Gary Anderson has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for August 2022. He works as a business administrative associate for UIS Online, Professional, and Engaged Learning (OPEL).

After 24 years of management in the private sector, Anderson began working for UIS in the Center for Academic Success in September 2018 before joining OPEL in August 2019. According to his nominator, he played an important role when multiple offices merged to form OPEL.

“His ability to balance a huge number and variety of tasks and create relationships across campus quickly improved the function of all our units,” said his nominator. “Where there had been headaches, there are now solutions. It doesn't matter the level of the task -- from complicated issues at the system office to mundane maintenance issues, Gary approaches all OPEL employees with kindness, professionalism and a can-do spirit.”

His nominator calls Anderson’s range of work “truly stunning,” from hiring and paying adjunct instructors, navigating grants and contracts, HR workflow, purchasing, setting up credit card processing and improving reconciling workflows.

“Gary is always positive,” said Vickie Cook, his supervisor. “He provides realistic responses and finds ways to help move every project forward in a timely manner. His attitude is always professional and he engages staff and students with respect. He finds ways to get to a ‘yes’ response in offering solutions to problems brought to his attention.”

Anderson assists multiple units on campus, helping directors of the offices of the Center for Online Learning, Research, and Service (COLRS); Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE); Office of Engaged Learning (OEL); and the Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE).

“Gary relates to his co-workers extremely well,” Cook said. “He is always friendly and works to build up others. His interactions with external constituents are as positive as his interactions with UIS faculty, students and staff. Gary has a friendly word and smile for everyone!”

Anderson is also active on campus, having participated in several volunteer professional staff development activities, including the OBFS Business Manager training.

“Gary is an amazing employee who is so deserving of the EOM recognition,” Cook said. “He assists me in so many ways with managing two areas on campus. Gary is an outstanding colleague.”