Staff celebrated at 2024 awards ceremony
The 2024 Texas A&M College of Dentistry staff awards ceremony honored employees who not only work hard, but who are also dedicated to the school’s mission. Those winning awards included Jo Spears and Mary Jo Rodriguez in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, Staff Team Award; Carmina Castro and Claudia Monsivais, Staff Excellence Award; Michael Derdeyn, New Employee Award. Continue reading to learn more about each award winner and the characteristics that make them stand out in the workplace.
Staff Team Award – Jo Spears and Mary Jo Rodriguez, Department of Comprehensive Dentistry
Jo Spears and Mary Jo Rodriguez work in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, the largest department at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. They recently worked together to assist more than 70 faculty members during the annual evaluation process, inputting data, scheduling one-on-one meetings with the department head and providing completed evaluations to individual faculty and to faculty affairs. They also worked together to assist in the hiring or increase in full-time employment for more than 20 faculty members and assisted in hiring multiple staff members. They provided extensive assistance for the Linda Niessen Lectureship and worked to ensure the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry is true to its mission of providing world-class education to first- through fourth-year students, as well as graduate students in both AEGD and prosthodontics.
Staff Excellence Award – Carmina Castro, Director of Instructional Design and Support Services, Office of Academic Affairs
Carmina Castro is a team player and provides exceptional service to all faculty/students. She received unanimous praise from the faculty for her efforts to work through issues with Canvas and ExamSoft, as well as helping build quizzes and exams, not only during business hours, but also after-hours and on weekends. Carmina understands that departments are understaffed in regard to administrative support and faculty, and she is always there to help. Carmina’s efficiency, attitude and follow-through are exemplary, creating a positive student experience.
Staff Excellence Award – Claudia Monsivais, Dental Assistant, Endodontics
Claudia Monsivais is a highly dedicated and exceptionally skilled dental assistant in our graduate endodontics clinic. Claudia is bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish, greatly enhancing our ability to provide comprehensive care to a diverse patient population. She is known for her remarkable adaptability, proactive approach to problem-solving and commitment to excellence in patient care and clinic operations. One of her most remarkable contributions has been her exceptional management of the clinic scheduling, which she took on following recent changes with front desk operations. She ensures all residents are consistently busy in the clinic, optimizing their productivity and the number of cases they complete. Her ability to balance and prioritize the needs of both the clinic and the residents has resulted in a more streamlined and productive environment. Her positive attitude, reliability and ability to handle any situations with grace make her an invaluable asset to the graduate endodontic clinic.
New Employee Award – Michael Derdeyn, Lead Patient Services Associate, Clinical Affairs
Michael Derdeyn, upon hire, immediately demonstrated exceptional dedication to learning and quickly gained competence in both electronic health records, patient financial matters and scheduling patients in three very different clinical programs. He exemplifies professionalism and leadership skills beyond his current position and the ability to work successfully with patients, teammates and clinic leadership. As a result, Michael was promoted to lead PSA within months of his hire date and continues to excel and effectively embrace the mission of improving patient and customer service. Program leadership, staff and patients have all relayed their appreciation for Michael’s efforts, his critical thinking and collaborative efforts toward patient and program needs. Michael has proved he represents all six Aggie Core Values: respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity and selfless service.