Sherry Bailey, university program specialist and manager of special projects in the Department of Nuclear Engineering (NE), has been designated as a College of Engineering (COE) Award of Excellence recipient.  Four COE staff members received the Awards for Excellence from a group of seventeen nominees.

Sherry was selected in the Spirit of North Carolina category. Awards can be given in the categories of Customer Service, Efficiency and Innovation, Human Relations, Outstanding State Government Service, Public Service and Safety and Heroism, and Spirit of North Carolina.

Working “behind the scenes,” Sherry is recognized for positively affecting NE’s culture and elevating its image through her efforts in mentoring the department’s high-achieving students.

Colleagues of Sherry applaud her dedication to the department, particularly through her mentoring of students through applications for prestigious graduate fellowships across the country. Thirty-five students have been awarded national fellowships with her assistance.

Sherry’s professional association with the NE Department began in the fall of 2009 when she was appointed the project manager for NCSU’s coordination of the 2010 National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges Summit. After successfully executing the summit in March 2010, Sherry became the program developer for both the CASL Education Program and the US DOE Nuclear Energy University Program working with Dr. John Gilligan. In the fall of 2012, Sherry was assigned to foster a new initiative within the department as the NE Graduate Fellowship Advisor. Outside of NE, Sherry presided over Carolina Dance Foundation, a non-profit organization promoting dance education and an appreciation for the dance arts, for six years. She currently serves as President Emeritus.

The Awards for Excellence program annually honors the accomplishments and contributions of employees who go above and beyond their required job responsibilities. Recipients of the award receive eight hours of paid time off, a $250 check and a plaque. Additionally, they become eligible for the University-wide Awards for Excellence, considered one of the most prestigious honors that can be given to a non-faculty employee.

Four other NE staff members were among the nominees across multiple categories. Chintan Kanani (Efficiency and Innovation), Mario Milev (Human Relations), and Ervin Miller (Safety and Heroism), along with former NE Staff member Russell Villard (Customer Service), received an Award of Excellence nominations.