Mathis, Sills to Represent NC State University in Governor’s Award Competition
Brian Mathis and Travis Sills of NC State University’s Division of Academic and Student Affairs (DASA) join 10 other NC State University Awards of Excellence recipients to compete for the prestigious Governor’s Awards for Excellence.
The Governor’s Awards for Excellence accepts nominations from state employees and institutions across North Carolina who believe their nominees’ contributions go above and beyond to make a positive impact in the lives of their fellow North Carolinians. Mathis and Sills, along with the other NC State University nominees, will move on to compete for awards in seven categories: Customer Service, Efficiency & Innovation, Human Relations, Outstanding State Government Service, Public Service, Safety and Heroism, and Spirit of North Carolina
Creating Positive Change
“It is empowering to know that I work with a fantastic and talented team that is deeply committed to the work of leadership and civic engagement,” said Mathis, Associate Director for DASA’s Leadership and Civic Engagement department.
Mathis spearheaded the creation of Pack the Polls, a nonpartisan voter resource for the university community and surrounding areas, while also coordinating the early voting site at Talley Student Union. He continued his service to the community by assisting with the launch of the first online service platform connecting the NC State University community with local organizations. Mathis’ peers describe him as a fiercely committed advocate for civic engagement and social change. A commitment to service that connects with the larger mission of the university. “It highlights that the institution’s land grant mission demands the institution to prioritize serving the public of North Carolina not only in research and education, but through extension and civic engagement to create positive change in our communities,” said Mathis.
No Job Too Big
Not to be outdone, Travis Sills’ time as Regional Facilities Manager for Central Campus is marked with continual success. Fellow peers describe Sills as having a unique ability to leave things better than how he found them. From identifying and preventing a near failure of vital hot water lines to providing an invaluable line of communication during Hurricane Florence, Sills has proven no job is too big, too small, too late, or too long.
“As I set short and long term goals, I always strive to be a leader by example and this is exactly the type of example that I want to be,” said Sills, “I hope people will learn that it is noticed when you go above and beyond what your job description says on paper. And that I enjoy my position at NC State and it’s important to be passionate about what you do because you impact others every single day.”
A Community of Excellence
On June 11, 2019, Chancellor Randy Woodson and University Human Resources hosted a ceremony at Hunt Library to recognize all 55 of the NC State University 2019 Awards for Excellence winners.
The university-level award is the most prestigious honor bestowed upon non-faculty employees. The NC State University Awards for Excellence recognize the notable contributions that are above and beyond an employee’s normal job responsibilities. These meritorious achievements or accomplishments should be so singularly outstanding that special recognition is justified.
