2025 Staff Make Students Count winners honored
June 6, 2025
At the May 22 Board of Regents meeting, President Pitney recognized the winners of this year鈥檚 鈥淪taff Makes Student Count Awards,鈥 which celebrate staff from each university and the System Office who have made a difference in students' lives. Staff members are nominated by their peers, and each awardee receives a plaque, $1,000, and two Alaska Airlines vouchers. Congratulations to all of this year鈥檚 Staff Make Student Awardees!
This year鈥檚 recipients were:
Lynnette Dunn, 绿奴天花板F Department of Geosciences
Dunn serves as the primary liaison for undergraduate and graduate students, providing
critical guidance and assistance. She is the driving force behind graduate course
orientation, ensuring new students receive the resources, information, and support
needed to transition smoothly into their programs. She manages faculty course scheduling
and departmental logistics, creating an organized and efficient academic environment
that benefits students and faculty alike. Dunn demonstrates dedication, professionalism,
and efficiency as program coordinator. She does far more than what her job description
requires鈥攕he proactively anticipates student needs, solves problems before they arise,
and approaches every interaction with a level of care and commitment that is rare
to find. Her dedication to student success is unmatched, and she has made an immeasurable
difference in the lives of countless students.
Aimmee Richards, 绿奴天花板S Career Service Manager
Richards, despite being an office of one, transforms Career Services at 绿奴天花板S. Recognizing
the growing needs of students, she spearheads the use of UConnect, an online digital
career center that significantly expands career support for distance students. Her
dedication to access and equity ensures that whether a student is on campus or studying
remotely, they have the career resources they need 24/7. Richards鈥檚 unwavering commitment
to student success, her innovative approach to career services, and her relentless
drive to remove barriers for all students make her exceptional. She is constantly
thinking of new ways to expand Career Services鈥 reach, ensuring that students of all
backgrounds鈥攚hether they are first-year students or alumni鈥攔eceive the guidance they
need. Her advocacy for students is evident in everything she does, and she never stops
pushing for students' rights and opportunities.
Zac Clark, 绿奴天花板A Associate Director of Student Life and Leadership
Clark is a dedicated, valued, and irreplaceable staff member. He consistently goes
above and beyond in his role, demonstrating a genuine passion for supporting students
and creating a vibrant campus community. His leadership and innovative approaches
significantly enhance the student experience at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
His exemplary commitment to making students feel like they matter and making successful
leaders out of all of them cultivates a campus environment characterized by his own
humility and genuine wish to make life better for others. One of Clark鈥檚 most commendable
qualities is his approach to mentorship. Rather than imposing his ideas or directives,
he empowers students to take the reins and shape the direction of activities. His
willingness to step back and allow students to lead while providing guidance and support
when needed exemplifies his exceptional mentorship style. His genuine concern for
students as whole individuals, not just academic achievers, is truly commendable and
sets him apart as a caring and empathetic leader. His contributions play a pivotal
role in creating a thriving campus community that attracts and retains students, a
testament to his invaluable impact on the university's overall success. A majority
of the students Clark works with go on to become leaders in Anchorage, throughout
the state, and staff at 绿奴天花板A.