a strong impression on these potential new faculty members."

Excellence in Staff Support Award: Matthew Bodette

For the past 11 years, Matthew Bodette has managed the dairy herd at UVM's Paul R. Miller Research and Educational Center (MREC). He has an extensive background in dairy management prior to working at UVM, and under his leadership, he is an inspiration to students and employees at the farm and beyond. In the absence of a full-time farm manager, Bodette has taken on many of the responsibilities of this job as well, in order to maintain the smooth operation of the dairy farm.

Animal and Veterinary Sciences (ASCI) Lecturer and CREAM Advisor Steve Wadsworth works with Bodette on a regular basis and observed the countless and tangible improvements he made for the farm. Wadsworth stated, "Not only does the farm continue to run smoothly under Matt’s leadership, but his influence can be seen in virtually every aspect of the farm, including recent national recognition from the US Holstein Association. This past January (2023), the exceptional genetic management of the herd, spearheaded by Matt, lead to the farm’s feature in the Holstein America television program."

The Cooperative for Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM) program is a unique and integral part of dairy science education in ASCI. CREAM is a student-run dairy herd, where the students manage farm operations and perform all of the barn chores. Bodette has served as a mentor, guide, and role model to CREAM students, while treating everyone with dignity and respect. He is considered the "heart and soul" of the program.

A CREAM student milking dairy cows at the Paul R. Miller Research and Educational Center

Bodette's commitment to barn and cow cleanliness motivates students and has created a culture of pride for the hard work done on the farm. Wadsworth stated, "Students are often seen bathing and brushing cows and cleaning around the farm, even when not directly encouraged to do so. This is not only crucial to the welfare of the cows, but also maintains a high standard and positive image for outside visitors to the farm. This is integral to the reputation of the farm and university, and also creates a positive educational experience for the dairy industry as a whole."

The CALS Excellence in Staff Teamwork Award recognizes a team of CALS staff for excellence in teamwork and performance. Recipients will receive a gift/gifts for the entire team. The CALS Excellence in Staff Support Award recognizes CALS staff for individual excellence. Recipients receive a gift and have their name engraved on a commemorative plaque.