Presidential Award of Excellence, 2017
English, College of Liberal Arts
Academic Department Coordinator
The last duty listed in Carla Cannizzaro’s job description is a big one: “Perform related duties as assigned.”
It is also the most relevant. It covers her many contributions to the English Department, where she is the Carla-of-all-trades for nearly 150 faculty and staff, and many more undergraduate and graduate students.
For 10 years, she has played a pivotal role in everything from scheduling courses and orienting new faculty to advising students. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of the most obscure UNH policies and procedures. And with her enthusiasm and helpfulness, she serves as a de-facto admissions recruiter.
In fact, every day, Carla goes above and beyond to help the department wherever the need exists. She is the first to step forward to help with each Open House, summer registration and other events. And among our students majoring in English, she is highly regarded for her dedication to making valuable internship connections and ferreting out coveted career opportunities.
“Carla,” wrote one colleague, “is the glue that holds the English department together.” Without her, wrote another, “the English Department would not function.” And function it does, even during a relocation to make way for renovations to Hamilton Smith Hall.
Stepping well outside the realm of the day-to-day, Carla has worked with architects, designers, project managers and campus planners to consult on the project. She took on the herculean task of helping to transition classes, faculty and belongings to different locations across campus to make way for the work. Now, she will orchestrate their return migration as Ham Smith prepares to reopen for the fall semester.
More recently, she located artists to restore the historic portrait of the building’s namesake and its frame. Carla, we’re sure that, as Mr. Smith gazes down on his new space through fresh eyes, he’ll be as thankful as we are for all you have done.
About this Award
All members of the university community, including leadership, supervisors & managers, peers, colleagues and students may nominate any qualified staff member by completing the Presidential Award of Excellence nomination form online or by requesting a paper application from Human Resources and forwarding it to the Presidential Award of Excellence Peer Review Committee, c/o Human Resources, Nesmith Hall each year by the deadline.
