Griff Lewis, instructional designer at Penn State Worthington Scranton, has been named the campus' February 2016 Employee of the Month.
Lewis began working at the campus in 2011. He is responsible for developing instructional design services, materials, and delivery methods at the campus; integrating technology into teaching, learning, and research activities; and collaborating with students, faculty, staff, and administrators in developing instructional materials for projects and delivery. He is also the coordinator/organizer of the annual Northeast Regional Faculty Day, which brings faculty and staff from Penn State's eastern campuses, as well as University Park, to PSWS for presentations and knowledge sharing on instructional design and technology.
The Employee of the Month is a new recognition award created by Dr. Marwan Wafa, PSWS chancellor, to distinguish staff members who "go above and beyond the call of duty" in serving Penn State Worthington Scranton. Nominations are made by the chancellor's Cabinet members.
Lewis was nominated for his positive attitude and willingness to help staff and faculty with new and emerging technologies, as well as for playing key roles in campus events and projects. His nomination stated:
"Griff is our campus' instructional designer, and since coming to our campus, he has become an invaluable resource for faculty and staff. From his Brown Bag luncheon sessions for faculty, to individual help with instructional design or technical issues, he makes himself readily available to anyone who needs his assistance and does so with a smile and exceptionally pleasant demeanor. I have personally worked with Griff on digital signage issues and am currently working with him on the Polaris website project. His knowledge and technical expertise have been a great help to me in both of those areas, and when he doesn't know something, you can bet that he will make it a point to find out how to do it, and get back to you!"
"For the past two years, Griff has created, organized and run a Faculty Development Day here at our campus for faculty and staff from all of the eastern PSU campuses. For each of these two years, it has attracted over 50 people, and has showcased our campus and our faculty and their research/areas of expertise in a very positive light. This annual event has even attracted attendees from University Park, as well as the Altoona and York campuses, and garnered exposure on one of PSU's Teaching and Learning (TLT) blogs (http://tlt.psu.edu/2015/01/23/innovative-technology-and-teaching-ideas-arise-at-faculty-development-day/)
"Griff truly is someone who not only goes out of his way to help others, but also is continually striving to improve upon and create learning and technical opportunities at our campus."
Congratulations Griff!