Two employees of Savannah State University (SSU) garnered the coveted Chancellor’s Service Excellence Award. Administered by the University System of Georgia (USG), the award seeks to commend employees for going “above and beyond their normal job responsibilities.” Recipients are nominated by fellow employees who have taken note of the extraordinary efforts being made by their colleagues.

On October 10, 2014, the awards were presented to Gary Guillory, Ed.D., and Tameka McDaniel, who both work in Student Support Services (SSS). Part of the federally funded TRIO programs, their department is tasked with assisting students who come from low-income backgrounds, are a first-generation college student or have a documented disability. Their efforts help these students transition into successful graduates.

Guillory, the director of SSS, was nominated specifically for his work during campus move-in weekend in fall of 2013. With the sudden death of the director of residential services, Guillory stepped in to make move-in and housing services a smooth operation on short notice. Additionally, Guillory spearheaded a successful program for on-site admissions, a “one-stop shop” workshop for new students and a secondary school honors convocation for area juniors and seniors.

Tameka McDaniel, the program coordinator for SSS, was noted for her personal efforts regarding student well-being and safety. While her official responsibilities include assisting SSS students with tutors, supplemental instruction and financial education, McDaniel far exceeded those tasks. She takes calls from worried or anxious students well into the night and early hours of the morning, and makes sure they have basic life needs met.

These two stellar employees represent SSU & USG’s commitment to “consistently exceeding expectations.”