Staff Excellence Award
Jim Zuba came to WSU in 2002 to revitalize the Army ROTC program. Three years later: mission accomplished; WSU ROTC is a top-25 program nationally.
Zuba then met with others to determine how he could continue to serve the university he had grown to know and love. He traded in his army fatigues for a business suit as associate director of engagement with the WSU Alumni Association.
This 2007 President’s Employee Excellence Award recipient has ramped up the program. He has worked to enhance the Alumni Information Network, multicultural alumni alliances and volunteer alumni chapters around the country, in which he actively recruits and cultivates alumni who have an interest in supporting WSU.
In partnership with the alumni relations marketing team, Zuba developed chapters of the Alumni Association in the colleges of Education, Veterinary Medicine, Communication, and Business.
They also developed partnerships with corporations that have large numbers of WSU alumni as employees.
He and his team have conducted more than 170 events around the country to boost WSU and will be close to the 200-mark by June.
“He has an enormous capacity for work, outstanding follow-through, and he never puts his own needs in front of the university’s,” said Tim Pavish, interim vice president for university relations and executive director of alumni relations and alumni association. “It’s fitting that a person of Jim’s character and capabilities will be honored by President Floyd.”
Despite being what he calls “overly competitive,” Zuba does not take credit for this award.
“Anyone here could have received this award,” he said. “It’s a team effort and the award is a reflection of our teamwork.”
