Staff members from College honored with Awards for Excellence

Four outstanding staff members received the College of Engineering’s Awards for Excellence and were among 56 non-faculty employees across NC State put forward for the University awards.

The Awards for Excellence program recognizes the accomplishments and achievements of permanent NC State employees at both the unit and University levels who do not hold faculty rank. Awards are given across seven categories: Outstanding State Government Service, Efficiency and Innovation, Public Service, Safety and Heroism, Customer Service, Human Relations and Spirit of North Carolina. A virtual ceremony was held for 2020 to replace an event that, in most years, is held on campus. More information on the ceremony, and a link to a video, are available here.

Justin Lancaster, director of IT for the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Anna Lumpkin, university program specialist with the Analytical Instrumentation Facility, were awarded in the Customer Service category; Darlene West, administrative support specialist in UNC/NC State Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, was recognized in the Efficiency and Innovation category; and Stefani Buster, assistant director of the Consortium for Nonproliferation Enabling Capabilities (CNEC) , was awarded in the Spirit of North Carolina category.

Additionally, Lancaster was recognized as one of 12 University-wide Awards for Excellence winners. He will move forward as a nominee, along with other winners from across state government, for the Governor’s Awards for Excellence.

Justin Lancaster

Lancaster is the sole full-time information technology professional in ISE, making him responsible for all of the department’s IT functions.

“That may seem like an overwhelming responsibility, but Justin is outstanding at his job, and as a result, he is well-respected by his colleagues,” according to his nomination. “He is knowledgeable about new and current technologies, and he takes initiative and responsibility. Justin makes every effort to resolve issues immediately, treats everyone with respect and always goes the extra mile.

“His expertise has allowed him to build a number of systems, ranging from an immersive virtual reality lab to large driving simulators with cameras and sensors. Justin is the epitome of someone who provides excellent customer service. He has been instrumental in helping to plan aspects of Fitts-Woolard Hall, including the new Software Instruction Lab, the Collaboratory, a newly designed Visualization Lab and the building’s communication strategy.”

Anna Lumpkin

Lumpkin has played a critical role in increasing use of the Analytical Instrumentation Facility, which has grown by 25% since she joined the team through her continuous work to innovate new mechanisms that serve the facility’s complex and growing customer base.

“Anna consistently goes above and beyond in customer service by improving and innovating new customer-centric programs and interfaces,” according to Lumpkin’s nomination. “Anna is on the front lines with customers and presents them with a friendly and helpful demeanor. She goes beyond her role to implement new programming, enrich social interactions and act as a catalyst for community building.

“Her resourcefulness, can-do attitude and endless positivity make experiences and events much more effective. Anna has continuously innovated several systems and processes that support customers, including a dynamic website and social media campaign to promote opportunities, systems for customers to request training and instrument time, and systems to bill customers’ projects.”

Darlene West

In her role with the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, West revised the administrative systems to increase efficiency in the department, where she always treats everyone with respect.

“Darlene is smart and efficient, and she takes great pride in her work and her efforts to keep the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering running smoothly,” West’s colleagues said. “She treats everyone at NC State and beyond with respect and makes sure they have the tools they need to succeed. Darlene wears many hats in her role and does an extraordinary job at each one.

“Darlene is a fast learner and is well-organized, which is essential when managing a unique department such as BME, which is a partnership between NC State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Darlene also is key in the reappointment, promotion and tenure process; she’s critical in the department’s recruitment process; and she always meets crucial deadlines.”

Stefani Buster

Buster assists CNEC in creating and maintaining a $25 million research organization, including managing physical space and equipment, budgeting and finances, outreach activities, human resources issues, monitoring compliance and required reporting.

“Stefani has built a rapport with various constituencies of CNEC and a level of trust and respect that allows her to manage CNEC’s affairs with professionalism,” according to her nomination. “She was NC State’s ambassador to CNEC’s sponsor and partners as well as the U.S. nuclear nonproliferation enterprise. Stefani was the lead coordinator for the American Nuclear Society and University Program Review.

“She has stepped in to serve as interim business officer for the Department of Nuclear Engineering while the current business officer is on leave. Stefani performs all activities with excellence, and she exhibits team spirit that is consistent with her capacity for growth and self-improvement. She is an invaluable asset to NC State.”

The College’s winners received eight hours of paid time off, a $250 check and a plaque. The nomination period for the 2021 Awards for Excellence program opens Jan. 1, 2021. If you know of someone who exemplifies excellence and performs above and beyond the call of duty, please consider nominating them for this prestigious award on the Awards for Excellence homepage.