Lindsey DeVries, who works in the Dean of Students Office and Accessibility Center at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh as an office manager, has been named the recipient of the May 2022 STAR Award.

She was nominated by Kiersten Karlsen, associate dean of students:

“Lindsey is there for students. She is often the first contact when a student comes into the Dean of Students Office and Accessibility Center. She is not only caring and supportive in her approach but also has a keen sense of how to best triage student care. She goes the extra mile to find the best resource for students’ individual circumstances and in many cases will walk the student directly to the source to ensure contact is made. We are confident that in the absence of staff members in our department, Lindsey would rise to the occasion and manage the situation while effectively meeting a student’s specific needs whatever the circumstance. Lindsey goes above and beyond by doing extra, following up with students and ensuring follow up from others in the office so that not a single student is left without the utmost care.

“When a new project surfaces for the Dean of Students Office or the Accessibility Center, Lindsey is the first to volunteer no matter whether it is a part of her job description. Specifically, Lindsey has managed COVID compliance coordination through our office, has coordinated a new mentor for first-year and transfer students’ program and wrote the Campus Clery Report when there was no one else available to do it. This year, she is helping to manage the implementation of a new database management system for the Accessibility Center.

“Lindsey upholds University values, especially in the area of equity. She works to identify areas of inequity in processes within our office and makes sure to uplift the voices of students who may not feel heard or that they have a platform from which to speak. Lindsey trained to be an equity coordinator, has served on countless search and screen committees, and participated in the CETL program, specifically focused on equity, mental health and well-being, and support of first- and second- year students.

“Lindsey is a great candidate for the STAR Award as there is no limit to above and beyond in her work and chosen roles as a student and staff advocate and supporter.”