Secretary to dean wins Troy University award

TROY - Maurice Tillery, secretary to the dean of the Troy University Library, has won the university's Vergil Parks McKinley Award for June.

Tillery, who has been a member of the Troy University staff since 1972, received the award during a ceremony in the General Academic Building on the Troy Campus. Ed Roach, executive vice chancellor and provost, presented the award to Tillery, who was nominated by Henry R. Stewart, dean of university libraries.

The McKinley Award is the highest honor that Troy University gives to a non-faculty staff member. It is presented monthly to an employee who has demonstrated outstanding attitude, innovation and work ethic. The award was established by former Texaco Chief Executive Officer John McKinley in honor of his father, Vergil Parks McKinley, who was a Troy University professor during the early 20th century and was key to the development of the university's athletic program. Winners of this award receive an engraved clock and a $350 stipend.

In a letter of nomination, Stewart called Tillery a "true inspiration. Maurice always has the students at the heart of her service attitude," the nomination said. "I have seen students from 20 or more years ago come to the library looking for 'Miss Maurice.' She has been a mother, a confidant, a shoulder to cry on , an encourager and a strict disciplinarian, but they still return to see 'Miss Maurice.' I have been very impressed by her ability to remember them all with fondness and humor."

According to Stewart, it was Tillery who was his guide when he first took over the dean's position.

"She has always taken on new tasks cheerfully and has assisted library and university personnel in numerous ways," the nomination said. "Maurice's diligence and loyalty has been demonstrated by her ability to accomplish the task, whether it required working during holidays, vacations, evenings or arriving at work early. She has always been extremely dependable regardless of the situation. She is a true Trojan."

Tillery, a resident of Troy, said she was surprised to receive the award. "This is a tremendous honor," she said. "I am extremely proud to have been selected."