Donnell VanSkiver Wins 2nd Annual Washington, D.C. Admin Leadership Award
Aug 31, 2023 8:00 AM
Executive Administrative Assistant to FSU President Takes Home One of Profession’s Highest Honors
On Friday, Aug. 25, Donnell VanSkiver, Executive Administrative Assistant to Frostburg State University’s President, was announced the winner of this year’s Leadership Award at the 2023 Washington, D.C. Admin Awards. These awards are the administrative profession’s highest honors. She garnered a total of 19 nominations from her superiors, coworkers, community leaders and students.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and truly honored to be the recipient of the Leadership Award,” said VanSkiver. “In my 20 years as an administrative professional, I have been a constant advocate for the profession and for my fellow admins.” She continued, “But of course, no one gets anywhere without support, and I am incredibly fortunate to have immense support from my executives, my fellow admins, coworkers, friends, and my family.”
“We created the Admin Awards to honor the backbones of organizations,” said the award’s CEO, Sunny Nunan. “Administrative professionals are critical to the success of their leaders and organizations and give their all to make others successful. Donnell is a perfect example of the talent and tenacity that it takes to be a successful administrative professional in today’s environment, and her dedication, service and loyalty are an inspiration to us all.”
Accompanying VanSkiver to the awards ceremony, held at the Waldorf Astoria in D.C., from FSU were Dr. Ronald Nowaczyk, president; Al Delia, vice president for regional development and engagement; Dr. Alan Walker, assistant to the president; Brad Nixon, general counsel; and FSU’s mascot, Bob E. Cat. VanSkiver’s husband, Joshua, also attended the event.
“I am very happy for Donnell. This award is well-deserved,” said President Nowaczyk. “Donnell has gone beyond her normal duties to assume a leadership role to improve our operations at FSU. The list of nominees was very impressive, and I’m glad the star of that list is with us at FSU.”
The Admin Awards are the only program of its kind that recognizes and rewards the importance and achievements of administrative professionals. There are nine award categories, including the Leadership Award which VanSkiver won for “demonstrating confidence, focus, drive, integrity, innovation, patience, decisiveness and open-mindedness.”
One theme remained constant throughout the multitude of nominations she received. VanSkiver is a life-long learner who is committed to passing along her knowledge to her peers so that they, too, can grow in their careers. She fosters open communication, collaboration and inclusivity putting everyone she interacts with at ease making them feel supported and empowered.
“I have had a small plaque on my desk throughout my career with the quote ‘Wish It. Dream It. Do It.’, and it reminds me every day to put in the work necessary to carve out success.” VanSkiver went on to say, “There are goals to achieve, tasks to accomplish and dreams to fulfill. Make a plan; do the work; celebrate the reward!”
Prior to beginning her tenure at FSU in 2020, VanSkiver was the Senior Human Resources Assistant at Northrop Grumman at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) location.
For more information about the Admin Awards, visit the AdminAwards web site.
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