3 staff members honored with RICE MILE Award

Rice staff members Erin Baezner, Pat Roycroft and Karen Shelton were honored with the RICE MILE Award in December.

Erin Baezner

Baezner, coordinator of the Department of History, was lauded for her role in changing department culture for undergraduates by creating “a dynamic and energetic presence,” according to a letter nominating her for the award.

“Most history departments in America are tackling declining enrollments … but few have a more effective weapon than Erin Baezner!” the letter said. “Erin’s capacity to anticipate needs and her energy in proactively meeting them is exceptional.”

Pat Roycroft

Roycroft, an accounting assistant in the Controller’s Office, was described as “consistent, trustworthy and persistent in her work ethic and generous in spirit,” said a letter nominating her for the award.

“She’s hard-working and always willing to lend a hand to her co-workers, and she’s done that consistently, day in and day out, year after year for all of the 23 years we’ve worked together,” the letter said. “I think many people at Rice who work with financial data have seen her user ID, and I wish more people knew the staffer behind the name, because she’s worth knowing.”

Karen Shelton

Shelton, senior department administrator in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, was touted for her dedication and described as “very driven” in her nomination letter.

“She is very conscientious about making sure all is working in the department like a well-oiled machine,” the letter said. “She has all the RICE MILE qualities and takes her position very seriously. She is a great manager and works well with her staff and faculty.”

All levels of staff are eligible for consideration for the RICE MILE Award and can be nominated by peers, colleagues, co-workers or supervisors as long as they have at least one year of service and are in good standing. Nominations must be submitted through the RICE MILE Award online nomination form and require approval from senior leadership in the nominee’s school or division.

For more information, visit http://people.rice.edu/careersrice/awards-and-recognition/the-rice-mile-award/.