Congratulations to Kristi Nelson for receiving UNT's Rising Star Award for the university's Staff Appreciation Month! Kristi, an administrative specialist in the Math Department, has only been at UNT since 2019, but she's already proven to be a dedicated staff member who goes above and beyond to support students, faculty and staff in the math department and all across campus. Kristi's star was on the rise well before the pandemic began, but when campus shut down she worked tirelessly to ensure that instructors had the technology and supplies they needed to teach remotely. She transformed the labs and meeting spaces for social distancing, and when the math department had to cancel its annual Celebration of Faculty and Student Achievements last spring, she created a virtual ceremony so faculty, students and parents could celebrate together, safely apart. With a great sense of humor and an attitude that brightens up the office, Kristi continues to shine in her new role as graduate program coordinator.

"All I can say is that I was surprised and so honored by the recognition," said Kristi. "I love being here working with such a fantastic team, and I look forward to each day."

The virtual Staff Appreciation Awards Ceremony Presented by DATCU took place Tuesday, March 2, to honor the staff members who received our annual staff awards and three presidential awards this year. Find the livestream of the event archived on YouTube.

Read about all three fantastic College of Science recipients of UNT's 2021 Staff Appreciation Awards here: https://cos.unt.edu/news/three-cos-staff-recognized-university-wide-staff-appreciation-awards