University News

Phillips Named COAP Employee of the Year

May 5, 2006

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MACOMB, IL – Missy Phillips, associate director for the Center for Preparation of Education Professionals and director of Advising in the College of Education and Human Services at Western Illinois University, has been named Employee of the Year by the Council of Administrative Personnel (COAP) for her extraordinary leadership for the advising program in the college and for her commitment to the students, faculty and staff she serves.

The annual award, presented by COAP in conjunction with the University president, recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of a COAP member who has far exceeded his or her duties.

“Missy understands and promotes professionalism when working with students, parents, administrators, faculty and staff. She accomplishes this difficult task of being able to balance program and curriculum standard with student needs,” said Linda Tomlinson, director of the Center for Preparation of Education Professionals.

In her role as the associate director, some of Phillips’ duties include the supervision and evaluation of the eight professional academic advisers in the College of Education and Human Services (COEHS), liaison to the University departments for the COEHS’s teacher education curriculum, recruitment activities, assisting the Illinois State Police with background checks for student teachers and serving as a resource for academic advisers as well as serving as an adviser.

“I have worked closely with Missy in her capacity as COEHS director of advising and have come to appreciate both her rich knowledge base and her demeanor. She demonstrates complete attention to the details of the day-to-day management of the Advising Center,” said Lance Ternasky, COEHS associate dean. “On many occasions, her gentle suggestions and insightful questions have prevented impulsive decisions with potentially disastrous consequences from being made.”

Phillips is active in the Illinois Association of College of Teacher Education; the COEHS Selection, Retention and Appeals Committee; the Community College Teacher Education Partnerships; and the Council of Academic Advisers to name a few.

“The COAP Executive Council is pleased to honor Missy Phillips for her hard work and dedication,” said Dan Maxwell, director of Student Activities and 2004 – 2006 COAP president. “Western is a better place for Missy’s commitment to our overall excellence.”


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