Erin Azua, an administrative assistant IV at the Student Wellness Center, recently was chosen as the third-place recipient of the President's Classified Employee of the Year Award. Read her advice for new employees seeking success at UNLV.
Why UNLV?
I graduated from UNLV in 2005 with a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology. After graduating I was working off campus and a friend who worked at UNLV suggested I apply for a job here. I applied for an administrative assistant III position in the School of Nursing. I didn't get that job, but then the department of mathematical sciences called and invited me to interview. I went to work there in 2007 and stayed six years. In 2013, I transferred to the Student Wellness Center as an AA IV. I am committed to UNLV. I enjoyed my time as a student and now I like working here.
Typical Day
I do various types of duties, including lots of paperwork. I am the assistant to Jamie Davidson, the associate vice president for student wellness, so each day I assist him as well as provide support to the six departments and 11 directors/associate directors who report to him.
I also am the point person for the voluntary health withdrawal on campus. If a student has a health emergency that prevents him from completing a semester, that student can apply for a voluntary health withdrawal. If the application is approved, the student's transcript won't be marred and she may even receive a partial tuition refund.
It was created in 2005, but few students and staff were aware of it. In 2013, I created a website about it, so that students in need would know that it is an option. More than 100 students apply every year. I speak to or meet with each applicant multiple times during the process.
Couldn't Do My Job Without
A computer. Everything is email driven and we have so many web-based services that we have to log into.
Advice for a New Employee
I would tell them to get out of their comfort zone -- and their office. I think a real problem that can lead to a feeling of isolation is that people just stay in their offices. Volunteer for an Ask Me! booth or go to some campus events. We have so much going on here.
Also, I urge people to look on the UNLV website to find answers to their questions. Asking others for answers is fine, but if you look for yourself you'll also find other information you didn't know you needed.
My First Job
I worked at a record store called Big B's. I stocked records and CDs and worked as a cashier. Working at a record store isn't going to pay the bills, but it was fun.
My Favorite Book
Zorba the Greek. The movie was good, but the book was way better. I read it when I was younger and it left an impression.
My Dream Vacation
Would be a trip to Australia. My husband and I travel a lot and we've been lucky to travel in the U.S. and Europe. But Australia seems so exotic. And, having a degree in anthropology, I would be interested in some of the populations there.
Something People Would Be Surprised to Learn
I ride my bike to work every day. It is only a few miles each day, but I really, really dislike driving. I would always prefer to ride my bike; I just find it so much more enjoyable.
What the Nominators Said
Kathy Underwood, director of the Student Health Center, described Azua as someone who is "self-directed, completes her assignments in a timely and complete manner, and is able to prioritize, balance competing demands, meet important deadlines, and remain calm and cheerful even under stressful situations. Erin displays a gentle and caring disposition when dealing with both staff and patients and consistently offers her help whenever she determines a need, often without being asked.
"Erin is absolutely the first person that is called upon in many circumstances, and it is not uncommon to hear on an almost daily basis from a staff member within Student Wellness, 'I'm not sure what to do. Let's ask Erin.' Erin truly knows, values, and exemplifies the meaning of the word 'teamwork.'"
Jamie Davidson, associate vice president for Student Wellness, said that handling the voluntary health withdrawal process is a key part of Azua's job and that she capably assists the students through that process. "The emotional support and compassion that Erin gives to students dealing with very severe, and in some cases life-threatening, health conditions is exemplary."
