Western Way: Atkins, Kinser help hundreds

Do you work with an outstanding colleague at Western Washington University? The Western Way program provides the opportunity for faculty and staff to recognize the great efforts of others on campus.

Any time throughout the year, folks in the WWU community can visit the Western Way website to recognize a Western employee who demonstrates excellence in serving students, visitors or colleagues, based on the characteristics that make them uniquely Western: inviting, engaging, distinctive, collaborative and adventurous.

Western Way honorees are recognized online on the Western Way Wall of Acknowledgment, in Western Today and in a slideshow at the Employee Recognition Ceremony in April.

Recently recognized were Jesse Atkins and Jacob Kinser, who were selected by Anna Blick, assistant director of disAbility Resources for Students:

It is my pleasure to nominate Jesse Atkins and Jacob Kinser as shining examples of the Western Way. Jesse and Jacob are the front-line staff for disAbility Resources for Students; they help hundreds of students each week by answering questions, proctoring exams, maintaining office morale, and mentoring our student employees. The two Western Way characteristics that Jesse and Jacob model particularly well are that they are inviting and collaborative. Both of these professionals strive to go the extra distance to create a safe space for the students that we serve. Whether it is asking students about how their classes are going to keeping a stash of biscuits for service dogs, Jesse and Jacob receive and welcome each student uniquely with care. As a student services office that conducts daily business with academic departments and faculty, Jesse and Jacob approach this partnership with collaborative spirit, exemplifying wonderful customer service while maintaining a solutions-oriented framework. Faculty and staff report that it is a pleasure to work with such esteemed and trustworthy colleagues. It is an honor to have both Jesse and Jacob on staff and part of our DRS family.

To view more information on the nominees to date, visit the Western Way website atwww.wwu.edu/westernway/.