Cox and Lanier named employees of the year

November 5, 2014

Kevin Cox (MA ’81), director of crisis communications and community relations in University Advancement, and Patty Lanier, administrative coordinator for the Department of Communication, were named Employees of the Year at the Staff Rewards & Recognition Luncheon on Nov. 4.

Cox, who has held a number of leadership roles in the Office of Communications and External Relations, joined Wake Forest as a staff member in 1990. He was recognized for his calm and careful communication style, particularly in difficult situations; his ability to build strong and trusting relationships; his dedication to mentoring staff of all experience levels; and his commitment to preserving and improving the Wake Forest community. Cox currently represents Wake Forest and University Advancement on many committees and councils, including the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce Tech Council, Staff Advisory Council and University Area Neighborhood Association.

Lanier has been at Wake Forest since 1998 and was called the “heartbeat” of her department. She was recognized for taking a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to helping students, faculty and staff in the department; exercising consistently good judgment in routine activities and challenging circumstances; anticipating and planning for upcoming needs; and maintaining a smile and sense of tranquility, while keeping others on deadline.

At the luncheon, members of the Reynolda Cabinet honored service milestones of 201 staff members who were celebrating over 2,600 years of combined service. Chief Human Resources Officer Carmen Canales recognized the following colleagues with 30 or more years of service:

• 30 years: Kathy Bunn (MALS ’11), Sally Irvin, Cherin Poovey, Paul Sheff and Elide Vargas (MAED ’97);
• 35 years: Margaret Kittrell and Minta McNally (’74); and
• 40 years: Donnie Adams and Keith Wise.

This marked the 14th annual Staff Rewards & Recognition event held by Human Resources. The department introduced several innovative features, including an iPad station where honorees selected from a wide range of service awards. The event was followed by a campus-wide celebration.

The Staff Rewards & Recognition video featured reflections from some of the staff members celebrating milestones this year, while others shared memories on social media using #WFUYears.