Five employees were selected to receive the University’s 2024 Outstanding Staff Awards from a pool of exceptional staff nominations.
These five employees were honored by University of Toledo Interim President Matt Schroeder on Dec. 12 at a private ceremony to recognize their significant impact to the University through outstanding dedication and accomplishments; a demonstrated commitment to the University’s core purpose; and through exceptional leadership and loyalty to the University.
The University of Toledo’s 2024 Outstanding Staff Award winners, from left, Cathy Flanagan, Mary Ann Schuster, Jennifer Villegas, Natalie Bullock, Joe Battelline and Interim President Matt Schroeder.
The winners are:
Joe Battelline, student career counselor in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. He started in 2021 as practicum coordinator.
“His positive attitude and constant willingness to help have a big impact on everyone around him, from students to staff. Joe’s innovative spirit shines as he consistently finds new ways to connect with community partners and learn from outside institutions and resources, bringing in fresh ideas and helping us solve challenges in meaningful ways.”
“He leads by example, taking on responsibilities with an organized and proactive approach, which motivates his team to stay engaged and committed. Joe’s knack for clear communication and his approachable demeanor makes him a trusted figure within the college and is someone team members can always turn to for guidance or support.”
Natalie Bullock, administrative assistant 1 for English in the College of Arts and Letters. She started in 2017 as a secretary 2.
“[She] motivates and inspires the people around her to strive for excellence. Natalie has often been a source of calming wisdom on countless occasions for students. She speaks from experience, and thus advises graduate students on professionalism.”
“Actively works as a team member who strives to make innovative and improving contributions to The University of Toledo.”
Cathy Flanagan, clinical counselor/psychologist for Mental Health Services. She started at the University in 2022.
“Since inception, Cathy has serviced nearly 100 students to support their basic care, financial and resource needs. Cathy has worked with challenges cases and often the last line of offense to support students facing homelessness, financial hardship, chronic food insecurity, mental instability and more.”
“Cathy has demonstrated excellent customer services to her clients and students. Cathy has been the epitome of having the power to do more with less, assisting students in their time of need to secure resources where resources were limited and often appeared impossible to acquire.”
Mary Ann Schuster, department administrator 1 in the Department of Cell and Cancer Biology. She joined UToledo in 1989.
“Mary Ann is a committed 35-year employee at UT COMLS. Always a positive role model committed to our University and creating a positive work environment for all faculty, staff and students. She consistently conducts herself in a professional manner with a positive attitude.”
“Mary Ann has contributed significantly to the wellbeing of COMLS. She is highly respected by all and very well regarded as an outstanding mentor and role model to other staff members. She is committed to compassionate services of caring to all in the UToledo community at large.”
Jennifer Villegas, lead nurse for Intermediate Care Unit at UTMC. She first started in 2014 as a staff nurse.
“She is an inspiration and a great motivator. Jen isn’t just a cheerleader for nurses; she motivates other staff members to seek advancement as well. She explains things well without making the learner feel inferior for not knowing something. I have personally benefited from her instruction on countless occasions.”
“She looks for ways to optimize the workflow of the floor and asks for suggestions for improvements so she can discuss them with management. Jen reflects UToledo’s values and standards. She is welcoming and nonjudgmental. Her integrity is evident in her straightforward speech, personal accountability, and dependability. She works hard and provides high-quality care.”
