SAN ANTONIO – Four UTSA Athletics employees and the UTSA Sports Medicine team earned recognition on Tuesday as semifinalists and two additional employees earned nominations as part of the annual UT San Antonio University Excellence Awards.
The University Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements of academic campus faculty and staff, ranging from exceptional teaching and innovative research to exemplary team spirit and impactful advocacy. This annual recognition of outstanding faculty and staff also honors the individuals who are celebrating milestone years of service at UT San Antonio.
Collaboration Champion Award
Honors an individual staff member who has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, partnership, and the ability to foster a collaborative spirit. This individual has gone above and beyond in bringing together a variety of groups, breaking down silos, and creating a culture of cooperation and shared success. Through their exemplary communication and interpersonal skills, the recipient of this award has significantly contributed to the advancement of collective goals and the overall well-being of the Roadrunner community.
- Semifinalist – Luis Plascencia, Information Technology
Excellence in Customer Care Award
Honors a staff member who consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to providing outstanding customer service, fostering a supportive and welcoming environment through the establishment of positive relationships with all customers. They seek creative solutions, are an expert in resolving challenges and are noted for their high-quality communication. They are dedicated to continuous improvement efforts that enhance the overall customer experience and seek to exceed all expectations when it comes to customer care. This individual has made a significant positive impact on the university community, setting a high standard for service and support.
- Semifinalist – Beale-Madison Gordon, Facilities and Events
Extra Mile Award
Recognizes an individual with three or more years of continuous service at UT San Antonio who consistently goes above and beyond in their role. This person has demonstrated exceptional initiative, taking extra steps to ensure the success of their team and the university. Through their dedication, creativity, and reliability, they have exceeded job expectations, often volunteering to help others and completing tasks with outstanding commitment and follow-through. Their extraordinary efforts have made a significant impact on advancing the goals and mission of their department and UT San Antonio.
- Semifinalist – Stefanie Cisneros, Student-Athlete Development
Rising Star Award
Honors the work of a new employee with less than (3) three years of continuous service with the University and who has made significant contributions throughout the year to their area, or to the university community. This individual has innovative ideas and has made significant contributions. They have a demonstrated record of improvement, have progressed through cooperation, initiative, and are self-starters with a take-charge attitude. This talented employee has volunteered to assist wherever needed.
- Semifinalist – Jacob Ramirez, Creative Services
- Nominee – Robbie Sue Espericueta, Facilities and Events
- Nominee – Brandon Pake, Facilities and Events
Team Spirit Award
Honors a group of staff members who exemplify the true spirit of the Roadrunner community by fostering a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support. The recipients embody the values and culture of the institution, consistently promoting cooperation, positivity, and strong relationships. Their collective efforts have enhanced the overall work environment truly making the university an innovative place to work, learn and discover.
- Semifinalist – UTSA Sports Medicine
In addition, UTSA Athletics’ Faculty Athletics Representative Gregg Michel, Professor of History, was a semifinalist in the Faculty Awards category of Research Achievement.