DENTON (UNT), Texas -- As a part of the University of North Texas' Staff Appreciation Week celebrations, 12 members of the UNT staff have received Staff Contribution Awards, presented by President Neal Smatresk.

The winners were nominated by their colleagues and a committee from UNT's Staff Senate evaluated each nomination to choose the winners. Each winner has demonstrated a commitment to UNT's four bold goals and to selflessly advancing the university's mission. Each winner received a $1,000 cash award.

The 2014 winners are:

• Patrice Abner, student services coordinator, for her guidance in all leadership training initiatives, including teaching the introductory course "Leadership for a Global Society," which is part of the new academic Leadership Studies Certificate.
• Thomas Rufer, assistant vice president for auxiliary services, for his commitment to providing students with the best undergraduate educational experience through programs and facilities.
• Jamie Adams, associate athletic director for marketing and promotions, for his involvement in the "Apogee Experience."
• Charlie Brien, director of facilities support and services, for his involvement in the merging of the Facilities and Auxiliary Maintenance departments and his active commitment to better managing UNT waste.
• Tim Boswell, production manager in UNT's Department of English, for his work as managing editor of "Studies in the Novel," a quarterly humanities journal produced in the English department.
• Rebecca Hughes, administrative coordinator in the College of Music, for her role in maintaining and managing more than 1,800 College of Music undergraduate and graduate applications.
• Tracy Kaan, data analyst for UNT international, for her leadership in the international education field with regard to using and implementing technology to help streamline international office processes.
• Ana Martinez, academic counselor in the College of Music, for her outstanding advising.
• Pamela Milner, assistant director for academic services for the College of Business, for her involvement in the Veteran's Advisor Council, Emerald Eagles Scholar Action Team and Guidebook Committee, and her ability to stay engaged with UNT students.
• Vladimir Nesterov, director of UNT Department of Chemistry's X-ray Diffraction Laboratory, for his help to research groups in the department through his efforts to resolve the structures of the compounds and materials produced by his group.
• Patrick Pluscht, director of the Center for Learning Enhancement Assessment and Redesign, for appropriate applications of new technologies, thoughtful design of in-class and online exercises, problem-based activities, and authentic assessments.
• Matt Story, graduate program administrator and academic advisor for UNT's Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies, for his design and implementation of administration infrastructure for the philosophy and religion studies doctoral degree program.