Managing Director Nita Yack Among Six UChicago Staff Members Honored With Staff Impact Awards In Inaugural Year
The University of Chicago Staff Impact Awards, introduced this year, recognize and celebrate exceptional and impactful contributions from benefits-eligible staff across three award categories: Outstanding Service, Bridge Builder, and Impact Through Innovation. With over 350 nominations submitted by staff, faculty and other academic appointees, six staff members have been awarded this special recognition.
Tess Conway, Paul Cronin, Nita Yack, Matt Cohn, Neal Hluska, and Courtney Wiersema will receive their awards at the Alice W. Chandler Staff Recognition Ceremony on September 10. You can read more about the award categories and each recipient below.
OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD
Recognizes staff members who demonstrate consistently outstanding performance and professionalism in their work and interactions with colleagues, faculty, students, alumni, and/or external partners and community members. Award recipients take initiative to solve problems, make continuous improvements, help others by sharing knowledge, treat others with respect and serve as role models. Their contributions make a significant impact on their unit and/or the University more broadly.
Nita Yack, Managing Director, Computer Science
Nita Yack oversees departmental operations for the Department of Computer Science, including hiring, onboarding, grant management, event coordination, and space management. She is recognized for fostering an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment for faculty, staff, and students. Her proactive problem-solving, deep institutional knowledge, and dedication have ensured uninterrupted excellence even as the department has grown rapidly in size.
