University News

Butcher Named COAP Employee of the Year

June 19, 2017

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MACOMB, IL -- Jessica Butcher, assistant to the vice president of student services and director of community relations at Western Illinois University, was named the WIU 2017 Employee of the Year by the Council of Administrative Personnel (COAP).

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.

"Jessica is someone who goes above and beyond to help students, is a behind-the-scenes person on our campus and in the community and is an incredible resource for our students, staff and the entire Macomb community," a nominator said. "She also sets the standard for our town-gown relationship. Jessica demonstrates incredible flexibility and adaptability even under the most difficult circumstances. She mentors others with a positive attitude and a genuine sincerity, and exhibits a strong work ethic and employs a total institutional approach to her work. "

Butcher has served in her current role since March 2008. Previously, she served the assistant director of Student Development and Orientation from 2002-2008. She has also worked as a staff member of the Student Assistance and Parent Service Center, a complex director and assistant residence hall director at Western. Butcher has also served as a resident director and conference coordinator at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Butcher is the secretary for Community University Partnership Program and serves on the First Year Experience Committee and has served as an adviser for Mortar Board, Siblings Weekend, Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and the Residence Hall Association Leadership Development Committee. She is a member of Western's Career Development Center Advisory Board, the Leatherneck Club Advisory Board, Campus Judicial Board, the WIU Sexual Assault and Awareness Committee, and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. In the community, Butcher is a Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, including serving as co-leader of the Chamber's Leadership Academy; serves as a committee member of the St. Jude Macomb to Peoria Satellite Run; as a St. Paul Brownie Leader and volunteer; and as a member of the Wesley Foundation Advisory Board and Community Prayer Breakfast Committee.

She received her bachelor's degree in speech communications and English from Monmouth College (1994) and her master's degree in college student personnel from WIU (1996).

"Her hard work and dedication to WIU and the Macomb community is second to none," COAP President Dustin Van Sloten added.

For the COAP Employee of the Year Award, Butcher was presented with a plaque and received gifts from BCA, Campus Recreation, WIU Bookstore, Parking Services and WIU Athletics.

Learn more about the Council of Administrative Personnel at wiu.edu/coap.

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