In mid-April, employees of the University of Central Arkansas were given the opportunity to ring in Employee Appreciation Week by providing verbal appreciation to their campus peers and mentors through the BEAR in MIND podcast’s “Bear to Bear” series.
BEAR in MIND is a podcast series hosted by UCA’s very own Leigh Ann DenHartog (Director of Academic Advising) and Charlotte Strickland (Director of Employee Engagement and Enrichment). BEAR in MIND seeks to provide UCA’s campus with positive, scholarly commentary on effective leadership theory, mindsets, and methods – in DenHartog’s words, “just being a good steward.”
In “Bear to Bear,” DenHartog and Strickland sat down with a rotating group of UCA employees who provided impassioned acknowledgement to those who have impacted them across campus. These special shoutouts not only provide deserved recognition to those who have made an impact, but they also foster a positive environment of earnest appreciation felt campus-wide. The bright energy radiating through each featured employee paints a magnificent picture of the intense pride UCA’s employees have in the work they do and the connections they have made.
Jeremy Thomas (Academic Advising) reflected on how much better he feels “mentally, physically, and spiritually” following his four years being employed with the university, as well as the mentorship provided by DenHartog, who is also his supervisor. “I had to show some love,” Thomas joyfully remarked, his smile framing his words.
Audreka Peten (Student Accounts) gave a hearty shoutout to Rae Miller (Enrollment Systems), emphasizing that “people in the background” doing critical work almost “never get pulled to the front.” Peten uplifted Miller’s confident expertise and helpful, friendly disposition – qualities of a great campus leader.
Peten also lifted up the students and broader campus community as the most “fulfilling part” in her 15 years of service, ultimately reinforcing her ‘why.’ “Now purple is my favorite color,” Peten mused. DenHartog quickly retorts, “and it looks so pretty on you!”
To check out every monthly episode of BEAR in MIND, visit https://uca.edu/hr/protectedcontent/training/podcast/.Employee Podcast Highlight.
This story was written by: Dylan Richardson