The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Staff Senate honored three of its staff members for excellence in the areas of service to the university, community service, and personal growth. Each winner will receive a $1,000 prize.

Michael Seamon, assistant director of operations in facilities management, received the Ben Fry Service to UA Little Rock Award. He was joined by Wanda Hoover, assistant dean for external relations in the William H. Bowen School of Law, who won the Staff Achievement Award for Community Service, as well as Ann Marie Lott, interpreter and transcriber coordinator for the Disability Resource Center and recipient of the Staff Achievement Award for Personal Growth.

“In 1989, the university initiated an awards and recognition program to honor staff members who have brought recognition to UA Little Rock through personal growth, service to the university, and service to the community,” Staff Senate President Angie Faller said. “These awards give the campus community an opportunity to recognize the work, dedication, and passion of our staff.”

More info about the Staff Achievement Award winners:

Michael Seamon

Seamon began his career at UA Little Rock on June 12, 1978, and will soon celebrate his 41st anniversary with the university. His colleagues describe him as the “go-to guy” for anything to do with mechanical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems on campus.

He joined UA Little Rock immediately after high school and has worked as a tradesman, on-call mechanical staffer, and shop supervisor before moving into his current role of assistant director of operations. Seamon is the first responder for storm recovery and clean-up efforts and leads the snow and ice removal crew. Last year, he was honored with the Facilities Management VIP Award.

“Throughout the years, Mike has consistently gone above and beyond to serve the UA Little Rock community,” David Millay and Sandra Vail of Facilities Management wrote in their nomination letter. “Mike has never failed to respond to calls for help no matter the time or day. Mike’s commitment to UA little Rock is unequaled and unparalleled.”

Wanda Hoover

Hoover is actively engaged in the community and belongs to many civic organizations in Arkansas. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership and as membership engagement chair of the Rotary Club of Little Rock. In 2018, she was recognized as the Rotary Club’s Person of Action. Last year, she joined the City of Little Rock’s Arts and Culture Commission, which she will chair in 2020.

“Wanda is an outstanding staff member, deserving of recognition for her service to the community,” Ashley Nipp, alumni and development associate at Bowen, wrote in her nomination letter. “She is an exemplary leader who gives tirelessly of her time, energy, and resources.”

Hoover is also a member of the Arkansas Women’s Leadership Forum, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and an active sustainer of the Junior League of Little Rock.

In addition to her civic involvement, she serves as the program chair for the Arkansas Women’s Executive Forum and has been selected to serve as president of the forum next year.

Ann Marie Lott

As an American Sign Language/English interpreter, Lott has dedicated much of her time to the growth and development of the interpreter population in Arkansas. At UA Little Rock, she is an active UA Little Rock’s Sign Language Klub and mentors students enrolled in the Interpreter Education program.

“Working at UA Little Rock has afforded Ann Marie the opportunity to be close to the main pool of new and enthusiastic students in the field of interpreting, and you can always find Ann Marie in the mix with the group,” Ashley Beaty, staff interpreter with Disability Resource Center, wrote in her nomination letter. “She is always offering time to students to help them to foster growth and improve skills.”

In the community, Lott chairs the professional development committee of the Arkansas Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and is currently planning its conference, and she is an active member of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.