University of Illinois Springfield has named Jason Keran, a mailing equipment operator and expeditor for Campus Services, as the Employee of the Month for December 2024.

Keran, who joined UIS in November 2018, manages daily mail center operations, including sorting and delivering mail, processing mail lists and handling transactions with the United States Postal Service.

“Jason has been handling the duties of the mail center single-handedly,” said Patty Sullivan, Keran’s supervisor. “He serves as the primary point of contact to the campus community for their questions and mailing needs. He’s very knowledgeable about our mail service and systems.”

Keran is also recognized for his interactions with others on campus, his friendliness and his sense of humor.

“In the six years that I’ve worked with Jason, the past 3.5 in his supervisory line, I cannot recall ever hearing him complain,” Sullivan said. “Our work is generally time-sensitive, and it can be stressful to meet constant deadlines. Jason handles his duties professionally and displays a strong work ethic.”

His nominator said she could not recall a day when it seemed Keran was having a bad day.

“In his line of work, he likely interacts with more people on campus than most, and I can't think of a better person for the job,” his nominator said. “When we have issues, whether it be related to our copier or mail related, he is very quick to jump in and help us, and if he can't, he finds the person who can.”

Sullivan also highlighted Keran’s exceptional performance in managing additional responsibilities after the retirement of his supervisor.

“As far as productivity goes, it’s always been set to a high standard, but…he now handles the entire mailroom workload single-handedly, and as far as I can tell, there’s been no slowdown. That’s outstanding!” she said.

The UIS Employee of the Month program recognizes staff members for their contributions to the university.