THOMAS PERRY NAMED 2024 SALISBURY UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Salisbury, MD - "A true ambassador of excellent customer service embodied by both Chick-fil-A and Salisbury University," Thomas Perry, manager of the campus Chick-fil-A, has been named SU's 2024 Employee of the Year.

Announced during SU's annual Employee Appreciation Day luncheon, the award included a $1,500 cash prize and an SU parking pass with a designated parking spot for one year.

Perry, one of SU's 12 SU Employees of the Month for the 2024 fiscal year, was nominated by George Oakley, Associate Director, University Dining Services, for representing the SU core value of Excellence.

"He is helpful, accommodating and always comes to work with a smile on his face. No matter how busy the restaurant is, his contagious positivity lifts up the entire team, resulting in a high performing staff that delivers excellent customer service," read Oakley's nomination. "Tom's labor scheduling has streamlined the workforce to reduce 3,000 hours in the last fiscal year, saving over $50,000 while increasing sales by over $120,000! In the 2021-2022 academic year, SU's location was recognized by Chick-fil-A as a Top Performer in 'Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Quality and Service.' Additionally, in two of the last three quarters, the restaurant has scored in the 93^rd and 96^th percentile on quality standards for all licensed Chick-fil-A locations under Tom's leadership."

Rob Coker, Nontraditional Restaurants division, Chick-Fil-A, supported Perry's nomination.

"Tom is in the top 5% of the 400+ licensed Chick-fil-A Restaurant Leaders across the country. His attention to detail, responsiveness and caring leadership make him a joy to be around. Salisbury University is fortunate to have Tom as a representative, as we are at Chick-fil-A."

In addition to Perry (Employee of the Month for April 2024), SU recognized 11 other Employees of the Month for fiscal 2024, each receiving a $250 award and gift cards to the SU bookstore and a local alumni-owned restaurant. They included Jenna Payne, admissions counselor (July 2023); Kara Staley, police sergeant(August 2023); Jalesa Hull, assistant program director, Disability Resource Center (September 2023); Tammy Voigt, information technology support associate(October 2023); Cindy Paradis, School of Health Sciences administrative assistant II (November 2023); Matthew Hill, Event Technical Services coordinator (December 2023); Sally Smith, Human Resources administrative assistant I (January 2024); Nancy Talbott, Political Science and Sociology academic program specialist (February 2024); Janae Fontaine, SU Foundation, Inc. accounting associate (March 2024); Lora Adkins, Athletics account clerk III (May 2024); and Larry Jones, Physical Plant housekeeper assistant(June 2024).

"As a place of higher education, we often focus on the academic achievements of the University and our students," said SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre. "But it is crucial we recognize that none of these achievements would be possible without the extraordinary lengths our employees go to in order to ensure this. They form the backbone of our University."

Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.