VSU Employees Recognized by Chamber of Commerce

VALDOSTA--Debbie Conrad, director of catering, and Karen Shepard, associate registrar, were recognized as finalists in the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce 2011 World Class Employee Recognition (WCER) program on Tuesday Nov. 8.

Conrad was recognized in the large business supervisor category and Shepard in the large business employee area. During the recognition breakfast, both women were presented with a certificate from the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and First State Bank and Trust Co., sponsors of the annual competition.

In August, Conrad and Shepard both received the 2011 Excellence in Service for Classified Staff award for their outstanding professional contributions to Valdosta State University.

Conrad has worked at VSU for more than 25 years. She initially worked as an assistant to the director of dining from 1984 to 1990; then moved to Europe with her husband, a retired airman in the U.S. Air Force, for three years. Conrad returned in 1993 as an administrative secretary in dining, she quickly advanced to director of catering. She has served as director of catering for 18 years.

Shepard began as a clerk in the Registrar’s office and has advanced to her current position as associate registrar. During her 30 years at VSU, Shepard has helped to oversee Banner activities, which includes managing tables that support student records, registration, reporting and other office functions.

The WCER program recognizes employees and supervisors who have exceptional work ethics and are dedicated to their jobs and community.