Paula Rich is the March 2020 Staff Employee of the Month
Paula Rich is the March 2020 Staff Employee of the Month
March 26, 2020 Robert Lane
Port St. Lucie resident Paula Rich is being recognized as the Indian River State College March Employee of the Month. Paula first joined the IRSC family in February 2000 part-time as a tutor for the Adult Education General Education Development (GED) program. In August 2008, she was hired as a full-time Developmental Education Specialist before her promotion to Academic Support Center Manager—the position she holds today.
Paula personifies the term “leader.” As a guiding hand in the ASC lab, Paula makes every decision with genuine care for the welfare and success of each student that they serve. Paula has impeccable organizational skills that help to keep the ASC running smoothly, and her managerial style fosters an atmosphere conducive to success. Her ability to communicate is beyond reproach—keeping all ASC tutors informed on what needs to be done and how to prioritize goals. Paula strives to ensure that the rules are followed and maintains a professional setting that provides a safe, comfortable place to work. A warm, friendly disposition—alongside a high level of professionalism—is the key to her success.
In addition to leading the ASC team on Pruitt Campus and tutoring students, Paula serves as a facilitator, lead teacher, and ambassador for IRSC and the ASC program, which she promotes at numerous community events. Paula recently earned her Master of Arts Degree in career and technical education from the University of South Florida, and hopes to continue to work with and support students at the post-secondary level. Paula enjoys reading, spending time with family, and watching baseball and football.
Those in the ASC lab who work with Paula each day share emphatic praise. One co-worker states, “As the manager of the ASC, Paula is approachable, friendly, and respected.” Another says, “Paula is always willing to work with employees to ensure we have what we need to succeed—as well as the needs of the students and parents.” Finally, another co-worker expresses, “I firmly believe that respected employees are productive employees, and Paula sets the tone for production as she is always respectful of employees. I thoroughly enjoy working for Paula!”
About the Staff Employee of the Month Award
The Staff Employee of the Month Award recognizes a non-instructional employee. Nominations are evaluated by the Employee Recognition Committee, which is comprised of IRSC staff members, faculty and administrators. For more information, contact Committee Chair Sera Phillips at 772-462-7258.
