Beth Steed, administrative assistant to the Senior Vice Chancellor of Student Services and Administration, has won Troy University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award.

Steed, who has been employed by the University since 2005, received the award from Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, during the University’s annual holiday luncheon on Wednesday in the Trojan Center Ballrooms on the Troy Campus. She was nominated by Dr. John Dew, Senior Vice Chancellor of Student Services and Administration.

The McKinley Award is the highest honor that Troy University gives to a non-faculty staff member. It is presented quarterly to an employee who has demonstrated outstanding attitude, innovation and work ethic. The award was established by the late John McKinley, former Texaco CEO, in honor of his father, Vergil Parks McKinley, who was a Troy University professor during the early 20th century and was key to the development of the University’s athletic program. Winners of this award receive an engraved clock and a $1,000 stipend.

In a letter of nomination, Dr. Dew called Steed “a stalwart contributor” to the University, serving first with the University’s Global Campus and later with the Division of Advancement and External Affairs before coming to work with Student Services.

“In each of these positions, Beth has exhibited a strong work ethic combined with a willingness to work with a sense of team spirit, promoting good collaboration and cooperation,” Dr. Dew said. “Beth can always be relied upon to collaborate with others to seek solutions to problems rather than simply reporting the existence of a problem. Beth also shows great skill in being willing to listen patiently and in a caring manner when people call the Chancellor’s Office Suite, even when the issue is outside of the Student Services area. She is dedicated to Troy University, supportive of her fellow employees, and is a true Trojan through and through.”

Steed said she was humbled to receive the award.

“I love working at Troy University,” she said. “Working here has provided me with the opportunity to work with so many wonderful and dedicated people. I am very grateful and humbled to receive the McKinley Award.”