Botz a perfect fit for ‘Star Award’

Someone who always has time to help, even when she’s busy, is just the kind of person to receive the Star Award. July’s Star Award recipient is university services associate Carol Botz, human services and professional leadership. After nearly 22 years in the university’s Key Office, Botz transferred to human services and professional leadership in the College of Education and Human Services, where her main focus is assisting human services students, department faculty and staff and area members of the Human Services Advisory Board. She needs to know everything about the human services undergraduate degree program and several graduate degree and certificate programs. She also needs to know how to work with a wide variety of people.

“My door is always open for students to stop in for advice or reassurance that they’re on the right track toward their degree, and my office is often very busy,” Botz said. “But, it is my joy to help students succeed.” Janet Hagen, chair of human services and professional leadership, was impressed with Botz’s efficiency during a recent hiring search and self-study project.

“Carol was somehow able to manage to facilitate the interviewing arrangements, and through a great deal of extra work, get the self-study out in time!” Hagen said. “She does this conscientiously, professionally and with a light heart. She truly is a pleasure to work with.” Botz, who began her UW-Oshkosh career as a student in 1969 at what was then Wisconsin State University-Oshkosh, worked in the music department and Bookstore as a student before beginning at the Bookstore in 1978 and transferring to the Key Office in 1980. “UW-Oshkosh is more than my alma mater and my place of employment—it is a very important part of my life!” Botz said. The Star Award recognizes performance above and beyond expectations. It includes a framed certificate, a reserved parking space for a month and a gift from University Books and More. The award is presented each month to employees who have worked at least six months at UW-Oshkosh.