Dedicated employee makes a difference

Cheryl Protheroe

In the more than 14 years that Cheryl Protheroe, senior administrative assistant in the Office of Professional Education Services, has been at Emporia State University, she had done a lot of things and enjoyed all that she has done.

“Working in OPES is a challenge that I enjoy,” Protheroe said. “Students utilize the services of our office in many ways. OPES serves as an information and referral center. If we cannot provide the needed service, we direct the student to [the] correct place for the needed service.”

The many tasks that Protheroe is in charge of include: assisting in placing student teachers, America Reads & America Counts tutors and sophomore level students who are enrolled in Introduction to Teaching and are required to tutor for 30 hours.

“In addition [to all of those responsibilities], I work closely with the OPES Director to place both graduate and undergraduate students for all kinds of laboratory experiences in public schools and sometimes in private schools or community organizations in Emporia and in areas outside of Emporia.”

Protheroe’s favorite part of her job is helping students.

“Helping students achieve success and reach their goals,” she said. “Having students drop by and share their good news with you—everything from getting a job to letting us hold a baby! We need to remember why we are here—to serve students.

Without students, there would be no campus and no student services offices like OPES.”

Sue Peterson, OPES Director and Protheroe’s nominator, describes Protheroe as a very dedication individual.

“Her patient an caring manner coupled with her wonderful sense of humor enables the student to leave the office feeling better and assured that he or she can do what must be done to get the needed placement in the schools,” Peterson said.

Receiving this award has made Protheroe feel very privileged and grateful.

"It is an honor to be nominated for and to receive this award. I know that there are many other devoted workers on the campus that also deserve special recognition,” she said. “Hopefully my receiving this award will enable them to feel appreciated for the many things, both great and small, that they do on a daily basis because this is what makes ESU a great place to work and a great place to get an education.”

Last Updated July 2, 2007>