The University of 缅北禁地 Springfield 18th annual Chancellor鈥檚 Academic Professional Excellence (CAPE) award was presented to Stacey Gilmore, director of the Cox Children鈥檚 Center during an April 8 online ceremony.
The CAPE Award recognizes U of I academic professionals for their efforts in three categories: work projects, professional development and affiliations and contributions to their units.
Gilmore has worked at UIS for 21 years, serving as director for 18 years. One nominator calls her a 鈥減ositive, solution-focused person with an incredible caring attitude and huge heart.鈥�
During her time at Cox Children鈥檚 Center, Gilmore oversaw the design and building of the Cox Children鈥檚 Center garden and development of the annual on campus Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods, which helps stock the UIS Cares Food Pantry.
The pandemic put her exceptional experience to the test. 鈥淪tacey worked tirelessly to help support students, staff, children and families,鈥� said a nominator, who called her a pioneer in her field. 鈥淪tacey worked with DCFS and applied for an emergency license to be able to provide care for families who are essential workers. That was no small feat as the guidance and rules were constantly changing.鈥�
Stacey and her staff developed and implemented at-home curriculum options for enrolled families, redesigned their school-age space to adapt for year-round learners and worked with local school districts to adapt programming to assist virtual and hybrid learners.
鈥淚n my 21 years at UIS, this past year has been the most challenging by far,鈥� said Gilmore. 鈥淭hat that being said, it has also been the most rewarding. I have watched families struggle, yet survive and prosper. I have watched children remain resilient and remind us all that they are capable and strong. I have watched my staff thrive, mentoring and supporting each other along the way. I feel very blessed to be here with so many brilliant colleagues.鈥�
Under Stacey鈥檚 leadership the Cox Children鈥檚 Center has received and maintains the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation as well as the Gold Circle of Quality designation, the highest rating possible from ExceleRate 缅北禁地, the state鈥檚 quality rating and improvement system for early learning and development providers.
The following Academic Professional employees were also nominated for the CAPE award: Gael Carnes, assistant to the chair and online coordinator for the Department of Public Administration; Renee Clausner, assistant to the dean, College of Business and Management; Sarah Collins, writing coordinator at The Learning Hub; Sean Crawford, broadcast reporter and editorial director at NPR 缅北禁地; Myra Kaufman, assistant director of recruitment for GPSI; Craig McFarland, undergraduate academic advisor for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Erin Sotelo, undergraduate academic advisor in the College of Business and Management and Allison Thornley, assistant athletic director for strategic planning and finance in UIS Athletics.