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University of Oklahoma staff members were recognized for retirement and outstanding staff performance at the 45th annual OU Staff Senate Awards Ceremony Tuesday.

During the ceremony, the Regents' Award for Superior Staff on the University of Oklahoma campus was presented to Andrea Deaton, executive director of the Office of Research Services, the office responsible for assisting faculty with their research proposals and grants administration.??

The OU Board of Regents established the $2,000 award in 1988 to recognize outstanding contributions made by OU staff members whose job performance, service activities and dedication have enhanced the mission of the university.

Deaton's career at OU began in 1994 as a temporary employee in Advanced Programs in the College of Continuing Education, first serving as a site coordinator; she later was named administrative assistant. Five years later, she transferred to the Department of Communication in the College of Arts and Sciences, serving as an assistant to the departmental chairman. In 2000, she joined the Office of Research Services as a sponsored programs coordinator and was promoted to director a few years later.?

In her nominating letter, Jennie I. Parker, assistant director of Research Services, called Deaton a "stellar leader," also describing her as "self-directed," with an "amazing and positive spirit even in the most demanding circumstances."

"Andrea's extensive experience in university administrative matters, coupled with her comprehensive knowledge of the field of research administration, has earned her the respect of her university peers as well as her colleagues nationwide," Parker wrote.

In other letters of support from colleagues, Deaton was praised for her "adaptability and willingness to think outside the box to create workable solutions" and "friendly, open and direct leadership style."

Also during the ceremony, retirees and staff with 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service received a lapel pin and certificate and awards were presented for outstanding distinguished and superior service.

The recipients of the 2008 Staff Senate merit awards who were recognized during the ceremony follow:

Hourly Employees Council Distinguished Performance Awards: Krysta Bruehl, School of Meteorology, College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences; Greg Cornett Sr., Landscape and Grounds; Dee Hayes, Aerospace Studies, College of Engineering; Tina Marie Henderson, Education Abroad and International Studies; Susan Hosler, College of Continuing Education; Niky Netty-Marbell, College of Architecture; Perry Martin, Physical Plant; Brian Nelson, OU Police Department; and Jim Williamson, Information Technology.

Hourly Employees Council George Lynn Cross Superior Performance Award: Mary Thomas, Office of Technology Development.

Hourly Employees Council Molly and David Boren Award for Excellence in Housekeeping: Vivian Hille, Physical Plant.

Informational Staff Association Distinguished Performance Awards: Deborah Blevins, Registration and Records; Nancy Blass, Department of Zoology, College of Arts and Sciences; and Pam Ketner, Information Technology.

Informational Staff Association Waintroob/Myers Superior Performance Award: Celia Jones, School of Meteorology, College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences.