Publication Date
11-8-2021
Abstract
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Nov. 8, 2021) – East Tennessee State University has recognized Kate Emmerich as Staff Woman of the Year.
2021 ETSU Staff Woman of the Year
Shown from left: Dr. Keith Johnson, ETSU vice president for Equity and Inclusion; Dr. Brian Noland, president of ETSU; Kate Emmerich, 2021 ETSU Staff Woman of the Year; Dr. Phyllis Thompson, director of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program; and Dr. Jennifer Hill, chair of the ETSU Commission for Women Standing Committee. (Photo contributed)
This award honors one extraordinary woman who has made a notable impact in the workplace and improved the quality of life for others through inspiration, service to ETSU, community service, support of women’s causes or organizations, or professional accomplishments above or outside normal job responsibilities.
Emmerich, a former staff counselor and OASIS (Outreach and Advocacy: Sexuality Information for Students) coordinator in the ETSU Counseling Center, received the honor during a recent award ceremony.
In her professional work, Emmerich provides consultation, advocacy and crisis intervention to ETSU students. She also trains faculty, staff, graduate students and other student leaders to identify students in distress and then provide assistance with navigating the help-seeking process.
In her role as OASIS coordinator, Emmerich has hosted many campus events to raise awareness about sexual violence, in addition to providing intimate partner and sexual violence prevention education.
Her work benefits the Appalachian Highlands. As a member of the ETSU Sexual Assault Advisory Board, she coordinates and presents at the Escape from Rape Conference, where local, regional and state experts convene to address the topic of preventing sexual violence. Emmerich also serves the region by participating in multiple community task forces, including the Johnson City Police Sexual Assault Task Force.
“Kate is an exemplary staff member who is dedicated to building a resilient ETSU community, improving the lives of ETSU students, staff, faculty and the members of our region,” her nominator wrote. “We are grateful for her years of service at ETSU.”
Awarded annually since 2012, the ETSU Commission for Women Standing Committee collaborated with the Women’s Resource Center and Office of Equity and Inclusion to celebrate female staff members.
“This year, we received 16 nominations for Staff Woman of the Year,” said Dr. Jennifer Hall, chair of the ETSU Commission for Women Standing Committee. “This unprecedented number of nominations highlights the exceptional quality of our female staff members.”
Document Type
News Article
