University News

Woolam Named WIU December Employee of the Month

December 14, 2023

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University Agriculture (Ag) Office Manager and Account Technician Barbara Woolam has been named the Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month for December.

Woolam started her journey at WIU in May 2000 as a Facilities Management, Building Services secretary. After receiving a promotion, she transitioned to a secretarial role in Continuing Education. In 2003, she took the position of office support specialist for the Educational Leadership program. Following further promotions, she served as the office manager for Broadcasting and later the Speech Pathology and Audiology program. In November 2016, Woolam took on the role of Office Manager for the School of Agriculture, where she has excelled in her responsibilities since.

"I do not know of an employee on campus that does as much as Woolam does for the School of Ag," her nominator said. "Not only does she manage our appropriated accounts and more than 20 foundational accounts, but she also manages multiple grant accounts, several of which several are multiple-year grants. Barb also manages and trains two office student workers, plus assists with numerous student workers at the University farm."

Nominated not only for her work ethic but Woolam is commended for her dedication, commitment and loyalty to employees of the University.

"This department does not operate without her presence and knowledge," her nominator said. "She is also a very caring, positive and pleasant individual who dedicates her working day to assisting students, staff and faculty within the School of Ag. She manages her time very well and prioritizes her work to meet deadlines. She is always bringing in vegetables from her garden, fruit from her trees and baked goods when she finds the time. She puts others before herself. I am very appreciative of her quality work and the dedication she gives to this department. Even if there is an immediate problem, she comes to the table with a solution so it can be rectified quickly. She is the glue or mortar that keeps this department running smoothly and I think she needs to be recognized for her tireless effort on a daily basis."

In August 2010, the Goldfarbs established an endowment to permanently fund the University's Civil Service Employee of the Month award. The Goldfarb endowment is used to fund a $100 award for the recipient of the Civil Service Employee of the Month, as well as a plaque.

The WIU Foundation provides a $500 stipend for the Civil Service Employee of the Year. Western faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as community members wishing to nominate a civil service employee for the monthly recognition, should contact the Civil Service Employees Council (CSEC) at csec-nominations-g@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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