Amanda Taylor, departmental secretary for the band program, has won Troy University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award.

Taylor, who has been a member of the TROY staff since 2012, received the award from Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, during a ceremony on Tuesday at the Troy Campus. She was nominated by Dr. Mark Walker, Director of Bands and a professor in the John M. Long School of Music.

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.

“Amanda is an absolute joy to work with,” Walker said. “She is always available for any student who needs her help. One of the greatest things about Amanda is that she is totally invested in her job, and she regularly brings ideas to the table that improve our working environment and our efficiency. She is the very definition of an amazing, dedicated and loyal TROY Trojan. She cares deeply about the work she does, the students and their well-being, the band program and the School of Music. Amanda certainly has earned this prestigious distinction.”

Taylor said she was surprised but deeply honored to receive the award.

“Dr. Walker is great to work for and I want to thank him for nominating me for this award,” Taylor said, noting that he told her they had a meeting to attend in order to get her to the awards ceremony. “I love my job and the opportunity to work with our students. I love Troy University. It is a great place to work.”