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KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney honored four employees Wednesday for their outstanding service to students and the campus community.
UNK Staff Senate President Brad Green presented the Staff Awards for Excellence to Rashawn Harvey, Rachael Page and Kristi Milks during the annual Faculty/Staff Assembly. The Staff Awards for Excellence are sponsored by UNK and the Jim and Lynn Rundstrom Family Foundation Fund.
Chief Diversity Officer Maha Younes presented Abel Virgilio with the Staff Award for Inclusive Excellence. This award recognizes a UNK employee who demonstrates exemplary commitment to fostering a climate of inclusion and belonging for all students, faculty and staff across campus.
Each award winner received $1,000 and a plaque.
Rashawn Harvey
Harvey is the Assistant Director of TRIO Student Support Services and a Foundations for Learning instructor. As a proud UNK graduate and former TRIO student, he embodies the spirit of giving back to his community. His unwavering commitment to supporting first-generation and low-income students is truly inspiring.
He often says, “We are here to help you navigate the higher education system and graduate.” Countless students have reached the graduation stage thanks to the support and encouragement they have received from him.
His ability to build strong relationships with students, coupled with his experience navigating the complexities of higher education, make him an invaluable asset to the campus.
In addition to his outstanding work with students, Harvey has been instrumental in securing the future of the TRIO program through his leadership in the applications process. When the Department for Education recently brought forward the deadline for TRIO applications, his leadership ensured the team remained focused on completing the applications. His commitment to the program and ability to inspire his colleagues are evident in the success of the TRIO team.
Rachael Page
A parent of a former UNK student-athlete once said, “Rachael’s commitment to the athletes and her desire to see them succeed, regardless of their current affiliation, is commendable. She has had such a positive impact on my son’s life.”
Page is affectionately known as “the mediator” within UNK Athletics because she effortlessly bridges the gap between students and the myriad resources on campus. Her ability to build strong relationships and provide tireless support has created a culture of caring and success within the Loper community.
A UNK graduate and former swimmer, she serves as the assistant athletic director for compliance and senior administrative staff. Beyond her official title, Page is a visionary leader who has taken her department to new heights. Her strategic initiatives and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in achieving key milestones, including UNK’s recent recognition as a finalist for the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence for Community Engagement.
Page goes above and beyond to support all Lopers. Her involvement in numerous campus committees demonstrates her commitment to the overall well-being of students.
Kristi Milk
As an administrative specialist in the Dean’s Office, Milks is called the “heart” of the College of Arts and Sciences. With 35 years of service at UNK, her dedication, knowledge and expertise ensure the office runs smoothly.
Her influence extends far beyond her professional duties. She is a mentor who encourages the professional development of her colleagues and is always ready to support students. Her positive attitude and willingness to support faculty and staff have greatly improved morale in the college.
When CAS suddenly faced staff shortages this spring, Milks quickly developed a plan to redistribute the workload while limiting disruptions to service. “She spots the fires before they get too big and knows who to call to put them out,” her nominator explained.
That commitment extends to the wider community, too. Milks recently organized a successful scholarship award ceremony that tripled in attendance, and she played a key role in a fundraiser that raised thousands of dollars for a family in need. She is “making her part of the world a better place.”
Abel Virgilio
As the coordinator of the Kearney Bound program, Virgilio creates an inclusive culture for promising first-generation, low-income students. This is accomplished through personal relationships with students to encourage their engagement and success and create a welcoming environment in which they can thrive.
Virgilio works with students to inspire them to pursue higher education, recruits them for the Kearney Bound program, and follows them throughout high school to provide mentorship and guidance, wearing many roles—teacher, counselor, mentor, and leader.
Regardless of his role, he is dedicated to students and their well-being. Students recognize his commitment and his colleagues view him as “a dedicated student affairs professional who gives everything he can for his students and colleagues.” He has built a strong and committed leadership team while empowering students to develop their own initiatives and programs.
Virgilio is genuinely interested in their personal, academic and professional development. He wants to show prospective students from all backgrounds that there is a place for them at UNK.
