Fall/Winter 2022 Alumni Magazine

Jill Fallin and Mandy Melton earn the Extra Mile Award

By UNC Chemistry Communication

The Extra Mile Award recognizes individuals for nurturing a positive environment, demonstrating crisis leadership, embracing collaborative problem solving, innovating new ideas and encouraging team-thinking. This award is given in memory of Fred Young who exemplified these characteristics during his tenure in the department of Chemistry. Just like Fred Young, the awardees go the extra mile in so many ways and their efforts are appreciated by faculty, staff, students, and postdocs.

Jill Fallin

In the past year, Jill has done an excellent job in handling the Student Services unit all by herself since the departure of her team member, Donnyell. “Jill kept a positive environment and ensured things were getting done even when the workload was overwhelming... Jill deserves accolades for everything she did to keep the academic mission of the unit running, I’m not sure it would been possible without her” said Laura Yurco. Jill was promoted to Chemistry Student Services Manager in March 2022.

In the past year, Mandy Melton has done a wonderful job in handling a heavy workload for the administrative team during the staff transition. “Mandy ensured that tasks were getting done effectively even when the workload could be overwhelming due to staff shortages. Mandy went the extra mile ... to share knowledge with her teammates by spending hundreds of hours answering questions and training the team” said Laura. Mandy was recently promoted to Public Communication Specialist in June 2022.

Karen Gilliam retires after 22 years of service to UNC

Karen Gilliam

Karen retired on February 28, 2022. She served as the Student payroll manager, and was a dependable and reliable constant in the Chemistry human resources office since 2007. Her can-do positive attitude has been greatly missed by the department but we wish her the best in her retirement.