Professor Richard Santos, acting associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences and former Economics Department chair, received the first UNM Work+Life Manager/Supervisor Award Tuesday at a ceremony in the SUB ballroom attended by more than 200 employees.
The Department of Human Resources and Staff Council sponsor the award. HR Director Susan Carkeek presented Santos with a plaque and $1,000 cash award.
Faculty, staff and students nominated Santos for the honor, designed to recognize UNM managers who assist faculty and staff in their personal and work responsibilities. He was selected from 71 staff and faculty nominated.
“Richard consistently acknowledged the contributions I made to the department and never made me feel as though I had to choose between the people who needed me at home, the students who needed me in the classroom, and my research. It is possible to do all of those things if you have some flexibility and Richard granted me that,” a nominee wrote.
“[Richard’s] kind ways and candid openness made a huge difference in the way our department functioned,” wrote another.
“We recognize his consistent efforts to provide flextime,” a nominee wrote. “He allowed me not only to travel [to help with a sick child] but also taught my class,” a teaching assistant wrote. “I don’t exaggerate if I tell you that Prof. Santos was the difference between getting my Ph.D. or not.”
For more information on the Staff Council Work-Life Committee, visit Staff Council Work-Life Committee.