Barbara Jeffrey, secretary for the Department of Social Sciences, has won Troy University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award.

Jeffrey, who has been a member of the TROY staff since 2008, received the award from Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, on Dec. 16 during the University’s annual Faculty/Staff Christmas luncheon. She was nominated by Dr. Sharon Everhardt, interim chair of Social Sciences.

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.

“Mrs. Jeffrey has the Trojan Warrior spirit,” Everhardt said in her nomination. “She encompasses the motto, ‘Educate the mind to think, the heart to feel and the body to act,’ every day she serves at TROY. Beyond supporting students, Mrs. Jeffrey provides incredible support to me and the rest of the faculty in the department. She is organized and keeps all of us on track. She has a tremendous ability to understand data and put together reports for the department. This helps the department keep track of spending, enrollments, teaching schedules and anything we may ask for. Mrs. Jeffrey does not just do her job, she excels at her job.”

Jeffrey said she was surprised, but extremely honored to be recognized with the McKinley Award.