College UF Superior Accomplishment Award winners

Congratulations to Patricia Xirau-Probert, Ph.D., and Eric Weber, both winners of the 2013 HSC Superior Accomplishment Awards for the University of Florida College of Dentistry. They were among the honorees at the Annual Superior Awards Luncheon on March 15, 2013.

Each winner received a $200 award and is entered to win the university-level awards announced later in the spring.

Probert, left, with Dr. Teresa A. Dolan
Probert, left, with Dr. Teresa A. Dolan

Probert, a clinical assistant professor, is the director of student and multicultural affairs in the Office of Education and received the Diversity and Inclusion Award for her efforts to encourage diversity and inclusion among all students, staff and faculty at the College of Dentistry.  One of her responsibilities is to coordinate the college’s Summer Learning Program, which is an immersive, three-week program for Florida residents from educationally or economically disadvantaged backgrounds or ethnic minority.

In a nomination letter, a current dental student wrote that the program, “literally changed by life. Without the motivation I received from the program, I would never have made the crucial changes in my life to be a successful applicant.”

Probert’s efforts at creating and contributing to an institutional climate of acceptance have helped the college become one of the national leaders among dental schools in the diversity of its student body.

Weber is a program assistant in Clinic Administration and received his award for his many contributions to the college including his recent development of an electronic format for tracking and managing quality improvement processes data, which had previously been tracking by hand on paper.

The electronic process has simplified a number of tracking processes and measurement outcomes including the accumulation and tabulation of data, recording unexpected patient outcomes, and infection control surveillance.

Weber also developed an electronic inventory management system for the equipment leasing office, created a database to track and notify clinics when vendors check in for visits, and ensure they have the proper privacy and other training necessary for on-site visits. These are just a few examples of his innovations that have made a difference in the college.

One of his nomination letters describes him as someone who is, “deeply loyal, highly respectful and is not committed to doing a good job, but a great job.”

Weber, right, with Dr. Teresa A. Dolan
Weber, right, with Dr. Teresa A. Dolan

The UF Superior Accomplishment Award program recognizes employees who perform beyond normal expectations and contributed outstanding and meritorious service in their fields. It also recognizes employees who have made an exceptional contribution toward the University of Florida’s efficiency and/or economy, the quality of life UF provides for students and employees, or the overall goals and objectives of his or her department.

The awards committee considers:

Excellence in overall job performance
Outstanding service to students, staff, academic personnel, visitors, and university clientele
Willingness to assist beyond normal expectations
Dedication to the job and the university
Consistent cooperation and helpfulness
Initiative and/or creativity in performing assigned duties

Thank you to Tammy McGee, who coordinated the awards program this year on behalf of our college, and to those people who took the time to nominate our employees.