Buena Vista University Academic Recruitment and Retention Liaison for the School of Liberal Arts, Kristen Fox earned the Education for Service Award, an honor presented to BVU’s top employee of the year during the Employee Recognition Ceremony.
Recipients of the Education for Service Award embody several characteristics from being a strong role model for students with strong leadership qualities to going above and beyond in service for BVU students and fellow employees.
Fox embodies all this and more. Over the last five years at BVU, she has impacted students, faculty, and staff. When Fox was announced as this year’s recipient at the Employee Recognition Ceremony, her face lit up with surprise.
“I was very surprised and appreciative. It was so touching to hear some of the words shared by my nominators,” says Fox. “I try my best to help students whenever possible and I am so glad that I have been able to impact others. It is always rewarding to know you helped at least one student succeed!”
Fox’s colleagues recognize the influence she has on students and BVU employees. One noted, “Kristen’s office is always full and bustling with students. She meets with students that are struggling to provide extra support, encourages students having an emotionally hard day, and supports staff and faculty with meeting student needs.”
“She made my first experience at BVU one to remember,” says another one of Fox’s colleagues. “She went out of her way to support me when I was feeling anxious about starting at a new place without anyone I knew. Whenever I need anything, she is right there and doesn’t hesitate to help me.”
Fox describes her position at BVU as helping with retention and recruitment efforts. Her role is to be a connector for students regardless of where they are in their journey at BVU. With recruitment, Fox helps prospective students learn about the School of Liberal Arts and all the academic opportunities that are available and possible through BVU. On the retention side, Fox connects students with resources to help them succeed both academically and personally.
“I really enjoy working with students from the accepted stage of admissions to graduation,” says Fox. “It is always rewarding to see a student you met with during a campus visit, then come to BVU and graduate and move on to the next life stage – whether employment or graduate school.”
Fox credits her work to the support she receives from BVU faculty and staff. She adds that “I am so glad I can work with so many great students, and I know that a lot of teamwork goes into serving students. So many people work together to help students succeed, and I would not be able to do my job as effectively if it was not for those with whom I get to work alongside.”
When asked about being nominated for this award, “I was honored to be nominated for the Education for Service award,” says Fox. “Especially being nominated alongside other fantastic staff who go above and beyond to serve students at BVU. It is so cool to see how all staff are making a difference in students’ lives each day.”
As orientation and class registration are approaching for the new incoming class, Fox is excited to help welcome this new class into the BVU Family.
“It is always fun to get to know the new incoming students and to learn more about their personal and academic interests,” says Fox. “I am excited for them to come to campus and see what they will all do during their time here.”
The Education for Service Award was established by former Vice President for Enrollment Services, John Klockentager, and his wife, Connie. The recipient receives a framed certificate, a professional development stipend, and a crystal award inscribed with the Education for Service seal.
(pictured above…BVU President Brian Lenzmeier (left) and Dr. Heidi Manning, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (right) present the Education for Service Award to Academic Recruitment and Retention Liaison for the School of Liberal Arts, Kristen Fox)
