Denise Matthes, Secretary for the Geospatial Informatics Department at Troy University, has been awarded the University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award.

Matthes was presented with the award by Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, during a ceremony on Thursday and was nominated by Dr. Xutong Niu, Department Chair.

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. Niu referred to Matthes as the department’s “champion.”

“She always plans things ahead of us, the faculty and students in the department, and goes above and beyond to take care of business and everyone in the department,” Dr. Niu said. “Whenever faculty and students in the department have questions, she is always the go-to person because we know that she will always be able to find an answer for us. All faculty and students in our department feel grateful to have Ms. Denise as our caring and loving colleague. She makes my job much easier.”

Matthes expressed her appreciation for receiving the award.

“I appreciate Dr. Niu for nominating me, and I truly appreciate being recognized with the McKinley Award,” she said. “I love what I do. To be recognized with this award is a tremendous honor.”